Kolkata, Nov 26 (IANS) A 25-year-old woman called off her marriage two hours before the ceremony after she found the groom taking heroin and handed him over to the police in a West Bengal town, officials said Wednesday.Chaiti Das was to wed 27-year-old Biplab Kundu Tuesday night, but the groom had to spend time in jail instead. The incident took place at Kanchrapara town under Bijpur police station in North 24 Parganas district.

“Kundu, along with friends and relatives, came to the bride’s house at around 7 p.m. and the rituals were to start at 10 p.m. But after sometime, he could not be seen in the house. After a thorough search, Kundu was found taking heroin along with three friends in the backyard,” a police official at Bijpur police station told reporters.

He said Das rushed to the spot to ascertain the incident herself.

“Das wanted to see the truth herself and after knowing about it cancelled the marriage, called up Bijpur police station and put him and his friends behind the bars for the night,” the official added.

According to Das’ neighbours, the bride remained firm on her decision despite her parents’ persuasion to overlook the matter.

“Das’ parents and relatives tried to persuade her not to call off the marriage just because of one incident. But she remained firm on her stand. In fact, she made things easier for the police who were a little hesitant to arrest a groom on his wedding night,” said her neighbour Shanta Pal.

Kundu and his friends were released on bail Wednesday morning.