Young couple marry, commit suicide as parents oppose union over caste

The two belonged to the same village but were from different castes, a fact that was unnacceptable to both sets of parents.

Driven to desperation because their parents wouldn’t accept their relationship, a young couple belonging to different castes exchanged married vows at a temple and then committed suicide in Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh, police said.

A couple consumed poison after exchanging marriage vows at a temple in Shahjahanpur. (AFP/ Representational Photo)

The latest instance of caste rearing its ugly head in the state took place on Friday in Gora Bikniya village under Jaitipur police station area.

Atul (22) and Sumitra (18) belonged to the same village but were from different castes, a fact that was unnacceptable to both sets of parents.

Both left their homes on Friday afternoon and reached a temple outside the village and consumed poison after exchanging marriage vows before the deity, superintendent of police (rural) Ramesh Bhartiya said.

Sumitra somehow reached her home. Learning of what had happened, her family rushed both of them to Tilhar hospital where they died, the SP said.

Police said they left a suicide note stating that they were ending their lives after getting married as their families were not letting them stay together.

The bodies have been sent for post mortem examination, the SP added.