Check credentials of NRI grooms: Ministry issues fresh advice

It says “Marrying a person based abroad? Be vigilant. Check the background and all legal details before saying ‘Yes’. Ensure that groom is single.

Enquire about his business,job,location,NRI status etc. Contact the concerned embassy for his details. Check his bank account number and bank statement,residence proof and visa,etc.”

The ministry has launched a website — http://www.moia.gov.in—which gives all details and the toll free number— 18001130—0 for any query.

In Punjab alone,over 10,000 girls have been cheated by NRI grooms. In majority of the cases,the grooms are already married and pick up a “holiday wife from Punjab or elsewhere in India”. These girls fight from pillar to post to get justice but very few get relief.

The Lok Bhalai Party (LBP),too,has been fighting for justice for the girls by going for out of court settlement with the NRI husbands. One such girl was paid Rs 15 lakh by her NRI husband settled in Canada after several years of legal battle.

LBP president B S Ramoowalia said he has been appealing to the Punjab government to take concrete steps in this regard but the state has been sleeping over the matter.