Woman accuses Independent MLA of torturing her, files complaint

Bhubaneswar: Claiming herself as the daughter-in-law of Independent MLA Sanatan Mahakud, a woman on Tuesday lodged an FIR accusing him physically and mentally torturing her, while the lawmaker from Keonjhar district denied the charges terming it as "baseless."

The woman, identified as Kabita Mahakud, lodged the complaint against the MLA at the Mahila Police station here.

"We have received the complaint and are verifying the matter," Commissioner of Police YB Khurania told reporters adding DCP Satyabrata Bhoi would monitor the case.

In her FIR, Kabita alleged she was physically and mentally tortured by the MLA and his son-in-law Dinabandhu Barik. Kabita also alleged she was subjected to intimidation.

Claiming that she was married to Mahakud's elder son Pankaj and that they have a daughter, Kabita alleged the MLA had forcefully detained her husband and got him married for the second time.

"I will commit suicide along with my daughter in front of the MLA's house if denied justice," Kabita told reporters.

Mahakud represents the mineral rich Champua of Keonjhar district in the Assembly and runs a mineral transport company. He defeated the ruling BJD candidate in the last elections.

Mahakud, however, denied charges and said he does not know any woman named Kabita.

"The allegations against me are baseless. I don't know the woman. My daughter-in-law is in my house," Mahakud told reporters.