UP cops stop interfaith wedding party, claim venue booked for b’day party

BAREILLY: Police stopped an interfaith wedding reception in Shahjahanpur on Sunday evening, saying that the banquet lawn had been booked under the pretext of a birthday party, following objections raised by right-wing activists who arrived at the venue alongside police and alleged that the organisers were trying to conceal the true nature of the event. The couple had married in court nearly a year ago in Delhi.The groom, a resident of Jiya Khel locality under Chowk police station limits, is pursuing a B Pharma course in Delhi, while the bride is employed in a private firm. Her parents were present as witnesses during the court marriage. An officer said, "The groom's father had reserved the marriage lawn in Mohalla Mehman Shah around 15 days ago, describing it as a birthday celebration. However, invitation cards referred to it as a post-wedding reception."Preparations were already underway at the venue on Sunday evening, with food being cooked, tables and chairs arranged, and decorations in progress. The bride, groom and their families had not yet reached the location when activists from a right-wing organisation arrived with police and began protesting. They accused the organisers of attempting to incite religious tensions and demanded that the police take immediate action.A police team led by SHO Ashwani Kumar soon arrived at the venue and questioned the groom's father, who initially claimed that the event was a birthday party. However, he later acknowledged that it was indeed a reception. Shahjahanpur SSP Rajesh Dwivedi told TOI, "Members of right-wing groups objected that the reception was being held on the pretext of a birthday celebration, and police went there to pacify the matter. The groom's family said they will now hold the event in Delhi. No FIR has been filed in the matter."