An interfaith marriage in Meerut has sparked tension after Hindu organisations alleged “Love Jihad” and called for a Mahapanchayat in protest. The wedding of Akanksha Gautam, a bank employee from the Dalit community, and Shahvez Rana, a resident of Lisadi Gate, was scheduled for February 13 in the Ganganagar area. However, amid rising protests and fears of unrest, both families have cancelled the ceremony for now.
The controversy began after Akanksha’s uncle, Premchand, filed a complaint alleging a conspiracy for religious conversion and property grabbing. Based on his complaint, Ganganagar police registered an FIR under conversion-related charges and started an investigation. Police officials said they are examining claims made by both sides, including the issue of different names printed on the wedding cards.
Akanksha has strongly denied the allegations. “I am an adult, and I am getting married by my own choice,” she said. “I am not Sanatani, I am Ambedkarite. I follow Buddhism, and this marriage will take place according to Buddhist customs.” She added that her family has known Shahvez and his family for the last six years and that his identity was never hidden.
The dispute intensified after two separate wedding cards surfaced. On one card, printed by the groom’s family, his name appeared as Shahvez Rana. On the card printed by the bride’s family, the name Sahil was used. Akanksha’s mother, Lata Gautam, clarified that Sahil was a nickname she had given him. “We know the boy’s entire family. His name is Shahvez. I gave him the name Sahil affectionately and that is what was printed. There is no case of Love Jihad,” she said, calling the allegations baseless.
Akanksha alleged that some organisations were pressuring the banquet hall owner to cancel the booking and that she was being stopped and harassed on her way to work. “When both families agree, no organisation has the right to interfere,” she said, accusing protestors of creating unnecessary disputes.
According to the families, the couple had followed due legal procedure under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. They submitted the required documents at the ADM City office in Meerut in November 2025. By January 2026, they were informed that the Local Intelligence Unit had completed its verification process, after which wedding preparations began.
Meanwhile, Hindu organisations have announced a Mahapanchayat against the marriage, calling it a case of Love Jihad. Hindu Raksha Dal president Pinky Chaudhary was placed under house arrest in Ghaziabad after announcing his participation. The organisation’s national president, Sachin Sirohi, said the gathering was aimed at protecting Hindu women and preventing what he described as religious conversion conspiracies.
Police said they are on alert in view of the Mahapanchayat announcement and are monitoring the situation to maintain law and order. Officials confirmed that the investigation into the FIR filed by the uncle is ongoing.
Akanksha has made it clear that she intends to proceed with the marriage and will challenge the FIR legally. “I will marry only Sahil,” she said, asserting that the decision is hers and taken with the consent of her family.
