Harsi, Madhya Pradesh: A 25-year-old Dalit man, Om Prakash Batham, died on Sunday, five days after he was allegedly attacked by the relatives of his wife,who belongs to an upper-caste family.

Assault over inter-caste marriage

Om Prakash, who married Shivani Jha in January despite her family’s opposition, was assaulted on August 19 at Harsi village in Bhitarwar. The attack occurred when he returned to the village to visit his parents after months of living in Dabra town.

According to police, Shivani’s father, Dwarka Prasad Jha, allegedly led the assault with relatives Rajesh alias Raju Jha, Uma Ojha, and Sandeep Sharma. They stormed into Om Prakash’s house, dragged him outside, and beat him with sticks and rods. Shivani, who tried to intervene, was also injured in the attack.

“When the woman’s family had first complained in 2023, she was traced. However, she was an adult and wished to stay with her husband. The couple continued to live together and returned for Raksha Bandhan, when the man was assaulted,” said a senior police officer.

Hospitalisation and death

Om Prakash was admitted to a private hospital in Gwalior, where he fought for his life for six days before succumbing to his injuries on Sunday evening. His mother, recalling the ordeal, said, “He had only come to see me. He wanted to spend Raksha Bandhan at home like every other son. They had done a court marriage with the consent of the woman.”

Earlier harassment and village backlash

The couple’s troubles began after they eloped in 2023. Although the police intervened initially, Shivani expressed her desire to live with Om Prakash. The couple later solemnised their marriage in court in January.

The Harsi village panchayat imposed a fine of ₹51,000 on Om Prakash for marrying outside his caste and ordered villagers to boycott the family. A police officer noted, “The girl’s father had said Om Prakash should never set foot in the village again.”

Legal action

Ajay Singh Sikarwar, station in-charge of Belgada, confirmed that a murder case has been registered against 12 accused, including Shivani’s relatives. “We had earlier registered a case of assault. Now, after Batham’s death, a case of murder has been lodged. The prime accused, Dwarka Prasad Jha, is absconding,” he said.

Conclusion

The case highlights the continuing caste-based tensions in rural India and the dangers faced by couples in inter-caste marriages. Authorities are conducting a probe, and the community and family await justice for the victim.