“No matter how many garlands you wear, you will remain a bham$%”: FIR under SC/ST Act against Mundka MLA and others who assaulted and abused Dalit Mandal President in Delhi
Sunil Kumar stated in his statement that MLA Gajendra Dral assaulted him with pipes, belts, etc., and Amit Mathur also assaulted him. Deepak Mathur, his nephew, and Vivek held his hands and legs and kicked him in the genitals 8-10 times. The assault continued throughout the night. Sunil Kumar fell unconscious 2-3 times. On the complaint of BJP’s Kanjhawla Ward 32 Mandal President Sunil Kumar, a case of assault and caste-based insult has been registered at the Kanjhawla police station in Rohini district against Mundka MLA Gajendra Dral and his associates Deepak Mathur, Amit Mathur, and others. FIR No. 475/2026, dated September 15, was registered under sections 115(2), 127(2), 140(3), 351(2), 61(2), 3(5) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 2023, section 25 of the Arms Act, and section 3(1)(r)(c) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The complainant is Sunil Kumar, son of Hari Prakash, age 42, resident of house number 103, village Tatesar, Kanjhawla, Rohini, Delhi. He is the BJP Mandal President from Kanjhawla Ward 32. According to him, the incident occurred on September 10 at around 7:50 pm at Deepak Mathur’s BJP office in Karala. “We are not your brothers, we are your fathers.” Sunil Kumar stated in his statement at the police station that on the same day, at around 7:50 pm, he received a call from Mundka MLA Gajendra Dral. The MLA said, “Come to Deepak Mathur’s office with the ward’s voting list and don’t hang up, as he has a meeting with the ARO tomorrow.” Sunil Kumar arrived at the office with his companion, Jai Bhagwan, around 8:15 am. Present there were Deepak Mathur, MLA Gajendra Dral, Vivek, Deepak Mathur’s nephew, and four or five other workers whose names he did not know. Deepak Mathur then called Amit Mathur at the MLA’s behest. After Amit Mathur’s arrival, the office shutters were closed. According to the complainant, Amit Mathur began assaulting him and hurling casteist slurs, saying, “You are a bham%$, we are not your brothers, we are your fathers.” MLA Gajendra Dral said, “No matter how many garlands you wear, you are a bham%$/and-a-half, you are a bham%$.” You will remain there.’ The statement further stated that MLA Gajendra Daral assaulted him with pipes, belts, and other equipment, and Amit Mathur also assaulted him. Deepak Mathur, his nephew, and Vivek held his hands and legs and kicked him in the genitals 8-10 times. The assault continued throughout the night. Sunil Kumar fainted 2-3 times. At night, at the office, Santosh Kaushik and Shalu Sharma were shown his wounds and injuries after removing his clothes. After they left, the people present assaulted him again and spat on him. After this, he fainted. He asked to go home, but was not allowed to. According to him, the accused had a sword and a belt, and he also saw a pistol. He was released around 5:15 am on September 11th. They threatened to kill him if he complained, and they would not even know where his body was. “For two days, Sunil Kumar was kept safe, away from the sight of MLA Gajendra Daral and his henchmen. The police swung into action after the Dalit and Valmiki communities announced a siege of the Delhi Police Commissioner’s office. On September 14-15, continuous discussions were held with police officers. The protest was postponed after the DCP’s office summoned them to file an FIR. Finally, on Tuesday, FIR number 475/26 was registered at the Kanjhawla police station. – Dr. Udit Raj, Congress spokesperson The complainant called a PCR call on September 11th and went to Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Mangolpuri, to conduct an MLC. In the MLC, the doctor noted that the patient was brought to the emergency room at the BJP’s Karala Village Mandal office on September 10th at 8:30 pm with complaints of physical assault. The nature of the injuries was recorded as “OR.” Sunil Kumar says he is still experiencing blood in his urine and toilet and is unable to sit from his waist down. He alleged that the MLA’s relatives have come to his village and are threatening his family, saying they will have to attend appointments and will not allow them to stay in the village. The family faces a threat to their lives. In the FIR, ASI Tribhuvan Jha stated that on September 11th, upon receiving DD No. 47A, he went to the scene, but the complainant was not found. An MLC was obtained from the hospital. Attempts were also made to obtain a statement on September 12th, 13th, and 14th. The complainant initially cited his mental condition and said he would give his statement later. On September 15th, he came to the police station and recorded his full statement. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
