Dowry Torture Allegations Against 2 Leaders Of Naveen Patnaik's Party
In a major embarrassment to the ruling BJD in Odisha, at least two senior leaders of the party are embroiled in alleged domestic violence and dowry torture cases even as Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik bats for women empowerment in Odisha. The two are Rajya Sabha MP AU Singhdeo, who is from the erstwhile royal family of Bolangir, and Kendrapara MLA Shashi Bhusan Behera. Both leaders and their families have been accused by their respective daughters-in-law. Mr Singhdeo's daughter-in-law Adrija Manjari Singh has lodged a complaint with Dehradun police alleging domestic violence and dowry torture against her husband Arkesh Narayan Singh Deo and her in-laws. Arkesh is a well-known model. He had unsuccessfully contested the Bolangir assembly seat in 2019. Adrija is the granddaughter of former prime minister VP Singh. The MP's father RN Singh Deo was the last ruler of the princely state of Patna in Odisha before Independence and was the state chief minister from 1967 to 1971. Adri...