Murder-accused father, relatives fight legal battle for child's custody

After taking custody of his three-year-old son from the child's maternal aunt in a kidnapping-related dispute, a father—who is currently out on bail in connection with the murder of his wife—has sought the intervention of the Family Court to retain custody of the boy.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE JAGATSINGHPUR, 3 SEPTEMBER:

At the same time, the maternal aunt and the child's maternal grandparents have also approached the Family Court, each seeking custody of the same child. This has placed the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in a quandary over deciding the rightful custodian.

Bebina Sahoo (30) of Alijanaga under Balikuda police station was killed by her husband and in-laws in October 2024 due to a family dispute and non-payment of dowry. Following this, the victim's father, Bhobani Sahoo, lodged an FIR at Balikuda police station. The accused husband, Kunjabihari Sahoo (35), was later arrested. Bebina left behind her three-year-old son, Sai Parmajit Sahoo, who was in distress after his mother's death and his father's arrest.