Estranged couple turns Odisha family court into battlefield

The premises of a family court in Odisha’s Balasore turned into a battlefield on Tuesday after an estranged couple engaged in a scuffle resulting in the hospitalization of the wife.

As per reports, Ratikanta Panigrahi and his wife Rashmiprabha Panigrahi (50) have been fighting a divorce and alimony case since 2020. However, a face off ensued after they both met at the Balasore family court for a hearing today.

During the scuffle, Ratikanta reportedly hit Rashmiprabha on her head with a helmet. Losing consciousness, Rashmiprabha fell down on the ground. The police were immediately informed who took her to Balasore District Headquarters Hospital where she is currently under treatment.

Their daughter, Swayamprabha Panigrahi said, “My father has been lying in the court about me and denying maintenance to my mother.”

An eyewitness at the spot said, “I was outside the court when I saw Rashmiprabha coming out of the court room and she slapped Ratikant by holding his shirt collar. A scuffle ensued and Ratikant hit her with the helmet he was carrying.”

“When Rashmiprabha collapsed on the ground, we called the police. By the time police arrived, Ratikanta had fled the spot,” she said.

(Reported By Rashmiranjan Das, OTV)