Love triumphs as undertrial marries lady love inside Odisha jail

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Kendrapara, Apr 30:

Acting on the old adage “Miyan Bibi Raazi to Kya Karega Kaazi?”, a young couple in Kendrapara district of Odisha braved parental disapproval and a police case to get married in the sub jail premises here today.

The marriage between the undertrial prisoner and the girl who attained the age of marriage just days ago was conducted as per traditional Hindu rituals with a Pandit reciting Vedic hymns in front of the consecrated fire.

Jail officials were in attendance as directed by the Kendrapara District Sessions court and with the approval of the IG of Jail division of Odisha police.

As per sources in the police, Balaram Bhoi of Kendrapara’s Manakarpur village was in love with Laxmipriya Sutar, daughter of Sibaram Sutar of Belpal village under Rajnagar block of the same district.

The families, however, wouldn’t agree to their marriage as the boy belonged to scheduled caste whereas the girl belonged to the carpenter caste. The girl’s family even went on to find suitable matches for her against her will forcing the couple to flee from home on January 26.

The couple returned home after spending a month at a relative’s houses at Sakhigopal. However, the groom was arrested on March 6 on rape charges as the girl was still a minor.

But the district court allowed the marriage after the girl attained 18 years of age on April 12 while the trial was still on. Court sources said the groom is likely to be released on bail tomorrow.

The bride, groom and family of the groom expressed their happiness over the marriage, whereas the family members of the bride were not available for comment.