The move comes a week after a Daily youth was hacked to death, allegedly for owning a horse
The Kasganj police and district administration have landed in controversy for directing a Dalit youth to take his ‘baraat’ on a longer route when he goes to marry later this month, The Times of India reported.
To highlight this, the district administration drew a map for the groom Sanjay Jatav., who would be entering the bride’s village on horseback. “We have made a route from the bride’s home to some 500 metres where they can take the horse. Further celebrations can take place at a farm,” said District Magistrate RM Singh, while speaking to news agency ANI.
The bridegroom’s family has opposed to the village community’s decision that the marriage should take place at an open ground about 80 metres from the girl’s home, saying it would not give ample opportunity and space for wedding revelry, which include horse-riding rituals.
While speaking to The Times of India, Jatav said that he would take out the marriage procession from the perimeter of the village up to the girl's residence, while passing by the houses of the upper caste community. "I have resolved to move on a particular route. The administration must help me as I am a citizen of India," he said.
He also approached the Allahabad HC, seeking protection on his marriage day. Kumar alleged that he wanted to take out his baraat by riding on a horse but people belonging to a higher caste were opposing this.
However, the village sarpanch has said that baraats in the village by a Dalit has ever entered an area dominated by Thakurs. “My job is to maintain peace. How can I allow Dalit guests to move in front of upper caste homes?” he questioned.
Earlier, a 21-year-old Dalit youth was allegedly hacked to death by three upper caste persons at Umrala village of Bhavnagar on Thursday evening for owning a horse, which is seen as a mark of wealth in several parts of India.
The police arrested three persons in connection with the murder, after Pradeep's family refused to accept the body if the culprits were not arrested.
According to a complaint lodged with the Umrala Police, Kalu said that one Natubha Darbar from the nearby Timbi village made death threats to Pradeep and a few other youth if they didn't stop flaunting the horse.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Representational image")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}