Odisha: Woman, Who Left Husband Over Dowry Demand, Now Insists On Court Marriage

BHUBANESWAR: A newlywed tribal woman from Odisha’s Kandhamal district, who had earlier hogged the limelight after leaving her in-laws' house in protest against the alleged demand for a bike in dowry, has now put forth two conditions before her husband to return home — a court marriage without any dowry.

With no option left, the groom Arjun Digal agreed to a court marriage with Devaki Digal.

According to sources, Devaki Digal of Sarupata village under Tumudibandh block, tied the knot with Arjun Digal of Barakia village under Baliguda police limits of Kandhamal district recently.

However, Devaki was shocked by her husband's demand for a bike. Frustrated with his demands, Devaki removed her bangles and mangalsutra and returned to her maternal house just a day after the marriage.

In a bid to take his newlywed wife back home, Arjun later arrived at his in-laws' house and retracted his dowry demand.

He tried to pacify Devaki and showed repentance. However, Devaki was firm on her decision and said that she would return with him only if he agreed to marry her in court — once again. Finally, Arjun agreed to fulfill the condition of Devaki and the couple is now set for the court marriage

“All the elderly people of our village have amicably solved the issue. It was my mistake that I had demanded a bike in dowry. However, everything is sorted out now and we have opted for a court marriage. I will never repeat my mistake,” said Arjun.

Commenting on the incident, Devaki said, “I had walked out of the marriage after my husband demanded a bike. Now, he has come to take me back and admitted his mistake. Further, he has agreed to take me home after a court marriage.”

Devaki’s strong stand against ‘dowry demand’ has now become the talk of the town.