Cuttack: A family in Odisha’s Cuttack district performed shraddh (post-death rituals) of their 18-year-old daughter after she recently eloped with her lover.
According to sources, Payal Mahapatra, daughter of Bishwajit Mahapatra of Umar village under Mahanga Tehsil, had eloped with her lover, Akash Behera, on November 1. She later informed her parents through a video message that she had tied the knot with him.
Miffed over her elopement, her parents performed her post-death rituals in the presence of Brahmin priests and relatives. They also a feast for the Brahmins and community members. “I brought up my daughter will all love and care, but she eloped with a person from the lower caste and married him without our consent. With a heavy heart, we declared her dead and performed her shraddh,” said Payal’s father Bishwajit Mahapatra.
She had made a similar attempt as a minor some years ago and was rescued by police after her father lodged a missing complaint. Akash, who happens to be her tuition teacher, was also arrested.
However, Payal’s in-laws have supported her decision. “She is 18 now and has every right to take decision regarding her life partner. My son Akash has accepted her as his wife and we all are happy with his decision,” said Payal’s father-in-law Kashinath Behera.
