Bhopal (Agency): In a deeply disturbing incident that highlights the challenges posed by inter-faith marriages in society, a father in Madhya Pradesh shocked the nation by declaring his daughter dead after she married a man from a different religion. The incident, which occurred in Mandsaur district, took an even more appalling turn as the father took his daughter to a police station and covered her with a white cloth, symbolizing a burial shroud.
A viral video of the incident circulating on social media shows the father wrapping his daughter in the white cloth, stating, “She married a Muslim man, which is embarrassing for the family. She is dead to us from today.” The video has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the treatment of individuals who choose to marry outside their religion.
The Mandsaur district Superintendent of Police, Anurag Sujania, took immediate action and suspended an assistant sub-inspector and two constables who were present at the Nahargarh police station where the incident took place. The police explained that the woman’s family had initially filed a missing person complaint, but she was later located and summoned to the police station to provide her statement on June 25. It was during this interaction that the father covered his daughter with the white cloth, announcing her supposed death.
According to the police, the woman revealed in her statement that she had willingly converted to Islam and married Sahil Mansoori, a resident of Sanjeet Naka in Mandsaur. This incident follows a similar one that occurred a few weeks ago in Jabalpur district, where parents, upset over their daughter’s inter-faith marriage, performed her symbolic last rites on the bank of the Narmada river.
Inter-faith marriages continue to be a contentious issue in many societies, often leading to societal pressure, family conflicts, and even violence. These incidents shed light on the need for greater acceptance, understanding, and respect for individuals’ choices in matters of love and marriage, irrespective of religious differences.
It is essential to promote dialogue, education, and awareness to challenge deep-seated biases and foster inclusivity in our communities. Authorities must enforce strict laws to protect individuals from discrimination and ensure their safety and well-being. Families and communities also play a critical role in supporting and accepting inter-faith marriages, promoting harmony and unity instead of division and prejudice.
The incident in Madhya Pradesh serves as a stark reminder of the importance of building a more tolerant and inclusive society, where individuals have the freedom to choose their life partners based on love and mutual consent, rather than being subjected to societal pressure or discrimination based on religion. It is a collective responsibility to create an environment that respects diversity and upholds the principles of equality and human rights for all.