Family Dispute Over Lover Leads to Attempted Drowning in Supaul

Asha Kumari, a resident of Lakhanipatti village in Supaul's Sadar block, had been in a secret relationship that her family opposed. About a month earlier, against her wishes, her relatives forced her into an arranged marriage. Unsatisfied with the marriage, she wanted to reunite with her lover. On Tuesday night, her maternal uncle and brother‑in‑law pretended to escort her to meet the lover, but instead took her to the banks of the Koshi River near Pipra Khurd. There they abruptly shoved her into the fast‑moving water. Asha managed to cling to the embankment, screaming for help until the JE and laborer responded. The incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about forced marriage practices in the region.