Frequent change of statements and internal disputes may be a major setback for the Indian couple stranded in Norway to regain the custody of their children.

The Bhattacharyas in a legal tussle with the Child Welfare Services (CWS) to get back the custody of their two children received a jolt yesterday in Stavanger, Norway. The CWS has categorically said the children cannot go back to family now and the case will be dropped. The frustration and despair of the couple played a major role in the pronouncement, in spite of the heavy parleys of Indian Embassy with their Norwegian counterparts.

In a statement, the CWS said, "New developments involving two Indian children make it impossible to carry out the hearing in Stavanger District Court that was scheduled for Friday, March 23. The conflicts over the last few days between the parents and their respective families mean that the conditions for entering into an agreement of this kind are no longer present."

The reports emerged that after a fight with his wife, Anurup had told Norwegian officials that he would prefer for Abhigyan and Aishwarya to stay in Norway, could be one of the reasons for the said pronouncements. But yesterday, Anurup clarified that his goal remains to bring back his children to their country. "I, Anurup Bhattacharya have not filed for separation or divorce... Whatever our personal differences, we are united in our sole principal aim, which is to get the children back to India," he clarified in a press release.

In May last year, Anurup and Sagarika Bhattacharya lost custody of their toddlers - three-year-old Avigyan and one-year-old Aishwarya - after Norwegian authorities objected to them hand feeding the children, equating it to force feeding. (With inputs from internet- AarKay)