Dowry Dispute: Groom Tied to a Tree by Bride’s Family in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh
A joyous wedding ceremony in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh took a distressing turn on Tuesday, June 14, when an argument erupted between the families of the bride and groom during the ‘jai mala’ ceremony, traditionally known as the exchange of garlands. The cause of the dispute was the groom, Amarjeet Verma, who allegedly demanded dowry from the bride’s family.
Dowry Dispute: Groom Tied to a Tree by Bride’s Family in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradeshhttps://t.co/MxJx15YEOh#NewsCapital #Pratapgarh #UttarPradesh #Bride #Groom #Demand #Dowry #WeddingCeremony #ViralVideo #India #News #TheNewsCapital pic.twitter.com/t4QjxoxLGr
— News Capital (@thenewscapital) June 16, 2023
Tensions escalated during the ‘jai mala’ ceremony when the friends accompanying Amarjeet misbehaved, triggering a brawl between the two families. Adding fuel to the fire, the groom himself demanded dowry from the bride’s family.
Unable to reach a resolution despite multiple rounds of negotiations, the bride’s family took matters into their own hands. They held the groom captive and tied him to a tree for several hours.
Local authorities from the Mandhata police station intervened in the situation, releasing the groom from his captivity and taking him into custody. The police confirmed that both sides were present at the police station but stated that no compromise had been reached thus far.
According to the Senior Head Officer (SHO) of Mandhata, the altercation began when the friends accompanying the groom misbehaved, leading to an argument between the two families. Amidst the chaos, the groom, Amarjeet, made demands for dowry.
Efforts were made to facilitate a resolution between the families, including discussions about compensating the bride’s side for their expenses related to the wedding ceremony. However, at the time of reporting, no agreement had been reached.
The incident highlights the persisting issue of dowry in certain parts of India, despite its prohibition by law. Dowry, the practice of providing substantial gifts or money to the groom’s family during a marriage, remains a social concern and a violation of women’s rights. It places financial burdens on the bride’s family and can lead to situations of exploitation, harassment, and abuse.
The case in Pratapgarh serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing and eradicating the dowry system to create a society that upholds equality, respect, and dignity for all individuals. It is crucial for communities, authorities, and civil society to work together to raise awareness, enforce existing laws, and promote gender equality to prevent such incidents from occurring.
As the legal process unfolds and investigations continue, it is hoped that the authorities will address the matter impartially and take appropriate action against any wrongdoing. Additionally, efforts should be made to support the affected families and ensure the well-being and safety of the bride and groom involved in this distressing incident.
Ultimately, incidents like these highlight the urgent need for society to collectively challenge and eliminate the harmful practices that perpetuate gender inequality and violation of human rights. Only through concerted efforts and a change in mindset can we strive towards a more equitable and just society.
