Woman arrested for entering MLA Srikant Sahu’s house demanding ‘wife-status’

Police reportedly arrested a woman identified as Sanjukta Mahala on charges of forcibly entering the house of former Labour Minister and Polasara MLA Srikant Sahu and demanding status as his wife on Wednesday. She was later produced in court and was sent to judicial custody. 

Her arrest came following a complaint lodged by Sahu's father. Police sources said Sajunkta went to Srikant’s residence at Hatiota in Polasara this morning. 

She alleged that as police failed to give her justice she was forced to enter the house of the legislator to demand her recognition as his wife. This reportedly resulted in high drama at the legislator's house and Sahu's father filed a complaint at the police station against her. 

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Before her arrest, Sanjuka said over the phone, “I am in my in-law’s house while police are outside the house to keep a close watch on me. I demanded my in-laws to call the legislator as I had spent nine years with him. I have no means of living now and am in distress. Hence, I came to my house.”  

No reactions from the legislator were received.

Earlier on July 10, 2023, Sanjukta accused the MLA of torturing her physically and mentally while staying in a relationship with her for nine years. She had filed a complaint at the Bhubaneswar Mahila Police Station. Later, she moved the Orissa High Court alleging that the police did not act on her case properly.