The moment the Sandeel Maliks got to know about the engagement, they raised a stink, and objected to the entry of any Malik girl in the village. They took up the issue with the Umra Maliks a day before the marriage.

A frantic search for a suitable boy was launched by the villagers. The girl's mother too agreed to a fresh match after the villagers apprised her of the social stigma. Accordingly, Subhash's family was informed about the development.

But since a new match could not be found, Subhash's family was asked to bring the barat, as scheduled, on December 13. The villagers boycotted the wedding, fearingrepercussions.

The Sandeel Maliks, though, were not to take all this lying down. They came to Umra a few weeks later and held a panchayat meeting on January 3. They demanded the marriage be broken, but no decision was reached. Another panchayat meeting was held on January 10, again with no results.

The matter was then taken up with Baljit Singh `dada', head of the Malik clan who lives near Gohana. He summoned the biradari khaap (Panchayat) on January 17 to settle the dispute and pronounce his judgement. He added the Umra Maliks would be held responsible if the `verdict'' was not implemented sincerely.

According to the village elders, ``the defiance of dada's verdict'' will mean boycott of the girl's family by the villagers.

Sudesh's mother was not available for comment.