A case of caste-based violence has emerged from Udaipur district, where a Dalit family’s wedding procession was allegedly attacked by a group of people in Hariyav village on the night of April 29.
According to the complaint, the procession of Pooja Meghwal, daughter of Bhairulal Meghwal, was passing through a main road near Dhira Talai around 10 pm when the accused blocked their path and began abusing the group using casteist slurs.
Bride Forced Off Horse, Guests Assaulted
Family members alleged that the attackers, identified as Laxman Singh, Madhu Singh, Kishan Singh, Uday Singh, Arjun Singh, Takhat Singh, Fateh Singh, Vikram Singh and others, stopped the procession and threatened violence.
“They shouted at us and said, ‘Do not take the procession ahead of our house, otherwise there will be bloodshed,’” the complaint stated.
Eyewitnesses said the situation quickly turned violent. The DJ music was stopped, and the bride was forcibly pulled down from the horse. Soon after, the group allegedly attacked the baraatis using stones, sticks, rods and even swords.
Several people, including women and children, were injured in the assault. Victims named in the complaint include Vardi Chand Meghwal, Ganesh Meghwal, Jitu Meghwal, Manju Meghwal, Lakshmibai, Hitesh Meghwal and Suresh Meghwal.
One of the accused, Takhat Singh, is alleged to have used a sword during the attack. The complainants also said that valuables were looted in the chaos, including mangalsutras and a wristwatch.
This story was originally published in theobserverpost.com. Read the full story here.