Dalit baraat attacked over ‘objectionable caste song’ in Aligarh

Agra: A Dalit wedding procession came under attack after a dispute erupted over the playing of an alleged caste-based song, leading to stone-pelting, vandalism and tension in Sunena village under Jawan police station limits in Aligarh on Tuesday night .Police said members of another group objected after a song perceived as objectionable was played when the procession passed through their locality around 9.15pm. The situation escalated into clashes, with some individuals allegedly pelting stones and damaging vehicles and nearby property. Videos of the incident later circulated on social media.Additional police force from multiple stations rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. SP (City) Mrigank Shekhar Pathak said the procession was safely escorted to its destination and law and order was restored. A preliminary inquiry suggested the dispute began after a participant in the procession played the song.Sub-inspector Ghanshyam Singh, posted at Jawan police station, said in his complaint, "When the procession reached the locality of another community, an objectionable song was played by an unknown baraati. People objected, and some unknown persons attacked each other, abused each other and used sticks. Nearby houses were also vandalised. The incident created panic and disturbed law and order." He added that police secured video footage of the song and the clash.Police registered a case against unknown persons under BNS sections 191(2) (rioting) and 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), among others, and began efforts to identify those involved. Meanwhile, family members of the bride submitted a written complaint alleging that members of the other group attacked the baraat. They also raised concerns about the role of local police, claiming they had informed authorities in advance and sought security arrangements for the wedding.