Interfaith Couple's Court Marriage Plans End in Violent Ambush in Bhavnagar
A planned court marriage between an interfaith couple descended into chaos and violence in Bhavnagar on Monday evening. The woman's family allegedly ambushed the duo outside the sub-registrar office, brutally assaulting the man and forcibly taking the woman away.
Complaint Details the Harrowing Attack
Sachin, a 26-year-old rickshaw driver from Umrala village, has filed a formal complaint at the Nilambag police station. In his statement, he alleges that he was attacked, threatened with a knife, and robbed by the woman's brothers along with two unidentified accomplices.
The couple's journey to this point was one of determination. Sachin and Reshma, a 30-year-old woman from Khopala village in Botad district, met two years ago and developed a deep romantic connection. Despite coming from different religious backgrounds, they made the courageous decision to marry.
Their commitment led them to leave their homes together on December 21, 2025. They traveled extensively across Surat, Diu, and Goa while meticulously planning their legal union through a court marriage.
The Violent Confrontation Outside the Registrar Office
The couple arrived at the sub-registrar office around 5 PM on Monday to finalize their marriage paperwork. What should have been a celebratory moment quickly turned into a nightmare.
As they approached the office, Reshma's two brothers—identified as Sohil and Bholu—arrived in a car accompanied by two other men. According to Sachin's complaint, the situation escalated rapidly.
- The two unknown men forcefully restrained Sachin on the ground
- Bholu proceeded to physically assault him
- One of the assailants brandished a knife, threatening to kill Sachin if he resisted
- During the struggle, Sohil allegedly stole Rs 1,800 in cash and important documents from Sachin's pocket
- Reshma was then forcibly taken and pushed into the waiting car
- The entire group fled the scene immediately after the incident
Police Action and Legal Proceedings
Following the traumatic event, Sachin managed to contact his family members who helped him reach the police station. A formal complaint has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by interfaith couples in certain communities, where family opposition can manifest in extreme violence. The police investigation is now focused on locating Reshma and apprehending all individuals involved in the attack.
The case has drawn attention to safety concerns for couples seeking court marriages, particularly when facing family opposition. Authorities are reviewing security measures around registrar offices to prevent similar incidents in the future.
