Forced by parents for marriage: AIADMK MLA's bride who went missing

S Eswaran (43), who represents the Bhavanisagar constituency, was set to marry Santhya, an MCA graduate belonging to Gobichettipalayam, on September 12.

Their marriage was proposed to be held at the famous Bannari Amman temple near Sathyamangalam in Erode district. With just a week to go for the wedding day, arrangements were on in full swing with family members from both the sides engaged in inviting guests for the function.

Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam were expected to grace the occasion.

On September 1, Santhya left her house after informing the family members that she is visiting her sister’s house.

“She, however, didn’t turn up at her sister’s house and hasn’t returned home even after two days. Her mobile number remains switched off,” police said.

Based on a complaint by her parents, the Kadathur police have registered a case and formed special teams to trace Santhya.

The girl was traced on Wednesday and she confessed that she was not ready for the wedding as the MLA was 20 years older than her. She was hiding at a friend's home to avoid getting married to the MLA.

An AIADMK functionary from Erode said that the MLA’s marriage will take place as fixed, except that the bride may get changed.

“As planned, both the CM and Deputy CM would preside over the marriage function. There will be no change in it,” he said.