5,000 people block Damoh-Jabalpur highway:‘Var-Vadhu’ meet triggers outrage as girls not presented, registration fee controversy

Angry participants blocked the Damoh–Jabalpur highway after a stir erupted over the ‘Var-Vadhu Introduction Conference’ in Damoh, Madhya Pradesh. The protest broke out after members of the groom’s side alleged they were not shown the girls despite registering for the event. The blockade led to long queues of vehicles from around 3 pm. The programme was held at a private marriage garden. On receiving information about the road blockade, SDM Saurav Gandharv along with police forces reached the spot. The officials persuaded the protesters and brought them back to the venue. Discussions were held with the participants and the situation was brought under control. 1100 Rupees Registration Fee The event was organised by Radhika Foundation Seva Samiti under the banner of a ‘Sarv Hindu Samaj Var-Vadhu Introduction Conference’. A total of 529 grooms and 150 brides had registered for the programme. A ₹1,100 registration fee was taken from the groom’s side, while no fee was charged from the brides. More than 5,000 people from Damoh as well as nearby areas including Sagar, Jabera and Tendukheda attended the event. Sent away without showing the girl Participants alleged that after reaching the venue they were sent back without being introduced to the girls. A woman from Tendukheda said she had filled the registration form on 13 March, but when she reached the venue on Sunday she was asked to leave without being shown any prospective brides. Several others also complained of mismanagement and said they were not given an opportunity to meet the girls despite paying the registration fee. Promise to give almirah, fridge and TV According to pamphlets circulated by the organisers, couples whose marriages were finalised through the conference would receive 21 types of gifts, including a Godrej almirah, fridge, television and washing machine. After the dispute broke out, many participants questioned these claims. Organiser Reena Khatik said the programme was only an introduction conference and that marriages would be arranged later once matches were confirmed. She added that due to the unexpectedly large crowd it was not possible to introduce everyone. Police officials said some participants demanded a refund of the registration fee after the dispute escalated. They assured that the matter would be investigated and that registered participants would be refunded if required. The highway blockade lasted for about 25 minutes before traffic resumed.