Ahmedabad: A major controversy erupted today at the District Registrar and Special Marriage Registration office located in the Ahmedabad Metro Court compound. A 27-year-old Muslim man from Kathwada, identified as Salman Mansuri, and a Hindu woman from Karoli, Gandhinagar, attempted to register their marriage while allegedly disguised in professional legal attire to bypass public scrutiny.

As per reports, the couple arrived at the court early in the morning, with the woman reportedly dressed in a lawyer’s uniform. Protesters alleged that she was brought into the office through a back entrance to avoid detection. Local lawyers noticed the couple in legal attire and, suspecting a ruse, alerted the Karanj police station, demanding strict action for the alleged misuse of the professional uniform.

Allegations of Bias and “Love Jihad”

The situation escalated as members of the VHP and Bajrang Dal gathered to protest, labeling the union an instance of “Love Jihad.” The activists raised slogans against the Marriage Registrar, M.M. Sayed, accusing him of religious bias. They claimed that while marriage registrations typically begin at 11:00 am, the Registrar allowed the couple to enter at 9:30 am to facilitate a “behind-closed-doors” process.

The woman’s family was also present and expressed deep concern. Her uncle stated that she had been missing since the night of Sharad Punam and is a student at a college in Bahiyal. The family alleged that she was acting under pressure and demanded to speak with her directly.

As the protest intensified, BJP MLA Kaushik Jain and Bajrang Dal leader Jvalit Mehta arrived at the court. Given the volatile situation, a large police contingent, including personnel from the Crime Branch, was deployed to maintain order. MLA Jain recommended that the woman be taken to Bahiyal to meet her parents before any further steps were taken.

Despite the attempt, the marriage registration was not completed. The advocate initially representing the couple withdrew the vakalatnama (power of attorney), citing a misunderstanding regarding the nature of the case.

The couple was eventually escorted out of the court under heavy police protection and taken towards Bahiyal. During the process, a scuffle broke out between police and activists, leading to the detention of three VHP workers.

The woman was later escorted to Dahegam. Meanwhile, the MLA and VHP leaders arrived at Karanj Police Station, where the detained VHP workers were being held. DeshGujarat