Balangir, Feb 22: In a dramatic turn of events that stunned a wedding party, a newly married woman was allegedly abducted at gunpoint by her former lover in Balangir district, just moments after her wedding ceremony. The shocking incident unfolded while she was on her way to her in-laws’ home with her husband, turning what was meant to be a joyous beginning into a scene of fear and chaos.

Sources said the groom had come from Kamakhi Nagar in Balangir to the Kantamal area for the marriage. After the ceremony concluded, he was returning to his native village along with the bride and members of the wedding procession.

During the return journey, the bride’s former lover, accompanied by a few associates, reportedly intercepted their vehicles midway. The accused allegedly threatened the groom and others by brandishing a firearm before forcibly taking the bride from the scene.

The groom and his companions were left shocked and unable to prevent the abduction. He later lodged a complaint at the Tarbha police station.

Police have launched an investigation and are working to trace the accused and rescue the woman.