Ludhiana, Oct. 9 -- What was supposed to be a day of happiness turned into heartbreak for a young woman in Ludhiana. Dressed as a bride, she sat waiting for a barat that never arrived - from the very man once accused of raping her.

The story began five years ago in 2020 when, according to police, Harpreet Singh alias Bobby allegedly raped a girl, then 14-year-old. Faced with fear, shame and pressure, the girl's family accepted a shocking settlement: Harpreet would marry her when she turned 18. The deal, meant to "save family's honour," was seen as a way to avoid court proceedings and give the girl a future.

That long-awaited wedding was fixed for October 7. The girl's family decorated their small home, invited relatives, and prepared fo...