Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ It’s been over a decade since the famed custody dispute between an Indian couple and the Norwegian government caused a worldwide sensation. In 2011, the Norway child welfare department, better known as Barnevarne, removed the two children of Anurup and Sagarika Bhattacharya from them and put them in foster care. Now, the true story starring Rani Mukherjee depicts the couple’s hardships and their fight against an entire nation to reconnect with their children.
The most-anticipated film “Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway” will hit the screens on March 17, this year, 12 years after Sagarika’s suffering and fight. The Indian couple Anurup and Sagarika lost custody of their children, 3-year-old Avigyan, and 1-year-old Aishwarya, while in Norway in May 2011. The Norwegian authorities protested against her hand-feeding the infant, comparing it to force-feeding. They also complained that there was not enough space for the kids to play. They were also blamed for giving their children unsuitable clothing and toys.
The Norwegian Child Protective Service objected to the youngster sharing a bed with his father and insisted that he must have his own bed. Following a diplomatic dispute between the two nations, the Norwegian government chose to grant custody of the children to their father’s brother, allowing him to return them to India. However, Anurup and Sagarika were estranged by that time. Sagarika had to pursue legal action to obtain custody of her children. Finally, Sagarika was able to reunite with her children following a prolonged legal fight.
Later, the Calcutta High Court gave her custody of her children Abhigyan and Aishwarya in January 2013. After winning the custody fight, Sagarika stated, “It’s a huge relief and I want to convey my regards to my well-wishers.” She added, “My ordeal is finally over. I cannot express my emotions, because I couldn’t meet my children for a long time. I just pray to God that children can always stay with me.”
