Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel met the villagers on Friday to ensure law and order is maintained in the village
The Dalit community faced backlash a day after five people were arrested for boycotting a Dalit family after a groom rode a horse as part of a marriage procession.
Interestingly, the community is still facing the effects of the boycott despite a meeting held by the inspect general, the collector and officials of the social justice and empowerment department. Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel met the villagers on Friday to ensure law and order is maintained in the village.
Manubhai Parmar, father of the groom, whose decision to let his son ride a horse led to the boycott said, "Everyone wants us to reach a compromise. We have not boycotted anyone?" said Parmar. He said that the rest of the villagers still continue to give them a cold shoulder. "We have to go to nearby village to buy grocery and other things," said Parmar.
Meanwhile, Ishwar Parmar, Social Justice and Empowerment minister has announced a compensation of Rs 1 lakh for the victims mentioned in the FIR. An official said that the minister has announced that part of the payment to be released and that it is as per the norms in cases were a Dalit is a victim of any sort of crime. The department also sought a report from the district level officials about the delay in action in the case.
ALSO READ: Ahmedabad: Dalit groom rides horse, community faces boycott
Dalit leader Jignesh Mewani also visited the village and met with the community members. The sarpanch who along with four others arrested had announced a fine of Rs 5000 on anyone who would talk to the family.
POLICE COVER
Fearing backlash from a section of villagers, a Dalit groom Friday took out his wedding procession under police protection in Sabarkantha district. The groom's family members, residents of Sitvada decided to seek protection after an objection from some non-Dalit residents, said village leader Ranjitsinh Rathod.
){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}
){kind=small}
 "Dalit groom")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}