Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (AM)

Kundapur, Oct 18: The couple, after a courtship of 10 years, had a registered marriage last month. But before formal wedding ceremony could take place, the groom went absconding. Now, the distressed bride as well as her family has camped outside the groom's family's residence, demanding justice. The incident came to light on Wednesday, October 18.

Lalitha, a nurse, fell in love with Manjunath, a building construction worker, 10 years ago. The couple was very close to each and had even developed physical relationship. Manjunath who went missing after promising to marry her, was caught by the police and counseled. The couple then got registered marriage on September 25. It is said that Manjunath who informed his family about his wedding two days later, faced stiff opposition at his house. He went missing after that, and has still not been traced.

Lalitha and Manjunath’s wedding ceremony was fixed for October 6 at Sri Vasuki Subramanya Nagasakshi temple. All were invited including people from Lalitha’s workplace. All arrived, but Manjunath. Speaking to media, Lalitha said that the incident made her family members to contemplate suicide.

Protest in front of Manjunath's house

Lalitha decided to protest in front of Manjunath’s house. She has demanded Manjunath’s family to do justice to her. Holding the wedding banner and invitations, Lalitha is looking for justice.

Circle inspector and police personnel who arrived at the spot, requested Lalitha and her family to calm down and vacate the place. But the protesting family is stuck to the place and refusing to leave until justice is served.

Argument between families

In the melee, an argument arose between Manjunath’s brother-in-law Chandra and Lalitha’s family members. Lalitha accused Manjunath’s family of protecting him, which led to further arguments between the two families. Personnel from Kundapur police station arrived at the spot and cleared the place.

Police tried to settle the matter amicably, but Lalitha was not ready for it. She filed a missing complaint regarding Manjunath at the station, and finally withdrew her protest temporarily.

“I was in love Manjunath from the past 10 years. When he absconded leaving me, I filed at complaint at the police station. The wedding was fixed for October 6, but Manjunath has escaped. I will protest till I find my husband and will not stop," said Lalitha.

“Manjunath was never interested in the wedding. He has informed me about the same. By the time I spoke to Kundapur police station inspector Nasir Hussain, he had got married. Hence, the police said that they could not do anything as the couple had already got married. He met us the last time and went somewhere and has not returned yet. We are looking for him. If he does not return in two days, we will file a police complaint," said Chandra, Manjunath’s brother-in-law.