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BEGUSARAI, INDIA, October 27, 2003: The arrival of the wedding season means fear for parents of unmarried men in Begusarai (in Bihar state, eastern India), which is known for “forced marriages.” Pakraua Vivah (forced marriage) is an old practice in the district, but the menace has increased in recent years and spread to neighboring districts also. With dowry demands rising, the families of girls seek help from criminal gangs that kidnap youths and force them into wedlock, Pramod Singh, a social activist said. Thirteen cases of forced marriage were recorded by the police here from February to July. The total for the previous year was 15. The practice is prevalent in the Matihani, Balia, Sahebpur Kamal, Bakhri, Teghra and Baghwara blocks of Begusarai. But a large number of cases go unreported as the families fear the criminal gangs. The gangs charge a handsome commission for kidnapping a boy for marriage. They often stay until the marriage is solemnized and the girl sent to the boy’s home, informed sources said. In many cases, the villagers extend support to the girl’s family. The ceremony is videotaped so that the tape can be used as evidence. HPI adds: In the dharma shastras are listed six or eight forms of marriage. The last three are disapproved — marriage by the boy and girl themselves by exchange of garlands without rites or permission of parents, kidnapping of the girl and drugging the girl. Such marriages are recognized, however, in that the children are considered legitimate and the girl does have the rights of a wife. But even the dharma shastras don’t seem to have considered kidnapping the boy.

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