Jharkhand Brahmin Family Performs Symbolic Funeral After Daughter's Inter-Caste Marriage
In Jharkhand's Chatra district, the parents of a 21-year-old woman performed a symbolic funeral for her after she married outside her caste, according to local police and family members. The woman, from a Brahmin family, married an Agniveer soldier from the Dangi community, classified as Other Backward Class (OBC) in the state.
Police confirmed that the woman is an adult and stated she married of her own free will. 'We traced both of them and brought them before us. The woman is 21 years old. She clearly said she had gone voluntarily and married of her own free will,' said Purushottam Agnihotri, officer in charge of Gidhaur police station. No kidnapping case was registered as the woman did not allege coercion.
The woman also objected to pressure from her family and indicated she would approach senior police officers if it continued, after which the couple was allowed to leave.
The bride's mother told The Indian Express that the family was unaware of her daughter's intentions and had already arranged a marriage within the Brahmin community, spending around Rs 5 lakh on preparations. The daughter left home saying she was going for college examinations, and the family learned of the marriage later. Explaining the symbolic funeral, the mother cited grief and social pressure: 'We are Brahmins. We have to face society.'
The family carried an effigy bearing the bride's photograph to the cremation ground, where mourners chanted 'Ram Naam Satya Hai.' They performed shradh and pind daan rituals, treating her as deceased.
The groom's father stated the marriage was consensual and accepted by both families. However, he alleged that his family has been facing indirect threats since the marriage, with videos circulated on social media aimed at affecting his son's employment. 'People are saying they will do this or that, but we are avoiding any confrontation. We don't want any quarrel or escalation,' he said. The family has not sought police protection as no direct confrontation has occurred, but they remain concerned.
Local Brahmin community members participated in the procession. Sanjay Pandey, block president of a Brahmin community organisation, said members attended but denied the organisation asked the family to perform the rites. Police said any complaint of intimidation will be examined if the groom's family provides evidence.
