Bihar Teacher Abducted and Forced into Marriage
Bihar Teacher Kidnapped, Forced to Marry Woman at Gunpoint
Patna: A newly appointed Bihar teacher’s dream of starting his career was shattered when he was kidnapped and forced into marriage at gunpoint. avnish Kumar, who recently cleared the Bihar Public Service Commission exam, was on his way to school Friday when his e-rickshaw was intercepted by two SUVs. A dozen armed men emerged, forcing him into one of the vehicles.
Hours later, Kumar found himself in a temple, being coerced into marrying a woman named Gunjan. The incident, captured in a viral video, shows a visibly distressed Kumar surrounded by men while Gunjan, adorned in a wedding saree and vermilion, stands nearby.imagemain” src=”https://c.ndtvimg.com/2024-12/9ccsh1n8bihar-forced-wedding-625×30014December_24.jpg?im=FeatureCrop,algorithm=dnn,width=650,height=400″/>
The man alleges that he was not in a relationship with the woman.
This shocking incident highlights the disturbing trend of “Pakadwa Vivah” in Bihar, where unmarried men are forced into marriage at gunpoint. According to police, 2024 has seen the highest number of reported forced weddings in the last three decades.
A Tale of Two Accounts
Gunjan alleges that she and Kumar were in a four-year relationship, involving frequent visits to hotels and stays at his residence in Katihar, where he is posted as a teacher. She claims kumar promised marriage and introduced her to his colleagues at the school.
“He had promised to marry me and start a family,” Gunjan alleged. “He had also taken me to his school. We were in love for four years. But when I informed my family about it, and we approached him for marriage, he refused. This was unacceptable.”
Three days before the kidnapping, Gunjan’s family reportedly discovered the couple together in Katihar. They then allegedly orchestrated the abduction and forced marriage.
However, Kumar vehemently denies any romantic involvement with Gunjan.
“I had no love for that girl,” he alleged. “She harassed me by repeatedly calling and stalking me.On the day of the incident, some men kidnapped me in a Scorpio vehicle while I was on my way to school.They beat me,forcibly applied vermilion,and tried to perform rituals. I protested throughout.”
A Family Divided
Following the forced ceremony, Gunjan accompanied her family to Kumar’s home in Rajaura, but chaos ensued. Kumar reportedly managed to escape. When Gunjan arrived, Kumar’s family refused to accept her.
Both Gunjan and Kumar have filed police complaints, each seeking justice. The case has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the prevalence of forced marriages in Bihar.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need to address the root causes of such practices and ensure the safety and autonomy of individuals.
Bihar Teacher Kidnapped, Forced to Marry Woman at Gunpoint: An Interview wiht a Sociologist
News Direct 3: The recent incident of Avnish Kumar, a newly appointed Bihar teacher, being kidnapped and forced into marriage has shocked the nation. To understand the disturbing trend of “Pakadwa Vivah”, we spoke with Dr. kavita Sharma, a prominent sociologist specializing in gender studies and social issues in bihar.
NewsDirect 3: Dr. Sharma, what are your immediate thoughts on this incident and its broader implications?
Dr. Sharma: This incident is deeply disturbing and reflects a hazardous trend of forced marriages, primarily targeting young men, in Bihar. What we’re witnessing is a blatant violation of individual autonomy and human rights. The use of violence and coercion to force someone into marriage is unacceptable and needs to be addressed urgently.
NewsDirect 3:Gunjan claims a four-year relationship with Avnish Kumar, while he vehemently denies any romantic involvement.How do these conflicting narratives shape our understanding of the incident?
dr. Sharma: Conflicting narratives are not uncommon in cases like these.It’s crucial to avoid jumping to conclusions based on one side’s account. A thorough investigation is necessary to ascertain the truth. However,nonetheless of the nature of their prior relationship,resorting to kidnapping and forced marriage is never justified.
NewsDirect 3: You mentioned a “dangerous trend” of forced marriages. how prevalent is this issue in bihar?
Dr. Sharma: Sadly, “Pakadwa Vivah” has been a persistent problem in Bihar for decades. While precise numbers are challenging to ascertain due to underreporting, the recent rise in reported cases is alarming. This trend needs to be tackled at its root, addressing the societal factors that perpetuate it.
NewsDirect 3: What are some of the underlying social and cultural factors contributing to this phenomenon?
Dr. Sharma: Several factors contribute to the prevalence of forced marriages. these include deeply entrenched patriarchal norms,pressure on families to conform to social expectations,and a lack of legal awareness and enforcement. Additionally, economic disparity can play a role, with families using marriage as a means to secure financial stability.
NewsDirect 3: What steps can be taken to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of individuals?
Dr. Sharma: A multi-pronged approach is required. We need stricter law enforcement and harsher penalties for those involved in forced marriages. Raising awareness about the illegality and harmful consequences of this practise is crucial.
Empowering women and girls through education and economic opportunities can also contribute to breaking the cycle. fostering a more open and inclusive society that respects individual autonomy is essential.