Rajput family blocks Dalit bride’s wedding procession:Village ritual completed under police protection in Ratlam; 5 individuals booked under SC-ST Act for caste-based obstruction

A Dalit family faced caste-based obstruction during a wedding ritual in Lakmakhedi village of Ratlam district. When the bride’s procession, locally known as the “Bindoli”, reached homes of the Rajput community, some members blocked the path, stating, “Your Bindoli will not pass through the village.” Police intervention ensures safe passage Upon receiving the information, Swaraj Dabi, the Officer-in-Charge of Badawada police station, arrived at the scene with other police personnel. Under police protection, the Bindoli procession was completed without further disturbance. The incident occurred on Monday night. Following this, police filed a case under the SC-ST Act against five named individuals and others. Pictures of the incident… Bride’s father alleges caste-based insult Suresh Kataria, father of the bride, told police that he runs a vegetable business and his elder daughter’s wedding is scheduled for 26 November. Around 9:30 PM on Monday, during the pre-wedding ritual, the procession reached the home of Bapu Singh. Bapu Singh and Badri Singh came out and questioned the procession, while Kushaal Singh, Kuldeep Singh, Govind Singh Bhanej, and others joined, verbally abusing them with caste-specific slurs. Five individuals booked under SC-ST Act Police confirmed that the five named accused are Bapu Singh (son of Parvat Singh Sondhiya), Badri Singh (son of Bheru Singh), Kushaal Singh (son of Chander Singh), Kuldeep Singh (son of Lal Singh), and Govind Singh Bhanej — all residents of Lakmakhedi village. A case has been registered under Section 176 of the BNS and the SC-ST Act. Bhim Army demands strict action The Bhim Army, along with former Madhya Pradesh Azad Samaj Party president Sunil Astey and district president Gopal Vaghela, protested the incident and demanded stringent action. Sunil Astey released a video urging Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav to take strict measures. Astey stated, “This obstruction of a Dalit sister’s wedding procession by so-called upper-caste individuals highlights caste-based discrimination. We demand strong action against the accused and the creation of special provisions to address casteism effectively.”