Thu May 01 00:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Jail Wedding: Rape Accused Marries Survivor in Odisha
**Ganjam, Odisha:** In a surprising turn of events, a rape accused in Odisha’s Ganjam district married his victim inside the sub-jail in Kodala. The wedding, conducted with the permission and assistance of jail authorities, took place after a settlement was reached between the families of the accused, Surya Kant Behera (26), and the 22-year-old survivor.
Behera was arrested in November 2022 after the woman accused him of rape following a failed relationship. However, a reconciliation occurred, leading to the decision to marry within the jail premises. The jail authorities facilitated the wedding, arranging decorations and other arrangements within the jail compound. The ceremony followed Hindu traditions, with the bride and groom exchanging vows in the presence of jail officials, family members, and other inmates.
Following the ceremony, the bride returned home, while Behera remained in jail to serve his sentence. Jail officials clarified that they only provided logistical support, and all wedding expenses were borne by both families. Behera’s father, Bhaskar Behera, expressed hope for his son’s early release and a happy married life for the couple. The unusual event has sparked discussion about the complexities of justice and reconciliation in the region.
First Piper 