Lal Topi, Blue T-Shirt: Akhilesh Yadav’s ‘PDA’ For Blue Has A Coded Message
The message is clear: the Samajwadi Party wants to talk to voters beyond its traditional Yadav-Muslim support base, particularly to Dalits. For decades, the Samajwadi Party has been instantly recognisable by two colours — red and green. Its leaders in red caps, often riding the party’s bicycle symbol, became one of the defining visual signatures of Uttar Pradesh politics. Now, ahead of the 2027 Assembly election, party president Akhilesh Yadav is adding a new colour to that political palette: blue. Akhilesh Yadav has introduced blue T-shirt and jeans as the new uniform for members of the Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha, the party’s student wing. The choice is anything but incidental. Yadav has explicitly linked blue with BR Ambedkar, the Constitution, the Bahujan movement, social justice and resistance to injustice. The message is clear: the SP wants to talk to voters beyond its traditional Yadav-Muslim support base, particularly to Dalits. The Battle For The Dalit Vote Uttar Pradesh’s Dalit electorate has historically been at the heart of BSP chief Mayawati’s political power. The BSP transformed Dalit identity into an electoral force and, for years, the party’s blue flag and Mayawati’s politics were almost inseparable. But the BSP’s electoral decline has created a political vacuum in Dalit voter space. The 2024 Lok Sabha election was a particularly significant moment. The SP won 37 seats in Uttar Pradesh, while the BSP failed to win a single seat. The result strengthened Akhilesh’s argument that his PDA — Pichhde (Backwards), Dalit, Alpsankhyak (Minorities) — coalition, where ‘P’ now also stands for Pandits, could become the alternative social coalition to the BJP’s electoral machinery. The challenge, however, is not simply to win Dalit votes. It is to persuade Dalit voters that the SP can represent their political aspirations without erasing their distinct social identity. That is where the colour blue becomes important. For a party that has historically worn red, adopting blue amounts to a symbolic attempt to enter a political space traditionally occupied by the BSP. Can PDA Give BSP And BJP The Blues? ‘PDA’ formulation has been central to Akhilesh Yadav’s post-2022 political strategy. It seeks to combine backward castes, Dalits and minorities into a broad social coalition. The idea is also an acknowledgement of a fundamental electoral reality: Yadav and Muslim votes alone cannot take the SP back to power in Uttar Pradesh. Yadavs are about 10% of the UP electorate, Muslims are a 20% strong bloc. Dalits are the next hefty bloc of 20%. Akhilesh Yadav has set his eyes there. The SP had already begun experimenting with Dalit outreach before the 2022 election, including the formation of its Baba Sahib Vahini aimed particularly at Dalits outside the Jatav community, which are Mayawati’s core base. At the time, Akhilesh also sought to bring together what he called the Samajwadi and Ambedkarwadi streams of politics. The blue uniform takes that strategy a step further. It attempts to give the ‘D’ in ‘PDA’ a visible identity. While Akhilesh Yadav is seen dressed traditionally in white kurta-pyjama with the red Samajwadi cap, for the youth wing he has presented the jeans-and-T-shirt combination as a symbol of younger generation. Apart from being caste arithmetic, it is also an attempt at political rebranding. That makes the symbolism even more interesting. Akhilesh is not abandoning the SP’s old identity; he is attempting to add one more layer to it. The red cap has a long association with socialist politics. The SP itself was founded by Mulayam Singh Yadav in 1992, but the party’s familiar red-and-green colours and the red cap evolved over time rather than appearing fully formed at the moment of its creation. Mulayam Singh suggested that the Yuvjan Sabha (SP’s youth wing) wear red caps in 1998. The red cap became increasingly prominent over the following years and, particularly after Akhilesh Yadav took control of the party, became a powerful visual marker of the SP. The party’s red has traditionally been associated with socialist politics and workers, while green has been linked to farmers. Under Akhilesh, however, the ‘lal topi’ became more than a party accessory. It became a political identity. And then Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned it into an election issue. When ‘Lal Topi’ Became A BJP Attack In December 2021, just before the last Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, PM Modi launched a sharp attack on the SP’s red caps during a rally in Gorakhpur. He called those wearing the ‘lal topi’ a “red alert” for Uttar Pradesh, linking