LUCKNOW: After two back-to-back chilling cases of spousal betrayal ending in bloodshed in Meerut and Auraiya, a man from UP’s Sant Kabir Nagar took an unexpected path—choosing dignity over vengeance. Bablu Kori shocked his community by marrying off his wife to her lover rather than resorting to violence.
This was in contrast to the Meerut incident where a man was murdered and dismembered by his wife and her lover. In Auraiya, a newly wed woman along with her lover and a contract killer, orchestrated the murder of her husband of 15 days.
In Sant Kabir Nagar, Bablu Kori (33), a resident of Katar Jot village, had married Radhika Kumari from Gorakhpur in 2017. The couple has two children. Bablu, an electrician, frequently travelled for work, leaving Radhika behind in the village. It was during his long absences that Radhika developed a romantic relationship with Vikas Kumar, a young man from the same village.
When Bablu discovered the affair, he did not react with anger or confrontation. Instead, he made a decision that stunned the entire community.
Rather than letting the situation escalate, Bablu took Radhika to Dhanghata tehsil, where he legally formalised their separation through an affidavit. From there, the entire group proceeded to the Dani Nath Shiv temple, where Radhika and Vikas were married following Hindu rituals.
At the temple, Radhika and Vikas exchanged garlands, and Vikas applied vermillion on her forehead as per tradition. Bablu stood by as a witness, along with the villagers.
“Throughout the ceremony, Bablu remained present, ensuring that the process went smoothly,” said Prabhash Lodhi, Bablu’s uncle.
Speaking to TOI, Bablu said, “I will take care of both our children. I only want Radhika to be happy.”
Bablu’s unlikely reaction to his rather awkward situation and his unusual decision weren’t instant.
Bablu admitted that he initially found it hard to believe that Radhika, his wife of eight years, would betray him. However, his suspicions grew, and he closely observed her actions after returning to the village. “When my doubts turned into certainty, I chose not to react with anger or violence,” he said.
Before making his final decision, he consulted the village elders and sought their advice. The community collectively agreed that Radhika should be married to her lover, Vikas, and praised Bablu for his mature approach.
“What is the point of holding onto a relationship that brings only suffocation to both partners?” he said. “I want Radhika to be happy with whomever she chooses.” He said he consulted his parents who supported his decision and would help him raise his two kids.
“To ensure the legal validity of the marriage, Bablu also facilitated the necessary paperwork, including an affidavit at the local court,” said Rakesh Kumar, village head of Katar Jot village.
