Koraput: Men in khaki are often looked upon as heartless brutes who are out to wield a lathi at the slightest provocation. However, it is not always so. The SDMO of Koraput, Balabhadra Deep recently performed all the marriage related ritual for Manika, an orphan, who was rescued along with her siblings from a brick kiln by the district administration and rehabilitated at IDS shelter home.
Manika was rescued six years back. Since then, the administration has been taking care of her and her marriage was recently solemnised in a grand manner. Surprisingly, the ‘baraat’ came from Dasamantpur police station
“I am very happy even though I will miss my siblings. I am grateful to all officials who performed all the duties just like by parents,” said Manika.
DK Behera, an official of the shelter home informed that the marriage was indeed unique as everyone came forward to help.
“I have two sons and it was personally a great feeling to organise the marriage of the girl who is like my daughter,” said Behera.
Srinivas, the groom said, “I am happy to get a girl like Manika as wife. My parents are also happy for us.”
Koraput SDPO said that a lot of officers in the department are working for a social cause. “Many officers are keen to extend help to people and this marriage will certainly inspire others,” he said.
