Couple who married outside caste face extortion from strongmen

A couple who married outside their caste have been asked to either pay Rs. 50,000 or leave the village. The demand was made by some village strongmen, calling it “love marriage tax.” The police have registered a case and assured action against the accused.

Six months ago, Chandan Yadav, 30, and Soni Devi, 22, of Rohia village under Azamnagar panchayat in Katihar district of Bihar ran away and got married. Their family members and the villagers later accepted their marriage.

However, ever since they returned to the village they have been receiving threats from village strongmen for money.

“Call it protection money or love marriage tax. Pay Rs. 50,000 or face the consequences, they told me,” Chandan Yadav said. “They said since we got married outside our caste we have to pay the money. We have been pushed and shoved earlier,” said Soni Devi.

Chandan Yadav worked as a waiter in Katihar for five months post-marriage but returned to the village as he could not earn enough. Later, the couple approached former MLA Mahendra Yadav, who, along with some villagers, contacted Katihar SP Kshatranil Singh.

“I have asked the local police to investigate. If found true, we will take action against the accused,” said the SP.