Katihar, May 19: Inter-caste marriage is hurting a couple despite their families' consent.

A strongman has been demanding Rs 50,000 from Chhotu Kumar Yadav and his wife in lieu of allowing them to settle down at Gorga village in Katihar district, around 325km east of Patna. The couple's tormentor is their co-villager Dinesh Yadav.

Chhotu, hailing from Gorga, married a girl of a Mandal (Dhanuk caste) family of the adjoining village six months ago. The couple lived at different places till their families accepted their marriage a month ago. Chhotu happily returned home at Gorga with his wife but Dinesh, the village strongman, started harassing him and his family members for money.

Chhotu said: "The strongman threatened me to pay Rs 50,000 or leave the village. He thrashed my family members thrice for the cash."

Unable to bear the brunt anymore, Chhotu lodged an FIR with Azamnagar police station.

Confirming the development, Katihar superintendent of police Kshatraneel Singh said: "An FIR was registered against one Dinesh Yadav on Monday. Police are verifying the charges levelled on the accused, after which action would be taken."

Dinesh was absconding after the FIR was lodged against him.

District magistrate Prakash Kumar told The Telegraph: "We are unaware of any inter-caste marriage and the couple being threatened by a village strongman. It is difficult to make any comment till the victim's family members approach us. If they do, we will see if any government help could be extended to the couple."

Speaking about the conduct of the accused, mukhiya (village head) Mahendra Ravidas said: "Dinesh is a known alcoholic. He might have threatened the couple but it is tough to say if he demanded money from them."