The rigid caste-based discrimination that still persists in various parts of India has once again come to the fore with a violent incident at a Dalit wedding procession in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. A recent incident, reminiscent of a scene in the popular Bobby Deol-starrer web series Aashram, unfolded in the Khandauli area, where a wedding procession was brutally attacked by members of an upper-caste community.
Wedding Procession Under Attack in Agra
On the night of the wedding, 22-year-old groom Rohit Kumar was pulled off his mare, abused, and violently thrashed by a group of men. The attackers reportedly also stole his gold chain and harassed the family and guests. According to reports, the attackers armed with sticks and sharp objects caused panic among the wedding guests, including women and children. Some guests sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:
Agra : A Dalit wedding procession was attacked by some members of an upper-caste community for allegedly playing loud music. A care was registered and two accused were arrested yesterday. The case registered including SC/ST Act against nine named accused Ajit Tomar, Ajay Tomar,… pic.twitter.com/ziY4x8ROow
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) April 18, 2025
The Cause of the Violence: Loud Music and Caste Tensions
The altercation reportedly erupted when the Dalit wedding procession passed through an upper-caste neighborhood while playing loud music. This was perceived as a violation of caste-based norms in the village. The guests immediately switched off the music and lights and fled the scene in fear, seeking refuge at the wedding hall. The incident highlights not just a clash over noise but the deeply ingrained caste-based discrimination that is still rampant in rural areas.
Police Action and Investigation
Local authorities acted swiftly after the incident, and two individuals were detained for their involvement in the attack. ACP Piyushkant Gupta confirmed that a case had been registered and an investigation is underway. SHO Anand Veer elaborated on the case, stating that it was filed under various sections including rioting, unlawful assembly, and assault, with additional charges under the SC/ST Act.
“The incident took place at Garhi Rammi village in Khandauli area of Agra district. A case was registered under BNS sections 191-3 (rioting with weapons), 190 (unlawful assembly), 115-1 (causing hurt), 127 (wrongfully confined), 74 (assault or criminal force to a woman), 352 (intentional insult), along with SC/ST Act against nine named — Ajit Tomar, Ajay Tomar, Saurabh Tomar and Pradeep Tomar and their aides — and 20 unidentified persons after a complaint by the bride’s mother,” SHO Anand Veer said.
A Similar Incident in March
Shockingly, this was not an isolated event. A similar incident had occurred just a month earlier in the same village, Garhi Rammi. In March, another Dalit wedding procession was attacked, and the groom was forcibly pulled off his mare at gunpoint. In that case, three men were accused, and a police report was filed against them.
The Deep-Rooted Issue of Caste Discrimination
The attack on the wedding procession is a stark reminder of the caste-based prejudices that persist in many rural communities, despite the country’s legal framework promoting equality. The act of attacking a wedding procession for simply following their customs serves as a powerful indicator of the ongoing social divide that continues to plague India’s rural heartlands.
Public Outrage Over the Incident
The attack on the Dalit wedding procession has led to widespread condemnation. Social media users have expressed their anger over the incident, with many highlighting the deep-seated issues of caste discrimination. The violence against the groom and his guests has become a symbol of the urgent need for societal reform, particularly in combating caste-based violence.
This incident serves as a reminder that caste discrimination is not just a part of history but remains an ongoing issue that needs immediate attention from both the public and authorities.
