Shamli: 22-Year-Old Groom Shocked to Find 45-Year-Old Widow at His Nikah Ceremony

Shamli (Uttar Pradesh), 19th April 2025: A shocking turn of events unfolded at a nikah ceremony in Shamli when a young groom discovered that the woman he was about to marry was not his bride-to-be, but her 45-year-old mother.

Mohammad Azim, a 22-year-old man from Brahmpuri, Meerut, had been under the impression that he was set to marry 21-year-old Mantasha, his future wife, who was reportedly from Fazalpur in Kankerkhera. However, the reality of the situation struck during the ceremony last week, when Azim lifted the veil to find not Mantasha, but her mother, Tahira.

Azim recounted the shocking incident to police, stating that his elder brother Nadeem and sister-in-law Shaida had assured him that the marriage was arranged with Mantasha. “On March 31, they confirmed everything to me. I trusted them,” Azim told officers. “But when the maulvi called out the bride’s name as Tahira, I was taken aback. When I lifted the veil, I couldn’t believe my eyes.”

Confused and upset, Azim confronted his brother and sister-in-law, demanding an explanation. He further alleged that when he refused to accept the situation and questioned the arrangement, Nadeem and Shaida threatened him with false rape charges. “They tried to intimidate me, saying they would file a case against me,” Azim claimed, fearing legal ramifications.

Betrayed and distressed, Azim returned to his home, deciding to seek help. On Thursday, he went to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) office in Meerut to file a formal complaint.

SSP Vipin Tada confirmed the report, stating, “We have received the complaint and will conduct a thorough investigation. Appropriate action will be taken based on the facts that come to light.”

Authorities are now looking into the case, and Azim’s allegations have raised serious concerns over the handling of marriage arrangements.