MK Binodini's Will exposes daughter-in-law's atrocities
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 24, 2012:
In a shocking revelation, a Will left behind by Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi has unveiled untold tale of the late writer.
The Will, which was signed by the writer on May 28, 2002, and admitted under Act XVI of 1908, cast a shadow of doubt on how far her daughter-in-law was responsible for the writer's mental and physical break-down at the last stages of her life.
Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi, winner of several regional and national awards including the prestigious National Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padmashree, was a multi-faceted personality, equally at ease with literature, drama, films, art and culture.
MK Binodini, as she was called, and popularly known and loved as ‘Imashi' to one and all who had something to do with her, breathed her last on January 17, 2011 after a long spell of flailing health and series of medical treatment at Imphal and Kolkata.
MK Binodini left behind two sons, Somi Roy and Laifungbam Debabrata (Bobbie) Roy, daughter-in-law Anna Pinto, and two grandchildren.
Her Will of 2002, which she categorically stated as "the last Will of me", throws open a Pandora's Box with her revelation of the extent to which her daughter-in-law, Anna Pinto, harassed her physically and mentally at the last stages of her life.
In her own words, MK Binodini wrote, "It is my wish that in my last customary ceremonies, no participation shall be allowed for Mrs Anna Pinto who lived with my son Dr Laifungbam Debabrata alias Bobbie Roy at my home at Yaiskul Police Lane for the last few years".
Elaborating further on her statement, MK Binodini wrote, "Anybody may participate in my last customary rites without the distinction of caste and creed except the said Mrs.Anna Pinto who during her stay under my roof at Yaiskul Police lane inflicted and created untold damages to my family, my home and even perpetrated physical assault and intimidation to my person and properties.
She has not only subjected me to mental torture and insult but also she has even burnt my personal furniture, mattress and rare and valuable clothes and personal belongings in broad daylight without any hesitation.
She shall under no circumstances be allowed to offer even a flower petal at my last customary ceremony".
Leaving no room for doubt on the extent of her daughter-in-law's atrocities, MK Binodini wrapped up her comment on Anna Pinto with the final blow, "No share shall she be admitted to any of the customary ceremony and subsequently no part of my property shall go to her directly or in any manner".
Venting her anger and anguish on how she was subjected to mental and physical torture by her daughter-in-law, MK Binodini flashed a stunning blow when she laid down a precondition in her Will that within a year of her death, her elder son Laifungbam Debabrata Roy and daughter-in-law Anna Pinto must legally severe all ties between them.
In case the duo do not break up by the end of this period, all personal properties of the late writer are to be devolved to her younger son Somi Roy according to the Will.
A true daughter of the soil, Binodini emphasized in her Will that "it is my wish that any antiques, viz.
rare furniture, rare utensils, rare family photographs and others are not allowed to go beyond the territory/soil of Manipur State".
It may be recalled that as the youngest daughter of Maharaj Sir Churachand Singh and Maharani Dhanamanjuri of Manipur, MK Binodini had inherited properties and antiques that belonged to the royalty of Manipur.
Comment
