Dalit women in India fight caste discrimination with farming
In rural Tamil Nadu, an initiative of Dalit women are turning wasteland into not just crops, but a movement against social exclusion in India. In Tamil Nadu’s Pallur village, a stunning change is underway. A group of Dalit women—historically marginalized and landless—are transforming barren land into thriving farms. Led by community organizer Shakila Kalaiselvan, these women are not just cultivating crops, but also challenging deep-rooted caste and gender discrimination. Their initiative began with courage and sisterhood, as Shakila went door to door rallying support for a shared dream of self-reliance. Breaking Ground: Dalit Women Reclaim Land and Dignity Turning unused land into productive farms was no easy feat. For women who typically survive on daily wages, waiting months for a harvest was extremely challenging. Yet, they persisted. Today, eighty women work in teams, sharing labor and resources. Their success has brought more than food—it’s brought change in many areas. As Burnad Fathima Natesan, a Dalit women’s rights activist, explains, these women no longer endure abuse while working on dominant-caste farms. Now, they grow mangoes in their own gardens, reclaiming both dignity and independence. Sowing Seeds of Social Change The movement is about more than farming. It’s about building a sustainable village with equal access to water, education, and healthcare—services long denied to Dalit communities. Shakila Kalaiselvan points out the stark inequality: essential services are located in dominant-caste areas, leaving Dalit communities with nothing. These women aim to dismantle the structures that exclude them. As they gain financial freedom and assets, they are also experiencing less domestic violence and greater respect. Their journey is a powerful example of how grassroots action can bring real transformation. Madhan Kumar U S Courtesy : DW Note: This news is originally published on https:/dw.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rajasthan News: The temple will be desecrated… Chaos over Dalit entering the temple, video of beating goes viral
In Churu, Rajasthan, a Dalit man was beaten simply because he was entering a temple. Not only was he not allowed to enter, but he was also subjected to casteist slurs. Churu: A shameful incident has unfolded in Churu district, Rajasthan. It has exposed the harsh reality of caste discrimination that remains deeply ingrained in society even in the 21st century. Dalit youths were prevented from entering a Thakurji temple in Sadasar village of the district and were brutally beaten when they protested. The video of this incident went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage, prompting police action. On Sunday evening, the Bhagwat Katha had concluded at the village cowshed, followed by a procession. 19-year-old Kanaram Meghwal went to the Thakurji temple with his friends to pay obeisance. Meanwhile, some villagers made casteist remarks and prevented them from entering. When Kanaram protested, the accused kicked, punched, and beat him severely with sticks, injuring him. The video of the incident is rapidly going viral on social media, sparking outrage across the state. Police Action and Public Outrage Following the incident, angry Dalits gathered outside the Bhanipura police station and staged a protest, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused. Police have registered a case against four accused in the case, and two have been detained. However, despite police action, this incident leaves a serious question for society: whether we still face such discrimination today. A Question on Mentality This incident is not just a criminal case, but also reflects the mindset that still persists in the minds of some people. Despite the right to equality enshrined in the Constitution, such cases demonstrate that much work remains to be done to effectively implement legal provisions and change social thinking. This incident reminds us that the fight against racial discrimination is far from over. It challenges every segment of society to speak out against such incidents and ensure that every individual receives respect and equality. Reported by: Gajendra Singh, Sushant Pareek, Edited by: Rakesh Parmar Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit student beaten in Barabanki for touching lunch box: Accuses fellow student, files police complaint
A Dalit student was beaten in the Masauli police station area of Barabanki. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon at the library located in the cattle market. Udaybhan, son of Ramkumar, a resident of Dafliyan village, alleged that he had gone to the library as usual to study. Around 2 p.m., during lunch time, his lunch box accidentally touched another student, Pradum Shukla’s lunch box. Pradum, making a casteist remark, threw away Udaybhan’s lunch box. Pradum called his friends and beat Udaybhan. He questioned how a student from a lower caste dared to eat with them. Library operator Gaurav also confirmed that the altercation occurred during lunch. At the time of the incident, 10-12 students were present. The victim has submitted a complaint to the Masauli police station in-charge. Udaybhan stated that he is scared by this incident. His studies are being affected by bullying and caste discrimination. He has demanded strict action against the accused. Sarfaraz Warsi Courtesy: Hindi News
₹1,600 crore relief package is an injustice to Punjab; a comprehensive package should be released: Rahul Gandhi
Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday alleged that the ₹1,600 crore relief package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for flood-affected Punjab is an injustice to the people of the state. He said, “I once again urge the Prime Minister to immediately release a comprehensive relief package.” Rahul Gandhi urged the Prime Minister to immediately release a comprehensive relief package for flood-affected Punjab. New Delhi: Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday alleged that the initial ₹1,600 crore relief package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for flood-affected Punjab is an injustice to the people of the state. He reiterated his demand for an immediate comprehensive relief package for Punjab. This is an injustice to the people of Punjab. The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha wrote a letter to Prime Minister Modi on September 17, urging the release of a comprehensive relief package for Punjab. Rahul Gandhi posted on X on Monday that the floods have caused losses of approximately ₹20,000 crore. In such a situation, the initial relief package of ₹1,600 crore announced by the Prime Minister is an injustice to the people of Punjab. Rahul Gandhi appeals to Prime Minister Narendra Modi He said that millions of homes were destroyed. More than 400,000 acres of crops were ruined. A large number of animals were also swept away. The Congress leader said that despite this, the people of Punjab have shown remarkable courage and spirit. He is confident that they will rebuild Punjab once again. They just need support and strength. He said that he once again urges Prime Minister Narendra Modi to immediately release a comprehensive relief package. Edited by: NBT Desk About the Author NBT Desk: Whether it’s national, international, sports news, or the inside story of politics, NBT News Desk brings you every news. Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit man dies in police custody: Allahabad High Court seeks response from Yogi government, demands ₹25 lakh compensation
Nawabganj Police Station Death Case: Petitioners demand ₹25 lakh compensation for the family and a High Court-monitored investigation Prayagraj: Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking an investigation into the death of a Dalit man in police custody at Nawabganj police station in Prayagraj, the Allahabad High Court has directed the state government to file its response (counter affidavit) within two weeks. The petitioners have also demanded ₹25 lakh compensation for the deceased’s family members. The family alleges that the man died due to torture in custody on the police station premises, while the police claim he died of a heart attack. Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Advocates Forum and two others, a division bench of Justice Siddhartha and Justice Santosh Rai, in its order on Wednesday, directed the PIL to be listed before the appropriate court on October 10 for further hearing. According to the petitioner’s lawyer, Charlie Prakash, on May 27, the police picked up Hira Lal, a laborer, from his home in connection with a theft case in which no one was named. It is alleged that no family member was allowed to meet Hira Lal, and later the police informed him that Hira Lal had died. Family members were asked to go to the mortuary at Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital. The PIL alleges that Hira Lal’s body was not handed over to the family members, and the police cremated him at the Daraganj Ghat in Prayagraj. “This is a case of brutal custodial death and murder by the police within the police station premises, in violation of Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty),” argued Charlie Prakash, the petitioner’s lawyer. They demanded the formation of a high-level, independent, and impartial committee headed by a retired High Court judge to investigate the illegal detention, custodial torture, and custodial death of Hira Lal, a resident of Narrepar village, Buduna, under the Nawabganj police station. The PIL also stated, “The investigation should be conducted under the supervision of the High Court and should submit its report within a stipulated time.” Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
88 locations in 23 districts of Madhya Pradesh declared sensitive for SC-ST crimes
Experts believe that policing alone will not solve the problem. Caste tensions and old rivalries remain a major challenge in these areas. Bhopal. The increasing incidents of crimes against Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in Madhya Pradesh have worried the government. The Home Department, after reviewing the situation in the state, found that cases of such crimes are increasing rapidly in more than half of the districts. Consequently, 88 locations in 63 police station areas across 23 districts have been declared sensitive areas. Police will now develop a special strategy to control crime in these areas. According to the Home Department report, incidents of atrocities against Dalits and tribals have steadily increased in the past few years. Caste disputes, old rivalries, and land disputes, especially in rural areas and small towns, give rise to such incidents. The government has taken this seriously and identified sensitive areas across the state. By issuing a notification, the Superintendents of Police of all the districts have been instructed to maintain special vigilance in these areas and resolve even small disputes immediately. Which areas are sensitive? The police stations and areas declared sensitive include Kotwali in Mandla district, Kosmi and Bharveli in Balaghat, Kotwali and Ganjbasoda in Vidisha, Shujalpur City and Shujalpur Mandi in Shajapur, Vaydinagar in Mandsaur, rural areas, Itarsi and Kotwali in Narmadapuram, Kotwali in Dhar, Padma Nagar, Mandhata and Pandhana in Khandwa, Simrol in Indore, Kotwali, Station Road, Civil Lines and Bamnor in Morena, rural areas in Bhind, Industrial Area and Piplawa in Dewas, Gorabazar in Jabalpur, Kotwali, Cantt, Vijaypur, Aron and Madhusudangarh in Guna, Sirsod, Dinara, Amola, Indaur, Bhaunti, Pipariya and Shivpur in Shivpuri, Sarani and Amla in Betul, Obaidullaganj in Raisen, Bahodapur, Janakganj, Jhansi Road, University and Thathipur in Gwalior, Cantt, Baheria, Banda and Rahatgarh in Sagar. These include Damoh Kotwali, Chhatarpur Civil Lines, Lavkushnagar and Jujharpur, Tikamgarh Kotwali, Ashoknagar Kotwali, Dehar, and Bahadurpur. These steps will be taken According to the Home Department’s notification, steps such as establishing police outposts, community awareness campaigns, and resolving old disputes will now be taken in areas declared sensitive. Police forces have been instructed to take immediate action upon receiving complaints of any incident and assure victims of safety. Furthermore, efforts will be made to build mutual trust by increasing communication with organizations associated with Dalit and tribal communities. Action under the SC/ST Act The state government has also clarified that sensitive areas have been identified under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. This Act provides for the protection of victims’ rights, prompt investigation, and strict punishment for the perpetrators. The Home Department states that this step will not only reduce crime but will also reassure Dalit and tribal communities that the