BHOPAL: What was meant to be the beginning of a new life together ended in tragedy on Friday evening when a speeding car carrying an eloping couple and the groom’s family members crashed head-on into a bus on the Damoh-Jabalpur highway, killing the groom, his mother and maternal uncle.The deceased were identified as Akhilesh Prajapati, a resident of Shahgarh in Sagar district, his mother Sona Prajapati and maternal uncle Natthu Prajapati.Akhilesh’s girlfriend, 20-year-old Reena Sahu of Katni, and the car driver, Rashid Khan, suffered serious injuries and were referred to Jabalpur for treatment.Police said Akhilesh and Reena had met through social media and developed a relationship over time. Determined to marry despite belonging to different communities, the couple decided to leave together and start a life of their own.Investigations revealed that Akhilesh had travelled to Katni in a hired car along with his mother and maternal uncle to bring Reena home.The family intended to solemnise the marriage soon after reaching Sagar. Reena willingly joined them, and a ceremonial chunri meant for the wedding was reportedly kept inside the vehicle.While returning from Katni, the car met with an accident near Purenhau village under Jabera police station limits on the Damoh-Jabalpur highway.Police suspect the vehicle was being driven at high speed when it collided head-on with an oncoming bus. The impact completely mangled the car.Akhilesh, his mother and uncle died on the spot, while Reena and the driver were rescued in critical condition.Initially, investigators struggled to establish the identities of the victims as Reena was unable to provide details due to her injuries. Police found that the deceased belonged to different communities.The full story emerged after Reena’s relatives reached Jabera later that night. Police found that the woman had left home voluntarily and was on her way to marry Akhilesh.Police said no missing person or abduction complaint had been registered in Katni. The woman is an adult and had accompanied the deceased youth of her own free will. Her family has not lodged any complaint, they said.After receiving treatment, Reena was taken home by her family. Police have registered a case of accidental death and are investigating the circumstances of the crash.
