23-year-old groom assaulted during pre-wedding procession in Damoh, caste bias alleged
April 22, 2026: A shocking incident of alleged caste-based violence has emerged from Damoh, where a 23-year-old Dalit groom, Golu Ahirwar, was reportedly assaulted and dragged off a horse during a traditional pre-wedding ritual. The attack took place during the ‘Rachwai’ ceremony, when a group of men allegedly stopped the procession and beat him with sticks and clubs in full public view.
Family members have claimed the assault was driven by caste prejudice, alleging that the attackers objected to the groom riding a horse near a shrine. The groom’s mother said he was physically challenged and still brutally attacked, while his sister was also assaulted when she tried to intervene. The family further alleged that valuables went missing during the chaos.
Police have registered a case at Hatta Police Station under relevant sections, including the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Authorities confirmed that an FIR has been filed and an investigation is underway, with security tightened in the area. Members of the Dalit community have demanded swift justice, as officials assured that those named in the complaint will be arrested soon.