BANGALORE: The Karnataka State SC/ST Development Corporation Ltd and Mysore-based State Resources Centre have tabulated as many as 91 kinds of inhuman practices prevalent in different sections of the society. Some of them are barbaric. Here are a few samples:

A girl suspected of infidelity is made to dip her hand inside a can of boiling oil to pick up a ring. If she suffers burns, that means she is unfaithful. This practice is prevalent among Hakki-Pikki tribals in Pakshirajapura of Chamarajanagar district, Chikkamaradi in Shimoga district, Gopanalu village in Channagiri taluk of Davanagere district and a few villages in Chikmagalur district.

A man is hung from a cart at a height of 30 feet from his back with the help of a sharp hook. This is called sidi, prevailing at Ghattaragi village in Afzalpur taluk of Gulbarga district. People believe this helps them overcome the drought problem. Elders in the Nayaka community choose the man to undergo this exercise.

If a girl elopes with a boy of different community, she is caught and made to drink cowdung water and cow's urine to purify her. Later, her tongue is branded with a hot silver knife. This is practised among a few sub-sects of dalits and backward classes in Mandya district.

Devadasi system is prevalent among backward classes in Belgaum, Bagalkot, Bijapur, Raichur and Koppal districts; nude and semi-nude worship in Shimoga, Gulbarga, Raichur and Bellary districts.

The report has recommended intensive awareness campaigns in remote villages and tribal areas and to punish those who encourage such practices.