BIRGUNJ, March 12: The police have arrested a groom who annulled his marriage after not receiving the expected golden chain in dowry, following a complaint filed by the bride on Monday night.  The groom, Umesh Shah, employed as a computer operator in the health section of Birgunj Metropolitan City was arrested at 2 AM on Tuesday.

Shah, residing in Kalaiya Sub-Metropolitan City-4, Bara, called off the marriage ceremony upon not receiving the gold chain. 

Despite receiving dowry including Rs 1,200,000 in cash, a motorcycle worth Rs 325,000, a laptop and a gold ring and a hanuman garland from the bride’s family, he had decided to terminate the wedding process and return the wedding procession last night after not receiving the gold chain.

The marriage pavilion had been prepared and relatives were in attendance, eagerly awaiting the marriage. However, according to the bride’s family, Shah refused to proceed with the marriage around 2 AM, making various pretexts upon reaching the pavilion.

Ramita Kumari Shah, a 24-year-old daughter of Sukhal Shah of Ranighat, Birgunj Metropolitan City-24, Parsa, was set to marry Umesh Shah, the 26-year-old son of Bachhalal Shah, a resident of Kalaiya Sub-Metropolitan City-4, Bara, on March 11.

Despite making all necessary preparations for his daughter’s marriage, including taking a loan, Shah found himself in financial distress after the wedding was halted. He expressed frustration at the situation, as he had arranged dinner to welcome the wedding procession. 

Tension escalated when Shah attempted to flee the pavilion upon not receiving the gold chain, leading to police intervention and detainment of several individuals including the groom.

Bride Shah, devastated by the events, has resolved not to marry into that family under any circumstances, fearing that a groom who prioritizes material wealth may pose a threat to her safety even after marriage.

Superintendent of Police at the District Police Office, Parsa, Kumod Dhungel said that an investigation into the incident was underway. He added, “There is a need for legal action against those involved in the annulment of marriage over dowry issues. Both parties involved are currently kept in Sripur Ward Office for further inquiry.”

The prevalence of child marriage and the dowry system is rampant in Madhesh Province. This is just one example of marriage being annulled because of dowry. Due to insufficient dowry, annulment of marriage and even heinous crimes such as killings after marriage have been taking place in Madhesh Province from time to time.

“Although the government has said that child marriage and dowry system will be eradicated, this has not been implemented in practice. Dowry is taken very lightly as a gift from the bride to the bridegroom at the time of marriage. Even though it looks like that on the surface, the depth is very terrible and painful,” said a legal practitioner.

 
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