One of the attackers in Udaipur district allegedly said: ‘Chamar Meghwalo, don’t take the procession ahead of my house, otherwise there will be bloodshed’
NEW DELHI — In yet another incident underscoring the persistence of caste-based violence and social exclusion in India, a Dalit wedding procession was attacked in Rajasthan’s Udaipur district, with the bride allegedly forced off a horse and guests assaulted.
The incident took place on April 29 in Hariyav village, where a group of upper-caste men allegedly stopped the procession of Pooja Meghwal as it passed along a main road around 10 pm. According to the complaint filed by the bride’s father, Bhairulal Meghwal, the accused hurled casteist abuses and issued threats of violence.
One of the accused allegedly grabbed a relative’s turban and warned, “Chamar Meghwalo, do not take the procession ahead of my house, otherwise there will be bloodshed.” The attackers then stopped the DJ, forced the bride to dismount, and assaulted members of the procession.
Family members alleged that the group used sticks, stones, rods, and even swords, injuring several people, including women and children. One accused, identified as Takhat Singh, reportedly wielded a sword during the attack. The family also claimed that valuables, including mangalsutras and wristwatches, were snatched away during the violence.
They further alleged that the same group had previously obstructed another Dalit wedding in the village, raising concerns about a pattern of unchecked intimidation.
An FIR has been registered at Dabok police station under sections related to unlawful assembly, voluntarily causing hurt, and wrongful restraint under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
However, the incident has drawn criticism over the apparent failure of local authorities to prevent recurring caste-based disruptions in the area. Activists argue that such attacks—often triggered by Dalits asserting basic social rights like riding a horse in a wedding procession—reflect deep-rooted caste hierarchies that continue to be enforced through violence.
Critics also questioned whether the police had taken adequate preventive measures despite earlier alleged incidents involving the same group, and whether the application of stringent provisions under the SC/ST Act would be pursued rigorously.
Members of the Bhim Army gathered in large numbers near the police station on Friday (May 1), demanding swift arrests and strict action against the accused. They warned of wider protests if authorities fail to act decisively.
The incident adds to a growing list of cases where Dalit families face violent resistance for exercising social customs that challenge entrenched caste norms—raising urgent questions about enforcement of legal protections and the state’s accountability in safeguarding constitutional rights.
