Keonjhar (Odisha): A woman from the Bhuiyan tribe was thrown out of the house by her husband in Odisha’s Keonjhar district. The woman sat under the tree with her newborn child for three days. He was admitted to the hospital on Saturday with the help of a female health worker. The only allegation of the woman is that she got her operation (Sterilization Surgery) done after the birth of her 11th child.
A woman and her newborn baby were admitted to the hospital by a local ASHA worker in Salekena village under Telkoi police station area of the district.
Gave birth to 11th child on 19 January
Rabi Dehuri, 40, said he did it because, according to tribal traditions, his wife Janaki Dehuri cannot participate in any rituals after the surgery. Janaki gave birth to her 11th child on 19 January 2023. After persuasion by the ASHA worker, he underwent surgery on February 14 at Telkoi Hospital.
Rabi, a daily wage laborer, married Janki 12 years ago. Both have 11 children. There are five boys and six girls among them. One of his daughters had died a few years ago.
Asha worker explained to husband, did not listen
Dimiria’s Asha Vijay Laxmi Sahu told that Janaki’s husband did not allow her to do the operation. Although we tried to convince him many times.
The ASHA worker told that he asked Rabi to let his wife go home, but he beat up Janaki. Rabi said that without my consent, the ASHA worker took my wife to the hospital and got her operated. They should have taken my consent.
Administration ordered for investigation, now rehabilitation will happen
Activist Nirmal Chandra Nayak said the incident happened because of the lack of awareness among tribals and the social stigma attached to the surgery. Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Keonjhar) Ramchandra Kisku said the Block Development Officer and Telkoi Tehsildar have been asked to probe the matter and submit a report.
He said that appropriate steps would be taken to rehabilitate the woman and her newborn baby after discussing with her husband and the villagers.
