Right-wing outfits target interfaith wedding in Meerut; FIR against groom

MEERUT: An interfaith couple's planned wedding in Meerut landed in a major row after police registered an FIR against the groom under the UP unlawful religious conversion law following allegations of "love jihad" by right-wing groups.

The couple — Akanksha Gautam, who follows Buddhism and works with a private bank, and Shahvez Rana, a medical professional, from another community — was scheduled to marry on Feb 13. Both are in their mid-20s and belong to Meerut city. Following news of their wedding, members of the outfit protested and, accompanied by Akanksha's uncle, Premchand Gautam, filed a complaint at the city's Ganga Nagar thana.

Meerut SP (rural), Abhijeet Kumar, said, "A case was registered against the accused man at the behest of the woman's kin under BNS section 351 (3) (criminal intimidation), along with sections of the Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act. No arrests have been made so far."

In his complaint, Akanksha's uncle alleged deception and raised concerns about the groom's name being mentioned differently on the wedding card. "Akanksha was misled by ‘Sahil', whose real name is Shahvez Rana. He deceived her with the intention of grabbing property and conspired to marry her after manipulating and brainwashing her. I fear for my niece's safety," he stated.

Objecting to right-wing groups' interference, Akanksha, "My family is fine with the marriage, and so is Sahil's. So who gave these outfits the right to interfere in my matters? Because of all this ruckus, it has given me a lot of stress. If anything happens to me, they will be held responsible. We were supposed to marry as per Buddhist traditions. It was I who gave him a new name — ‘Sahil'. There is no wrongdoing in all of this."

Akanksha cited a property dispute with her uncle and said the issue was being raised to settle scores. "Ever since my father's death three years ago, he has been eyeing our property. He knew that I was in a relationship with Sahil for the past six years. His concerns for me are fake and full of vested interest," she added.

Her mother, Lata Rani, emphasised that "they are Buddhists and not Hindus, and whatever we are doing is within the framework of the Indian Constitution." She added: "I fully stand by my daughter and Shahvez. They will get married, come what may. And if need be, we will approach the high court."

Meanwhile, Sachin Sirohi, president of Hindu Suraksha Sangathan, said the group would oppose the wedding. "If they attempt to solemnise the marriage elsewhere, we will reach there too," Sirohi added.

Neither Shahvez Rana nor his family were available to comment on the matter.