Vidisha: Family Declares Eloped Daughter 'Dead', Performs Symbolic Funeral

• In Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, a family performed the funeral rites for their 23-year-old daughter, Savita Kushwah, considering her dead after she eloped and married Sanju Rajak.
• Savita married Sanju Rajak at an Arya Samaj Temple in Bhopal against her family's wishes, despite their attempts to persuade her.
• The family created an effigy of Savita, held a funeral procession, and performed cremation rituals, with her brother Rajesh Kushwah lighting the pyre.
• The family plans to observe 'terahvin' and 'pind daan', stating they will have no further relation with Savita, even if she tries to return.
• Police confirmed Savita is an adult, her statement was recorded, and she left of her own free will, marrying Sanju Rajak.

Why It Matters: Vidisha family performs symbolic funeral for living daughter who chose love marriage against their will.