The invitation cards were already distributed and the family was busy with the last-minute preparations for the ‘haata-ganthi’ ceremony scheduled for Wednesday. But, the same household that was echoing with wedding songs and laughter now stands silent and devastated.

Just two days before the most awaited moment of her life, a young woman has allegedly been abducted. The incident, which took place in Tolakanandi village under Ghasipura police limits in Odisha’s Keonjhar district, has left the family shattered.

According to the family, the young bride-to-be was returning home from the local market on Monday evening with her brother when the unthinkable happened. Four unidentified youths allegedly intercepted them and forcibly took her away in a vehicle, leaving the brother helpless and terrified.

The distraught family immediately rushed to the local police station and filed a complaint, pleading for urgent action. “We were all eagerly waiting for her big day. Everything was ready — the decorations, the food, the rituals. We never imagined such a tragedy could strike us just before the wedding,” said a close relative, holding back tears.

Police officials from Ghasipura have confirmed that an investigation has been initiated. However, as of now, neither the police nor the complainants have issued any formal public statement regarding possible suspects or leads in the case. The lack of official updates has only deepened the anxiety and fear within the village.

Locals have expressed outrage over the incident and demanded swift action to ensure the safety of the victim and justice for the family. Community members say that such incidents not only shatter individual lives but also shake the faith of the public in law and order.

As the decorated wedding mandap stands deserted and the bridal attire remains untouched, the family and the entire village wait with bated breath, hoping for her safe return.