the SP to corruption, crime, illegal occupation and what he alleged was leniency towards terrorists. The attack was meant to turn the SP’s strongest visual symbol into a warning sign. Akhilesh, however, tried to reverse the symbolism. He declared that the red cap was a “red alert” for the BJP, citing unemployment, inflation, farmers’ problems and other issues as the real warning signs for the ruling party. He also framed red as a colour of revolution and change. The SP even used the attack in its campaign music. One of its songs, “Ye Lal Rang Ki Topiya”, sought to turn PM Modi’s jibe into a socialist rallying cry, while another campaign song invoked the red cap and the bicycle as symbols of political change. So, in 2021-22, Akhilesh’s instinct was to embrace the red and fight over its meaning. Five years later, while he is keeping red, he is also adding blue to his electoral scheme. How Mayawati’s Decline Opens Up The Field The timing is significant because the decline of the BSP has altered the competitive landscape of Uttar Pradesh. For years, the SP and BSP occupied relatively distinct social and political spaces. The BSP was the principal vehicle of Dalit assertion; the SP was strongly identified with OBC, particularly Yadav, politics. A weakened BSP changes that equation. Further in the run-up to the upcoming elections, BSP is in the news for all the wrong reasons, struck by its own leadership blues thanks to Mayawati’s public chastising of her nephew, Akash Anand, once considered
Dalit youth mistreated in court for not paying ₹100: Special Judge issues directive to file case against three people, including a peon
A case of mistreatment of a Dalit youth has come to light in the court of SDM Bikapur in Ayodhya. The youth was abused using casteist slurs for not paying ₹100 and was pushed out of the court. A report will be filed against three people, including the peon. Special Judge under the SC/ST Act, Deepak Yadav, has ordered the Bikapur police to register a case and investigate. The accused include SDM peon Pankaj Mishra, his assistants Raju Tiwari and Prem Chand. Anil Kumar Rawat, a resident of Rahet village in the Bikapur Kotwali area, is facing a case in the court of SDM Bikapur. In his application to the court, Anil stated that on May 13, 2026, he arrived at the court at around 10:30 a.m. to plead his case. When he asked the peon about the file, he was allegedly asked for 100 rupees. When he refused, he was told to come back two hours later. According to Anil, he returned to the court around 12:35 p.m. This time, he was again asked for money. When he refused, the three accused allegedly abused him using casteist slurs. He was pushed out of the court, resulting in injuries. It is alleged that the accused also threatened to have the SDM dismiss the file if he did not pay the money. Anil had sought court action in this matter. After the hearing, the special judge ordered the police to register a case and investigate based on the allegations. Only after the police investigation will the truth of the allegations and further action be clear. Kaushal Kumar Shukla | Bikapur (Ayodhya), Ayodhya Courtesy : Hindi News
Dalit businessman attacked in Amla, son beaten: 5,000 rupees and mobile phone snatched by goons; police accused of protecting the accused
A case of assault and snatching of money and mobile phone has come to light in Amla town of Bareilly. It is alleged that goons hurled casteist slurs at the businessman, assaulted him, and snatched 5,000 rupees and mobile phone. The victim’s family filed a complaint with the CO at 11 am on Monday and accused the police of protecting the accused. Mukesh Kumar, a resident of Adarsh Nagar Colony, was returning home on his bicycle after closing his shop at around 10 pm on September 11. His bicycle collided with a motorcycle near Ramlila Gate. Three bystanders then hurled casteist slurs at Mukesh and began assaulting him when he resisted. The accused also snatched 5,000 rupees and his mobile phone. When Mukesh’s son, Aditya, learned of the incident, he rushed to the scene. It is alleged that the accused, along with 6-7 other associates, also severely beat Aditya. Aditya suffered serious injuries to his eyes, nose, and face in the attack. Sunita Devi, the wife of the victim, Mukesh, alleges that when they went to the police station on the night of the incident, a home guard made them sign papers without reading them. Only after pleading with officials at the “Thana Diwas” the next day did their injured son receive medical treatment. According to Sunita Devi, when she went to the police station on September 13th to obtain a copy of the FIR, she learned that no case had been registered. She alleges that the police simply issued a challan against the accused for disturbing the peace and released them. Sunita Devi submitted a complaint to the Amla Circle Officer on Monday, demanding justice. She also alleged that the powerful accused are now pressuring her to reach a compromise. They are threatening to implicate her in a false case and kill her if she doesn’t. Regarding this matter, Amla Circle Officer Hemant Upadhyay stated that the police are investigating the complaint and will take action as per the rules once the investigation is complete. Pradeep Kumar | Amla 2 Courtesy: Hindi News
