Groom arrives heavily drunk for wedding, bride calls off marriage in Chhattisgarh

Janjgir,UPDATED: Jun 25, 2026 18:28 IST

A 22-year-old woman in Chhattisgarh's Janjgir-Champa district refused to marry after finding the groom heavily drunk during the wedding ceremony, triggering a scuffle at the venue. The woman, Muskan Pradhan, was later felicitated by Janjgir-Champa Superintendent of Police Vijay Kumar Pandey for taking a stand against liquor addiction, officials said.

Pradhan, who is educated up to Class 10, told reporters she wants to continue her studies. The incident has led to wide discussion in her village and nearby areas, with many residents praising her decision.

Pradhan was to marry Sant Ram, 24, on June 23. The wedding procession reached Kosmanda at about 4 pm and the ceremony began soon afterwards. However, the groom was allegedly so drunk that he was unable to stand properly. After learning about his condition, Pradhan refused to go ahead with the marriage.

Police said Pradhan told them she had warned Sant Ram about his drinking habits after he had arrived intoxicated during their engagement earlier. Champa police station SHO Ashok Vaishnav said the groom had then promised that he would stop consuming liquor.

After Pradhan's decision, tensions rose between members of the two families and the wedding guests. Police were informed, and a team led by Vaishnav reached the venue to bring the situation under control. While senior members from both sides were discussing the issue, a scuffle broke out between some of the youth accompanying the wedding party and the bride's side.

A few people suffered minor injuries and were taken to hospital, the officer said. According to family members, the groom's side has agreed to pay around Rs 3 lakh to the bride's family towards wedding preparation expenses, he added.

On Thursday, SP Vijay Pandey felicitated Pradhan at his office in the presence of social workers and women representatives. Police said the episode sends a strong message against alcohol abuse and underlines the importance of responsibility, respect and good conduct in marriage. Many locals also described Pradhan's decision as an inspiration for families that overlook addiction and irresponsible behaviour while entering matrimonial relationships.

The incident in Janjgir-Champa began with a wedding being called off after the groom was found drunk, led to a clash between the two sides, and ended with the bride being honoured by the police for her stand. It has since drawn attention in the area for its message on alcohol abuse and responsibility in marriage.

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