Mayurbhanj, January 26: Members of a tribal community in Mayurbhanj's Gambharia village married two children to a dog as their neonatal teething started early, according to a police official.

It is believed that the custom is practised in an effort to ward off evil spirits.

Speaking to ANI on Monday, Smit Parmar, Superintendent of Police of Mayurbhanj said, "We have got a confirmation about the incident. We have initiated an inquiry in the matter. We will also initiate a few awareness programs along with the district collector to prevent such cultural practices." Did Cow in Assam Cuddle a Leopard Cub? Here's a Fact as Old Images Go Viral Amid Lockdown.

Majhi, a local of the tribal community told ANI, "I do not believe in this practice personally. People in this community believe that early neonatal teething is unlucky for the child. Hence, to prevent the adverse effects (as per this superstition), the community got their two children married to a dog."

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)