Why is the SP’s Dalit Mahasammelan starting in Agra? Learn about Akhilesh Yadav’s plan
Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav has begun efforts to woo Dalit voters for the UP elections. As part of this effort, he will launch a Dalit convention in Agra. In light of the turmoil within the Bahujan Samaj Party and the upcoming UP elections, the Samajwadi Party has increased its focus on Dalit voters. In this regard, the SP will organize a Dalit Mahasammelan on November 15th, starting in Agra. SP President Akhilesh Yadav will also be present at the event. A large number of SP workers from the surrounding areas will participate. Agra is a crucial district in UP’s Dalit politics. This is why the SP has decided to launch the Dalit convention here. This district also has a historical connection with Dr. Ambedkar and BSP founder Kanshi Ram. It was in Agra, on March 18, 1956, that Ambedkar delivered his last major speech in the Chakri Pat Jatav Basti. In that speech, he hinted at his conversion to Buddhism, a few months before his initiation ceremony in Nagpur. BSP founder Kanshi Ram formally established the Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation (BAMCEF) in 1978. The organization’s first unit in Uttar Pradesh was established in Agra in 1978. Later, a unit was also established in Lucknow. Why did the Dalit Conference begin in Agra? The Samajwadi Party chose Agra because the Jatav community there was already relatively organized, educated, and economically strong. Ambedkarite consciousness was also deeply ingrained here. Kanshi Ram connected these urban, educated Dalit employees and small businessmen through BAMCEF. This base later became the foundation of DS-4 and the BSP. Kanshi Ram made Agra the initial laboratory of Bahujan politics in North India. The socio-economic conditions and Ambedkarite background of the region helped his organization take root. This is why Agra is still considered a center of Dalit politics. Agra has been a hub of Dalit politics. Agra can be called the capital of Dalit politics in Uttar Pradesh because it is where Dalit consciousness, the Ambedkarite movement, and electoral politics have developed their deepest and most organized base. This isn’t just a matter of population figures; it’s the result of history, socio-economic conditions, and political experimentation. A long-standing stronghold of the Dalit movement, Dalit organizations have been active in Agra since the 1950s and 60s. The Jatav community asserted their identity and rights by erecting statues of Ambedkar, organizing processions, and embracing Buddhism. This movement later became the foundation of Kanshi Ram’s BAMCEF and the Bahujan Samaj Party. Western Uttar Pradesh, especially Agra, served as a laboratory for both Kanshi Ram and Mayawati. The Agra division comprises four districts: Agra, Mathura, Mainpuri, and Firozabad. Etawah and Hathras also border this district. These districts have a Dalit population of over 20 percent, with the Jatavs constituting the largest number, a core voter base for the BSP. The SP is attempting to make inroads into this vote bank. The Strength of Dalit Voters in This Region According to one estimate, Agra has approximately 23% Jatav voters, while Mathura has 20%, Mainpuri 20%, Firozabad 19%, Etawah 25%, and Hathras has approximately 24%. For the past several years, Akhilesh Yadav has been eyeing the Dalit voters in UP. This is why he previously formed an alliance with Mayawati, though it didn’t benefit him in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. However, his alliance with Mayawati has alleviated accusations of anti-Dalit sentiment. This benefited Akhilesh Yadav in the 2022 and 2024 elections. Eyeing the BSP’s Vote Bank This is why Akhilesh Yadav has now developed a liking for the color blue, and has changed everything from his party’s gamchha to his T-shirts to blue. Furthermore, he has begun to prioritize the party’s Dalit leaders. This SP convention is taking place at a time of constant turmoil within the BSP. Akash Anand and Ishaan Anand have been expelled from the party. Furthermore, the party’s younger workers are distraught and looking for new leadership. Written By: Praveen Yadav About the author Praveen Yadav has been active in journalism for 21 years. He joined Star News in 2004 and is currently an input editor at ABP News. He has held various positions, including assignment head and forward planning, and has also served as head of digital media. In 2022, he also joined digital media. Courtesy: Hindi News
