A young interfaith couple from Jharkhand, Mohammad Galib and Asha Verma, got married at Kayamkulam in Alappuzha early this month after reportedly facing threats and allegations of ‘love jihad’ in their home State.
Hailing from Chitarpur in Ramgarh in Jharkhand, they fled to Kerala earlier this month following death threats. According to Gaya S. Latha, the couple’s counsel, Mohammad (30) and Asha (27) first married as per Islamic religious rites and customs at a masjid at Kayamkulam on February 11. Later on February 16, they got married again at a temple following Hindu customs.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, the couple said their relationship dates back over a decade. “We got married of our own free will. After registering a false case, the Jharkhand police came and recorded our statements on February 14. Further, another false case was filed against me, accusing me of kidnapping Asha and taking her away by force. We have been asked to appear in person at the police station in Jharkhand. We want to thank our counsel Gaya and others for all their help and for ensuring our safety,” said Mohammad.
Asha said that she willingly came with Mohammad. Earlier this month, her relatives reached Kayamkulam but she refused to go with them. The couple arrived in Kerala on the advice of a friend from Kayamkulam who worked with Mohammad in West Asia.
Ms. Gaya said that Asha’s family had arranged her marriage to a man in his 40s. Upon learning this, Mohammad, who was working abroad, returned to India. However, since they belonged to different religions, opposition to their marriage grew.
“Protests erupted, mainly led by leaders and members of Asha’s community. Subsequently, allegations of ‘love jihad’ were raised against Mohammad, leading to tensions and prompting the couple to flee to Kayamkulam,” Ms. Gaya said, adding that an application has been filed to officially register their marriage.
The couple, through an advocate, have also filed a writ petition in the Kerala High Court seeking police protection fearing that Asha might become a victim of an “honour killing”.
Kayamkulam Dy.SP N. Babukuttan said the couple would be provided necessary protection if they requested.
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