Uncle of 2 Indian kids split from parents to leave for Norway

The uncle of two Indian children separated from their parents by Norwegian Child Welfare Services on the ground of "emotional disconnect" will leave for Norway today to present his 'statement of intent' before the authorities to seek their custody.

Government has once again taken up the issue with Norway after External Affairs Minister S M Krishna spoke to his Norwegian counterpart regarding the case last month, official spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said while briefing the reporters on the developments in the matter.

He said Secretary (West) in MEA, who is also permanent Under Secretary for Norway, took up the matter with his Norwegian counterpart, who is currently in the country for an event, in a bid to seek expeditious resolution of the problem.
He also noted that at the request of MEA, Minister for Environment Jayanthi Natarajan also took up the issue with Norwegian Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim here today.

NRI couple Anurup and Sagarika Bhattacharya's children Abhigyan (3) and Aishwarya (1) were taken under protective care by Barnevarne (Norwegian Child Welfare Services), which claimed emotional disconnect with the parents, and placed them in foster parental care according to the local Norwegian court's directive.

As India stepped up the pressure on Norway to find an "amicable and urgent" solution in the case, an agreement was given to Barnevarne (Norwegian Child Welfare Services) by the parents and their lawyer saying the uncle, Arunabhash, has agreed to be the prime caregiver to the children.

"We utilize every opportunity to impress upon the Norwegian government, the emphasis the government and the people place on this (issue)," Akbaruddin said.
However, Akbaruddin, refused to give any timeframe of their return.    He said a legal process is on and parents, their lawyers and Barnevarne have to approach the court and make a statement of intent.

"It may take some time but we hope it happens expeditiously," he said. Meanwhile, Indian Ambassador to Norway R K Tyagi had met the parents and their lawyer to discuss the various aspects of the case and how things can be taken forward.