Cuttack: A couple was allegedly assaulted by family members in Pasulunda village under Mahanga block of Cuttack district after the woman gave birth to twin daughters, police said on Sunday.
The incident took place in Pasulunda village under Srikrushnapur panchayat.
According to reports, Parbati Jena of Kanpur village was married to Chandra Sekhar Jena of Pasulunda village about four years ago as per Vedic rituals.
The couple recently became parents to twin daughters, who were born around a month ago. However, soon after the birth, Parbati alleged that she began facing mental and physical harassment from her in-laws, including her father-in-law, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law, who reportedly expressed displeasure over the birth of girl children.
The situation allegedly escalated a few days ago following an argument, during which the couple was assaulted. The husband was also beaten when he tried to intervene, according to allegations. The incident reportedly took place in full public view and was later recorded in a video that went viral on social media.
In her statement, Parbati Jena alleged that her mother-in-law refused to hold the newborns and made objectionable remarks about the birth of twin daughters.
“Four years ago, I got married, and recently I delivered twin daughters. After being discharged from the hospital, I asked my mother-in-law to hold the infants, but she refused and said, ‘Why have you delivered twin daughters?’ She even told me to kill them so that I could stay here. When my husband opposed this, both my husband and I were thrashed by my in-laws, including my father-in-law, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law. When I informed my family about this, they were also attacked by my in-laws in public view. Now I want justice,” she said.
Following the incident, the couple lodged a written complaint at Mahanga police station against the husband’s parents. Police have registered the case and initiated an investigation into the matter.