Teacher in custody battle briefly reunited with daughter

IPOH - Kindergarten Malay Indian teacher M. Indira Gandhi, who is embroiled in a bitter custody battle with her Muslim convert husband, was briefly reunited with her 20-month-old daughter at the High Court here.

It was the first time in almost a year that the 35-year-old mother had seen Prasana Diksa, the youngest of her three children, who was taken away by her husband K. Patmanathan last year.

According to The Star, Patmanathan, now known by his Muslim name of Mohammad Ridzuan Abdullah, had been ordered by Justice Wan Afrah Wan Ibrahim to produce Prasana Diksa in court yesterday.

Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom, Indira Gandhi said Prasana Diksa was able to recognise her.

“I am happy she can still recognise me after such a long time, more than 11 months,” said Indira, who was at the court with her two elder children, Tevi Darsiny, 13, and Karan Dinish, 12.

Her lawyer K. Shanmuga said Justice Wan Afrah interviewed each of the couple’s children in her chambers yesterday.

“She will decide on Feb 3,” he said. (ANI)