Police Intervene to Stop Interfaith Wedding Reception in Shahjahanpur
Police officers halted an interfaith wedding reception in Shahjahanpur on Sunday evening. The incident occurred after right-wing activists raised objections at the venue.
Venue Booked as Birthday Party
The banquet lawn in Mohalla Mehman Shah had been reserved about fifteen days earlier. The groom's father booked the space describing it as a birthday celebration. However, invitation cards clearly identified the event as a post-wedding reception.
Preparations were fully underway when police arrived. Food was being cooked, tables and chairs were arranged, and decorations were in progress. The bride and groom along with their families had not yet reached the location.
Right-Wing Activists Arrive with Police
Activists from a right-wing organization arrived at the venue accompanied by police officers. They immediately began protesting the event. These activists accused the organizers of attempting to incite religious tensions through the interfaith reception.
They demanded that police take immediate action to stop the proceedings. The protesters claimed the organizers were trying to conceal the true nature of the event by booking the venue under false pretenses.
Police Questioning and Resolution
A police team led by Station House Officer Ashwani Kumar soon arrived at the scene. Officers questioned the groom's father about the nature of the gathering. Initially, he maintained that the event was simply a birthday party.
Under further questioning, he eventually acknowledged that it was indeed a wedding reception. The couple had married in court nearly a year earlier in Delhi. Both families had participated in the legal ceremony.
Family Decides to Move Event
Following the police intervention and protests, the groom's family decided to relocate the reception. They announced plans to hold the event in Delhi instead of Shahjahanpur. This decision came after discussions with police officials at the venue.
Shahjahanpur Senior Superintendent of Police Rajesh Dwivedi provided details about the incident. He confirmed that right-wing group members had objected to the reception being held under the guise of a birthday celebration.
Police went to the location specifically to pacify the situation and prevent any escalation. No formal complaint has been filed in connection with the incident. Authorities have not registered any First Information Report regarding the matter.
Background of the Couple
The groom resides in Jiya Khel locality under Chowk police station limits. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Pharmacy course in Delhi. The bride works for a private company in the capital city.
Her parents served as witnesses during the court marriage ceremony last year. Both families had planned this reception to celebrate the union that had already been legally established.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding interfaith marriages in certain regions. It also demonstrates how private celebrations can become subjects of public controversy and police intervention.
