Superstition forces old couple to re-marry

Bangaon, June 3 (UNI) Superstition and dogmatism of a few upper class people not only prevented a septuagenarian couple for living together but also forced them to re-marry today for social recognition.

Neelkamal Mondal, 78, of Icchapur village under Gaighata, police station and his wife Sobha (70) were prevented from meeting each other by the locals, who insisted that they have to re-marry, sources said.

This ensued after he returned home after four years, after a sudden disappearance.

The local Panchayat remained a mute onlooker, while some upper caste residents directed Mondal should retake his marriage vows.

Mondal's son Biswanath had performed the last rites, 'Sradha', according to Hindu rituals two years back in presence of the villagers, assuming that his father was dead.

Biswanath had also allegedly disagreed to look after his father, who was declared dead by them.

Meanwhile, Sobha, who was virtually living as a widow, used to earn a livelihood by working as a maid in several houses after her son and daughters abandoned her.

UNI