Dowry torture case: Former Odisha Minister Shashi Bhushan Behera skips hearing

Former Finance Minister and BJD leader Shashi Bhushan Behera didn’t appear at the Banki Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) Court on Saturday during the hearing of the case pertaining to allegations of domestic violence and dowry torture by his daughter-in-law Ronali Behera.

Shashi Bhushan reportedly didn’t attend the hearing session due to health issues. He has skipped the hearing of the Court for the second time.

However, another accused in the case- Shashi Bhushan’s son Satya Bhusan Behera was present in the Court during the hearing. The next hearing of the case will be held on July 10. 

“Shashi Bhushan Behera could not appear before the court due to health-related issues. Taking the matter into consideration, the court has decided to hold the next hearing of the case on July 10,” said Ronali’s lawyer Ananta Patnaik.

Notably, Ronali lodged a formal complaint against Shashi Bhushan and his family members at Banki Police Station on March 3, 2023. Ronali had married Shashi Bhushan’s son on March 3, 2021. She has accused her husband of having an illicit affair with another married woman. Ronali also accused her husband and in-laws of torturing her for dowry. Ronali further alleged that her in-laws used to torture her for dowry and forced her to bring Rs 40 lakh from her parents.