Social activists submitting a complaint at the district child protection office Op Photo
Post News Network
Keonjhar: From illegal land grabbing to sudden appearance of a ‘daughter-in-law’ who claims to be married to his son Pankaj Mahakud, controversies continue to dog Champua MLA Sanatan Mahakud.
The latest row that broke out Thursday was related to the age of the woman who Mahakud insists is his real daughter-in-law.
A woman named Kabita claimed in public that she was the wife of Mahakud’s son Pankaj. The allegation is being investigated by Mahila police in Bhubaneswar after the woman had lodged an FIR against the MLA and his son. However, the MLA outrightly rejected the woman’s claim, stating, “My daughter-in-law is in my house and she has not complained against me.”
However, a twist emerged later with social activists unearthing a new fact about Mahakud’s daughter-in-law, claiming her to be a minor.
The activists have brought this matter to the notice of the district child protection committee and district child welfare committee Thursday by producing a copy of an HSC certificate purporting to be that of Mahakud’s daughter-in-law.
According to the HSC certificate, the girl is yet to turn even 17, the activists said, demanding action against the MLA for breaching the law.
Pankaj Mahakud had married the daughter of a resident of Talipasi under Bansapal block in June 2015. The marriage was widely publicised in the area as it was a topic of hot discussion.
According to the HSC certificate produced by the social activists, Sanatan’s daughter-in-law was born June 5, 1998. They claimed that till date, the woman who has married Pankaj has not attained age 17.
The activists said they will draw the attention of the collector, state commission for women and state child protection cell. If necessary, they will move court, they added.
District child protection officer Debangana Barik said the matter is not within their jurisdiction and it will be referred to Joda CDPO and local police station.
Chairperson of the district child welfare officer, Shiba Prasad Pradhan said the marriage has taken place with the consent of both the families. “Legal aspect of this issue needs to be looked into,” he said.