Dalit Bride's Wedding Procession Faces Caste Discrimination, Continues Under Police Protection in Madhya Pradesh

The customary pre-wedding ritual was eventually completed with police protection ensuring safety.

In Madhya Pradesh's Lakhma Khedi village, a Dalit bride's traditional wedding procession known as Bindoli proceeded under police protection on Monday night after Rajput community members allegedly obstructed the route and directed casteist insults at the family.

The confrontation began around 9:30 pm when Ritu's Bindoli, daughter of vegetable vendor Suresh Kataria, was moving through the village ahead of her November 26 wedding celebration.

As the procession approached Bapu Singh's residence, he reportedly emerged and objected to the wedding party passing by his property.

Shortly thereafter, several men identified as Kushal Singh, Kuldeep Singh and Govind Singh Bhanej, along with other villagers, allegedly gathered and began verbally abusing the Dalit family with casteist remarks while attempting to halt the ceremony completely.

After receiving notification of the incident, Barawad Police Station officer-in-charge Swaraj Dabi arrived at the scene with his team. With escalating tensions, law enforcement formed a protective perimeter and ensured the bride's procession continued along its intended route despite the opposition.

The Bindoli ceremony, a traditional pre-wedding ritual where the bride or groom tours the village on horseback or in a carriage accompanied by music and family members, was successfully completed under police supervision.

In his formal complaint, Kataria stated, "I sell vegetables to support my family. My elder daughter is getting married on November 26. We were taking out the procession when we reached Bapu Singh's house. Bapu Singh and Badri Singh came out and questioned why we were taking the Bindoli from there. Soon others gathered and used casteist slurs against us." He claimed they not only blocked the path but also attempted to humiliate his family before the entire village.

Authorities have charged the accused Bapu Singh, Badri Singh, Kushal Singh, Kuldeep Singh, Govind Singh Bhanej, and others under Section 176 of the BNS Act and relevant sections of the SC/ST Act.

Ratlam Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar stated, "As soon as the matter came to our notice, police were deployed, peace was maintained, and an FIR was registered. A case has been filed against 4-5 individuals under relevant sections."

Police continue their investigation as tension persists in the village following the incident.