A government school teacher in Bihar’s Begusarai was abducted and forced into marriage in a controversial practice known as ‘Pakadwa Vivah’. The incident involved Avnish Kumar, a newly-appointed teacher, and Gunjan, the woman who claimed they were in a romantic relationship for four years. However, Avnish has alleged that he was kidnapped and coerced into marrying her against his will.
Avnish, who had recently cleared the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam, was reportedly on his way to work when a group of men in two SUVs intercepted him. He was then taken to a temple, where he was forced to participate in marriage rituals, including applying vermillion to Gunjan’s forehead. A video of the forced ceremony went viral, showing Avnish visibly resisting while being compelled to complete the wedding rites. Avnish also claimed he was physically assaulted during the ordeal and asserted that he did not consent to the marriage.
In contrast, Gunjan presented a different account of the events. She stated that she and Avnish had been in a relationship for four years, which began when she was studying in Rajoura. According to Gunjan, Avnish had invited her to Katihar, where he was posted as a teacher, and the two met frequently. She claimed that Avnish’s refusal to marry her led her family to take matters into their own hands, organizing the forced marriage.After the wedding, Gunjan went to Avnish’s home, but his family allegedly mistreated her and rejected the marriage.
She has since filed a police complaint against him. Avnish, however, denied any romantic involvement with Gunjan, saying their interaction was limited to him being a private tutor for her sister. He accused Gunjan of harassing him with repeated phone calls, even after he blocked her number.
Following the incident, Avnish informed the police about his abduction and the forced marriage. The case has sparked widespread attention, highlighting the ongoing issue of ‘Pakadwa Vivah’ practices in some regions of Bihar. The police are investigating the matter further.
