SURAT: Surat police intervened just in time to save a marriage after the groom’s family walked out over a food shortage at a wedding in the Varachha area on Sunday night.
Upset by the groom's family and relatives' behavior, the bride called 100, prompting the police to bring the groom and his family to the Varachha police station around 2.30 AM on Monday. After counseling, the couple requested the police to facilitate the garlanding and 'Bidaai' rituals, which the officers conducted by stepping in as 'Baratis.'
The wedding of Rahul Pramod Mahanto and Anjali Kumari Mitusingh took place at Laxminagar Vadi in Varachha on Sunday night.
However, when it was time for dinner, a food shortage upset the groom’s family, who saw it as an insult. With around 100 baratis and several guests from the bride’s side in attendance, tensions escalated into an argument.
Matters worsened when the groom and his family refused to take the bride along and left the venue.
Distressed by the situation, Anjali Kumari called the police helpline (100) to lodge a complaint. Responding swiftly, the police brought Rahul to the station.
Varachha police inspector R.B. Gojiya told TOI: "We have a Santwana Kendra and a Women's Help Desk at the police station. After receiving the bride’s complaint, we assisted her through these facilities. We also sent teams to the groom’s home and requested him to accompany us. We counseled him, explaining that the wedding should not be called off over such a minor issue, especially since his father had made extensive preparations. The groom agreed but was unwilling to return to the wedding venue, fearing further clashes between the families.
"At the couple’s request, we completed the remaining garlanding and 'Bidaai' rituals at the police station. To ensure the ceremony was properly concluded, we acted as 'Baratis,' arranging garlands and flowers," the officer added.