Family alleges boycott over inter-caste marriage

A couple’s inter-caste marriage at Dhani Bhojraj village in Fatehabad district has sparked a controversy, with the man's family allegedly facing a social boycott from villagers. Around 15 days ago, the couple tied the knot, leading to tension within the community.

The man's family has demanded legal action against those involved in the boycott and staged a protest in front of Bhuna Police Station on Saturday.

Police Superintendent Aastha Modi took immediate action and registered an FIR against over 50 people under various criminal sections, including the SC/ST Act.

The family claimed that many local shopkeepers had refused to sell goods to them, citing fear of punishment from the panchayat. The incident was captured on video and shared on social media.

Meanwhile, various Scheduled Caste organisations extended their support to the family and protested outside the police station for over two hours.

The shopkeepers, however, denied the allegations, claiming that rumours were being spread.

Advocates and social activists accused the police of not properly addressing the situation. They criticised the police for dismissing the incident as a rumour and for failing to take action against those responsible for the boycott. They demanded the immediate arrest of the accused under the SC/ST Act.

The panchayat, led by sarpanch Jyoti Devi, held another meeting on Saturday, where it was clarified that no boycott had been declared.

Bhuna police station Sub-Inspector Ravinder said an inter-caste marriage had been solemnised in the village, and the bride and groom belonged to the same village. The villagers announced a boycott of the man's family. A case had been filed. The police were patrolling the village to maintain peace, he added.