Constable's Wedding Drama: Bride Vanishes, Chooses History-Sheeter Over Groom
In a shocking turn of events in Meerut, a meticulously planned wedding between two constables was abruptly called off after the bride-to-be disappeared just one night before the ceremony. The incident has unfolded into a complex legal and social drama, revealing unexpected personal choices amidst criminal allegations.
The Vanishing Act
Sandhya Bhardwaj, a 25-year-old constable from Akbarpur Sadat village in Meerut's Bahsuma region, vanished from her home on Saturday evening. Her father, Subhash Sharma, immediately approached the police, filing a complaint alleging abduction by Ankit Chauhan, a 28-year-old history-sheeter with nine criminal cases, including robbery and murder, pending against him.
Sharma detailed that his daughter had taken a 20-day leave from her posting at the cyber police station in Aligarh to prepare for her wedding to Atul Sharma, a constable from Muzaffarnagar. The arrangements were complete, with invitations distributed and all preparations finalized for what was supposed to be a joyous union.
Criminal Intimidation and Legal Action
In his complaint, Sharma revealed that Chauhan had threatened the groom over the phone on February 5, warning, "I will kill him if he marries my daughter." This alleged intimidation escalated on Saturday night when Bhardwaj disappeared, prompting Sharma to accuse Chauhan of kidnapping.
Police swiftly registered an FIR against Chauhan under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 87 for kidnapping and 351(2) for criminal intimidation. Within eight hours, authorities traced Bhardwaj to Buxar in Meerut, but the case took a dramatic and unexpected turn upon her recovery.
A Surprising Revelation
When questioned by investigators, Bhardwaj denied being abducted, asserting that she had left of her own free will. Police discovered that she had known Chauhan for several years, having met him during visits to her aunt's house in Dhikoli village, which is also Chauhan's hometown.
Mawana circle officer Pankaj Lavania confirmed, "She met him during visits to her aunt's house in Dhikoli village, from where Chauhan hails." This revelation shifted the narrative from a kidnapping case to one involving personal choice and consent.
Criminal Background and Legal Proceedings
Chauhan's criminal record is extensive, with multiple cases of loot and murder. In May of last year, he was arrested following a police encounter linked to a liquor shop robbery and had recently been released on bail. Despite this background, Bhardwaj stood firm in her decision, asserting her right to choose her partner, even as it contrasted sharply with her role as a law enforcement officer.
As a result, the groom, Atul Sharma, called off the wedding, leaving the families and community in shock. SP (rural) Abhijeet Kumar stated that Bhardwaj would soon be produced before a court to formalize her statements and address the legal implications of the case.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights the tensions between personal autonomy and societal expectations, particularly within the context of arranged marriages and law enforcement. The case continues to develop, with police monitoring the situation closely as it navigates the intersection of criminal law and individual rights.
