Kendrapara: Officials at Pattamundai police station in the district got a couple married on the premises with both families opposed to the union.
Nabaghana Mallick, 21, and Runu Mallick, 19, from Kajalabandha village had been in a relationship, but their families never approved of it. When the families of the couple opposed their marriage, they eloped on May 14.
"The police came to their rescue after the couple had knocked at our door and fervently pleaded for police intervention in the matter. The parents of both had earlier lodged a missing report at the police station," said inspector of Pattamundai police station Pramod Kumar Mallick.
"After verification of their educational certificates, we found both of them adults and so there was no legal bar to their marriage," he said. "In a humanitarian approach, the police later arranged the wedding on the premises of the police station. We tried to seek the consent of the couple's parents. But, they did not turn up despite our persistent requests. Finally, we decided to get them married in accordance with the law."
"A couple were married in a simple function at the temple located on the police station premises. The police station employees and people living near the police station took part in the event and offered their blessings to the duo. The expenditure of the marriage was entirely borne by us," Mallick said.
The police inspector said that since the two were adults, both of them had every right to choose their partner. The consent of parents is not required for marriage.
After the couple were married in accordance with the Hindu Marriage Act, the marriage was registered at the local office.
The police have informed the two families and warned them not to create any problems for the couple.
"I am deeply indebted to the local police for the way they handled the situation. The police are often projected as rough and tough individuals. But, our marriage has bright to the fore the humane and softer side of the police force," said Nabaghana Mallick, the groom.
