News Flash Daily
25 February
Interfaith marriage sparks unrest in Aurai area; police deployment intensified after allegations, FIR, and viral social media content
Patna: A marriage between a 60-year-old private school principal and a 28-year-old teacher in Bihar has triggered communal tension in parts of the state, prompting the district administration to impose heightened security and deploy additional police forces. The interfaith union, involving individuals from the Hindu and Muslim communities, has become a flashpoint following a series of allegations, counterclaims, and widespread circulation of images and videos on social media.
Interfaith Marriage Leads to Law and Order Concerns
The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Aurai police station, where authorities confirmed increased vigilance after reports of unrest. Officials said the situation remains under control but sensitive, with police maintaining a strong presence to prevent any escalation.
The principal, Rakesh Sah, a Hindu and father of four, reportedly married Shaista Parveen, a Muslim teacher employed at the same private school. Their relationship and subsequent marriage came to public attention after photographs and videos of the ceremony went viral online, leading to protests and heated discussions in certain localities.
Family Alleges Abduction and Forced Conversion
According to police records, the woman’s family has accused Rakesh Sah of abducting Shaista Parveen and taking her to Nepal, where the marriage allegedly took place. The family further claimed that the woman was forcibly converted prior to the wedding.
An FIR filed by Shaista Parveen’s brother states that she left home for school on February 18 but did not return. The complaint alleges that Sah threatened her, coerced her into changing her religion, and orchestrated the marriage abroad. The FIR also names Sah’s wife and daughter as accused parties.
Police Investigation Underway
Senior police officials confirmed that an investigation is ongoing and that all allegations are being examined based on evidence and legal procedure. Authorities emphasized that maintaining communal harmony remains the top priority while ensuring a fair probe.
Woman Denies Allegations in Video Statement
As the controversy intensified, Shaista Parveen returned from Nepal and released a video message addressing the accusations. In the video, she categorically denied her family’s claims, stating that she married Rakesh Sah of her own free will and without any pressure or coercion.
“I married by my own choice. I am safe and under no pressure. The allegations being made are false,” she said in the video appeal.
She also urged authorities not to harass her husband, asserting that the accusations against him were baseless.
Administration Urges Calm
District officials have appealed to the public to refrain from spreading misinformation and to rely only on verified updates from authorities. They reiterated that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to disturb public order.
