Dalit Groom Brutally Assaulted in Damoh Wedding Procession, NSA Charges Recommended
In a shocking incident of caste-based violence, a 23-year-old physically handicapped Dalit groom was pulled off a horse and severely beaten during a pre-wedding procession in Damoh district on Tuesday evening. The wedding could only proceed after police intervention, highlighting deep-seated discrimination in the region.
Police Action and NSA Invocation
Damoh Superintendent of Police Shrut Kirti Somavansh stated that this is a clear case of caste discrimination. All four accused named in the complaint have been arrested, and authorities have recommended invoking the National Security Act (NSA) against them. This marks the first time such stringent action is being taken in a similar case in the area, with the recommendation sent to the District Magistrate for approval.
Details of the Incident
The assault occurred in Bijori Pathak village during the 'Rachwai' procession, a Bundelkhandi custom where the groom, Golu Ahirwar, rides a horse around the village before the baraat. Around 5 PM, four villagers—Ghuppu Lodhi, Vishwanath Lodhi, Bichhu Lodhi, and Chinnu Lodhi—objected to him riding a horse, using caste-based abuses. They blocked the path by placing a motorcycle in front of the horse, forcibly pulled Golu down, and assaulted him.
When family members intervened, they were also beaten, with Golu's sister Manisha among those injured. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media, amplifying public outrage. After the attack, the Dalit community took the injured groom to the police station to file a complaint, leading to a case under relevant sections, including the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Family Testimonies and Aftermath
Manisha Ahirwar alleged that the accused parked a vehicle to block their way, rushed at them when asked to move, and dragged her brother off the horse while assaulting the family. They reportedly said, "A horse would not be allowed in the lane, and such a procession was not meant for people like them." Another family member added that the attackers refused to allow the procession, assaulted them when objected, and that some jewellery went missing during the chaos.
Additional police force has been deployed in the village to prevent further unrest and ensure security. This incident underscores ongoing challenges in combating caste-based atrocities in India, with authorities taking unprecedented steps to address the violence.
