OUTRAGE IN MUMBAI: Man Slashes Fiancée’s Lehenga With Knife Inside Boutique After Heated Dispute With Shopkeeper

Mumbai, 
In a shocking and bizarre incident that has left the city stunned, a man slashed his fiancée’s bridal lehenga with a knife inside a high-end boutique in Mumbai after she got into a heated argument with the shopkeeper. What was supposed to be a joyful moment of wedding preparation quickly descended into chaos — and now, the incident has sparked intense online debate and widespread condemnation.

According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, the couple — identified as 27-year-old Ritesh Malhotra and his fiancée Anjali Sharma — visited the upscale bridal store Riwaaz Couture in Andheri West on Monday afternoon to finalize fittings for Anjali’s wedding lehenga, reportedly worth over ₹1.5 lakh.

Trouble began when Anjali allegedly pointed out discrepancies in the embroidery and accused the shopkeeper of delivering a “cheaper replica” than what was originally ordered. A verbal altercation broke out between Anjali and the boutique manager, who denied the allegations and asked her to leave if she wasn’t satisfied.

Ritesh, who had remained quiet during the first part of the argument, suddenly lost his temper when the shopkeeper allegedly raised his voice at Anjali. But instead of confronting the manager, Ritesh shockingly pulled a small knife from his pocket and slashed the lehenga multiple times, tearing through its delicate fabric and leaving stunned onlookers speechless.

“Everyone froze,” said a boutique employee. “We thought he might attack the staff, but he went straight for the lehenga and began slicing it apart on the spot. His face was red with rage. The bride started crying and shouting at him, but he didn’t stop until the garment was ruined.”

Security staff immediately intervened, and police were called to the scene. Ritesh was taken into custody on charges of mischief causing damage to property, public intimidation, and carrying a weapon without a permit. Anjali, visibly shaken, reportedly refused to leave with him and instead went home with her sister.

Speaking briefly to reporters, the boutique owner said, “We’ve never witnessed anything like this. We’ve handled difficult clients, but this level of violence inside our store is terrifying. We are pressing full legal charges.”

The incident has since gone viral after CCTV footage of the man tearing the lehenga went online. The video, viewed over 3 million times in less than 24 hours, has ignited outrage on social media, with many questioning the man’s mental stability and the safety of public spaces.

But what has shocked people even more is the emotional fallout between the couple. Sources close to Anjali reveal that she is now reconsidering the marriage. “She’s humiliated, embarrassed, and scared,” said a family friend. “If this is how he reacts under stress, she’s wondering what life would be like after marriage.”

Meanwhile, Ritesh’s family has tried to downplay the incident, calling it a “moment of madness” and requesting leniency. However, police say they are taking the matter seriously due to the public nature of the outburst and the presence of a weapon.

Domestic violence prevention advocates have weighed in, saying the incident is a warning sign of deeper anger management issues. “This isn’t about a lehenga,” said psychologist Dr. Sheetal Rao. “This is about control and rage. The fact that the aggression was aimed at the bride’s dress speaks volumes.”

As the investigation continues, Anjali’s wedding — scheduled for next month — now hangs in uncertainty. What should have been a celebration of love may have just turned into a painful lesson in red flags ignored.

This is a developing story. Updates will follow.