Bareilly: An interfaith couple's planned wedding in Meerut was "postponed" following threats and protests by members of a right-wing group. An FIR was also registered against the groom under the Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act following allegations of "love jihad". TOI had reported about the FIR earlier this week.
The couple — Akanksha Gautam, who follows Buddhism and works in the private sector, and Shahvez Rana, a medical professional — was scheduled to marry on Friday. Both belong to Meerut city.
Following news of their wedding a few days ago, members of Hindu Suraksha Sangathan protested and, accompanied by Akanksha’s uncle, Premchand Gautam, filed a complaint at the city’s Ganga Nagar thana.
Speaking to TOI on Friday, Akanksha said, “My wedding is a non issue. This (right-wing) group wants to make it a national headline. I want to ask who are these men to take a decision on my behalf, and how can they thrust their decision on me? My life has turned into a complete chaos, but the man I chose to marry still stands by me. I gave my statement to the court, and I want to marry him. Our marriage has been postponed, not cancelled.”
The 29-year-old added: “My father passed away in 2023, after which my uncle, who filed this complaint against Rana, wants to grab our property. We have a house and other properties in my mother’s name, which he wants to be registered in his name… When my mother and sister are happy for me, why is he (uncle) creating a problem?”
The woman’s mother, Lata Rani, meanwhile, said, “We’re Buddhists and not Hindu. This is open bullying… Whatever we’re doing is within the framework of the Indian Constitution. I fully stand by my daughter and Shahvez. They will get married, come what may.”
In his complaint, Akanksha’s uncle alleged deception. “Shahvez Rana deceived her with the intention of grabbing property. He conspired after manipulating and brainwashing her,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the right-wing members failed to go ahead with their ‘maha panchayat’ at the wedding venue in Meerut on Friday after police locked up the place and prevented them from reaching the venue.
Courtesy : TOI
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