What started as a wedding celebration in Rajasthan’s Udaipur district turned into a campaign for rights in the city after the bride was forced to dismount from the horse she was riding as part of the wedding celebration.
The incident took place in Hario village under Dabuk police station limits, where Pooja Meghwal, who hails from the Dalit community, had to dismount from a horse during the wedding procession, PTI reported.
The family claimed that local powerful men opposed the celebration, leading to the protest.
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“People forced me to get off the horse,” Megwal said. “I felt humiliated. My family members were attacked.”
While the incident occurred on April 29, the mounting anger developed into a mass protest on Thursday. Members of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and people from the Dalit community marched to the district collectorate in Udaipur.
The incident also gained attention on social media as users shared similar experiences.
During Thursday’s protest, Megwal joined the procession at the university, riding the horse again. The demonstrators raised slogans against the administration and submitted a memorandum addressed to the governor demanding a fair investigation.
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The demonstrators claimed that about ten people, including women, participated in the incident. It is certain that four people have been arrested so far.
The villages also questioned the integrity of the investigation and demanded that the investigation be handed over to another officer, according to PTI.
Meanwhile, Bhim Army state president Jitendra Hatwal has demanded action against those making token efforts that appear to protect those with a caste mentality.
Bhim Army plans to protest in Jaipur if the demands are not met.
Rajasthan Police said they have lodged an FIR with Dabuk police station and are conducting an investigation.
