Wearing Handcuffs, Selling Tea at 498A Tea Cafe: A Man's Plea for Justice in Dowry Case

Neemuch (The Uttam Hindu): A youth from Neemuch district of Madhya Pradesh has chosen such a method of protest to convey his pain to the people, which has become a topic of discussion across the country. Tired of false allegations of dowry harassment, Krishna Kumar Dhakad alias KK has started a tea shop in Anta area of ​​Baran district of Rajasthan, named '498A Tea Cafe'.

This cafe is not just a place to sell tea but a platform for the story of an emotional struggle. While making tea in handcuffs, KK is pleading for justice and this is why the hashtag 'Justice for KK' is trending on social media. There are hoardings, posters and slogans written around the shop, such as "Jaab Tak Nahi Mila Nyay, Tab Tak Boilti Rahi Chai" and "Aao Chai Par Charcha, 125 Mein Kitna Payega Kharcha", which are attracting people's attention.

KK, a resident of Athana, was once preparing for UPSC. After marriage, in the year 2019, he started beekeeping with his wife and also gave employment to many women while promoting women empowerment. His efforts were also appreciated by former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan on 8 April 2021, but life took a turn in October 2022, when his wife went to her maternal home and after some time a case was registered against KK under section 498A (dowry harassment) and section 125 (maintenance) of the IPC. Due to this, KK's business came to a halt, he had to face social humiliation and his mental condition reached the verge of breakdown.

Troubled by this injustice and mental torture, KK set aside the thought of suicide and founded '498A Tea Cafe' in his in-laws' area, Anta. KK shows his pain through symbols like a varmala, groom's sehra and handcuffs at the shop. This demonstration is not only an expression of personal pain, but also a peaceful movement against the misuse of law.

KK Dhakad said that since childhood he had a dream of doing something big, but now he is fighting for justice. He says, "Through beekeeping we had taken steps towards women empowerment, but my wife's false allegations destroyed everything. I have been wandering from case to case for the last three years. I have an old mother, she is my last strength. The thought of suicide came many times, but my mother's tears and faith stopped me. Now I will continue the fight for justice through this tea stall."

KK Dhakad's mother said that her son has adopted this method so that he gets justice. My son wants to give this message to people that one should never trouble anyone and one should face every situation with courage. She said that both of us, mother and son, have been troubled for the last three years. She has demanded from the administration that the wrong people should be punished and her son should be helped.

Citing recent cases like that of Meerut and Indore, he said how some women are misusing the law and lives of men are being ruined in false cases.