In a real-life "Jab We Met" twist, a young Pakistani couple's daring attempt to elope to India was thwarted by the Border Security Force (BSF) in Gujarat's Kutch district. Popat Kumar, 24, and Gauri, also 24, residents of Mithi village in Pakistan’s Sindh province, were apprehended on Monday near border pillar number 1016 while trying to cross the international border.
The incident marks the second time in less than two months that a Pakistani couple has been caught attempting to cross the border into India in the Kutch region. The previous incident involved a couple identified as Toto and Meena, who were caught near Ratanpar in the Khadir region.
According to reports, Popat and Gauri, who faced opposition to their relationship from their families, decided to take a drastic step and elope to India, hoping to find a safe haven. Their plan involved fleeing their village and crossing the border on foot. However, their "mission impossible" was cut short when they were intercepted by vigilant BSF personnel.
The BSF has taken the couple into custody and is currently conducting a thorough interrogation to ascertain their motives and connections. A complaint has been registered at Balasar Police Station, and the couple will be handed over to the police for further legal action.
This incident highlights the complex issues surrounding cross-border relationships and the desperation that drives some individuals to take extreme measures. It also underscores the challenges faced by couples who defy family and societal norms.
The Kutch border, which shares both land and sea boundaries with Pakistan, has a history of such intrusions. The region's unique geographical features, including desert stretches and marshy terrain, make it a challenging but not impossible border to cross.
In the previous case of Toto and Meena, the couple claimed to be minors when they were detained in October. However, a medical examination later revealed that they were adults, leading to their arrest under the Immigration Act, Foreigners Act, and Passport Act.
Following their apprehension, Toto and Meena confessed that they could have eloped anywhere within Pakistan but chose to cross the border, believing that their families would not be able to find them in India. They had walked for three days without food, relying on the kindness of locals in Ratanpar village for sustenance.
The Kutch police are maintaining strict vigilance, especially in border villages, where security agencies closely monitor unfamiliar faces. The frequency of these incidents raises concerns about border security and the need for enhanced surveillance and patrolling. The investigation into Popat and Gauri's case is ongoing, and authorities are expected to take appropriate action based on their findings.
