Father performs symbolic last rites for living daughter in Assam's Silchar over alleged religious conversion, second marriage

A man from Assam’s Hailakandi district allegedly performed the symbolic last rites of his living daughter at a temple in Silchar on November 7, reportedly after learning about her alleged religious conversion and second marriage.

The incident took place at Panchanan Shivbari in Silchar, where Binay Sharma, in the presence of a priest, performed religious rituals and offered pind daan in front of his daughter’s photograph adorned with a white garland.

According to family members, Sharma’s daughter, Vaishali Sharma, married a man with the surname Parikh from Rajasthan around 12 years ago. The couple has two children, a son and a daughter.

Sharma claimed that while their married life was initially normal, differences later developed between the couple. He alleged that Vaishali left home around five to six years ago, leaving her children behind, and moved to Bengaluru. She reportedly remained in touch with her father over the phone and occasionally enquired about the children.

The family claimed that they learnt on Wednesday that Vaishali had returned to Silchar, converted to Islam and married a man from a different religious community in the Itkhola area.

Following the news, Sharma said he was deeply hurt by his daughter's decision and approached the Bajrang Dal. He subsequently performed the symbolic shraddha ceremony, stating that he could not accept her decision to leave her husband and children.

The incident has triggered discussions in several circles in Silchar.