Bihar, 14 December 2024: Avnish Kumar, a newly appointed teacher in Katihar district, was abducted and forcibly married to a woman from Lakhisarai district on Friday, in an incident that has been described as a case of ‘Pakadwa Vivah’ – forced marriage.
Police reports suggest that this incident is part of a broader issue in Bihar, with 2024 seeing a significant rise in such reported cases.
Avnish Kumar, a resident of Rajaura in Begusarai, was intercepted on his way to work by two Scorpios, from which a dozen men emerged and abducted him. The men allegedly took him to a temple and forced him to marry Gunjan, a woman with whom he is accused of having a long-term relationship.
According to Gunjan, the two had been in a relationship for four years, and she claims Avnish had promised to marry her, but later refused.
“I had no love for that girl,” Avnish stated, denying the romantic relationship. “She harassed me by repeatedly calling and stalking me. On that day, I was kidnapped and forced into marriage while I protested.”
Gunjan, however, insists their relationship was serious and that Avnish’s refusal to marry her was unacceptable. “He promised to marry me and start a family,” she said. “When we asked him for marriage, he refused.”
Following the marriage, Gunjan went to Avnish’s family home in Rajaura, but Avnish managed to escape. His family did not accept Gunjan, rejecting her claims as his wife.
Both Gunjan and Avnish have filed separate complaints. Gunjan has requested justice, while Avnish has filed charges of kidnapping and assault. Police are investigating the matter further.
