It’s been more than a decade since the infamous custody struggle between an Indian couple and the Norwegian government captivated the world.
The year was 2011, and the Norwegian child welfare department, popularly known as Barnevarne, removed Anurup and Sagarika Bhattacharya’s two children and placed them in foster care. The couple’s struggle and fight against an entire nation to reconnect with their children has now been transformed into a film starring Rani Mukherjee.
‘Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway’ is slated to be released on March 17, this year, almost 12 years after Sagarika’s experience began.
What Happened to Mr. and Mrs. Bhattacharya?
Anurup and Sagarika lost custody of their kids, three-year-old Avigyan and one-year-old daughter Aishwarya, in May 2011 after Norwegian authorities protested to her hand-feeding the baby, comparing it to force-feeding.
They also claimed that the children did not have adequate space to play. They were also accused of giving their children “unsuitable” clothing and toys.
The Norwegian Child Protection Service objected to the child sleeping in the same bed as his father, insisting that the boy have his own bed.
Following a diplomatic spat between the two nations, Norwegian officials opted to give custody of the children to their father’s brother, allowing him to return them to India.
However, Anurup and Sagarika were already estranged. Sagarika had to go to court to get custody of her children. Sagarika was able to bring her children home after a lengthy court battle.
What did Mrs. Bhattacharya have to say?
In January 2013, the Calcutta High Court gave her custody of her son Abhigyan and daughter Aishwarya.
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