Amidst the bustling streets and aroma of Hyderabadi biryani near Hyderabad’s iconic Charminar, a secret business thrives in which young girls are sold to rich Sheikhs from Gulf countries under the guise of nikah (marriage). The practice, which started centuries ago in Arab countries, turned into an organized trade known as “Sheikh marriages” in India.

Historically known as Mutah marriages, the concept involved wealthy Gulf citizens seeking short-term marriage arrangements while traveling long distances for business or war. In Arabic, the word “mutah” means “something enjoyed”. Although the practice has largely lost its influence in Arab countries, it has begun to gain attention in Indian states such as Hyderabad.

India Today conducted an investigation to investigate the modus operandi of such Sheikh marriages. Areas like Shahin Nagar, Hassan Nagar, Yakutpura, Barkas, Charminar and Vattapally in Hyderabad were found to be the main centers of these marriages. In addition to wealthy Sheikhs, citizens of Sudan and Somalia are also involved in such contract marriages.

There are agents and 5-6 middlemen including brokers, local women and hotel staff to facilitate such ‘Sheikh marriages’. A representative who has been in the business for more than 20 years said rich sheikhs often seek out virgin women for marriage, believing it will restore their vitality.

While agencies in the Gulf countries identify potential customers, local brokers in Hyderabad send photos of the bride-to-be to be shared with the sheikhs. This typically sees an increase during Ramadan, the agent said.

In Hyderabad, the local agent coordinates with female brokers called “aunties” or “brokers”. These women keep track of which family is facing a financial crisis or has young, beautiful daughters.

After the photos of the girls are sent to the sheikh, he selects a few of them and holds a face-to-face meeting. These meetings are mostly held in beauty salons or girls’ homes. When the Sheikh arrives, a “parade” is held. After the Sheikh makes his final choice, an advance payment is made to the family. This is followed by a quick nikkah (marriage ceremony) and the girl is then taken to a hotel or, in some cases, abroad.

Most of the girls stayed in hotels. Agents and brokers also make good money.

A representative told India Today that she earns Rs 50,000 (US$600) per marriage. He arranges 5-6 such marriages in a month. The agencies are responsible for arranging everything from the girls’ passports and visas to forging age certificates. He said most of the sheikhs came from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar.

Local hotels and hospitals are also involved. Most of the sheikhs come to India under the pretext of medical treatment. Arrangements are made by agents who are fluent in Arabic, Hindi and Telugu. They also work as translators.

“Medical visas are often a cover,” an agent told India Today, with corporate hospitals being the main destination for sheikhs. According to Niti Aayog, Medical Value Travel (MVT) is a major source of revenue for the government. According to estimates, India’s share in the global market is over 18 percent.

The girls are mostly minors and come from poor families. They are lured by the promise of a better future abroad. According to the representative, such marriages last only a few weeks and then the girls are abandoned.

The representative also said some girls engage in multiple such marriages, using tricks such as fake virginity tests to fool older sheikhs.

Sometimes, when a sheikh wants to take the girl to his own country, visas are arranged by these agencies. This also means more income for them. However, after being taken to Gulf countries, these girls often become sex slaves or domestic workers.

This entire process takes a huge emotional toll on girls, and many of them develop health problems such as sexually transmitted diseases. A female broker told India Today that pregnancies are rare as girls are given birth control pills. In rare cases, abortions are performed in Hyderabad or through intermediaries abroad.

The female broker said it was easy to convince families. “We sit down with the girl’s mother and tell her to treat it as some kind of business. You will get lakhs in a few days. They agree immediately. If someone disagrees, we don’t force them,” he said. .

Part 2 tomorrow — The girl tells about her ordeal: She got pregnant, uncle Sheikh ran away 15 days after marriage