Chaos in Ratlam over stopping a Dalit bride’s Bindoli: Rituals completed under police protection, 5 people booked under the SC-ST Act
“Miscreants said, ‘The Bindoli will not pass through the village,’ police ensured the ceremony was completed under a security cover; Bhim Army raised its voice.”
Ratlam. A serious case of social discrimination has come to light in Lakhmakhedi village, Ratlam district, Madhya Pradesh, where an attempt was made to disrupt the happiness of a Dalit family. Some miscreants from the village stopped the bride’s Bindoli (procession) during a wedding ceremony. However, the police acted promptly, ensuring the ceremony was completed in their presence and taking strict action against the accused.
What is the whole matter?
The incident is reported to have taken place on Monday night. Suresh Kataria, a vegetable vendor, was performing the wedding rituals for his elder daughter. The wedding is scheduled for November 26th. In this connection, the bride’s procession was being taken out around 9:30 pm on Monday night.
According to the bride’s father, Suresh Kataria, when the procession reached the homes of members of the Rajput community in the village, some people present there blocked the way. They allegedly threatened and said, “Your procession will not pass through this village.”
Allegations of indecent behavior and casteist slurs
The victims allege that as the procession approached Bapu Singh’s house, Bapu Singh and Badri Singh came out and began questioning the procession. Kushal Singh, Kuldeep Singh, and Govind Singh Bhanej also arrived. It is alleged that these people began abusing the Dalit family using casteist slurs and blocked the road.
The procession was carried out under police protection
Upon receiving information about the dispute, Barawad Police Station in-charge Swaraj Dabi immediately arrived at the scene with the police force. They controlled the situation and ensured that the procession was conducted peacefully under police protection.
A case has been registered against these five people.
Acting swiftly on the complaint, the police have registered a case against five named accused. The accused have been identified as residents of Lakhmakhedi:
- Bapu Singh (father Parvat Singh Sondhia)
- Badri Singh (father Bheru Singh)
- Kushal Singh (father Chander Singh)
- Kuldeep Singh (father Lal Singh)
- Govind Singh Bhanej
Police have registered a case against all of them under Section 176 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and various sections of the SC-ST Act.
Bhim Army demands strict action
The Bhim Army and the Azad Samaj Party have strongly protested the incident. Former Azad Samaj Party state president Sunil Astey and district president Gopal Vaghela have demanded the administration take the strictest possible action against the accused.
Sunil Astey released a video message appealing to the state Chief Minister, Dr. Mohan Yadav, to intervene. He said, “Stopping a Dalit girl’s Binauli horse-drawn carriage at a Dalit wedding in Lakhmakhedi village, Barawad police station, Ratlam, isn’t just rudeness—it’s Manuwadi hooliganism! Those who believe a Dalit girl’s Binauli will be stopped—their thinking will be crushed. Those who disrespect daughters don’t belong in society, but directly in jail. @SP_RATLAM_MP should immediately identify the accused and the police should take immediate action, or there will be a street protest. The Bhim Army team has reached the village. They are standing with the family and the bride for security.”
Rajan Chaudhary
Courtesy: Hindi News
