Unwed mother ostracised by villagers, kin warn of mass suicide

Binjharpur: Family members of an unwed mother warned of mass suicide after they were ostracised by their co-villagers. The incident was reported from Sainkul village under Binjharpur police limits in Jajpur district.

After running from pillar to post to get justice, the family has decided to end their lives. “We have approached everyone including police and the district collector (DM), but no one has heard our pleas,” the victim’s father said, adding that there was no alternative left to them but to commit suicide.

According to sources, the 21-year-old victim was in a love relationship with Chandan Jena of a neighbouring village. Promising to marry her, Jena kept physical relationship with the girl and later impregnated her.

In fear of public stigma, he took the girl and kept her in his house for a few days. Under pressure from his parents, he fled the village leaving behind the girl to be tortured by her parents. The later beat her up and threw her out of home when she was eight-month pregnant.

The girl approached the village committee and Binjharpur police and even lodged a compalint, but to no avail. Instead of helping her, the villagers boycotted her family while the police made no arrest after registering the case. While the accused has been roaming free, the girl is struggling to help her child give a normal life.

Later, she gave birth to a girl and has since been staying with her parents. Jena is absconding since the incident while his parents are threatening them with life. Life has become hell for the family as the victim and her daughter are looked down upon by locals.

The family is left in a lurch with no support from the administration and police. When contacted, Binjharpur IIC Suchitra Birjya Das said a probe was on and necessary action would be taken against the accused.

Steps would be taken to rehabilitate the victim and the baby, he added.

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