PRAYAGRAJ, July 12 -- A middle-aged man has been booked for allegedly concealing his identity while attempting to marry a 20-year-old woman at the Maa Belhadevi temple in Bhuliyapur, Pratapgarh, police said on Saturday.

The incident came to light due to the absence of the usual weekly fair at the temple, which resulted in a smaller crowd. The alleged suspicious conduct of the couple drew attention, prompting onlookers and temple staff to intervene, they added.

According to police, the man reached the temple with the young woman and performed wedding rituals, including exchanging garlands and applying vermillion on her forehead. However, temple staff noticed the significant age difference and alerted head priest Mangala Prasad. Later, Bh...