In a shocking incident, a Muslim man was assaulted by a group of lawyers in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district. The man and his pregnant Hindu companion had gone to the court to register their marriage. This attack is part of a disturbing trend of violence against interfaith couples in the state.
The Incident:
The couple arrived at the court to formalize their union under the law. However, their plans were disrupted when they entered a lawyer’s chamber. The woman, wearing a burqa, revealed her name, sparking suspicion among some lawyers. They demanded to see the man’s Aadhaar card, and upon discovering his Muslim identity, accused him of “love jihad.” This led to a violent confrontation.
Lawyers allegedly joined in, intensifying the attack on the man. The police were informed, and Civil Lines SHO Kamlesh Sahu intervened to rescue the couple. Videos of the incident went viral on social media, showing the chaos and violence.
The woman, 21 years old and three months pregnant, had married the man, Rajib Khan, according to Islamic rituals in June 2023. They met in 2021 after Khan mistakenly dialed her number, and they began communicating. Despite their families being from different villages, they decided to formalize their marriage legally.
The couple was taken to safety by the police, and a case was registered against unidentified persons for assault, abuse, and issuing threats. The Rewa Bar Association denied any involvement of lawyers in the incident, despite eyewitness accounts suggesting otherwise.
This is not an isolated incident. Similar attacks have occurred in Madhya Pradesh recently, highlighting a growing concern about safety for interfaith couples.
In Bhopal, another Muslim man was assaulted while trying to register his marriage under the Special Marriage Act. The police response in these cases has been criticized for not adequately addressing the violence.
Impact On Interfaith Marriages:
These incidents underscore the challenges faced by interfaith couples in India. The accusations of “love jihad” often lead to violence and harassment, making it difficult for couples to exercise their legal right to marry.
The lack of effective action by authorities to protect these couples raises questions about the safety and freedom of individuals to choose their partners.
The attack on the Muslim man and his Hindu companion in Madhya Pradesh is a stark reminder of the obstacles interfaith couples face. It is crucial for the government and civil society to address these issues to ensure that all individuals can marry freely and safely, without fear of violence or intimidation.