Minor Unwed mothers observe ''Sabitri Brata''

Kendrapara, Jun 4 (UNI) At least four inmates, including two minor unwed mothers, of a destitute home for women, Rural Institute for Education and Social Welfare Affairs (RIESWA), observed ''Sabitri Brata.'' This religious function is observed by Hindu married women for their husband's long life and good health.

The four poor hapless and victimised women who observed the ''Sabitri Brata'' yesterday, were physically and mentally tortured by their husbands and later deserted by them.

Narmada(name changed) a 17-year old girl, a resident of Kalapada under Kendrapara police station observed Sabitri Brata for Babaji Das , of Rajagada under Mahakalapada police station, the person who was responsible for her present condition.

RIESWA Superintendent Rajashree Jena said Babaji Das, father of three children, lured the minor girl by making false promise of arranging a job for her at Madhya Pradesh. Later Babaji kept physical relationship with her.

When the family members of the girls asked Babaji to tie knot with the girl, he fled the village.

Narmada hoped that with the blessing of Sabitri one day she will definitely get her man.

Similarly, another inmate Anita (16), the mother of four months old child of Haladia observed the Sabitri brata for Prabhat Kunti who allegedly kept physical relations promising her to marry and left her after she conceived.

Another inmate Banita Mallick, mother of five year old son Prakash, who was tortured both physically and mentally by her spouse for dowry. Once he even allegedly tried to kill her by setting her on fire but she still observed ''Sabitri Brata'' seeking divine blessing for the long life of her husband. The story was the same for Laxmipriya Samal .

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