In a shocking turn of events in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, a wedding was abruptly called off after the groom’s family made a sudden, exorbitant dowry demand. The bride, Shaista, from Palwara in Bahadurgarh police station area, was set to marry Sonu from Syana, Bulandshahr. All preparations were complete, and the bride, adorned with mehndi, eagerly awaited her groom. Even the Maulvi had taken his place at the wedding canopy, ready to solemnize the marriage. However, as the scheduled time passed and the baraat (groom’s procession) failed to arrive, anxiety grew among the bride’s family.

Upon contacting the groom’s family, they were met with an outrageous demand: 51,000 rupees in cash and a Bullet motorcycle. This sudden demand came despite all prior dowry discussions being settled and all agreed-upon terms having been met. Shaista’s mother, Momina, explained that fulfilling such a large and unexpected demand at the last minute was impossible for them. They pleaded with the groom’s family, assuring them that they would try to meet the demand after the Nikah, but to no avail. The groom, Sonu, flatly refused to proceed with the marriage unless his new demands were immediately fulfilled. Heartbroken and desperate, the bride’s family lodged a complaint with the Bahadurgarh police, who have since registered a case and initiated an investigation into the matter. This incident highlights the persistent menace of dowry demands plaguing many parts of India, leaving countless brides and their families in distress.