An interfaith couple in Uttarakhand, Mohammad Shanu and Akanksha Kandhari, are in fear for their lives after their personal details, including their marriage notice under the Special Marriage Act (SMA), were shared on social media. The couple, who had already been provided police protection in December 2024 due to opposition from political and religious groups, now face heightened threats.
The couple submitted their marriage notice to the Bazpur sub-divisional magistrate’s court on January 7, 2025, but their nightmare began when their details were leaked online, amplifying their fears. Mohammad Shanu expressed his distress, stating, “Since our marriage notice went viral, it has been terrifying. I fear for my life.”
Akanksha Kandhari revealed that her mother initially opposed their relationship, and now, due to external pressures, she is being urged to object to their marriage. The couple, who met on social media in 2018 and started dating in 2022, faced further challenges when Akanksha’s mother eventually agreed to the marriage but demanded she sever all ties with her.
The couple’s relationship met strong opposition from political groups, including the Bajrang Dal. In response to the growing threats, they approached the Uttarakhand High Court in December, which granted them police protection for six months. The court also instructed the police to reassess the situation after the protection period and take further necessary actions.
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