Amid reports of a feud between Anurup and Sagarika Bhattacharya- the parents of NRI kids current held by the Norwegian authorities- the government on Wednesday put on hold the visit of a senior Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official to Norway.
Explaining New Delhi’s change of stand, Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Preneet Kaur told reporters, “The decision has been taken in light of reports that there were differences between the parents.”
“Government has tried its best to bring the children home so that they have a future in the country. But a new situation has developed…. we cannot interfere. The visit of a Joint Secretary (to Norway) has been postponed,” Kaur told reporters outside Parliament House.
She said the government will look into the situation before taking the next step.
Media reports have earlier claimed that Anurup Bhattacharya, father of the two children- Abhigyan (3) and Aishwarya (1) – had reportedly filed for legal separation from his wife Sagarika. He had alleged that he was being repeatedly beaten by his wife.
Anurup had also reportedly accused his wife of marital violence. Anurup had alleged his wife Sagarika has psychological problems. He had accused her of assaulting him and injuring the children.
However in an interesting twist to the case, Anurup today rejected reports that he was seeking legal separation from his wife.
Speaking to a TV news channel, he said, “There were no differences between him and his wife, ”adding, “too much media attention was spoiling the case.”
India backs off from Norway custody case?
His wife Sagarika has also categorically denied reports of a parental feud and vowed to fight for her children’s custody under the Indian law.
The two kids have been in foster care since May, 2011 with the Norwegian child services worried about their safety.
In the light of new developments, the Indian Ambassador is expected to speak to the parents Anurup and Sagarika Bhattacharya to confirm that they have filed for separation.
India backs off from Norway custody case?
According to an agreement with Norwegian authorities, the kids, Abhigyan and Aishwarya would have returned to India and been raised by their uncle. However, a court hearing to approve this arrangement has been postponed indefinitely.
As per reports, a senior MEA official was scheduled to hear the custody hearing of the children on March 23 in Stavanger.