A wedding celebration in a village of Gujarat’s Patan district turned violent after a Dalit groom was allegedly attacked for riding a horse during his marriage procession, once again exposing deep caste tensions in rural India.
The incident took place on Monday in Chandrumana village, when Vishal Chavda, a young man from the Dalit community, set out on his wedding procession, locally known as varghodo. According to the police and eyewitnesses, the procession was stopped midway by members of the dominant Thakor community, who objected to the groom riding a horse.
Family members alleged that the accused hurled casteist abuses and threatened the wedding party. Some of them were allegedly carrying sharp edged weapons, including swords. What should have been a joyful moment quickly turned into chaos as fear spread among the guests.
“How dare a Dalit ride a horse in this village,” the attackers allegedly shouted, according to people present at the spot. Members of the wedding party were reportedly assaulted, forcing the procession to halt.
The groom’s father later approached the police and filed a complaint. Based on his statement, the Patan police registered an FIR against eight people, including one minor. The accused have been booked under sections related to rioting, unlawful assembly, wrongful restraint and criminal intimidation under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, along with provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities Act.
Deputy Superintendent of Police P J Renuka said an investigation is underway. “Three of the accused were found at the spot and have been detained. Further inquiry is ongoing,” he said.
This story was originally published in theobserverpost.com. Read the full story here.