Khammam, April 26: In a shocking incident highlighting the persistent issue of dowry in rural Telangana, a wedding ceremony was abruptly halted after the groom demanded a formal written agreement for dowry and land before proceeding with the rituals. The incident occurred in Kusumanchi mandal of Khammam district on Wednesday night.
According to sources, the bride and groom, both from different villages within the mandal, had mutually agreed to marry and successfully convinced their families and community elders. The bride’s family had already agreed to provide cash and an acre of land as dowry, and a portion of the cash had reportedly been handed over to the groom before the wedding.
The ceremony, held at a popular temple in a neighboring district, was underway when it took an unexpected turn. During the jeelakarra bellam (cumin and jaggery) ritual — a crucial part of the marriage — the groom halted proceedings and demanded a written contract from the bride’s family stating exactly when the remaining dowry and land would be given.
The demand led to a heated argument between the two families, and the wedding was ultimately called off. Feeling humiliated and cheated, the bride’s family approached the local police to file a complaint. Kusumanchi Sub-Inspector Nagaraju confirmed the incident and said that while a complaint was received, the bride’s family has not yet agreed to pursue a formal case.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from local residents, who condemned the groom’s last-minute demands and misuse of the dowry system. Activists have called for strict action and awareness campaigns to curb such practices, which continue to plague society despite legal prohibitions.
