Shocking forced marriage of teacher sparks controversy in India

A shocking incident has unfolded in Patna, the capital city of Bihar, India, where a newly qualified teacher was abducted by an armed gang of four from his school on November 29. The gang forced him to marry the daughter of one of the perpetrators within 24 hours, adhering to local marriage customs.

The disappearance of Gautham Kumar resulted in his family blocking the roads in protest the same night. They reported that he had been brutally beaten as he initially resisted the wedding. Despite the forced situation, he ultimately ended up marrying a woman he had not chosen. This led to multiple investigations by the police, who are still persistently pursuing the kidnappers.

The release of the newlywed couple’s photos on social media sparked instant and heated discussion. The bride was noticed for her striking beauty, but this could not erase the fact that the actions of her father and his associates were undeniably barbaric.

In reality, this practice of forced marriage, known as Pakadwa Vivah, is not uncommon in Bihar. Last year, a veterinarian who had travelled there for animal treatment was kidnapped and forced to marry. Similarly, a local engineer was abducted a few years ago and violently coerced into marrying a woman.

Despite the Patna court recently ruling Pakadwa Vivah marriages as invalid, it seems unable to prevent the cessation of these forced marriages, reported Sanook.

In related news, a couple from Ju’matien, Henan, China, came under scrutiny after photos of the bride’s sombre expression during post-nuptial rituals went viral on social media. The images, capturing the groom’s jovial demeanour contrasted with the bride’s seemingly forced participation, were shot at the groom’s residence following their wedding ceremony.

The bride’s lack of enthusiasm during the post-wedding photoshoot sparked a wave of online speculation about whether she agreed to get married or whether it was a forced marriage. Read more about the story HERE.