'Give swords or pistols to daughter, not gold in kanyadaan': UP Mahapanchayat’s call after Noida dowry killing sparks debate

In the wake of the shocking dowry-related murder of a woman in Greater Noida, a controversial call has emerged from a mahapanchayat held in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh. Community leaders urged parents to gift their daughters pistols, daggers, and swords during kanyadaan instead of the traditional dowry of gold, silver, or cash.

A video of the event, held on Sunday and widely shared on Tuesday, prompted police to launch an inquiry.

“Gold Can’t Protect Our Daughters”

The Kesariya Mahapanchayat, held at Gauripur Mitli village, saw participation mainly from the Rajput community. Addressing the gathering, Thakur Kunwar Ajay Pratap Singh, president of the All India Kshatriya Mahasabha, argued that jewellery and cash serve little purpose in protecting women.


“We usually give gold to our daughters during kanyadaan, which is of no use to them. Instead, give them a dagger, pistol, or sword so they can defend themselves against crime,” Singh said.

He added that while weapons may not be the ultimate solution, they are a necessary tool for self-defence in today’s society.

Echoes of Rani Lakshmibai

Residents at the gathering backed the idea, drawing inspiration from historic figures. Brijendra Singh, who attended the mahapanchayat, said:

“Earlier, brave women like Rani Lakshmibai used self-defence measures, but in modern times this practice stopped due to fear of police. Weapons may not solve everything, but they can give women the courage to protect themselves.”

Police Step In

Baghpat Superintendent of Police Suraj Rai confirmed that authorities are now investigating.

“We came to know about the incident via social media. An inquiry has been assigned to a circle officer, and strict action will follow once the facts are established,” Rai told TOI.

The call for weapons comes just days after a 28-year-old woman in Greater Noida was allegedly beaten and burnt alive by her husband and mother-in-law over dowry demands. The horrific case has reignited national outrage over dowry-related violence, which continues to claim lives despite strict laws.

The Baghpat mahapanchayat has sparked heated debate. While some argue that giving women weapons could empower them, others fear it may fuel more violence rather than resolve deep-rooted social evils like dowry harassment.

For now, the controversy highlights a painful reality, India still struggles to protect its daughters from crimes linked to dowry, leaving families and communities searching for answers.

Inputs from TOI