The children custody battle between the NRI couple and Norwegian childcare authorities is now embroiled in a bigger mess following allegations, counter-allegations and denials from the parents of the children.
Anurup Bhattacharya, the father of the two children, had reportedly accused his wife Sagarika Bhattacharya of marital violence. He alleged that she had psychological problems and had assaulted him and the children. But now in a volte face, he denies having any marital problems.
"We have not filed for a divorce. Our lawyer never said we were planning for separation," CNN-IBN quoted him as saying.
He holds media responsible for distorting the truth.
"I don't want to speak to the media as it's spoiling our case. There is no misunderstanding between me and Sagarika. We plan to make a video clip saying that there is no plan of separation or tension in between us. We want the kids to go back to India. All families have differences and personal issues. We are under tremendous pressure and trauma. Media should stop propaganda as it's affecting our case," he added.
"My daughter is not mentally ill. They are not filing for divorce. They are very happy. We want the children back. Don't know where these reports are coming from," said Sagarika's mother.
Meanwhile, the Indian government might back off from the case if the parents actually have marital problems, as reported by some sections of the media.
"The Joint Secretary was planning to leave for Norway that has now been put on hold. Now it's a personal matter between the husband and the wife. We had made efforts to get the children to India," CNN IBN quoted Minister of State for External Affairs Praneet Kaur as saying.
