A shocking case from Titlagarh has ignited public outrage, revealing how greed can drag society to its most inhuman depths.
Authorities allege that Prema Mahanand of Burabandh village first sent his wife, Hasta (35), to Dubai after handing her over to a wealthy Sheikh in Mumbai. For nearly seven years, Hasta has reportedly suffered exploitation abroad while desperately seeking to return home.
Meanwhile, her three minor daughters remained behind, longing for their mother’s presence. Allegations further claim that Prema, after contracting a second marriage, has now attempted to sell his 17-year-old elder daughter under the guise of marriage.
In response, Hasta’s father, Laba Bisi of Jagua village, has repeatedly appealed to authorities for her rescue. He earlier approachedthe Titlagarh police in July 2022, but the case was allegedly not pursued seriously. On Monday, Lab Bishi, along with his wife and granddaughter, submitted a fresh petition to Titilagarh Sub-Collector Padmanabh Samantaray, seeking immediate intervention.
The Sub-Collector assured the family of support and promptly contacted the District Child Protection Committee to assist the three minors. Furthermore, he initiated correspondence with the Bolangir District Collector to facilitate Hasta’s rescue from Dubai.
Adding political weight to the issue, senior BJP leader Ranju Rayman, head of the Mother Teresa Women’s Service Organisation, accompanied the family to meet Titlagarh MLA Naveen Jain and Titilagarh IIC Kalyani Behera. She submitted a formal complaint and discussed the matter. In addition, BJP leader Narasingh Singh pledged direct assistance to the victim’s family.
As a result, this sensitive case has now drawn political and administrative attention, with growing demands for urgent action to rescue Hasta and protect her daughters.
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