Bride's family beats up groom for giving Rs 5,000 for 'juta chupai' ritual

A wedding celebration in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, descended into disarray following a conflict that arose from a customary 'joota chupai' ritual.

The incident unfolded during the ritual where the bride's sister-in-law playfully concealed the groom's shoes. This practice, deeply rooted in Indian wedding customs, is generally meant for merriment, with the groom traditionally negotiating to retrieve his footwear. 

However, matters escalated when Muhammad Shabir, the groom who had travelled from Chakrata in Uttarakhand, proffered merely Rs 5,000 to reclaim his shoes, falling short of the Rs 50,000 demanded by the bride's family. 

Following this, Shabir was reportedly confronted by members of the bride's family, who allegedly reprimanded him with the term 'beggar.' The situation took a heated turn when Shabir claimed he was physically assaulted with sticks and locked in a room by the bride’s relatives. 

Police Resolution 

The Najibabad police intervened as the conflict intensified, compounded by discontent over the quality of gold gifts from Shabir's side. Officials stated that although the shoe exchange incited the dispute, underlying tensions concerning gift exchanges further inflamed the row. Conciliation was eventually achieved between both parties. 

“Ultimately, both families reached an understanding, facilitated by police mediation,” local authorities reported. 

The event highlights how traditional practices, while meant to enhance festivities, can occasionally lead to misunderstandings and disputes when expectations clash.