Transgender group demands ₹2 lakh from a man who arrived to take delivery of a luxury car, users give mixed reactions;
A video is going viral on social media these days. In this video, it is claimed that a transgender group demanded ₹2 lakh from a man who arrived to take delivery of a luxury car. Transgender group surrounds luxury car. Image Source: The joyous moment of a man receiving the delivery of a new luxury car in Hyderabad unexpectedly became a subject of controversy. It is claimed that, immediately after the delivery, a group from the transgender community surrounded the car and allegedly demanded ₹2 lakh. The video of the incident quickly went viral on social media, where internet users called it “madness.” However, other users cited the helplessness of transgender people and pointed to their financial problems. Video surfaced on X This video was shared on X by the handle @Netajinonsense1. The video shows four or five transgender people standing around the new car outside the showroom. They are seen standing in front of and around the car, some leaning on or lying in front of it. The driver is trying to move, but the group refuses to budge. According to reports and alleged claims, the group demanded ₹2 lakh (200,000 rupees) in the name of “shagun” (good luck) or congratulations. However, this claim cannot be verified due to the lack of sound in the video. The incident reportedly occurred during a new car delivery in Hyderabad. The car owner took delivery and was stopped by the group as he left the showroom. Whether the money was paid or not is unclear. The video shows a tense situation. User Reactions Social media reactions were swift. Some said that even buying a luxury car was a problem. Others cited past incidents, such as demands for money at housewarmings or other ceremonies. Some users demanded strict action against those extorting money from people. Users also came out in support of transgender people. Some users said that the issue cannot be viewed solely on the basis of the incidents depicted in such videos. They pointed to the economic and social hardships faced by transgender people, saying that the broader reasons behind such practices also need to be addressed. Significantly, this incident highlights the growing number of complaints about demands for money for new car deliveries, housewarmings, and other joyous occasions. Many people pointed out on social media that such incidents are becoming common. Many users believe that such controversies increase tension in society. It is important to understand the difference between voluntary donation and coercion. Written By: Shaswat Gupta Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalits counter BJP protest in T. Narsipur over Ganesha procession
Dalit groups accuse former MP Pratap Simha of deliberately spreading communal poison in T. Narsipur with his allegedly inflammatory statements Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashok, along with Mysuru MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, former MP Pratap Simha, MLA Srivatsa, leader Sachidananda, and BJP supporters gathering in T. Narsipur on Sunday, who were protesting against the police inspectors warning with regard to Ganesha procession. Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashok, along with Mysuru MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, former MP Pratap Simha, MLA Srivatsa, leader Sachidananda, and BJP supporters gathering in T. Narsipur on Sunday, who were protesting against the police inspectors warning with regard to Ganesha procession. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Tension prevailed in T. Narsipur town near here on Sunday as BJP leaders and supporters staged a protest against the town police inspector’s remarks during a peace meeting ahead of the Ganesha procession, while a counter-protest was also staged by Dalit organisations against former MP Pratap Simha’s allegedly fomenting communal trouble remarks. Superintendent of Mysuru district police Mallikarjuna Baladandi, who visited T. Narsipur to supervise security arrangements, said additional forces had been deployed in the town to maintain law and order in view of the protests. Narsipur town police inspector Dhananjaya’s reported warning to the processionists against bursting crackers in front of the mosque on Link Road in the town had sparked a strong response from the BJP, with Mr. Pratap Simha allegedly threatening to storm the police station in protest against the police inspector’s remarks. Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashok was arrested during BJP’s protest in T. Narsipur on Sunday against the police inspectors warning with regard to Ganesha procession. Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashok was arrested during BJP’s protest in T. Narsipur on Sunday against the police inspectors warning with regard to Ganesha procession. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement As BJP leaders, including Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashok and Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, made their way to T. Narsipur town on Sunday, a group of Dalit activists sporting Jai Bheem flags and blue shawls gathered near the police station and shouted slogans against Mr. Simha. The activists of the Dalit groups accused the former MP of deliberately spreading communal poison in T. Narsipur with his allegedly inflammatory statements. The police managed to swiftly disperse them. Meanwhile, BJP supporters gathered in the town and started raising slogans in support of Mr. Pratap Simha and against the town police inspector. Mr. Ashok, who arrived in the town, criticised the Congress government for imposing restrictions on the celebration of the Ganesha festival in different parts of the State while addressing the large gathering of BJP supporters. He also sought action against the police inspector for threatening the groups celebrating the Ganesha festival. Mr. Pratap Simha too addressed the crowd of BJP supporters gathered in the town to protest against the police inspector’s warning. The police later arrested BJP leaders, including Mr. Ashok. They were subsequently released. Meanwhile, Mr. Baladandi said the police inspector of the town had convened a peace meeting on September 7 and asked various groups installing Ganesha idols to inform the police about the date of the immersion to ensure proper security arrangements along the route. As one group had taken out the Ganesha procession without intimating the police last year, no security could be provided for the procession, which also passed through a mosque. Hence, the police inspector asked the group not to take out the procession unilaterally without informing the police. About 15 to 20 Ganesha pandals are put up in T. Narsipur town every year, and there is no restriction on the processions. The processions can be taken out on the same route this year as well. The police have imposed no restrictions, he clarified. However, he regretted that the police inspector’s statement was being shown in a “different” manner on social media. He said necessary instructions had also been issued to police officials against issuing statements that could create confusion in the minds of the public. The Hindu Bureau Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit Teen Was Humiliated In Maharashtra’s Beed, Viral Video Sparked Public Outrage: Here’s What Happened
A minor Dalit boy was allegedly assaulted and humiliated in Maharashtra’s Beed district. After an FIR was registered, attention is now on the action police may take against those accused. A case involving the alleged assault and humiliation of a minor Dalit boy in Savargaon, Majalgaon taluka, has triggered concern in Maharashtra’s Beed district. The victim has been identified as Siddhant Avghade. According to the complaint, the minor was allegedly beaten and subjected to humiliating treatment. The incident reportedly came to wider attention after a video related to the case surfaced on social media. An FIR has been registered at Majalgaon Rural Police Station today, September 13, 2026. The case was registered under the provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, along with relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). What Legal Action Could The Accused Face? There are stringent laws regarding offences related to caste abuse, assault, and humiliation in the SC/ST Act. Based on the nature of the accusation and the law invoked, a guilty party may receive jail terms and fines. Arrest might be inevitable in some cases depending on the fulfilment of the requisite legal conditions. Nevertheless, the ultimate punishment shall be determined by the court based on the evidence and charge presented. It is possible that every case under the SC/ST Act may result in automatic arrest without the possibility of anticipatory bail, but this is dependent on the type of offence committed. Police Under Pressure To Act Quickly The case has gained attention after the alleged incident was discussed widely on social media. Social organisations have also reportedly demanded immediate action and the arrest of those accused. With the victim being a minor, authorities are expected to treat the matter with particular sensitivity. The investigation will determine what happened and establish the roles of those named in the case. If charges are established, the accused could face proceedings under the relevant criminal and SC/ST Act provisions. The victim and his family may also be entitled to protection and legal assistance under applicable rules. The case is now likely to remain under close public and administrative scrutiny as the investigation progresses. Published By: Sudeep Singh Rawat Courtesy : NewsX Note: This news is originally published on https:/newsx.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
