Hanif, Varsha survive communal fire

BARDOLI, FEB 10: They are the most famous newly married couple in South Gujarat. You won't find their names in the society columns, but a...

BARDOLI, FEB 10: They are the most famous newly married couple in South Gujarat. You won8217;t find their names in the society columns, but ask anyone around Bardoli about Hanif Meman and Varsha Shah and they8217;ll rattle off reams. They are the couple who, by eloping last June, triggered off a communal tension here that is still simmering, close to boiling. There is much that8217;s happened to have hurt them, where they have been at the receiving end of doubtful decisions8217;.

Through all this, however, Varsha stood by her man. And, recently, became his wife.

Now they are together, husband and wife, still hiding and far away from the tense Bardoli.

The aftermath of the elopement saw both communities crying foul; the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal and RSS called the affair the result of 8220;an international conspiracy8221; and announced an economic and social boycott of the minority community. There were even calls 8212; that were not acted on 8212; for pasting of Om stickers on autorickshaws to identify three-wheelers oncommunal lines.

Then the attacks became personal. When the riots broke out last June, Hanif was named as the perpetrator, though he was not in town at the time. He was arrested, charged with the kidnapping and rape of Varsha on a complaint filed by her brother and brought to Surat. Two more cases were filed against him, one charge related to brawling and the other to liquor, and he was interned.

He secured bail in November, but the same day he was put back in prison under PASA.

All this time, Varsha had been through her own personal hell. She was virtually abducted by Sangh activists, who kept her in custody8217; in Ahmedabad and tried to brainwash her.

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When Hanif8217;s case came up for review 45 days later, Varsha appeared before the PASA board and narrated the ordeal she went through, ever since the 8220;affair came to light8221; in early June. Her deposition 8212; stressing throughout that she had been in love with him 8212; ensured his release.

Their troubles, however, are not over. A court order still bars himfrom entering Bardoli; he is still facing charges of kidnapping and raping Varsha. Back home, there are few who believe in them. Not the Sangh Parivar. Boudhik Pramukh of RSS Harshad Shah, whose motorcycle showroom was set on fire in the communal violence, says the dharmayudha will continue. 8220;The fact that more and more such cases are being reported is a pointer that there is an awareness among people,8221; he says.

Hanif8217;s mother Zubedaben is fearful of talking to strangers after all that the family has been through. Their house was attacked by a mob and their belongings set on fire; luckily, the family had moved to safety. 8220;Why was only my son given such harsh treatment?8221; she asks, recalling the trauma of that night. Incidentally, a Hindu neighbour, whom they were on good terms with, died from shock the day after the house was set on fire. The family stayed away from their housewhere they had been living for 70-odd yearsfor more than a fortnight.

Zubedaben is phlegmatic on the marriage: 8220;There islittle you can do when two young hearts come close.8221; Her younger son, Harunwho believes Hanif and Varsha are yet to be marriedis less so. 8220;We tried our best to dissuade Hanif, but he wouldn8217;t listen. Plenty of girls are available in our community.8221; Their family advocate Abdulbhai Vadiwala, however, confirms the marriage. He says he plans to move the Gujarat HC soon, seeking action against the DSP, district magistrate and State, and compensation for Hanif8217;s illegal detention. Varsha8217;s consent as she is a major, has proved the allegations hollow.