Caste Discrimination: Dalit Groom Obstructed from Taking Out Bindoli Procession on Horseback; 5 Arrested in Rajasthan's Jhalawar

Jhalawar- A shocking case of caste-based discrimination surfaced in Gwalad village under Gangdhar police station limits when a Dalit groom and his sister were barred from performing the traditional Bindori wedding procession on horseback. Upper-caste villagers allegedly objected, insisting the procession be taken out on foot instead. When police intervened, the protesters shifted their stance, raising doubts about the groom’s age in an attempt to justify their obstruction.

The dispute escalated on Saturday night when the groom’s family, preparing for a double wedding (of both their son and daughter), began the Bindori ritual. However, some villagers opposed the use of a horse—a common tradition in weddings—claiming it was against local customs for Dalits. Police and administrative officials rushed to the spot and facilitated the procession under heavy security.

After failing to stop the procession, the villagers changed tactics and alleged that the groom was underage. Authorities verified his age as 20 and therefore asked the family to delay the boy's wedding until he attains the marriageable age. Meanwhile, the groom’s sister’s baraat (wedding procession) arrived on Sunday evening, amidst heightened police presence to prevent further tensions.

Police have arrested five individuals—Madan Singh, Bharat Singh, Gordhan Singh, Narayan Singh, and Nagju Singh—for obstructing the ceremony and allegedly hurling casteist slurs. Gangdhar DSP is leading the investigation.