In Jagdalpur, the capital of the Chhattisgarh district, an incident has sparked widespread discussion about social and family relations. Sujan Datta from Dharampur No. 3 performed a ritual offering (Pindandan) of his living daughter, Simran Datta, according to Hindu rites.
According to the father, he is extremely upset that his daughter married a young man of another religion and changed her faith. The family views this situation as one related to so-called 'love jihad.'
On September 20, Sujan Datta conducted a religious ceremony under the guidance of priests, shaving his head to perform the Pindandan of his daughter at home. Simultaneously, he publicly announced the termination of all kinship ties with his daughter for life. The family claims that repeated attempts to convince the daughter were unsuccessful, which prompted the father to make such a decision.
This case, where a living child is subjected to such a religious ritual, has drawn the attention of local residents. The family explains this step as stemming from personal pain and adherence to their socio-religious beliefs.
During the Pindandan ceremony, representatives, including Jivananda Haldar, president of the Bastar District Society's Bengali Coordinating Committee, and Pradip Guhu, arrived at the family's residence. They offered support to the family and endorsed its decision.
Mannoran Roy, trustee of the Bengali Coordinating Committee, stated the importance of children's connection to traditions, culture, and family values. The society also expressed concern regarding interfaith relations and changes in religion, urging families to instill moral principles and social values in their children.
The entire situation remains a subject of debate in Jagdalpur, and the main question is how far the conflict between the daughter's choice regarding her own life and the family's socio-religious convictions will go.
