An inter-caste marriage was solemnised at the Kendrapara sub jail on Thursday. After the marriage, while the bridegroom was sent to jail custody, the bride was handed over to a short stay home. It was done after Kendrapada District Judge gave an instruction to this effect. According to sources, a Balaram Bhoi (22), son of Malaya Bhoi, of Manakarpur was in love with one laxmipriya Sutar, daughter of Sibaram Sutar of Belapal village. On January 25, both fled their house knowing that their parents were averse to their marriage.
laxmipriya’s parent lodged an FIR at Kendrapara town police station alleging that their minor daughter was kidnapped by Balaram. Police later registered a case and arrested Balaram on March 6 from his house and rescued the minor girl. Balaram was later forwarded to jail custody. As the girl was minor, she was handed over to Kendrapara-based Rural Institute for Education and Social Welfare Affairs (RIESWA), a short stay home for destitute women.
Meanwhile, on April 12, laxmipriya became a major girl. She prayed before court to marry accused Balaram. Balaram also gave his consent to marry the girl. The court directed the Superintendent of Kendrapara sub jail to make all arrangements for solemnizing the marriage and asked the father of the accused to bear all the expenses.
A marriage mandap was prepared inside the jail premises. lawyers, reporters, public prosecutors, jail superintendent, superintendent, RIESWA, legal aid counsel and family members of the bridegroom were present. However, the bride’s family members skipped the marriage. Public prosecutor Bhimasen Bhuiyan stated that Balaram will be released from jail in a few days as he is no more a law breaker.