Representative photo AGRA: A bride walked out of her wedding after the groom refused to perform the main rituals unless his demand for Rs 30 lakh dowry was met at the venue. Ravi Kumar, a police constable posted in Agra, was arrested after a case against him was filed by the bride’s father, a sub-inspector posted in Ghaziabad. The dowry demand was allegedly made shortly after the groom’s party arrived and the garland exchange (varmala) ritual was performed.
When the bride’s family expressed their inability to give such a huge amount, an argument ensued between the two parties. Realising that her knight in shining armour wasn’t what he had initially shown her to be, the bride refused to marry him, terming his actions unacceptable. Khandauli SHO Rakesh Singh Chauhan said a case under BNS section 352 (intention insult) and sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act was registered against Ravi Kumar.
“The groom was arrested, but released on bail later after being served a notice,” said SHO Chauhan. A member from bride’s side said, “Her father had already spent lakhs of rupees on the wedding. Also, household goods and other appliances worth several lakhs of rupees were given.
Still, the groom demanded Rs 30 lakh in cash on the wedding night.”.