Feature: A woman was arrested in Odisha’s Ganjam district after allegedly barging into the residence of former Labour Minister and Polasara MLA Srikant Sahu. Identified as Sanjukta Mahala, she demanded recognition as his wife, sparking a heated confrontation that led to her apprehension by the authorities.
The incident unfolded on Wednesday when Sanjukta Mahala entered the MLA’s house in Hatiota, Polasara, asserting her status as his wife and lamenting the lack of justice from the police. According to reports, the legislator’s father lodged a complaint against her, leading to her arrest. She was subsequently produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.
Before her arrest, Sanjukta Mahala spoke to a local channel, expressing her distress and claiming that she had spent nine years in a relationship with Sahu. She highlighted her dire situation and emphasized her need for support. However, her actions led to legal consequences as she faced charges of trespassing and disturbing public order.
This incident follows a series of legal disputes between Sanjukta Mahala and Srikant Sahu. Previously, she had filed complaints against the MLA at Mahila police station in Bhubaneswar, alleging betrayal, physical and mental harassment, and threats to her life. These accusations resulted in Sahu’s removal from the Ministry in May last year. In August 2023, she sought intervention from the Orissa High Court, urging for a thorough investigation into her claims.
