Amidst the bustling streets near Hyderabad’s iconic Charminar and the aroma of Hyderabadi biryani thrives a clandestine business where young girls, under the guise of nikah (marriage), are sold to wealthy Sheikhs from Gulf countries. The practice, which originated centuries ago in Arab nations, has evolved into an organised trade in India known as “Sheikh marriages”.
The concept, historically known as Mutah marriages, involved wealthy Gulf nationals seeking short-term marital arrangements when they used to travel long distances for businesses or for war. The term “Mutah” in Arabic translates to “something that can be enjoyed”. While the practice has largely faded in Arab nations, it has gained traction in Indian states like Hyderabad.
India Today conducted an investigation to delve into the modus operandi of such Sheikh marriages. It was found that areas like Shahin Nagar, Hassan Nagar, Yakutpura, Barkas, Charminar, and Vattapally in Hyderabad are the main centres for these marriages. Apart from wealthy Sheikhs, Sudanese and Somali nationals are also involved in such contract marriages.
For facilitating such ‘Sheikh marriages’, there are agents and 5–6 intermediaries, including brokers, local women, and hotel staff. An agent, who has been involved in the business for over 20 years, said wealthy sheikhs mostly seek virgin women for marriage, believing it will restore their vitality.
While agents in Gulf countries identify potential clients, local brokers in Hyderabad send the prospective bride’s photos to be shared with the sheikhs. This usually sees an uptick during Ramzan, the agent said.
In Hyderabad, the local agent coordinates with women brokers — referred to as “aunties” or “brokernis”. These women keep track of which family is facing a financial crisis or have young, beautiful daughters.
After the photos of the girls are sent to the sheikh, he selects a few for an in-person meeting. These meetings mostly take place in beauty parlours or the homes of girls. Once the sheikh arrives, a “parade” is organised. After the sheikh makes his final choice, a sum is paid in advance to the family. It is followed by a quick nikah (marriage ceremony) and the girl is then taken to a hotel or, in some cases, abroad.
Many of the girls are left behind in the hotels. The agents and brokers also make good money.
One agent told India Today that he earns Rs 50,000 (USD 600) per marriage. In a month, he arranges 5-6 such marriages. The agents are responsible for arranging everything from passports and visas to forging age certificates of the girls. He said most of the sheikhs come from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar.
Local hotels and hospitals are also involved in this business. Most of the sheikhs arrive under the pretence of medical treatment in India. The arrangements are made by agents, who are fluent in Arabic, Hindi, and Telugu. They also act as interpreters.
“Medical visas are often a cover,” an agent told India Today, and corporate hospitals are the main destination of the sheikhs. According to Niti Aayog, Medical Value Travel (MVT) is a big source of revenue for the government. As per estimates, India’s share in the global market is more than 18 per cent.
The girls are mostly minors and are from impoverished families. They are lured by the promise of a better future abroad. According to the agent, such nikahs last only a few weeks, after which the girls are abandoned.
The agent said some girls also get into multiple such marriages, using tricks like fake virginity tests to deceive older sheikhs.
In occasional cases when a sheikh wants to take the girl to his home country, visas are arranged by these agents. It also means more income for them. However, after being taken to the Gulf countries, these girls often end up as sex slaves or domestic workers.
The whole process takes a huge emotional toll on the girls, and several of them develop health issues like STDs. One woman broker told India Today that pregnancies are rare as the girls are given contraceptive pills. In rare cases, abortions are arranged either in Hyderabad or through intermediaries abroad.
The woman broker said convincing families is easy. “We sit with the mother of the girl and explain to her to consider this as a kind of job. You will get lakhs in a few days. They readily agree. If someone does not agree, we do not force them,” she said.
Part 2 tomorrow — Girl narrates ordeal: Got pregnant, Sheikh uncle fled 15 days after marriage
