Vadodara: Markets remained closed in parts of Ghoghamba taluka in Panchmahal district on Saturday following a bandh call by Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal and other local groups over a tribal woman’s decision to live with her Muslim husband.The groups demanded that the woman be returned to her family and warned that the shutdown could continue beyond Saturday. They also threatened further protests and raised the possibility of a social boycott of those concerned. Police said the bandh remained peaceful, with security stepped up to prevent any untoward incident.Deputy superintendent of police Navin Ahir told TOI that the couple had been in a relationship for around two-and-a-half years and legally married in July 2025. After their families refused to accept the relationship, the couple left home around 20-25 days ago, bringing the matter to the attention of local groups.“Both had been trying to convince their families for a long time, but neither family agreed to the relationship,” Ahir said, adding that police had verified the couple’s marriage certificate and found it to be valid.The couple subsequently approached Gujarat High Court, seeking protection from possible threats from their families. The court directed the Panchmahal superintendent of police to provide them protection.The couple appeared at Halol town police station on Friday and recorded their statements, reiterating that they wanted to live together of their own free will. The woman also told police that she had not converted her religion and continued to follow Hinduism, while her husband remained Muslim.The woman’s father, Takhtsinh Rathwa, alleged that his daughter had left for college on Sept 30 and was taken away after getting off a bus. He demanded that she be returned to the family.Ahir said police had explained to the woman’s family that she was an adult and legally entitled to decide whom she wished to live with. He added that both families were upset over the couple’s decision, but efforts were underway to resolve the matter peacefully.Representatives of VHP and Janjati Suraksha Manch maintained that the woman should be handed back to her family and warned of continued agitation if their demand was not met.Police said the shutdown was peaceful and that the couple’s protection would continue in accordance with the court’s directions. Protesters were expected to hold a meeting to decide their future course of action after Saturday’s bandh.
