A striking demonstration took place between Udaipur city and the district headquarters on Thursday, where newly married woman Pooja Meghwal participated in a protest while sitting on a mare and holding portraits of social reformers Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule.
Hundreds of Bhim Army workers joined her in the march, raising slogans and chanting “Jai Bhim,” turning the event into a large public expression of anger against caste-based violence.
As the procession moved forward, traffic reportedly came to a halt and people gathered along the road to witness the unusual and emotional protest.
Allegation of attack during wedding procession
Pooja Meghwal had recently married on April 29 in Dabok police station area of Udaipur. According to her and supporting groups, the wedding procession in Hariyav village was attacked by a group of around 15 people.
It is alleged that the attackers used caste-based abuse, forcibly pulled the bride off the mare, stopped the DJ, and attacked wedding guests with stones, sticks, rods, and swords. Around 15 people were injured in the incident, and several women reportedly had their mangalsutras snatched.
Pooja said the incident deeply traumatized her and her family. Speaking emotionally during the protest, she said she could never forget the humiliation faced on what should have been the happiest day of her life.
Bhim Army calls it “restoration of dignity”
The Bhim Army described Pooja Meghwal’s participation in the protest while sitting on a mare as a symbolic “return of respect.”
A large rally was organized from Town Hall to the District Collectorate, where a memorandum was submitted demanding strict action against the accused.
Bhim Army state president Jitendra Hatwal criticized the police response and demanded stronger action, saying authorities should not protect those accused of caste-based violence. He alleged that the attack included stone pelting and physical assault that left several injured.
Warning of larger agitation if demands not met
Bhim Army spokesperson Anil Panor issued a strong warning, saying that if strict action was not taken, the situation could escalate further.
He said, “If the government does not take strict action against such criminals, then Rajasthan will not remain silent on such incidents.”
Bhim Army vice president Roshan Meghwal also demanded the arrest of all named accused, claiming that only a few people had been taken into custody so far. He called for a change in the investigating officer and compensation for the victim’s family.
He warned that if demands were ignored, a large-scale protest in Jaipur would be organised.
Police complaint and ongoing investigation
The matter has reached senior police officials, and a memorandum has been submitted to the state government through the district administration. According to protest leaders, investigations are ongoing, but they insist that all accused must be arrested immediately.
Police have not yet issued a detailed public statement on the allegations of caste-based violence mentioned by the protest groups.
