Wedding called off after groom revealed as transgender, baraat returns without bride in UP’s Barabanki
Wedding called off after groom revealed as transgender, baraat returns without bride in UP’s Barabanki
Families reach informal settlement as police intervene briefly; baraat returns without bride amid confusion and social stigma.
Shock and confusion gripped a village in Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki district after a wedding ceremony reportedly descended into chaos when questions were raised about the groom’s gender identity shortly after the rituals were completed.
The incident took place on February 13 under the Kothi police station limits. According to reports, the wedding procession arrived in celebration, and the bride’s family welcomed guests warmly. Rituals including the garland exchange and the seven sacred pheras were completed, with the bride’s farewell scheduled for the next morning.
However, the situation took an unexpected turn late at night when a group of transgender persons reportedly arrived at the venue to collect the customary ‘neg’, a traditional gift often given during weddings.
Sources said members of the group recognised the groom immediately. In what was seen as an attempt to avoid disclosure, the groom’s family allegedly offered around Rs 23,000 and requested them to remain silent. The sudden payment raised suspicion among the bride’s relatives, who then demanded clarification and verification.
Reports claimed that the groom refused and attempted to leave the venue, after which members of the transgender group allegedly stated that the groom had previously lived within their community.
The groom was identified as Rishu (22), a resident of Pure Ganai village in the Dinauna area under Ram Sanehi Ghat. The marriage had reportedly been arranged about six months earlier.
As the information spread, panic erupted at the wedding venue. Several guests reportedly fled, and members of the groom’s side were said to have left quietly. The bride’s relatives detained the groom, leading to heightened tensions.
Police reached the spot, but no formal complaint was filed. Sources suggested that both families avoided legal action due to social stigma and fear of public embarrassment.
Later, the bride’s family reportedly served refreshments to the remaining guests. The groom’s family allegedly agreed to compensate for wedding expenses, after which the baraat returned without the bride.
Reports further stated that members of the transgender community later intervened and took the groom away, saying he had earlier been associated with their troupe.
The bride’s uncle was quoted as saying that the alliance had been arranged in good faith and that the family was unaware of any such issue. He added that the groom had been raised by his maternal aunt since childhood and that assurances regarding financial stability had influenced the match.
The incident has drawn attention to the complex intersection of identity, social pressure, and stigma in arranged marriages, highlighting the need for greater sensitivity and transparency to prevent such distressing situations.
