Cops turn ‘baraatis’ as Dalit groom rides mare
It was quite an unlikely sight near the house of Kamlesh Regar in Bundi district of Rajasthan on Sunday morning.
Wedding preparations for the 23-year-old were in full swing and amid an air of excitement , over which 50 police personnel stood guard — unlikely ‘baraatis’.
It all started when Regar decided to break an age-old caste-based tradition and ride a mare, instead of a motorcycle, en route to his wedding venue.
“The family members of Regar had told the police that they were facing subtle threats from other villagers because of his decision to ride a mare. They alleged that the threats were because Regar is from a scheduled caste,” said NR Meena, deputy SP of police, Hindoli.
The family of the feisty second year student knew that this decision was not without danger.
What saved the day for the family was police action.
“Police personnel from three nearby police stations were stationed near Regar’s house for the last few days. Several inspectors and the circle officer were present as the wedding procession,” said Meghwanshi.
The wedding procession reached its destination amidst tight security and police presence. No untoward incident was reported.
“We had made all arrangements to quell any possible interference that could have worsened the law and order situation. But at the end, the procession went off peacefully,” said the SHO.