Bihar Man Arrested After Marrying Three Times in Three Years Without Divorce

New Delhi, December 26, 2025: In a case that has stunned local residents and legal authorities alike, a man in Bihar’s Gopalganj district has been arrested for allegedly marrying three different women within a span of just three years—all without legally divorcing any of his previous spouses.

The accused, identified as Pintu Barnwal, was taken into custody on December 25, 2025, following formal complaints lodged by his first two wives. The case has highlighted a complex web of deception, domestic violence, and dowry demands.

The Web of Deception

The timeline of Barnwal’s marriages paints a picture of rapid-fire serial bigamy. According to police reports:

• First Marriage: Pintu married Khushboo Kumari on December 2, 2022. Khushboo alleges that her family provided ₹3 lakh in cash, jewelry, and household items. She claims she was soon subjected to torture and eventually thrown out of the house.
• Second Marriage: On April 18, 2024, while still legally married to Khushboo, Barnwal married Gudiya Kumari. Gudiya states she was kept completely in the dark about his first wife.
• Third Marriage: Most recently, Barnwal married a third woman, who is currently residing with him.

The matter came to light when the first two wives discovered each other’s existence through local villagers. They soon realized that Pintu had fathered children with multiple wives; the second wife reportedly has a 10-month-old baby, while the third wife has a one-month-old infant.

Accusations of Dowry and Deceit

Both Khushboo and Gudiya approached the Gopalganj police, accusing Barnwal and his family of using marriage as a tool for financial gain. They alleged that the family would demand dowry, and if the demands weren’t met or once the money was exhausted, the women were harassed and replaced.

“He has ruined many girls’ lives,” Gudiya Kumari told reporters. “Every time a new girl comes, the family demands jewelry and cash. If it isn’t given, the torture begins.”

The Husband’s Defense

Following his arrest, Pintu Barnwal denied the allegations of dowry harassment, though he admitted to the three marriages. He claimed “compelling circumstances” forced his hand, citing his 60-year-old mother’s failing health.

“My mother suffers from heart disease and diabetes,” Barnwal claimed. “None of my earlier wives would even cook for her or take care of her. I was forced to marry a third time just to ensure someone was there to look after my mother.” He further made counter-allegations, claiming his first wife had previously attempted to attack him.

Legal Consequences

Under Indian law, bigamy is a serious criminal offense. Under Section 494 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) (and its equivalent under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita), marrying again while a first marriage is still legally valid can result in up to seven years of imprisonment and a fine.

The Gopalganj police have registered an FIR involving charges of bigamy, domestic violence, and dowry harassment. Pintu Barnwal has been produced before a local court and sent to judicial custody as the investigation continues.