In an unconventional development from Madhya Pradesh, a woman prison officer from Satna has got hitched to a former inmate, once serving a life sentence for murder, turning a professional association behind the bars into a lifelong union. Cupid struck the Muslim female officer and the male convict, a Hindu, after which the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) stepped in to solemnise their inter-faith marriage. 

Relationship begins behind bars

As per reports, the woman jailer, named Firoza Khatoon, was posted at the Satna Central Jail as an Assistant Superintendent. During her tenure as warrant in-charge at the prison, she met Dharmendra Singh, a native of Chhatarpur. Singh had been serving a life term in connection with the murder of a councillor in 2007. 

During incarceration, Singh assisted the prison officials with administrative tasks related to warrants, owing to which he and Khatoon came into frequent contact. Over time, their professional interactions evolved into friendship, and eventually blossomed into a romantic relationship.

Singh released from jail over good conduct

Notably, four years ago, Singh was released from jail after serving 14 years in prison, reportedly on grounds of good conduct. Following his release, the couple chose to solemnise their relationship. 

Wedding organised amid social sensitivities

On May 5, the couple married in Chhatarpur district as per Hindu rituals. To evade social scrutiny, Singh altered his name on the wedding invitations. However, the interfaith marriage drew mixed reactions. Khatoon’s family members did not attend the ceremony, reflecting resistance from her side. 

VHP facilitates rituals

In the absence of her family, members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) stepped in to facilitate the rituals. Vice-president of the Chhatarpur unit of the VHP, Rajbahadur Mishra and his wife performed Khatoon’s ‘Kanyadaan’, with Bajrang Dal members in attendance at the event too. 

Apart from the interfaith dimension, the marriage’s backdrop involving a prison official and a former convict has elevated it as a subject of intense local debate. Despite the controversy, several officials, staff members and even the Satna Central Jail inmates have extended their best wishes to the couple.