A deadly brawl over a piece of flatbread at a wedding in India has left two teenagers dead and sparked arrests for murder – part of a troubling pattern of violent outbursts marring nuptial celebrations across the country.
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The victims – identified by local media as Ravi, 18, and Ashish, 17 – had been attending the wedding of the village head’s son on Saturday in Sarai Hriday Shah village, Uttar Pradesh, as guests of the bride’s family.
Police said the confrontation started at about 11.45pm when the teenagers were waiting at the tandoor counter for some roti – a type of traditional Indian flatbread – when a dispute erupted with the groom’s cousin and his friends over whose turn it was to be served, according to The Times of India.
Wedding guests said the shouting was so loud that it could be heard over the festive music in the background.
Both sides eventually walked away, but according to police citing eyewitnesses, the groom’s cousin remained furious over what he saw as a public humiliation.
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The night’s violence, however, had only just begun.
When Ravi and Ashish left the venue later on motorcycles along with two other boys, they were allegedly pursued by the cousin and his friends, who were said to be armed with iron rods, hockey sticks and lathis – heavy bamboo poles reinforced with metal.
