Uttar Pradesh Police Arrest Man Over Interfaith Marriage Dispute

Background of the Case

In Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, law enforcement officials apprehended a man named Akbar Khan on Friday, accused of abducting his Hindu spouse, Sonika Chauhan. This arrest occurred despite Sonika's recent video declaration, in which she stated that she had voluntarily left her home.

Details of the Relationship

Khan and Chauhan tied the knot in August 2022, but they had not cohabited due to opposition from Chauhan's family. The couple eloped on May 24, prompting intervention from local leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party, who sought to separate them and return Sonika to her family.

Previous Arrest and Allegations

Khan faced arrest on May 25 for the same allegations but was granted bail on June 8. Reports indicated that a mob vandalized their businesses on May 26, claiming the marriage was a case of 'love jihad,' a controversial theory suggesting Muslim men deceive Hindu women into relationships for conversion.

Recent Developments

On July 30, the couple reportedly fled again, seeking protection from the Allahabad High Court in Prayagraj. Following this, the Ghaziabad Police initiated a new case against Khan and four others, citing charges related to abduction and theft, based on a complaint from Sonika's father, Laxman Singh Chauhan.

Family's Allegations

Laxman Chauhan alleged that Khan had threatened their family prior to Sonika's disappearance and claimed that an intoxicating substance had incapacitated them the night the couple eloped. He also reported missing valuables, including Rs 50,000 and jewelry.

Sonika's Statement

After their escape, Sonika released a video asserting that she had left her home willingly, citing mental and physical abuse from her family. She claimed that her parents and local BJP leaders had pressured her to testify against Khan.

Police Response

Despite the couple's return to Ghaziabad, Khan's family alleged that political influence expedited the police's actions. However, Assistant Commissioner of Police Abhishek Srivastava refuted these claims, stating that the investigation was based on the father's complaint and that Sonika's statement would be recorded appropriately.

Current Status

On Friday, authorities arrested Khan, his brother Maksad, and their neighbor Lalit Ayyar. The police are looking into whether Sonika was coerced into making her video statement from July 30. 'She is currently with her family,' stated Ravendra Gautam, the station house officer, 'and her testimony will be taken in court when she feels ready.'