Patna, May 22 (IANS): A couple in Bihar belonging to different castes has left their village fearing a threat to their life after a strongman had demanded Rs.50,000 as protection money to allow them to settle down, the head of a village body said on Friday.

Chotu Kumar Yadav and his wife Soni Devi left Gorga village in Katihar district, around 300 km from here, after they were asked to pay protection money.

"The fear stricken couple left the village," Arihana panchayat head Mahender Ravidas said.

Ravidas said Chotu's parents and other members of his family have been living in the village but confined inside their house.

"They are living under constant fear," he said.

A district police official Chandrika Prasad, who is probing the case, said a co-villager and strongman Dinesh Yadav had demanded protection money and threatened them.

Accoding to police, Chotu, who belongs to Yadav caste, married a girl of a Dhanuk caste of the adjoining village six months ago.

Katihar Superintendent of Police (SP) Kshatraneel Singh said an FIR was lodged against Dinesh on the basis of Chotu's statement and police have began an investigation into it.

Dinesh was absconding after the case was lodged against him.

The couple lived at different places till their families accepted their marriage a month ago.

Chhotu happily returned to village with his wife but Dinesh Yadav not only demanded protection money but also started harassing him and his family members.

Chotu had informed district police officials that Dinesh Yadav had threatened him to pay money or leave the village. He and his family members were attacked and beaten by Dinesh and his men.

He, along with his family members were also attacked and beaten by Dinesh and his men.