LUCKNOW: What began as a night of music, rituals and celebration ended in shock, and a ‘baraat’ returning empty-handed in a village in Barabanki.Just hours after completing the ‘seven vows’ of marital bond, a 22-year-old groom was ‘exposed’ as being allegedly associated with the transgender (kinnar) community, moments before the bride’s ceremonial ‘bidai’ on Friday night.
The marriage was fixed six months ago between a local girl and Rishu, a resident of Pure Ganai village. On Feb 13, the ‘baraat’ arrived in full festive spirit, with a band, dancing relatives, and a grand welcome from the bride’s family. Rituals were completed and guests retired after dinner.Around 4am, when preparations for the bride’s departure were under way, a group of ‘kinnars’ from Kadopur reached the venue to collect customary ‘neg’ (gift). The atmosphere shifted dramatically when they recognised the groom. Eyewitnesses claimed the groom’s family quickly handed over Rs 23,000, urging them to remain silent.When the bride’s relatives asked the groom to step inside for verification, he refused and created a commotion. The visiting ‘kinnars’ revealed that the groom was earlier a part of their troupe.Furious relatives of the bride detained the groom as police were alerted.However, no FIR was lodged, reportedly due to social sensitivities. After negotiations, the groom’s side allegedly agreed to reimburse wedding expenses. The ‘baraat’ returned without the bride.
