A Dalit groom’s wedding procession was taken out under tight security in Govinddaspur village of Jhunjhunu district, after threats from locals, police said.
Rakesh, the groom, rode a mare while holding a portrait of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, as over 60 personnel from the Quick Reaction Team and local police guarded the procession.
“We received a complaint that Rakesh was threatened with violence if he sat on a mare for his baarat,” said Mehara police station in-charge Bhajanram. “We detained several people and ensured the procession took place peacefully.”
Rakesh’s family said some upper-caste youth threatened them, warning Rakesh not to sit on the mare. After the family informed the police, officers from Mehara, Khetri, Khetri Nagar, and Babai police stations were deployed for security. Bhim Army district president Vikas Aalha and state secretary Ravi Marodiya were also present to support the family.
“I was scared, but I was determined to take my baarat with pride,” Rakesh said.
The incident brings back memories of a similar case in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr last December, when a Dalit groom, Robin Singh, was forced off his mare, and stones were thrown at his wedding procession by upper-caste men.
“Such incidents show how Dalits are still fighting for their dignity,” said Ravi Marodiya of the Bhim Army.
