Lucknow- - In Uttar Pradesh, the Madavara police station area of Lalitpur district became the center of attention when a Dalit family penned a letter to the district administration and police, pleading for assistance in ensuring security during the Bindauli (Baraat) ritual at their wedding.

Allegedly, their requests were ignored by the authorities, prompting the distressed groom to reach out to the Azad Samaj Party and Bhim Army for help. As the complaint letter by the groom went viral on social media, it stirred panic within the police administration, forcing them to reconsider and promise security measures on the day of the event.

The story revolves around Anant Ram, a resident of Dongra Khurd village, who is about to tie the knot with Raju Devi from Mirchwara village. Despite the joyous occasion, fear looms large as Anant fears reprisals from feudalists during the customary Bindauli or Ghudchadhi ritual. This fear stems from the grim reality of Dalit wedding processions being targeted and attacked in various parts of India.

Speaking with The Mooknayak, Anant Ram said, "My marriage has been arranged with Raju Devi, daughter of Bhagwati Ahirwar from Mirchwara village. The wedding procession is scheduled for March 12. I want to celebrate this wedding with great fanfare. However, in villages, any Scheduled Caste family is afraid to do so due to fear of feudal lords. In many places in India, people with feudalistic mindset have attacked Dalit wedding processions in villages. Murders have also been committed during the Bindauri or Ghudchadhi ritual. That is why I am also scared. What I am planning to do has never happened in my village."

Anant Ram further explains, "I want to have a Bindauri ceremony in my wedding procession. For this, I had written a letter to the local police and district administration seeking help. However, the district administration showed no interest in this matter. I was tired of making rounds of the officials' offices. The officials were not showing any interest in this matter. It's my wedding, I have to do all the work. In such a situation, I wrote a letter to the Azad Samaj Party and Bhim Army seeking cooperation."

With the complaint letter gaining traction on social media, the district administration and police found themselves under scrutiny, prompting them to assure security arrangements for the Bindauri ceremony.

Adding intrigue to the narrative, the wedding card featuring photographs of Dalit leaders, including Baba Saheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar, and Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Vinay Ratan, also went viral. The blend of tradition, fear, and resilience portrayed in Anant's plight resonated with netizens, amplifying the urgency for justice and protection for marginalized communities.

In response to the uproar, Swastik Dixit, the officer in-charge of Madwara police station, stated, "This is unprecedented in our village, but we take the complaint seriously. Security measures will be implemented to ensure a safe and joyous celebration for the groom and his family."

-Story Translated by Geetha Sunil Pillai

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