Archive · 18 Jun 2025
Ghaziabad Interfaith Couple's Lives Upended by 'Love Jihad' Claims
A couple from different religions got married secretly.
The wife's family and a local politician opposed the marriage, with the politician claiming it was 'love jihad', a conspiracy to convert the woman.
The couple's businesses were vandalized.
The husband was arrested.
The wife claims her family is holding her captive and the case hinges on her statement to the court.
An interfaith couple from Ghaziabad faced violence and accusations of 'love jihad' after their marriage.
The couple secretly married in August 2022, but did not live together.
The wife alleged her family beat her and tried to force a divorce.
A local BJP leader, Meena Bhandari, is accused of instigating events against the couple.
The husband was arrested, and the wife's current status and willingness to testify are central to the legal proceedings.
- Who
- Akbar Khan and Sonika Chauhan, their families, and Meena Bhandari.
- What
- An interfaith marriage in Ghaziabad led to violence, vandalism, and accusations of 'love jihad'.
- When
- The couple married in August 2022; the incidents occurred in May 2024.
- Where
- Ghaziabad, India.
- Why
- The marriage faced opposition due to religious differences and accusations of 'love jihad'.
Akbar Khan's Stance
Meena Bhandari's and Wife's Family
Marriage Validity
Akbar Khan's Stance
Marriage was genuine and consensual.
Meena Bhandari's and Wife's Family
Marriage was a trick; a case of 'love jihad'.
Motives
Akbar Khan's Stance
Accuses BJP leader of instigating the events and acting out of past conflict.
Meena Bhandari's and Wife's Family
Accuses Khan of exploiting the woman.
Police Involvement
Akbar Khan's Stance
Police acted in a biased manner.
Meena Bhandari's and Wife's Family
Police acted under pressure to arrest the husband.
- Marriage Date
- August 29, 2022
- Husband's Name
- Akbar Khan
- Wife's Name
- Sonika Chauhan
- BJP Leader
- Meena Bhandari
- Businesses Vandalized
- May 26, 2024
- Husband's Arrest
- Related to wife's family complaint