A Marriage That Shocked Families in Sasaram
In a dramatic turn of events in Sasaram, Bihar, a man and his samdhan (daughter-in-law’s mother) tied the knot, sparking chaos at the local court. The unusual marriage drew a large crowd after both families discovered the relationship and reacted violently.
The incident involved Dayashankar Ram, a father of four from Dhanwa village in the Shivsagar police area, and Dharmshila Devi, a mother of three from Dalmia Nagar, New Delhi. Their story took a controversial twist because their children were already engaged to each other.
Dayashankar’s son had been engaged to Dharmshila’s daughter. However, while the families prepared for the wedding, the two parents began talking frequently over the phone. Their bond grew stronger and soon turned into romance.
Secret Temple Wedding Before Court Drama
According to reports, Dayashankar and Dharmshila secretly married in a temple before heading to Sasaram court to register their union. However, their families soon learned of the marriage.
Dharmshila’s husband, Sunil Ram, along with other relatives, arrived at the court and confronted the couple. What followed was a heated argument that spilled into the streets on old GT Road.
Eyewitnesses said Dayashankar was beaten with shoes and slippers by enraged relatives in front of the public. Police were called to restore order and prevent further violence.
Family Ties and Past Struggles
This relationship came with complicated family ties. Dayashankar, who has already lost two wives, is the father of three children. His eldest daughter was engaged to Dharmshila’s son, making the new marriage particularly controversial.
Dharmshila, on the other hand, claimed she had been unhappy in her marriage. She accused her husband of repeated abuse and said she grew tired of his anger. According to her, marrying Dayashankar was a way to seek peace and dignity.
Despite the social uproar, both insisted on pursuing their relationship, though family members eventually took them away for settlement through a panchayat intervention.
Police and Public Reaction
The police confirmed the clash and said they had to step in to control the crowd. Officials noted that such incidents reflect the rising number of family disputes turning into public dramas in smaller towns.
Public opinion in Sasaram remained divided. While some criticized the couple for betraying family trust, others pointed out that adults have the right to make personal choices, even if unconventional.
Broader Social Implications
This incident highlights the clash between traditional Indian family structures and evolving ideas of personal freedom. While love marriages are common in many cities, relationships that blur family boundaries still spark controversy in rural and semi-urban India.
Sociologists say that while the law permits such unions, societal acceptance remains limited. In conservative communities, marriages between in-laws or extended family members can trigger stigma, violence, and family rifts.
As this case shows, balancing individual rights with social expectations continues to be a sensitive issue across the country.