Bride flees with cash, gifts on wedding day

A bride allegedly fled with a substantial amount of money from her groom on the first day of their marriage in the limits of Nasirabad police station on Monday.

According to the police, Azeem Hasan reported that a man named Ghulam Rasool, also known as Sikandar, introduced him to Tahir Abbas, who was presented as the father of the bride. Rasool told Azeem there was a poor and unmarried girl if he wants to tie the knot and he agreed. Six other individuals were introduced as close relatives of the bride who made the arrangements. On the wedding day, Azeem's family, including his parents and other relatives, arrived at the venue on Misrial Road, Rawalpindi, with the traditional wedding procession (barat).

During the ceremony, Azeem handed over a significant amount of money and gifts to Ghulam Rasool, Ayesha Bibi, Tahir Abbas, and others. The items included Rs250,000, three tolas of gold jewelry, seven pairs of clothes worth Rs120,000, five pairs of shoes valued at Rs20,000, and additional makeup goods worth Rs50,000. The nikkah ceremony was performed with Ayesha Bibi introduced as an unmarried woman. After the ceremony, Azeem took Ayesha to his native village.

Azeem recounted that shortly after reaching his village, Ayesha claimed that her father, a heart patient, had suffered a sudden heart attack and was critically ill. She requested permission to leave for a few days to take care of him, promising to return soon. Concerned for her father's well-being, Azeem agreed. Ayesha packed her belongings, including the clothes, shoes, and jewellery she had received during the wedding. She also asked Azeem for Rs100,000 in cash, claiming it might be needed for her father's medical treatment. Azeem handed over the money, and they set off together.

Upon reaching Misrial Road in Rawalpindi, Ayesha asked Azeem to wait while she dropped off some belongings at her aunt's house, promising to return shortly so they could go to the hospital together. However, Azeem waited for some time but Ayesha did not return. Her mobile phone was switched off, leaving Azim confused.

Later, Azeem tried to contact Ayesha's father and Ghulam Rasool, but their mobile numbers were also switched off. Realising he had been deceived, Azeem reported the incident to the police, who confirmed that Ayesha, her alleged father, and Ghulam Rasool had previously looted innocent men under the pretence of marriage.

The police have registered a case against the three suspects and are conducting raids to arrest them.