New Delhi: A disturbing case in Bhagalpur, Bihar, has thrown a spotlight on the ongoing issue of Pakadwa Vivaah (seize marriage). Sumit Kumar, a young man on the verge of starting his duty as a Home Guard, found himself entangled in a forced marriage ordeal that began with a seemingly ordinary errand.Abduction on the way to buy spicesJust a day before his official start date, Sumit left his home in Sakucha village for a simple task - purchasing chicken masala. Accompanied by his cousin Prabhash, Sumit stopped at a shop, unaware that his life was about to take a horrifying turn. According to the FIR filed by Sumits brother Virendra, armed men abducted Sumit in a Scorpio vehicle.Brutal forced narriage in PurniaThe kidnappers transported Sumit to Purnia, a neighboring district, where they subjected him to a forced marriage ceremony with the daughter of Gopal Yadav. The ordeal was further compounded by reports that Sumit and Prabhash were beaten during the incident. Following the forced wedding, instead of any familial welcome, the perpetrators abandoned Sumit on the roadside.Investigation and rescueFortunately, Sumit managed to contact his family, who promptly alerted the authorities. Within four hours, both Sumit and Prabhash were rescued. The police have registered a case against Gopal Yadav, Ashwani Kumar, Rohit Kumar, and Bhila Kumar, named in the FIR. A search operation is underway to apprehend the accused.A call to eradicate Pakadwa VivaahThis incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of Pakadwa Vivaah that continue to plague Bihar. The authorities must take decisive action to bring the perpetrators to justice and implement stricter measures to eradicate this barbaric practice.
