Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA from Tirtol, Bijay Shankar Das, who was in the news ever since he skipped his marriage with rumoured girlfriend Somalika Dash, is going to tie the nuptial knot soon. However, he will exchange the garlands not with Somalika but with another woman.
According to sources, Das is going to marry Pratyusha Nanda, a resident of Arunodaya Market area in Cuttack. The lawmaker submitted the application on September 21 for registration of marriage with Pratyusha at the office of the registrar of marriage, Cuttack.
It is to be mentioned here that the case pertaining to his alleged relationship with Somalika, it is still sub-judice. After the MLA did not turn up for marriage, Somalika brought a series of allegations including rape against him.
However, the law says he can marry as Somalika, who accused him of having sexual relationship on the pretext of marriage, did not claim that she is the wife of the MLA.
Since the MLA is still unmarried, there are no legal hindrances for him to marry anyone.
Despite being a resident of Jagatsinghpur district, the legislator has applied for marriage at the office of the registrar of marriage in Cuttack.
This is so because, the couple can apply for marriage in either of the places they belong to. He can apply for marriage in Cuttack instead of Jagatsinghpur, because his to-be-wife is said to be a resident of Cuttack district.
Informing about the application, Cuttack District Marriage Registration officer Gopabandhu Parida said, “The marriage application is now in one month objection period. After one month and before 90 days, they will have to appear for the marriage. The case would be treated as per the law, if anyone objects within the objection period.”
When contacted, Somalika said she was surprised at the move of the Tirtol MLA. “I am surprised that he (Tirtol MLA) has taken such a step even when our matter is sub-judice.”
“It appears to me that he might have gone mad. He along with me had also gone to the sub registrar's office and applied for marriage.
Later, he did not turn up on the marriage day. Then, after a year, he has applied to marry this girl,” she said.
Somalika said that she would not spare the lawmaker.
"I will definitely complain within the 30-day period. Don’t have I any self-respect? He will destroy anyone’s life at any moment. Am I being harassed like this because I am a girl?” she added.
“He (Bijay) is doing all these things because the party is shielding him. In Jagatsinghpur, the police summoned me and my family members and recorded statements. On the other hand, he has not been summoned even for once. No action is being taken against him due to the party power. His party is protecting him," she added