DANG, Oct 27: A Dalit youth has been fined Rs 50,000 for marrying a girl from a ´higher´ caste. Also, the youth and his parents were mercilessly beaten up by the girl´s relatives though the government has announced a cash incentive of Rs 100,000 to encourage such marriages.
The incident took place on October 24 in Sakha VDC of Rukum where Dinesh Pariyar, 21, married Hira Pandey, 18 after a love affair. The very next day, relatives of the girl reached Pariyar´s house and beat up him, his father Kharka Singh and mother Yam Kumari leaving them injured.
They took away the bride and threatened the groom with death if he did not pay a Rs 50,000 fine.
Rukum´s Chief District Officer Shambhu Prasad Marasini said the administration is investigating the incident. “Police have received a complaint, and are investigating,” Marasini said, adding that action will be taken after finding out the culprit.
Meanwhile, Dalit leaders affiliated to various political parties have formed a United Dalit Forum after the incident. Organizing a press meet Tuesday, the forum demanded strong action against the guilty and compensation for the victims.
“They were beaten up just because they were Dalits,” said Upendra B K, coordinator of the forum. “Slapping a fine on someone just for getting married is a crime. This warrants action,” he added.
PLEASE DESIST FROM ATTACKING THE WRITER PERSONALLY AND BE RESPECTFUL TO OTHER READERS.
Please give your full name while posting your comments. This is not to stifle the free flow of comments but your full name will enable us to print the comments in our newspaper.
![[del.icio.us]](http://images.del.icio.us/static/img/delicious.small.gif){kind=small}
