Second Pakistani Couple Seeks Refuge in Gujarat Within Two Months
In a recurring pattern that highlights cross-border movements, the Border Security Force (BSF) has apprehended another Pakistani couple from Sindh province who crossed into India's Gujarat territory. This marks the second such incident within a span of just two months, raising questions about the motivations behind these border crossings.
The latest incident occurred in the early hours of November 24, when BSF personnel detected and detained two individuals between pillars 523 and 524 on the Indian side of the international border with Pakistan.
Details of the Apprehended Couple
The individuals have been identified as Popatkumar Nathu Bhil (24) and Gauri Gulab Bhil (20), both residents of Mungadio village in Chachro taluka of Tharparkar district. This area falls under the Mirpur Khas Division of Sindh Province in Pakistan.
According to police officials familiar with the case, the couple claimed to be in a romantic relationship that faced strong opposition from their families. The primary point of contention appears to be their belonging to the same village, which their families considered an obstacle to their union.
Investigators revealed that the couple carried minimal possessions - only 100 Pakistani Rupees (PKR) and no identification documents when they were apprehended at 2:51 am on November 24.
Transfer and Investigation Process
The BSF formally handed over the couple to the Balasar police station of Kutch (East) at 4 am on Tuesday, initiating the standard protocol for such cross-border incidents.
Security arrangements dictate that the couple will be transferred to the Joint Interrogation Centre (JIC) in Bhuj city of Kutch district. Here, they will undergo detailed questioning by multiple security agencies to verify their claims and assess any potential security implications.
When approached for comments, Kutch (East) SP Sagar Bagmar remained unavailable to provide additional details about the ongoing investigation.
Similar Incident from October
This case bears striking resemblance to another incident that occurred just weeks earlier. On October 8, another Pakistani couple identified as Toto alias Tara Ranmal Chudi and Meena alias Puja Karsan Chudi were detained by police from Ratanpar village in Kutch.
That couple had shared a similar story of love facing family opposition. They told authorities they lived in the same locality near a Shiv temple in Lasari village of Islamkot in Pakistan and had eloped on October 4 after their families objected to their relationship.
The recurrence of such incidents within a short timeframe suggests a pattern of young couples from the Hindu community in Pakistan's Sindh province seeking refuge in India when faced with relationship obstacles.
Security agencies are carefully monitoring these developments while humanitarian aspects of these cases are also being considered. The final disposition of both couples will depend on the outcomes of thorough investigations and subsequent legal processes.
