Chhattisgarh man ostracized for not following customs during son’s wedding

Chhattisgarh police registered an FIR on July 10 against nine persons based on a complaint by a man who alleged that he was ostracized by members of his community for not conducting his son’s wedding in accordance to customs. The complainant, Ramesh Kumar Nirmalkar hailing from Tomgaun village alleged that he was pressurised by his community to pay a fine of Rs 21000 and also host a meal for the community failing which he would be ostracized by them. While speaking to ANI, complainant Ramesh Kumar Nirmalkar said, “Due to my poor financial condition, I could not arrange my son’s marriage as per the existing social customs and got my son married under Arya Samaj customs instead.” “Upon returning to my village, people from the community asked me to pay Rs 21000 penalty and organise a meal for the community. After I refused due to financial constraints, I was told that their final offer was Rs 16000 and I was given two months time,” he added. Ramesh Kumar Nirmalkar’s son, Nageshwar said, “The community is refusing to recognise my marriage. I was forced to give in writing that I will pay the fine or get kicked out of the community.” While speaking to ANI, Mahasamund district Superintendent of Police (SP) Santosh Singh said, “Ramesh Kumar from Tumgaon filed a complaint that a few people of his community ill-treated him as they were not happy with the marriage. They fined him and he was boycotted as well. FIR has been registered and the investigation is underway.”