Groom kidnapping, colloquially known as Pakaruah shaadi or Jabaria shaadi, is a phenomenon in the western parts of Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh states, more prominent in Munger and Dumka (now in Jharkhand) wherein eligible bachelors are abducted by the bride's family and later forcibly married, to get men with better education and/or richer men.
Additionally, the groom may face false criminal charges under Indian dowry law, and end up fighting lengthy legal battles.
It has since gained social sanction among the upper castes like the Bhumihars,[4] particularly in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, where dowry demands are high.
Young men who have either cleared their IAS exams, have a medical or engineering degree or have secured a government job, are targeted by families who can’t afford huge dowries.
These "grooms" are abducted, held captive and often beaten into submission before being forcibly married, often at gun-point with a rope tied around their waist so they can't run away.