To restore Koda's fortunes, wife resorts to animal sacrifice, draws criticism

Sun, Nov 8 06:06 AM

With former Jharkhand CM Madhu Koda's future looking increasingly bleak in the event of investigations regarding his alleged hawala transactions, his wife Geeta Biruli on Friday resorted to animal sacrifice leading to objections from certain quarters in the state.

She offered prayers before Goddess Durga at the Chinnamastika Mandir here near Tamar as 11 goats were slaughtered in the presence of scores of people. Even though animal sacrifice is part of Koda's native Adivasi culture, many an eyebrow was raised over her conduct. "We condemn it because the Goddess is meant to vanquish the devil and the corrupt," said Devki Bhattacharya, a member of the Eco Vikas Committee, echoing the sentiments of many animal rights group in the state.

Geeta Biruli was not available for comment but Harekrishna Mahato who witnessed the slaughter told The Sunday Express, "Like all of us she believed in goat sacrifice. So she performed the puja in the hope that Goddess Durga would rescue her husband from evil forces."

Meanwhile, Income Tax officials who had booked him and eight of his associates under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act on October 9, said Koda would not be arrested if he cooperated in the investigation. Koda is currently admitted at Ranchi's Apollo hospital after he complained of stomach pain.

The Enforcement Directorate was also granted 10 days police custody of Vikash Sinha, an associate of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda arrested in Ranchi on Friday.

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