What was meant to be a joyous celebration turned into a scene of chaos and violence at a hotel in Bakraur, Bodh Gaya, on November 29. Shocking closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from the event has surfaced, showing guests and hosts engaged in a physical altercation, trading punches and hurling chairs at each other, leaving the banquet hall in complete disarray.
The Dowry Allegation That Sparked the Chaos
According to the bride's father, Suresh Prasad, the roots of the conflict lay in an unlawful demand for dowry. He alleged that the groom's family insisted on an additional Rs 2 lakh beyond what had been agreed upon. When Prasad refused, he claims the other side used a trivial issue as a pretext to start trouble.
"They used rasgullas as an excuse to cause trouble after I rejected their demand for the extra money," Prasad stated. He further reported that several members from the bride's side sustained injuries during the attack. Following the incident, a formal complaint was registered at the Bodh Gaya police station.
A Clash of Narratives: Rasgulla vs Dowry
The groom's family has presented a starkly different version of events, contesting the dowry allegation. Mahendra Prasad from Hathiyawan village, whose son was marrying Suresh's daughter, claimed the conflict was solely about a dessert dispute.
"The girl's family broke off the wedding over the rasgulla dispute. Now, they are saying it was because of dowry," he said. Expressing a desire to reconcile, Mahendra Prasad added, "We still want to bring home our son's bride."
Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation
The violent episode occurred just minutes after the newlywed couple had completed the ceremonial exchange of garlands, marking a tragic turn to the wedding festivities. The CCTV evidence now forms a crucial part of the police investigation into the matter.
This incident has once again brought the persistent social evil of dowry demands into sharp focus, highlighting how such illegal practices can escalate into public violence, shattering families and celebrations. The local authorities are investigating both the allegations of dowry harassment and the acts of violence captured on tape.
