Pareekshith Shet

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Dec 1: A family which tried to take back their daughter who had fallen in love with a youth, eloped with him and married him, was counselled by the police personnel from the town to desist from forcing the girl away. They finally succeeded in sending the family back to their village, and the married couple, to their home. The incident occurred in front of Maithri Complex near service bus stand here on Wednesday November 30.

Gangadhar (29) and Yallamma (19), both from Hunagunda taluk in Bagalkot district, were in love with each other since the last four years. As the girl's parents opposed the alliance, they ran away from their respective families seven months back, became man and wife through registered marriage, and settled down at Padubidri in the taluk. Since sometime, they have been working for Udupi Power Corporation Ltd and staying at Padubidri.

It is learnt that the family of the boy was agreeable for their relationship. After coming to know that the two had got married, the parents of the girl reportedly told the couple over phone that they were prepared to approve their marriage. At the request of the girl's parents, the couple gleefully came to Udupi. However, they were shocked to find that the girl's parents had come with six to seven persons, with the aim of forcibly taking her away back home. After the girl refused, there was fight between them, at which locals alerted the police.

The police led the couple to police station and provided protection to them. The case was referred to women's police station here, where discussions were held with the family members of the girl as well as the recently married couple. The parents of the girl argued that the marriage that was solemnized without the presence and approval of bride's parents cannot be treated as marriage as per their customs. The police personnel finally succeeded in convincing the family of the girl that being a major, the girl has the right to marry the person of her choice. The issue came to a close with the parents returning to Bagalkot, and the couple to Padubidri.

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