This marriage was made in a police station

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE, MARCH 19. Policemen removed their caps, kept their batons aside and blessed a young couple at the Ashoknagar police station on Monday afternoon. The policemen, who took time off to share meals served on plantain leaves, took pride in having been able to express their concern for society.

The bride, Ms. Sheela, never thought that she would soon be Mr. Venkatesh's wife when the couple approached the police on Sunday with the help of the Mahila Vimochana. The last 24 hours before her wedding were most eventful for her.

Her marriage with Mr. Venkatesh, a KSRTC bus driver, had been decided upon a few months ago, and Ms. Sheela's mother had even selected a wedding hall.

However, following the death of Ms. Sheela's mother three months ago, one of her uncles allegedly attempted to get the marriage called off as he wanted to marry Ms. Sheela, who has inherited prime property at J.P. Nagar from her father. As she has no brother or sister, she approached Vimochana for help.

When Mr. Muniyappa, Sub-Inspector (Crime-I), of Ashoknagar police station, who heard about her predicament on Sunday, decided that the best way to help her was to conduct the wedding without any further delay. While a head constable, Mr. Suryanarayana, offered his services as a purohit, others including Mr. Lakkannagowda, Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police, expressed their willingness to make all the arrangements. By this morning, they had secured a ``taali'', new clothes for the bride and all other things required.

By 12.30 p.m., Ms. Sheela and Mr. Venkatesh emerged from the police station as a couple. Later, they celebrated their marriage by joining the policemen for a meal served on plantain leaves. Mr. Muniyappa had the higher officials attend the wedding and bless the couple.

By the evening, Ms. Sheela and Mr. Venkatesh had their marriage registered. After those formalities, they were seen walking hand- in-hand to a coffee shop near the police station.

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Section  : Southern States
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