500 guests, 100 cops: Jailed Haryana gangster marries Cambodian partner in 12 hours

There, he exchanged garlands with Meta Chan in accordance with Hindu traditions in front of family members and nearly 500 guests, while around 100 police personnel kept watch.

A wedding under armed watch

The security operation began before Dhila reached the venue.

According to Jhajjar police sources, extensive security arrangements were made across the transit corridor and the wedding venue to prevent any untoward incident.

Around 100 police personnel were mobilised for the security detail.

Armed escort teams from specialised crime units accompanied the gangster along the transit route, while personnel from Sadar Jhajjar police station, including armed and women police personnel, secured the farmhouse and its entrance, police sources said.

Jhajjar police sources noted that Meta Chan arrived in India earlier this month, with three of their children, for the wedding ceremony. (Express photo)

Police sources added that guest identities and contact details were recorded at the entrance, and media access inside the venue was restricted on security grounds.

The elaborate security was in line with the High Court’s order granting Dhila a tightly controlled window outside jail.

Dhila, who is serving a life sentence, had approached the High Court seeking one-day custody parole to solemnise his marriage.

Passing the order on September 21, Justice Jasjit Singh Bedi declined to grant standard parole in view of the criminal cases against him but permitted a strictly monitored 12-hour custody window.

“Looking at the allegations levelled against the petitioner, I do not deem it appropriate to grant parole to the petitioner,” Justice Bedi observed in the order.

“However, considering the fact that the petitioner is scheduled to solemnise his marriage on 24.09.2026, the Jail Superintendent concerned is directed to send the petitioner/Mainpal @ Dhila S/o Bhagwan Singh in custody to the venue of the marriage ceremony from 8 am to 8 pm on 24.09.2026. The expenses incurred for the aforesaid purpose shall be borne by the petitioner,” the high court directed.

How he met his wife

Dhila was awarded a life term in April 2013 in connection with a 2007 case registered in Bahadurgarh.

In July 2018, he was granted six weeks of regular parole from Hisar Central Jail but jumped parole and fled the country using forged identity documents, according to Jhajjar police records.

He settled in Siem Reap, Cambodia, where he operated hospitality and restaurant businesses. It was during his stay there that he met Meta Chan; the couple lived together for several years and had children.

Dhila’s run ended after Haryana Police and central agencies moved Interpol, leading to a Red Notice in November 2024.

He was apprehended by Cambodian authorities in July 2025 and extradited to India in September 2025 by a Haryana Special Task Force (STF) team, remaining behind bars since.

Jhajjar police sources noted that Meta Chan arrived in India earlier this month, with three of their children, for the wedding ceremony.

Following the completion of the rituals and a daytime gathering with guests on Thursday, Dhila was taken back into custody by the armed escort and lodged in Jhajjar jail by 8 pm, fulfilling the High Court’s timeline.

Police said Dhila, a resident of Badli village in Jhajjar district, has around 22 criminal cases registered against him over the years, including charges of murder, attempt to murder, robbery, dacoity, criminal conspiracy, and violations under the Arms Act. He has been convicted in two other cases.