Two Bhil couples from Pakistan’s Sindh province have been detained in Kutch after crossing the international border in separate incidents.
A national daily, citing information provided by the police, has reported that the first couple, Tara Ranmal Chudi, known as Toto, and Meena, left their village of Lasri on the night of October 4.
Lasri, a small settlement near the India-Pakistan border, has about 25 mud-brick homes and is primarily inhabited by shepherds. The couple, who are second cousins, said they fled fearing violence if they tried to marry.
They reportedly walked for three days, crossing marshy lakes and hillocks including Merudo Dungar and Khadi Ni Rakhal in the Rann of Kutch. The couple lost their footwear in the water and reportedly travelled barefoot. They survived on wild berries, vegetation, and limited food carried from home.
They reportedly spoke a mix of Sindhi and Kutchi. Since they were also familiar with a bit of Gujarati, they were confident that language would not be a barrier.
On the evening of October 7, Toto and Meena reportedly reached Ratanpar village in Kutch district, where locals provided them food.
They ran out of luck when the police detained them after being informed by the villagers.
Tests confirmed their ages to be over 20, and they were subsequently booked under The Passport Act and The Foreigners Act. Forensic investigations, including brain mapping and polygraph tests, are planned with court approval.
The second couple, Popatkumar Nathu Bhil, or Popat (24), and Gauri Gulab Bhil (20), left their village Mungaria and were apprehended by the Border Security Force on November 24. They told authorities they crossed into India because their families would not allow them to marry.
All they carried were the clothes and slippers they wore and a single 100 Pakistani rupee note. They were handed over to Balasar Police Station and later sent to Kutch (East) for further questioning.
Police said both couples arrived from the same area in Pakistan and provided similar reasons for their journeys, citing the desire to marry. Authorities are investigating whether any other factors motivated their cross-border travel.
The four individuals are Bhil tribals and told authorities that they only wanted to be together, which was not possible in their villages due to local customs.
Lasri and Mungaria villages are located in Islamkot tehsil near the international border. Lasri is about 2 km from the fence, and residents frequently approach the border to graze cattle. Both couples crossed into India near designated border pillars.
Also Read: Pak Couple Held In Kutch Found To Be Adults, Booked For Illegal Entry https://www.vibesofindia.com/pak-couple-held-in-kutch-found-to-be-adults-booked-for-illegal-entry/
