BULANDSHAHR: An unusual marriage in Amroha district has sparked widespread discussion after two sisters and their cousin married the same man, the cameraman who worked with them on their social media videos, because they did not want to live separately.The sisters, Saroj (20), a second-year BTech student, Savitri Rani (19) and Santosh Khadakvanshi (18), residents of Dhauriya village, in Hasanpur creates social media videos and shorts.According to them, Vikas Khadakvanshi (20) alias Vikky, a resident of nearby Shyampuri village, had been working as their cameraman for the past six months and frequently acted as the husband in their video content.The marriage came to light after videos released by the sisters show them performing rituals at Chamunda Mata Temple, where Vikas is seen applying vermilion to each of them.No family members were present during the event.Explaining their decision, Saroj said the sisters were devastated after learning that their family was trying to arrange separate marriages for them.“We have lived together since childhood and could not imagine living apart. When we realised that marriage would separate us, we even thought of ending our lives. Later, we decided that instead of dying, we would stay together and marry one man. We are all adults and took this decision willingly,” she said.
Sisters married the same man
Vikas said he was aware of the sisters’ emotional bond and agreed to marry them so they could continue living together.“I knew how deeply attached the three sisters were to each other. They repeatedly told me they did not want to live separately after marriage. I respected their emotions and agreed to marry them because I wanted them to stay together. We have taken this decision with mutual consent and hope people will respect our choice,” Vikas saidThe claim has, however, raised legal questions. Advocate Anurag Pandey at Allahabad High Court said the marriage has no legal recognition under the Hindu Marriage Act.“Under Hindu law, a Hindu man cannot legally marry multiple women simultaneously. Such a marriage is void in the eyes of law and does not create a valid marital relationship,” Pandey told TOI.The temple management also distanced itself from the ceremony.Temple manager Dr Shivcharan Das said no priest was present at the time as renovation work was underway at the premises.Hasanpur Circle Officer Pankaj Tyagi said police had spoken to the four individuals and their families after the videos surfaced.“They told us they are adults and had performed the ceremony of their own free will. No formal complaint has been received so far while their parents have also not objected to their decision. If any complaint is filed or any cognisable offence is found, appropriate legal action will be taken in accordance with the law,” Tyagi said