MEERUT: What was meant to be a picture-perfect wedding for two police constables ended in shock after the bride-to-be disappeared just hours before the ceremony.
The 25-year-old woman constable, Sandhya Bhardwaj, was scheduled to marry fellow constable Atul Sharma in a match arranged by their families. Wedding preparations were complete, and invitations had already been sent out.
However, on Saturday night, a day before the wedding, Sandhya walked out of her home in Meerut’s Bahsuma region and went missing.
Abduction Allegation
Unaware of her whereabouts, her father, Subhash Sharma, approached the police on Sunday, alleging that Ankit Chauhan, a 28-year-old history-sheeter with nine criminal cases, had abducted his daughter.
He claimed Sandhya had taken 20 days’ leave for her wedding and had returned home from her posting at the cyber police station in Aligarh.
“On February 5, Chauhan threatened the groom over the phone and warned him against marrying my daughter. On Saturday night, he kidnapped her,” Sharma alleged in his complaint.
Based on the complaint, police registered an FIR under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections related to kidnapping and criminal intimidation.
Police Trace Woman, Case Takes Turn
Police traced Sandhya within eight hours to Buxar in Meerut district. However, during questioning, the case took a dramatic turn when she denied being abducted.
She told investigators that she had left home voluntarily and was with Chauhan of her own free will.
According to Mawana Circle Officer Pankaj Lavania, Sandhya had known Chauhan for several years.
“She met him during visits to her aunt’s house in Dhikoli village, which is his native place,” the officer said.
Criminal Background of Accused
Police said Chauhan has multiple cases of robbery and murder registered against him. Last year, he was arrested after a police encounter in connection with a liquor shop robbery and was later released on bail.
Wedding Called Off
Following the developments, the stunned groom called off the wedding. Meanwhile, Sandhya remained firm in her stand, asserting her right to choose her partner.
SP (Rural) Abhijeet Kumar said the woman would soon be produced before a court for her statement.
“She has clearly stated that she left on her own. Legal formalities will be completed as per procedure,” he said.
The incident has sparked widespread discussion, highlighting the clash between personal choice and family expectations in a case that unfolded just hours before a planned wedding.
