Elderly woman dies after being ‘beaten’ by daughter-in-law in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj

Baripada: An elderly woman was allegedly beaten by her daughter-in-law on May 19 at Podadiha village under Chandua police limits in Mayurbhanj. She succumbed to injuries today on the way while being taken from a government-run hospital in Baripada to Cuttack for further treatment.

The deceased was identified as Sephali Kar, the mother of Soumitra Kar from Podadiha village.

According to a senior official of Chandua police station, when no one else in the family was present at home, the accused daughter-in-law identified as Sangeeta Kar had indulged in a verbal spat with the elderly woman for reasons not known.

Things took an ugly turn when, in a fit of rage, Sangeeta had severely beaten and given a hard push to Sephali. The elderly woman had sustained grievous injuries in the incident.

After reaching home, Sephali’s son rescued her and admitted her to Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College and Hospital (PRMMCH) in Baripada for treatment. Later, the victim was shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) in Cuttack after her health condition deteriorated.

Acting on an FIR lodged by Soumitra Kar, the Chandua police registered a murder case (No-60/23) in this connection and launched a probe, which is underway.

“Police have detained accused Sangeeta for interrogation,” the senior official stated.

“Sangeeta had previously beaten my mother three to four times over any scuffle between her and my mother. She also used to misbehave with my father at times. Since she (Sangeeta) has killed my mother, let the case be investigated and justice be given to me,” Sephali’s son said.