BEGUSARAI: Teacher at a govt school in Katihar has alleged that he was abducted and forcibly married to a woman in a temple on Friday, but the bride claimed they had been in a relationship for four years.
Avnish Kumar, 28, a resident of Rajaura village in Begusarai, accused the woman's family of orchestrating the "pakadua vivah" (forced marriage) while he was on his way to school.
In contrast, the bride, Gunjan, 25, said the marriage was the culmination of their long-standing affair, which her family intervened to formalise.
Speaking to reporters, Avnish said, "I am posted as a Plus Two teacher in a govt school in Lakshmipur village under Barari block in Katihar district. On Friday morning, while travelling to school in an e-rickshaw, two SUVs intercepted me. The kin of the girl abducted me, took me to a temple and forced me to marry her."
A video of the alleged marriage has since gone viral, showing Avnish crying and performing the rituals under duress. Gunjan, however, offered a contrasting version.
She claimed they had been romantically involved for years and that Avnish had recently taken her to Katihar, where he works. "I first met Avnish in Rajaura village while living with my sister to pursue a nursing course. We frequently met and grew close. About 10 days ago, he took me to Katihar. My family found out and arranged for our marriage at a temple," she claimed.
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He has been covering the political and social dynamics of the Beg...
Read MoreHe has been covering the political and social dynamics of the Begusarai district since March 2003. During the general elections covered the neighbouring Khagaria district also covered. Files regular stories on industries situated in Begusarai.
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