AHMEDABAD: The scene was straight out of films for many invitees at Premilaben Patel's residence in Vinzol on Monday morning. With just a few hours left for her daughter's marriage, the bridegroom's side demanded Rs 5 lakh. Unable to get the amount at such a short notice, Patel pleaded to see the nuptials through. However, the marriage procession never came to Ahmedabad, leaving the family in distress.

Ankita Patel, 23, the bride, took the initiative and approached the Vatva GIDC police station in her bride 's attire and filed a complaint against the family from Himmatnagar for demanding dowry and causing mental harassment. She has mentioned in her complaint that the family of Paresh Patel, the bridegroom, had already got Rs 3 lakh in the past two years on various pretexts.

According to Vatva GIDC police, Ankita had got engaged to Paresh Patel, a resident of Himmantnagar, two years back. Ankita's mother Premilaben raised three daughters after the demise of her husband and made two ends meet by letting out half the residence and working as a tailor. Ankita, the eldest daughter got her bachelors degree after which she gave consent to marriage.

Police say Ankita's family alleges that they conceded all demands of Paresh's family in the past two years, including seeking money to build a house and for family functions. Despite limited resources, they spent considerably and prepared for a marriage party consisting of more than 500 people.

"Premilaben got the shock of her life when Paresh's mother called at 8 am and told her that she expected at least Rs 5 lakh to be given at the wedding time," said a police official.

Fed up with the drama, Ankita asked the relatives not to bend anymore to the boy's family and approached police for the mental harassment and demand of dowry. GV Gohil, inspector of Vatva police station, said that they have asked the family members of Paresh Patel to record their statements in the case.