Four-year-old Moumita, who was sent to her mother following a court order on Monday, was returned to her father by the same court two days later after she refused to stay with her mother in South Tripura’s Belonia.
According to Mistu Debnath, a driver by profession, his wife Reshmi Debnath had deserted him with their one-and-half year old daughter about three years ago, complaining of discomfort in his household.
Mistu also paid Rs 1 lakh and return all the household items and furniture he was given by the in-laws in marriage.
However, soon after shifting to her parental home in another village of Belonia, Rashmi had eloped with her boyfriend, leaving her daughter behind.
In order to take care of his granddaughter, Rashmi’s father moved to his sister’s home at Ranirbazar in Agartala but had tough time looking after the child. Finally, he returned Moumita to her father (Mistu) to overcome the situation.
Meanwhile, Mistu went to police several times to challenge his wife’s second marriage without taking a divorce from him, but allegedly did not get any support.
Rashmi moved a local court at Belonia seeking custody of her daughter Moumita claiming that Mistu did not take care of her properly.
After hearing the case last week, Chief Judicial Magistrate of Belonia directed Mistu to hand over the girl to her mother for better care and a secure future while allowing him to be in touch with his daughter.
Accordingly, Moumita left for Ranirbazar along with her mother and grandparents on Saturday.
Moumita was not willing to go with her mother but police did not allow her to stay back with her father anymore.
She started crying and wanted to go to back to her father’s lap.
While the police was escorting them from Belonia to Ranirbazar, the child fell ill during the journey, crying continuous from mental shock.
The police remained with Reshmi and Moumita but no way she was happy without the warmth of her father, and, finally, police reported the matter to the court and as advised, a review petition of the previous decision of the court was submitted on March 7 last.
Similarly, Mistu Debnath also fell ill after handing over the custody of his beloved daughter to Reshmi.
The court heard the petition urgently considering Moumita’s health and recorded her statement.
Teary-eyed, Moumita repeatedly told the court that she wanted to stay with her father.
Taking all aspects into consideration, the court revised the order and transferred the custody to her father.