Daijiworld Media Network - Baran

Baran, Jun 14: In a striking protest against alleged dowry harassment and prolonged legal battles, Krishna Kumar Dhakad from Rajasthan has opened a tea stall with a bold message right outside his in-laws’ locality in Anta town, Baran district.

Named ‘498A T Caf’, the stall references IPC Section 498A under which his wife filed a dowry harassment case. Adding to the symbolism, Dhakad serves tea while wearing handcuffs a stark representation of what he calls three years of humiliation and emotional trauma.

Banners near the stall carry slogans such as "Jab tak nahi milta nyay, tab tak ubalti rahegi chai" (Until I get justice, the tea will keep boiling) and "Aao chai par karein charcha, 125 mein kitna dena padega kharcha", referencing maintenance claims under IPC Section 125.

Dhakad, who married Meenakshi Malav in 2018, once ran a successful beekeeping business with her, which earned recognition and was even inaugurated by former MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. However, their marriage took a dramatic turn in 2022 when Meenakshi allegedly left him and filed dowry and maintenance cases.

“Everything collapsed due to a false case. I have been running from court to court for justice. I live under a tin shed with my elderly mother. Many times I thought of ending my life, but then I remembered, I am her only support,” Dhakad shared with Aaj Tak.

He now travels over 220 km from Neemuch’s Athana to Anta for hearings. “All I get is tareekh pe tareekh. Tired of waiting for justice, I decided to open this stall as a silent protest right where the pain began,” he said.

Responding to the controversy, Meenakshi Malav alleged, “He demanded money from my father to buy land. When we refused, he beat me up. I’m ready for divorce, but the loans taken in my name must be cleared first.”

Krishna Dhakad’s unusual protest has sparked debate and gone viral on social media, with many calling it a symbol of frustration over delays in the justice system.