Bihar witnessed yet another harrowing instance of ‘Pakadwa Vivah,’ where men are forced into marriage at gunpoint. Avnish Kumar, a newly-appointed government teacher, became the latest victim in this disturbing practice that is reportedly at its highest in 30 years.
The Incident
Avnish Kumar, who recently cleared the Bihar Public Service Commission exam, was on his way to his school in Katihar on Friday when two SUVs intercepted his e-rickshaw. A group of armed men kidnapped him, beat him, and forcibly married him to Gunjan, a woman who alleged they had been in a relationship for four years.
The incident unfolded after Gunjan’s family claimed Avnish had refused to marry her despite promises. According to Gunjan, the relationship involved frequent meetings, shared stays, and assurances of starting a family. However, Avnish denies these allegations, stating, “I had no love for that girl. She harassed me repeatedly.”
A viral video of the incident shows Avnish being held by several men while Gunjan, dressed as a bride, stood nearby. Visibly distressed, Avnish was coerced into completing the wedding rituals under duress.
What Led to the Forced Wedding?
Gunjan alleged that her family intervened after finding the couple together in Katihar three days before the incident. Her relatives claimed they took this extreme step to protect Gunjan’s honor after Avnish allegedly refused to formalize their relationship.
The marriage ceremony took place in a local temple, but chaos ensued when Gunjan accompanied her family to Avnish’s residence in Rajaura. Avnish’s family refused to accept her as his wife, leading to a standoff.
Legal Fallout
Both parties have filed complaints with the police. Gunjan has accused Avnish of breach of trust and dishonoring their relationship, while Avnish has lodged a case of kidnapping and physical assault.
The police are investigating the matter, including the motives behind the alleged forced wedding and the veracity of both claims.
A Rising Trend in Bihar
The practice of ‘Pakadwa Vivah’ is not new to Bihar, but 2024 has seen a record spike in cases. Experts attribute this trend to societal pressures, dowry concerns, and deep-rooted patriarchal norms.
Law enforcement faces criticism for failing to curb these incidents, with calls for stricter regulations and educational reforms to address the underlying issues.
This chilling episode highlights the urgent need for interventions to end such regressive practices and ensure safety and justice for all individuals involved.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
