Dehradun: An interfaith couple in Uttarakhand’s Bazpur area, who were provided six-week police protection on an order from the Uttarakhand High Court in December last year, has alleged threats to their lives after their Special Marriage Act (SMA) notice, carrying personal details, went viral on social media.
The couple, Mohammad Shanu (22) and Akanksha Kandari (23), had received police protection in December last year after some political and religious parties opposed their marriage, terming it as ‘Love Jihad’. The couple is now awaiting their marriage certificate and fears for their safety as their personal details, including the marriage notice under the Special Marriage Act (SMA), went viral on social media.
Notice and other personal details shared online
According to media reports, the couple submitted their marriage notice at the Bazpur sub-divisional magistrate’s court on January 7. However, a nightmare followed them after the notice and other personal details were leaked and shared online, raising concerns over their safety. “Ever since our marriage notice went viral, it’s been terrible for us. I fear for my life,” Mohammad told the media. He also alleged that members of a Hindu right-wing group remain stationed outside the SDM court.
Mother under pressure from religious groups
Akanksha reportedly said that her mother was against their relationship from the start but is now under pressure from some political and religious groups to file an objection against their marriage. She told the media, “My mother allowed me to marry Shanu on the condition of snapping all ties with the family. She did nothing in between, but now members of Hindu outfits are instigating her to file an objection with the administration.”
The couple met on social media
The couple met on social media in 2018 and began dating in 2022. While Mohammad runs a salon in Uttarakhand’s Udham Singh Nagar area, Akanksha is studying. They decided to marry a year later, but Akanksha’s mother objected to their relationship. After much persuasion, her mother agreed to the marriage but reportedly with the condition that she would break all ties with her daughter. Despite this, the couple married each other. However, several political and religious organizations began opposing their marriage, calling it a matter of love jihad.
HC provided security for six weeks in December
The couple then approached the Uttarakhand High Court in December, seeking police protection. On December 17, a high court bench directed the police to grant protection to the couple for six weeks. It also asked the police officials to assess the situation after six months and take the required steps accordingly. The couple has been living together in a rented accommodation since their marriage.
