Bhubaneswar: A woman was arrested for allegedly barging into the residence of former Labour Minister and Polasara MLA Srikant Sahu in Odisha’s Ganjam district while demanding recognition as his wife on Wednesday
Police arrested the accused woman, identified as Sanjukta Mahala, on the basis of a complaint lodged by the legislator’s father. She was later produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.
According to sources, Hatiota in Polasara witnessed high drama as she entered the MLA’s house to assert her status as his wife while claiming that police had failed to give her justice. “I am in my in-law’s place and police are outside keeping a close watch on me. I have spent nine years with him. Now, I have no means of living and am in distress. Hence, I came to my house,” she told a local channel before her arrest.
Sanjukta had earlier lodged two complaints against Sahu at Mahila police station in Bhubaneswar, accusing the legislator of having betrayed her after being in a relationship for nine years and subjecting her to physical and mental harassment. She had also cited threat to her life and demanded police protection.
Sahu was removed from the Ministry in May last following these allegations.
In August 2023, she also moved Orissa High Court, seek a direction for proper investigation into her allegations.