Adopted Minor Son Of Additional Tehsildar In Odisha Flees Home After ‘Torture’

Ganjam: The adopted son of additional tehsildar Digapahandi Sanatan Mahalik has brought serious allegations against his foster parents after fleeing home in Odisha’ Ganjam district.

According to sources, the 12-year-old boy was allegedly being made to slog like a labourer while being subjected to physical assault since being adopted by Mahalik and his wife Usharani from Jajpur Balashram in March 2021.

With the help of traffic police, the boy reached the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and narrated how they treated him like domestic help and would often beat him with a broom or even an iron rod. Unable to bear the torture, he discretely left the house.

The CWC members also noticed injury marks and scars on his body and made arrangements to send him back to Jajpur. The minor is now being housed in Jajpur ‘Ama Ghara’.

With the accused couple going incommunicado for the past 15 days, the CWC authorities said they are unable to take any action.

It is pertinent to mention here that Mahalik and his wife Usharani had adopted the boy from Panikoili, who was living in Jajpur Balashram after losing his parents, after completing all the legal procedures

“We have sought a report from their counterparts in Ganjam. Necessary action will be taken once we receive it,” Jajpur CWC chairperson Rita Behura told the media.