New Delhi: A Thakur community Mahapanchayat was held in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat district on Sunday. The objective of the meeting was to make the local residents abandon the custom of gifting gold, silver, and cash during marriages. Instead, the gathering led by the All India Kshatriya Mahasabha called for arming daughters with revolvers, swords, and daggers to ensure their safety in modern times.
This resolution was announced by Kunwar Ajay Pratap Singh, President of the Mahasabha, who told the large crowd assembled that dowry wealth often leaves women vulnerable rather than empowered. His remarks came against the backdrop of a horrifying dowry-related case in Greater Noida, where 26-year-old Nikki Bhati was allegedly set ablaze by her husband and in-laws over dowry demands.
'Wealth given at marriage failed to protect women': Singh
"We are forgetting our old traditions. Today, daughters are given gold, silver, and cash at the time of marriage. But if she goes to the market wearing ornaments, she becomes a target for thieves. Instead, gift her two daggers and a sword. If possible, give her a revolver. The responsibility of her safety lies with us,” Singh declared, drawing loud applause.
The call to arms struck a chord with many in the audience. Singh further said that material wealth given at marriage had failed to protect women from exploitation and violence.
Remarks in light of Nikki Bhati's dowry death
Just few days earlier, Nikki Bhati's dowry death shocked the nation. She was married to her husband, Vipin Bhati in 2016. Nikki's family alleged that they had already given a Scorpio SUV, a motorcycle, and gold jewellery to her in-laws. However, their demands were ever-increasing. They started demanding Rs 36 lakh in cash and a Mercedes car. Videos recorded by her elder sister, Kanchan, showed Nikki being dragged by her hair and later engulfed in flames, stumbling down a staircase before collapsing.
Police have since then arrested all four accused in the case. Nikki's husband, Vipin Bhati, was arrested on Sunday and shot in the leg during an attempted escape. His parents and brother were also taken into custody.
