An interfaith couple from Jharkhand got married in Kerala’s Kayamkulam early this month after reportedly facing threats and allegations of ‘Love Jihad’ in their home state.
Mohammad Galib and Asha Verma, hailing from Chitarpur in Ramgarh, Jharkhand, fled to Kerala on the advice of a friend from Kayamkulam who worked with Mohammad in West Asia.
Mohammad, who was working abroad, returned after Asha’s family arranged her marriage to a man in his 40s.
However, since they belonged to different religions, protests erupted, mainly led by leaders and members of Asha’s community, alleging ‘Love Jihad.’
As tensions escalated in their hometown, a missing case was registered at Jharkhand’s Rajrappa police station, and police took Mohammad Galib’s parents into custody.
The couple, who have been in a relationship for over 10 years, first married according to Islamic rites at a masjid in Kayamkulam on February 11 and later remarried following Hindu customs at a temple on February 16.
Meanwhile, Asha’s relatives arrived in Kayamkulam, demanding her return, but she refused to go with them.
An application to officially register the marriage has been submitted, according to Gaya S. Latha, the couple’s counsel.
“We got married of our own free will. After registering a false case, the Jharkhand police came and recorded our statements on February 14. Further, another false case was filed against me, accusing me of kidnapping Asha and taking her away by force. We have been asked to appear in person at the police station in Jharkhand. We want to thank our counsel Gaya and others for all their help and for ensuring our safety,” Mohammad told The Hindu.
The couple, through advocates Ms. Gaya and Sravan M.S., have also filed a writ petition in the Kerala High Court seeking police protection, fearing that Asha might become a victim of an “honor killing.”
Upon confirming that they were adults and married, the Kayamkulam police provided them with necessary protection.
