HYDERABAD, India, 22 February 2006 — A 65-year-old Omani national, who entered into wedlock with a young girl against her will in the Old City, was arrested with his compatriot on Monday night. Police arrived after neighbors, who heard the cries of the unwilling bride, alerted them.
“We have booked cases of cheating and abetment against the Omani nationals and their local accomplices. We have sent the girl for medical tests to determine her age,” investigating officer Nageshwar Rao told Arab News.
The elderly bridegroom has been identified as Mohammed Hasan Ali Marfi. His accomplice, who brokered the marriage, is Esa Jumah Ali Al-Bulushi, who is also aged around 65 years.
The local naib qazi, Mehmood Qureishi, allegedly took 5,000 rupees ($114) to register the wedding. The groom reportedly paid 10,000 rupees to the girl’s parents — Ahmed Bin Salam and Sabera Begum, residents of Nawab Shah Kunta in the Old City. Ahmed has nine daughters and a son.
The naib qazi called the girl to his house in Wahed Colony on Monday evening. Even as she resisted, he registered her marriage with the Omani. Soon after, hearing her cries, local residents gathered at the house and informed police.
Police detained the Omani. They also summoned bride Munni Sultana, 20, and her mother to the police station for questioning. “We will also interrogate the naib qazi,” Rao said.
