Berhampur: A 26-year-old undertrial prisoner accused of rape, married the 22-year-old survivor in Kodala sub-jail in Ganjam district on Sunday.
The wedding ceremony, following traditional rituals, took place in the presence of their families, jail officials and several dignitaries. The jail premises were decorated for the occasion.
The rape accused, who worked in Surat, Gujarat, before his arrest last Nov, had been in a relationship with the woman prior to the rape allegations. PK Mishra, advocate for the woman, said a misunderstanding between the two families led to the initial complaint. However, the families later reached a mutual agreement, clearing the way for the marriage.
“After obtaining permission from the jail authorities and completing all legal formalities, the marriage ceremony was conducted in the jail,” said jailer Tarinisen Dehury. The groom arrived at the venue in a decorated EV arranged by the jail officers.
All expenses, including the bride and groom’s attire, were borne by the families. “We only facilitated their marriage,” Dehury added. After the ceremony, Behera was returned to his cell.
“We hope he will be released soon, and they can start their married life together,” said the groom’s father. In Feb last year, a similar wedding took place in Jharpada special jail, Bhubaneswar.