UP: A new Dalit face enters state politics, Rohini Ghavri eyes Chandrashekhar’s vote bank
Rohini Ghavri: A new Dalit face is entering UP politics. After returning from Switzerland, Rohini Ghavri is preparing to become active in state politics. A new political front appears to be emerging in UP’s Dalit politics ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. After returning from Switzerland, Rohini Ghavri is preparing to become active in state politics. Her main focus is on uniting the Valmiki community and the 21 assembly seats in western Uttar Pradesh where Valmiki voters are considered crucial. Azad Samaj Party President and Nagina MP Chandrashekhar is also considered influential in these areas. Rohini is preparing to campaign in these areas, raising the issue of political representation for the Valmiki community. She says that for a long time, the Valmiki community has been viewed primarily as sanitation workers, while its share in political representation has been relatively low. She also aims to have a Chief Minister from the Valmiki community in a state within the next five years. She is eyeing 21 constituencies, including Agra Cantt, Etmadpur, Jasrana, Firozabad, Meerut Cantt, Meerut City, Ghaziabad, Loni, Lucknow’s Central, North, and West Assembly constituencies, as well as Sisamau, Aryanagar, Kidwai Nagar, Aligarh, and Khair. She is preparing to raise the issue of political representation of the Jatav and Valmiki communities in these constituencies. Rohini will visit several districts. Rohini will arrive in Meerut on September 13th. She will then meet with members of the Valmiki community in Lucknow on September 14th and 15th. She is also expected to meet with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav during this period. Rohini claims that Akhilesh has assured her support in her fight against Chandrashekhar. If her closeness with the SP grows and the party fields her in the election, new Dalit vote dynamics could emerge in Western Uttar Pradesh. Rohini has accused Chandrashekhar of exploiting her by promising marriage. She claims that despite providing financial support, Chandrashekhar severed ties with her after becoming an MP. She also alleged that an FIR was not filed on her complaint because she belonged to the Valmiki community. However, the parties’ views on these allegations are not included in this report. Jatav voters have consistently held significant influence in Dalit politics. Therefore, efforts to mobilize the Valmiki community as a distinct political force could create new dynamics in several seats in Western Uttar Pradesh in the 2027 elections. Rohini also speaks of moving forward with the entire community on board. Published by: Rohit Mishra Courtesy: Hindi News
IIT Mandi Janmashtami Poster Controversy: Inquiry Committee Says No Intent to Target Community, Students Will Now Be Counseled
The inquiry committee also concluded in its report that the provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, are not applicable in this case. Mandi – The three-member inquiry committee formed to investigate the controversial caste-based poster displayed during a Janmashtami event at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has recommended counseling and sensitization training instead of disciplinary action against the students involved. The committee also stated that it found no evidence of an intent to target, insult, or offend any individual or community. The inquiry committee also concluded in its report that the provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, are not applicable in this case. Following the controversy, IIT Mandi will now formulate clear rules and guidelines for student events held on campus and establish a system to monitor such events. What was the entire controversy? The controversy began with a poster displayed during a student-led Janmashtami event held on September 4th at the IIT Mandi campus. The poster was titled “Bhagavad Gita – The Timeless Wisdom.” After photos and videos of the poster surfaced on social media, it sparked strong reactions. The poster divided society into four groups: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, assigning distinct roles to