Putting her past behind, ex-Naxal Mallika weds Girish

CHIKKAMAGALURU: Surrendered Naxalite Mallika entered into wedlock with Girish at the pilgrimage centre of Sringeri in Chikkamagaluru district on Sunday. The inter-caste marriage, held at Sri Vidya Bharathi Bhavan, was attended by over 500 family members and friends. Mallika (28) belongs to Gowdlu, a tribal community, while Girish (35) is a Brahmin. The alliance was fixed through Girish’s friend.

Mallika’s family friend told Deccan Chronicle that the process started a month ago and that Girish is fully aware of Mallika’s Naxal past. Mallika’s brother Prakash and mother Padmavathi gave away the bride. Girish’s parents – Shankar Rao and Gowri, residents of Gandagatta village of Sringeri – were present.

Mallika was an active Naxal for a couple of years before quitting links with the ultras and opting to surrender under the Naxal Rehabilitation Package of the state government. Mallika was later given a job at Nada Kacheri of Jayapura under Heroor Gram Panchayat in Sringeri. Girish works as a supervisor at Sri Vidya Bharathi Bhavan and also owns a few acres of lands.

Holige, kheer and jalebis were the delicacies in the menu. Sources said that as it is difficult to find a suitable bride from the Brahmin community in parts of Sringeri, many men choose to marry outside the community.