In a surprising case from Surat, Gujarat, a 21-year-old woman named Mona allegedly eloped with her 17-year-old boyfriend, Raj, whom she met on Instagram. Their relationship blossomed over a year and a half, leading them to make serious commitments to each other, including vows to live and die together. This relationship took a troubling turn when Mona's family arranged her marriage to someone else, prompting her to travel to Surat to be with Raj.

The couple's plan unfolded after their days of communication online culminated in a real-life rendezvous. They first attempted to escape to Mumbai before eventually arriving at Surat. However, their actions violated local laws, considering Raj's minor status. The Surat railway police’s SHE team intervened, apprehending them as they were about to continue their journey together. The authorities viewed this incident as critical, highlighting not just the impulsiveness of young love but also the significant legal implications of their actions.

This case spotlights the complexities surrounding teenage relationships in the digital age, particularly regarding consent and legality. With social media acting as a facilitator of relationships among minors, the police are now reframing how such cases should be handled sensitively while enforcing the law. While the young couple may have had intentions rooted in affection, their story serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges posed by misguided decisions fuelled by social media.