Raipur:
BJP Rajya Sabha MP and tribal leader from Chhattisgarh, Nand Kumar Sai, has been accused of torture by his daughter-in-law who today alleged that she was thrown out by her in-laws from their house.
"I have been subjected to mental and physical torture by my father-in-law for many years. My husband Arvind has beaten me up and kicked me out from home", alleged Hemanti Sai, the daughter-in-law of Nand Kumar Sai.
She made these allegations at a press conference here today.
"They (in-laws) used to torture me saying I am mentally ill. They also did not allow me to meet my children from past several months. I cannot live without my children...My father-in-law will be responsible if anything happens to me", Hemanti said, adding that she did not approach police as the issue was pending before the members of her community.
"The community leaders held a meeting on March 24 but it was inconclusive. Office-bearers of our community tried to persuade him (Arvind) to bring back Hemanti to his home but he denied doing so. Now our community leaders will hold another meeting next month to take a final decision in this connection", Hemanti's father Gangadhar Mungel said.
He said that if they do not get justice in the meeting, they will approach the court of law.
Hemanti, a native of Chandrimunda village in Jharkhand, got married to Arvind Sai, a resident of Kariyamunda in Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh, ten years ago and the couple has two sons, Vaibhav (7) and Prabhav (6).
When contacted, Nand Kumar Sai refused to comment on the issue, saying it is under consideration of his community leaders.
"The matter is under consideration of our Adivasi samaj. Since we have a system, no discussion on the issue can be held..If I comment on this it tantamount to be a crime", he told PTI over phone.
The main opposition Congress condemned the incident. "It is unfortunate and sad that a senior leader like Nandkumar Sai has kicked his daughter-in-law out of home", said the party spokesperson, Sushil Anand Shukla.