them. The poster stated that Brahmins spread God’s message, Kshatriyas protect society, Vaishyas support others by running the economy, and Shudras serve the upper castes. The poster also referenced a verse from the Bhagavad Gita, which describes the four divisions of human society based on the three gunas of nature and their corresponding actions. The poster’s description of the role of Shudras as “serving the upper classes” drew the most objection, and it was considered to promote caste hierarchy. After photos and videos of the poster circulated on social media, questions arose about the role of the IIT Mandi administration. Many people expressed concerns about caste discrimination, social equality, and the dignity of students in educational institutions. Amid the controversy, IIT Mandi clarified that the event was not officially organized by the institute and that the poster was neither approved nor endorsed by the institute. Following this, on September 6, IIT Mandi Director Professor Laxmikant Behera formed a three-member inquiry committee. What did the inquiry committee find? Now that the investigation is complete, the committee has revealed several important facts related to the matter. According to the committee, the event was not organized by IIT Mandi. No officially recognized student organization of the institute was involved. No IIT Mandi funds were used for the event. The expenses were met through voluntary contributions. The controversial poster was neither viewed, approved, nor endorsed by any authority at the institute. The content of the poster reflected a student’s personal interpretation and did not represent the views or official stance of IIT Mandi. The committee found no evidence of intent to target, insult, or offend any individual or community. The student who displayed the poster was also identified during the investigation. The inquiry committee did not recommend direct disciplinary action against the students concerned. Instead, it recommended counseling and sensitivity training. According to a senior IIT faculty member, the committee found that students need to be sensitized on such issues and therefore considered counseling and sensitization appropriate steps. The committee also pointed out a significant shortcoming at the institute level. The committee found that the IIT Mandi campus lacks a clear and defined process for organizing such events. The committee considered this an institutional shortcoming that needs to be addressed on a priority basis. Based on this recommendation, IIT Mandi will now formulate rules and guidelines for organizing student events on campus and establish a mechanism to monitor such events. A key part of the inquiry report is that the committee found the provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, were not applicable in the case. The report stated that the investigation found no evidence of intent to target, insult, or offend any individual or community, and that the committee concluded that the provisions of the SC/ST Act were not applicable in this case. However, upon the poster controversy, the institute director himself acknowledged that the poster had offended members of the community and expressed regret. The institute expressed regret and sympathy to those affected and stated its commitment to equality, social justice, and a discrimination-free campus. Six members from IIT Mandi’s Reservation Cell assisted the committee in the investigation process. This allowed the committee to incorporate institutional representation related to reservation and social justice issues into the investigation. Based on the available facts and information received from relevant stakeholders, the committee concluded that the event was not an official event of the institute and that the controversial poster was not sanctioned or approved by any institute official. What’s next? Following the committee’s recommendations, IIT Mandi now has two courses of action. First, the students who displayed the controversial poster will be counseled and provided sensitivity training. Second, the institute will develop clear rules, permission procedures, and monitoring mechanisms for future student events on campus. Thus, the findings of the investigation focus more on sensitivity and institutional reform than disciplinary action against students. Overall, IIT Mandi’s investigation found the controversial poster to be at odds with the institute’s official position. Furthermore, the institute acknowledged that the poster offended community members. Counseling and sensitivity training for the concerned students, along with the development of new regulations and monitoring mechanisms for student events on campus, will now proceed. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News