Another Marriage Racket Busted In Hyderabad; 8 Arab Sheikhs Held

Hyderabad: Yet another marriage racket involving minors and aged Arab sheikhs was busted by the police on Wednesday at Old City and 20 persons, including eight foreign nationals from Saudi Arab, Oman and Qatar, were arrested.

"We busted the racket and foiled attempts by eight sheikhs to marry local girls," said South Zone DCP V Satyanarayana. "Two minor girls have been rescued. Preliminary investigation has revealed that through the contract marriages, these people planned to traffic at least 20 women and minor girls to the Gulf countries," he added. Further probe is on into the racket.

The modus operandi of the agents in such rackets is to trap minor girls from poor families by luring them with money, and then practically selling them off to foreigners with the help of clerics who solemnize the marriages. At the time of marriage, the bride is made to sign on blank bond papers agreeing to abide by 'talaq' if and when given.