Rape Accused Marries Victim In Chhattisgarh Jail After She Admits Forced Complaint; What's The Story

Jagran Correspondent | Jagdalpur: In a shocking incident, a central jail in Chhattisgarh’s Jagdalpur turned into a wedding venue after a rape convict married the victim inside the jail premises on Friday. The prison authorities claimed that the wedding was conducted peacefully, complying with court orders, prison rules, and legal provisions. 

However, even after the marriage, the rape case will remain pending in court, and its final decision will be based on the evidence and judicial process. All arrangements for the unusual wedding were made by the jail authorities and inmates, and the staff acted as baratis (wedding guests).

'We Love Each Other'

The rape accused has been identified as Suresh Sethia, a resident of Rajur village in the Parpa police station area, and has been incarcerated in the Central Jail as an undertrial in a rape case since January 16, 2026. A case was filed against him based on a young woman's complaint, but events took an unexpected turn during the trial.

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The victim, however, approached the Special Sessions Court (Atrocity) and claimed that she and Suresh had been in love for a long time and wished to marry each other. Her family was opposed to their relationship as they belonged to different castes. Following which, she was forced to file a complaint against Sethia.  Noting the duo’s age and consent, the court granted special permission and allowed the marriage to be conducted on the prison premises. 

Central Jail, Jagdalpur: Jailor S.L. Nair says, "The accused, Suresh Sethia, is in jail in connection with a rape case and remains in judicial custody. He expressed his desire to marry the woman he is in love with. The accused's lawyer approached us regarding the matter. We informed the authorities that both individuals are adults and wish to marry of their own free will. The court was informed through a formal application, as the accused's case is still pending,” IANS reported.

A limited number of members of both families, lawyers, and jail officials were present as per established regulations. All the wedding rituals were completed according to Vedic customs amid tight security.  

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Similar Cases

In a separate case, a man convicted of rape and sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment exchanged flowers with the survivor as the two expressed willingness to marry each other.  

Asked to do so by justices BV Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma, the accused first proposed to the survivor, and the two gave flowers to each other amid applause from those present in the room.