Why Did a Madhya Pradesh Youth Sell Tea Handcuffed?

Neemuch (Madhya Pradesh), June 14 (NationPress) In a striking and innovative way to protest, a young man from Neemuch district in Madhya Pradesh has started brewing tea while being handcuffed—delivering a powerful message against dowry harassment.

The extraordinary demonstration by 30-year-old Krishnakumar Dhakad, known as KK, has garnered national attention, with the hashtag #Justice4KK trending on various social media networks.

KK Dhakad, hailing from Athana in Neemuch, once aspired to pass the UPSC examinations. However, his life took a tumultuous turn when he claims his marriage, business, and dreams were disrupted by what he asserts are false accusations of dowry harassment and domestic violence.

Rather than giving in to despair, KK opted for a distinctive approach—he established a tea stall in Anta, Rajasthan, the hometown of his estranged spouse.

This is no ordinary tea stall. Dubbed the “Section 498A Tea Cafe,” named after the IPC section that addresses cruelty against women by husbands or in-laws, KK’s stall serves as a visual protest site. Its walls are decorated with banners proclaiming slogans such as “The tea will keep boiling until justice is served” and “Let’s talk over tea—how much more for Section 125?” (a nod to the maintenance case filed against him).

He serves tea while wearing handcuffs, symbolizing the emotional and legal shackles he claims to endure. A groom’s turban and garland embellish the stall, marking the onset of his troubles.

In an interview with IANS, KK shared his story. He married on July 6, 2018, to a woman from Anta. In 2019, both engaged in beekeeping and launched a small enterprise in Athana. Their business thrived and even received accolades from the former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who commended KK’s efforts in empowering women through employment.

However, in October 2022, KK’s wife reportedly left their home without explanation and returned to her parents. Following this, KK claims his life and business collapsed. Months later, she filed complaints under IPC Section 498A (dowry harassment) and Section 125 (maintenance), bringing the successful honey venture to a standstill.

“I had to shut everything down. My mother and I have been living in a tin shed since then,” KK revealed.

“There were times I considered ending my life. But then I remembered—I’m the sole support for my elderly mother.”

KK asserts that his protest is not anti-women but rather against the misuse of legal protections intended for them.

“The laws are crucial, but they are often exploited. Men like me face mental and social harassment. Justice feels distant, but I will continue to fight.”

Pointing to recent high-profile cases like the Saurabh-Muskan incident in Meerut and the Sonam-Raja Raghuvanshi case in Indore—where a newlywed woman was accused of murdering her husband—KK states these situations reflect the anxiety and betrayal many men experience today.

“I am not alone. Thousands are suffering in silence.”

As a symbolic act of resilience, KK chose to continue his protest in the very town where he believes a conspiracy against him was formed. By establishing the “498A Tea Cafe” in Anta, he aims to transform his anguish into purpose.

“I am already burdened by the false allegations of Section 498A. Now I am grappling with maintenance claims under Section 125. But I won’t surrender,” he declared.

“My tea stall is not merely a source of income—it’s my courtroom, my voice, my quest for justice. Until justice is achieved, the tea will keep boiling.”

Local passerby have started to take notice. Some pause for a cup of tea; others linger to listen.