A Dalit wedding procession was allegedly attacked in Sunana village of Aligarh on Tuesday night after a dispute broke out over a song played during the baraat. The incident led to stone pelting, vandalism and tension in the area under Jawan police station limits.
According to police, the clash took place around 9.15 pm when the procession was passing through a locality of another community. Officials said a song perceived as caste-based and objectionable was played on the DJ system, which triggered objections from locals. The situation soon escalated into violence, with members of both sides allegedly attacking each other with sticks and stones. Videos of the clash later went viral on social media.
Police Say Song Triggered Dispute
Superintendent of Police City Mrigank Shekhar Pathak said a preliminary inquiry suggested that the conflict began after a participant in the procession played a provocative song through a mobile phone connected to the DJ system.
“When a member of the baraat played a song intended to stir up caste-based feelings, it was objected to by members present there. Police reached the spot, pacified both sides and provided security to the procession,” Pathak said.
He added that the baraat was safely escorted to the wedding venue and no injuries were officially reported. “Peace has been restored in the village. A case has been registered, and those involved are being identified for strict action,” he said.
Sub Inspector Ghanshyam Singh, in his complaint, stated that when the procession entered the locality, an unknown baraati played an objectionable song. “People objected, and some unknown persons attacked each other, abused each other and used sticks. Nearby houses were also vandalised. The incident created panic and disturbed law and order,” he said. Police have seized video footage and the audio track for investigation.
An FIR has been registered against unidentified persons under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including rioting, voluntarily causing hurt, intentional insult to provoke breach of peace, criminal force and mischief, along with provisions of the Criminal Law Amendment Act.
Family Alleges Targeted Attack
However, family members of the bride have alleged that the procession was attacked without provocation. Anees Kumar, the bride’s brother, claimed that miscreants armed with sharp-edged weapons targeted the baraat. He said the wedding party could move forward only after police intervention.
In another viral video, a participant in the procession accused members of the Thakur community of pelting stones at the Dalit wedding procession. He alleged that the attack reflected growing caste tensions.
Political Reactions
Chandra Shekhar Azad, chief of the Bhim Army, condemned the incident and termed it serious. He alleged that the procession was attacked with sticks and other weapons, and that casteist slurs were used.
Police have deployed additional forces in the village to maintain law and order. Officials said the situation is currently peaceful, and efforts are ongoing to identify those involved in the clash.
