Begusarai, December 14th 2024, Jeevesh Tarun :Begusarai, often dubbed the birthplace of ‘Pakraua Marriage’, is once again in the headlines as a shocking incident of forced marriage surfaces. This time, a newly appointed BPSC teacher, Avneesh Kumar, was allegedly coerced into marrying a woman at a small temple under the Mufassil police station’s jurisdiction. The bride’s family claims long-standing love between the two, while Avneesh denies any such relationship. The matter has now reached the police, who are investigating the incident.
A Throwback to Pakraua Marriages
The infamous “Pakraua Marriage” practice, prevalent in the 1980s, involved forcibly marrying off individuals, particularly those with stable jobs, often against their will. While this practice had disappeared in recent years, the recent recruitment of government school teachers appears to have revived it in Begusarai.
A viral video from the incident shows Avneesh being held by several people and forcibly made to marry the woman in question. According to sources, Avneesh, a resident of Rajoura Sikandarpur, had been in a four-year relationship with the woman, who is undergoing ANM training.
The Bride’s Claims
The bride alleged that Avneesh had promised marriage multiple times but started distancing himself after securing his teaching position. She recounted how he often invited her to hotels, where they spent time together, and even called her to his school recently, only to refuse marriage. The situation escalated when locals caught Avneesh meeting her and forced him to marry her on the spot.
Avneesh’s Denial
Avneesh has categorically denied any romantic involvement with the woman. “I never had any physical or emotional relationship with her. I used to visit her house for tuition, which led to a familial bond, but nothing beyond that,” he stated.
Police Investigation Underway
The bride’s family has filed a formal complaint with the Mufassil police station. The DSP of Begusarai Headquarters, Ramesh Prasad Singh, commented, “According to the girl’s family, the two were in a relationship and had previously tied the knot. However, the boy began ignoring her after his BPSC appointment. We are investigating all angles thoroughly and will take appropriate action based on evidence.”
Community Reaction
This incident has reignited discussions around Pakraua Marriage, with many questioning the ethics of reviving such practices in modern times. Locals are divided, with some sympathizing with the woman, while others criticize the forced marriage as a violation of personal choice.
As investigations continue, the incident remains a hot topic in Begusarai, reflecting the complex interplay of tradition, social expectations, and individual rights.
