Interfaith marriage in Meerut called off amid ‘love jihad’ allegations by Hindu groups

An interfaith marriage scheduled in Meerut on Friday, 13 February , was postponed amid protests by Hindu organisations and rising tensions, officials said. Police strengthened security as the controversy drew wider media attention and direct public statements from both sides.

The wedding, planned at the Paradise Mandap resort on Ganganagar‑Mawana Road , was to unite Akanksha Gautam , a 29‑year‑old Buddhist woman, with Shahvez Rana , a Muslim man she has known for years. Invitation cards were printed, but a dispute erupted over the groom’s identity after some Hindu groups claimed his name was concealed and labelled the case as alleged “love jihad,” a controversial ideological term used by right‑wing activists.

Akanksha’s paternal uncle, Premchand Gautam , filed a complaint at Ganga Nagar police station alleging that the groom misrepresented his identity and was attempting to “brainwash” and convert her, and asserting that there were motives to grab the bride’s property. He also claimed the name “Sahil” printed on the wedding cards was part of this concealment. Police registered an FIR against Shahvez Rana under sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act after receiving the complaint.

Superintendent of Police (Rural) Abhijit Kumar said all aspects of the matter were being examined “fairly and lawfully,” and that discrepancies regarding names on the wedding cards and other allegations were under investigation. He appealed to all sides to exercise restraint and warned that action would be taken against anyone disturbing public order.

Members of the Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Suraksha Sangathan had announced a mahapanchayat at the venue to “raise awareness” about alleged irregularities and draw the administration’s attention to the issue. Their leader, Sachin Sirohi , said his group would oppose the marriage wherever it was attempted and insisted the matter must be investigated with transparency.

Akanksha, however, strongly denied accusations of fraud or coercion, calling them “baseless” and “politically motivated,” and said she was marrying Shahvez of her own free will. She reiterated that she identifies as Buddhist, not Hindu, and that she and her family had disclosed the relationship openly. “I want to marry, and I will get married. This is a democratic country,” she told reporters. She also accused her uncle of interfering due to a long‑standing property dispute.

Her mother echoed her support for the couple, saying, “They will get married come what may, and if need be we will approach the high court.” Akanksha also questioned why the issue was being portrayed as a Hindu‑Muslim conflict when her ceremony was to be solemnised according to Buddhist rituals.

The resort management cancelled the booking amid fears of escalation, resulting in the postponement of the wedding. Both families, who had invested financially and emotionally in the celebrations, were left upset and uncertain about next steps. The episode has triggered widespread discussion on social media and fitfully reignited debates on interfaith unions and anti‑conversion laws in Uttar Pradesh.