An interfaith couple’s planned wedding in Meerut has sparked controversy after police registered an FIR against the groom under Uttar Pradesh’s unlawful religious conversion law, following allegations of “love jihad” by right-wing groups.
The couple — Akanksha Gautam, a Buddhist who works with a private bank, and Shahvez Rana, a medical professional from another community — were scheduled to marry on February 13. Both are in their mid-20s and residents of Meerut.
After news of the wedding emerged, members of right-wing outfits staged protests and, along with Akanksha’s uncle Premchand Gautam, lodged a complaint at the Ganga Nagar police station.
Meerut (rural) SP Abhijeet Kumar said a case had been registered against the groom under BNS Section 351(3) for criminal intimidation, along with provisions of the Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act. “No arrests have been made so far,” he added.
In his complaint, Akanksha’s uncle alleged deception and questioned the groom’s identity, citing differences in the name mentioned on the wedding card. “Akanksha was misled by ‘Sahil’, whose real name is Shahvez Rana. He deceived her to grab property and manipulated her into marriage. I fear for my niece’s safety,” he claimed.
Responding to the allegations and the involvement of right-wing groups, Akanksha said both families supported the marriage. “My family is fine with the wedding, and so is Sahil’s. So who gave these outfits the right to interfere in my personal life? This entire episode has caused me immense stress. If anything happens to me, they will be responsible,” she said.
She added that the couple planned to marry according to Buddhist traditions and clarified that she herself had given her partner the name “Sahil.” “There is no wrongdoing in this,” she said.
Akanksha also alleged that the dispute was linked to a property matter involving her uncle. “Since my father’s death three years ago, he has been eyeing our property. He knew about my relationship with Sahil for six years. His concern is fake and driven by vested interests,” she claimed.
Her mother, Lata Rani, said the family follows Buddhism and is acting within constitutional rights. “We fully support our daughter and Shahvez. They will get married, come what may. If needed, we will approach the high court,” she said.
Meanwhile, Sachin Sirohi, president of Hindu Suraksha Sangathan, said his group would oppose the wedding. “If they try to solemnise the marriage elsewhere, we will reach there as well,” he said.
Shahvez Rana and his family were not available for comment. The matter remains under investigation.
