Odisha woman hands over newborn to admin over alleged abuse at in-laws' house

In a shocking turn of events, a woman has handed over her baby boy to the district Child Welfare Committee (CWC) officials over alleged torture at her in-laws’ house. The incident has been reported from Jagatsinghpur district.

The woman, identified as Sumitra Behera, married to one Chabi Behera of Sansola village in Cuttack district, five years ago. Like every other girl, Sumitra was excited about her marriage and was hopeful that her wedding would bring immense joy to her life. 

Sumitra's Dream Shattered

However, the continuous abuse she endured from her in-laws shattered all her hopes for a peaceful life. In a desperate bid to escape her suffering, Sumitra, eight months pregnant, decided to leave her husband’s house and return to her parents' home.

Recently, Sumitra gave birth to a baby boy at Jagatsinghpur District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) but decided to hand over the newborn to the District Child Welfare Committee. Though Sumitra’s in-laws attempted to visit her, but she refused to accept them, expressing that she could not trust them anymore. Despite several attempts to persuade her, Sumitra remained firm in her decision.

Despite being married, she chose to present herself as unmarried and handed over the newborn to the CWC officials.

“I did not want to live at my in-laws’ house as all of them tried to kill me. I don’t want my child to live with them,” said Sumitra.

Jyotsnarani Samal, mother of Sumitra said, “My daughter fears that they (in-laws) will kill her and the baby. So she is not willing to go there and wants to hand over the baby to the CWC officials.”

Also Read: Heat wave to hit these Odisha districts on March 15 & 16; IMD issues orange warning

What Officials Say

Meanwhile, the newborn is currently under the care of the authorities in a local SNCU (Special Newborn Care Unit). The administration has stated that once the child is healthy, the baby will be handed over to a suitable guardian, in accordance with Sumitra's decision.

Saroj Jena, assistant chief district medical officer said, “The woman presented herself unmarried and delivered a baby boy. We informed the matter to police and CWC. Later, the woman handed over the child to CWC.”