"I checked his phone and found some objectionable content"
An Indian man reportedly married a 22-year-old woman who was initially set to marry his 17-year-old son, leaving his family devastated.
The incident happened in the village of Bansnagali, in Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur district.
The man, 55-year-old Shakeel, is a father of six and grandfather to three.
His wife, Shabana, claimed the marriage followed weeks of secret phone calls between Shakeel and the young woman, who hails from a nearby village.
Shabana said: “The woman who was supposed to be my daughter-in-law has now become my husband’s wife.”
According to the family, the contact between Shakeel and the woman began after their daughter’s wedding in May 2025.
When questioned about the calls, Shakeel reportedly told his family he was arranging a marriage between the woman and his teenage son.
Shabana alleged the family had initially resisted the proposal, citing financial constraints and their son’s age, but claimed Shakeel forced the matter through verbal and physical intimidation.
The son said he became suspicious after noticing the frequency of calls between his father and his bride-to-be.
He said: “Once, I checked his phone and found some objectionable content involving him.”
He added that this discovery led him to call off the engagement.
Last week, Shakeel left for Delhi, claiming he was travelling for work. He then called his family from the capital to reveal that he had married his son’s ex-fiancée.
Shabana expressed disbelief and distress over the turn of events, especially as she now lives in the same house as the woman once intended to be her son’s bride.
The son claimed that his grandparents were aware of the situation and even supported Shakeel in marrying the woman.
He also accused his father of taking Rs 2 lakh (£1,700) in cash and around 17 grams of gold from the family before marrying her.
Police said they are aware of the case but cannot take action without a formal complaint.
Bhota Station House Officer Amar Singh Rathore said:
“We are aware of the incident, but no formal complaint has been received so far.
“If any aggrieved party comes forward, action will be taken as per the law.”
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