Udaipur: Dalit Newlywed Pooja Meghwal Leads Protest on Horseback Carrying Portraits of Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule Following Alleged Caste Violence
On Thursday, a powerful protest took place between Udaipur city and the district headquarters. Newly married woman Pooja Meghwal led the demonstration while sitting on a mare and holding portraits of social reformers Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule. Hundreds of Bhim Army workers joined her, chanting "Jai Bhim" and turning the march into a strong public outcry against caste-based violence. The procession reportedly stopped traffic and drew crowds along the roadside.
Pooja Meghwal had married on April 29 in the Dabok police station area of Udaipur. According to her and supporting groups, the wedding procession in Hariyav village was attacked by around 15 people. The attackers allegedly used caste-based slurs, forcibly pulled the bride off the mare, stopped the DJ, and assaulted wedding guests with stones, sticks, rods, and swords. About 15 people were injured, and several women reportedly had their mangalsutras snatched.
Pooja said the incident deeply traumatized her and her family. She emotionally stated that she could never forget the humiliation she faced on what should have been the happiest day of her life. The Bhim Army described her participation in the protest while sitting on a mare as a symbolic "return of respect."
A large rally was organized from Town Hall to the District Collectorate, where a memorandum was submitted demanding strict action against the accused. Bhim Army state president Jitendra Hatwal criticized the police response and demanded stronger action, saying authorities should not protect those accused of caste-based violence. He alleged that the attack included stone pelting and physical assault that left several injured.
Bhim Army spokesperson Anil Panor issued a strong warning, saying that if strict action was not taken, the situation could escalate further. He stated, "If the government does not take strict action against such criminals, then Rajasthan will not remain silent on such incidents." Bhim Army vice president Roshan Meghwal also demanded the arrest of all named accused, claiming that only a few people had been taken into custody so far. He called for a change in the investigating officer and compensation for the victim's family. He warned that if demands were ignored, a large-scale protest in Jaipur would be organized.
The matter has reached senior police officials, and a memorandum has been submitted to the state government through the district administration. According to protest leaders, investigations are ongoing, but they insist that all accused must be arrested immediately. Police have not yet issued a detailed public statement on the allegations of caste-based violence mentioned by the protest groups.