A 30-year-old school teacher was allegedly kidnapped and coerced into marrying a 25-year-old woman, prompting him to file a police complaint.

The incident took place in Katihar district of Bihar on December 13.

Visuals show the bride and groom being forced into marriage rituals, with the groom held back by the family. Distressed, he pleaded to be released but was silenced as someone covered his mouth to stop him from crying out for help. In subsequent footage, the bride recounts the entire ordeal and the story of her lover.

According to reports, Avnish Kumar, an assistant teacher in Katihar district, was allegedly kidnapped by two individuals in an SUV while traveling to work by e-rickshaw. The SUV stopped near a temple, where Avnish was forced to marry 25-year-old Gunjan Kumari, a native of Lakhisarai, under duress. Despite his protests, the local priest solemnized the marriage.

Avnish managed to escape when the vehicle stopped near his native village in Begusarai, but Gunjan and her relatives later arrived at his house, where his family refused to accept her. Gunjan then filed a complaint at Mufassil police station, claiming she and Avnish had been in a relationship for four years and that he had ignored her after his appointment as a government teacher. She alleged that Avnish initiated a physical relationship with her under the pretext of marriage.

The police summoned Avnish’s father, and the case was referred to the Mahila Helpline for counseling. Avnish later told the media that he had already reported the kidnapping and forced marriage to the Katihar superintendent of police. A case of kidnapping and physical assault has been filed. Avnish admitted meeting Gunjan while tutoring at her sister’s house before his government appointment and said she continued contacting him despite being blocked.