A wedding in Bihar’s Bettiah reportedly fell apart after the groom’s family allegedly demanded an additional ₹50,000 as dowry just hours before the ceremony, leaving the bride waiting through the night for a baraat that never arrived.
The incident took place in Machchhargawan Bazar village under Yogapatti police station limits in West Champaran district. The bride, Shabnam, was set to marry Armaan, son of Gulab Ansari from Rudalpur village, on June 15.
According to the bride’s family, all wedding preparations had been completed, relatives had gathered from different places, and food for nearly 200 guests had been prepared. However, the marriage could not take place after the groom’s side allegedly refused to proceed without an extra payment.
Bride’s Family Alleges Last-Minute Dowry Demand
Shabnam’s family alleged that on the day of the wedding, the groom’s father, Gulab Ansari, demanded ₹50,000 in cash and informed them that around 200 baraatis would be arriving. The family also said they were asked to prepare goat meat for the guests.
“They told us the baraat would arrive by evening. We arranged the meat and all preparations, but we could not arrange ₹50,000 immediately,” a family member said.
The bride’s father, Shahid Ansari, claimed that the marriage had been fixed months earlier and that the family had already given ₹1.5 lakh in cash, furniture, and a motorcycle during the engagement ceremony.
“Despite already giving dowry earlier, they again demanded ₹50,000 at the last moment. Since we could not pay, the baraat never came,” Shahid Ansari alleged.
Bride Waited Till Late Night
Family members said Shabnam remained dressed in wedding attire and waited for the baraat until late at night, hoping the groom’s family would still arrive.
The house, prepared for celebration, reportedly turned silent as guests and relatives waited in vain. Food prepared for hundreds of people remained untouched.
“The whole family suffered humiliation. Relatives had arrived from far away, and everything was ready. Our daughter’s dreams were shattered,” the bride’s father said.
Police Begin Investigation
After receiving information about the matter, police from Yogapatti police station reached the village and started an inquiry. Officials said they have spoken to both families and are investigating the allegations.
The bride’s family has reportedly sought legal action against the groom and his relatives for allegedly demanding dowry and refusing to proceed with the marriage.
Police said further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
Dowry Practice Continues Despite Religious and Legal Prohibition
The incident has once again highlighted the persistence of dowry practices despite legal restrictions and religious teachings. In Islam, taking dowry is considered forbidden (haram), yet cases linked to dowry demands continue to emerge within Muslim communities, reflecting a broader social issue that cuts across religions and regions in India.
The case has also raised questions about the emotional and social impact on brides who become victims of last-minute dowry demands despite extensive wedding preparations.
