Convict Weds Cambodian Partner in Jhajjar Jail Wedding

Manpal Dhilla, a 45-year-old life convict, married his Cambodian partner, Metachan, near Jhajjar jail on Thursday. Dhilla was granted a 12-hour custody parole to attend the wedding.

The ceremony took place at a farmhouse close to the jail, with Dhilla leaving the prison at around 8am and returning at 8pm. Jhajjar Sadar police station SHO sub-inspector Dharmendra confirmed the event was peaceful with no incidents.

Security was heightened around the wedding venue, which was located near the jail. Approximately 500 guests were expected, and all were screened at the entrance with their details recorded.

Metachan, 36, wore a traditional red lehenga for the ceremony, while Dhilla donned an off-white sherwani. The couple exchanged garlands and completed the wedding rituals in front of their families.

Metachan expressed happiness after the marriage, stating she planned to stay with her in-laws until October 10 before returning to Cambodia. She mentioned she had yet to decide on future visits to India.

Dhilla, who escaped to Cambodia in 2018, met Metachan there and began a beer bar and restaurant business with her. The couple, who have four children, decided to marry after nearly eight years together.

Dhilla is named in 22 criminal cases, including murder, robbery, and illegal weapons. He received life sentences in three murder cases and was linked to the killing of an inmate in Bhondsi jail in 2014.