A 34-year-old Muslim man, Saddam, converted to Hinduism and changed his name to Shivshankar to marry his girlfriend with whom he had been in a relationship for 10 years, police said on Monday.

According to Devendra Singh, the SHO of Kotwali police station, the woman had filed a case against Saddam and his family three days ago. She accused them of rape, forcing her to have an abortion, and threatening her life. However, Singh confirmed that the couple has now married willingly.

Saddam Hussain, a resident of Nagar Bazaar, converted to Hinduism and married his girlfriend who is from the same village, the police said. Devendra Singh said, the couple faced obstacles due to their different religions, and Saddam’s family refused to accept the woman, who is around 30 years old. Despite her repeated requests for marriage, the issue remained unresolved.

Frustrated, the woman filed a complaint with the Superintendent of Police in Basti three days ago, accusing Saddam of rape, forcing her to have an abortion, and making death threats. Acting on the SP’s orders, a case was registered against Saddam and his family.

On Sunday night, Saddam married his girlfriend in a temple in the city market, following Hindu customs. He also changed his name to Shivshankar Soni.The couple took seven vows in the temple and expressed their commitment to spending their lives together. They told the police that the marriage decision was mutual and based on their 10-year-long relationship.