administration is committed to their safety. The Challenge of Social Harmony Experts believe that policing alone will not solve the problem. Caste tensions and old rivalries remain a major challenge in these areas. Therefore, community-based initiatives and the promotion of social harmony are also essential. The government has indicated that in the future, peace committees will also be activated in these sensitive areas to prevent minor disputes from escalating into major crimes. What is the SC-ST Atrocities Prevention Act, 1989 Under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, physical assault on Dalits and Adivasis, caste-based insults, land grabbing, forced labor, or social boycott are considered crimes. These cases are investigated by DSP-rank officers, and special courts have been established for speedy trials. This law provides for imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 5 years and a fine for convictions, while serious crimes such as murder, rape, or mass violence can result in up to life imprisonment. Most offenses under the Act are non-bailable, and victims are provided compensation, legal aid, and protection. Ankit Pachauri Courtesy: Hindi News
Rajasthan: Controversy over temple entry in Churu: Dalit youths allegedly assaulted, tension escalates after video goes viral
In an incident in Sadasar village of Sardarshahar, youths who went to visit the temple after the Bhagwat Katha were allegedly subjected to caste discrimination and assault. Police filed an FIR after the video went viral. Churu, Rajasthan: A serious controversy has erupted over entry into a temple in Sadasar village of the Sardarshahar tehsil of the district. It is alleged that some youths from the Dalit community were not only prevented from entering the temple but were also assaulted and subjected to casteist remarks. A video of the incident went viral on social media, creating tension in the area, and the police have registered a case and launched an investigation. What is the whole matter? The incident occurred during a procession marking the conclusion of a Bhagwat Katha event held in the village. After the procession, 19-year-old Kanaram Meghwal, along with his friends Sandeep, Mukesh, Vishnu, and Kaluram, went to visit the Thakurji temple in the village. According to the FIR filed by the victim, Kanaram, some people already present in the temple premises stopped them, citing their caste. Allegations of Assault and Caste-Based Insults According to the complaint, when the youths protested this discrimination, the accused, Surajdas Swami, Shankarlal, Himmat Kumar, and Anil, began abusing them. The dispute escalated to the point where the accused allegedly slapped and punched them. Kanaram also alleged that Shankarlal attacked his hand with a stick, injuring him and causing him to fall. The FIR also states that the accused shouted threats in front of the crowd, saying, “We will not allow any Dalit to enter the temple.” Police Initiated Action As soon as the video of the incident went viral, the administration swung into action. Based on the victim’s complaint, a case has been registered at the Bhanipura police station under relevant sections. Meanwhile, members of the Dalit community, enraged by the incident, protested outside the police station, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused. Police have been deployed to maintain peace in the village. Police officials have assured a fair investigation and strict action against the culprits. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
A Dalit family in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, is burdened with debt! Father and 2-year-old son dead, wife and son hospitalized; mass suicide suspected!
A Dalit family in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, is burdened with debt! Father and 2-year-old son dead, wife and son hospitalized; mass suicide suspected! The family ate dinner together on Friday night. According to family members, Prakash began experiencing severe stomach pain and vomiting shortly after eating. Bhopal. A tragic incident occurred on Friday night in the Orchha Road police station area of Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh. Four members of the same Dalit family suddenly fell ill after eating. Farmer Prakash Ahirwar (35) and his two-year-old son, Nihal, died. His wife, Nandini (29), and elder son, Tanishq, are currently undergoing treatment at the district hospital. While the cause of the incident remains unclear, it appears to be a case of mass suicide. How did the incident occur? The family ate dinner together on Friday night. According to family members, Prakash began experiencing severe stomach pain and vomiting shortly after eating. Initially, they thought it was normal and thought he would get better by morning. However, as the night progressed, his condition worsened. They were rushed to the hospital, where doctors declared Prakash and his younger son, Nihal, dead. Dr. Ashish Shukla stated that the family had eaten potato curry, after which they began vomiting and feeling uneasy. Nandini’s condition is now stable, but the condition of his elder son, Tanishq, remains critical. A Story of Financial Pressure and Debt Prakash Ahirwar was a farmer and had borrowed a tractor for farming. Due to repeated crop failures, he was unable to pay the installments. Two days ago, employees of a finance company came to his house and pressured him to pay an installment of 30,000-40,000 rupees. They threatened to seize the tractor if he did not pay. The family alleged that the company employees forced them to sign and thumbprint an application. The application also stated that Prakash had taken a loan of 4 lakh rupees and would repay the entire amount by September 25th. If he did not do so, the company could seize his tractor, house, and land. The entire case appears to be a coerced mass suicide. Family members say the finance company was constantly threatening them to pay the installments and forcibly took their thumb impressions. Under these circumstances, farmer Prakash Ahirwar suffered a mental breakdown. The simultaneous deterioration of health among all family members suggests that they may have taken this extreme step due to debt and socio-economic pressure. However, this can only be confirmed after the postmortem report and police investigation. Family members say Prakash was under immense mental stress. The inability to pay the installments and the constant threats had broken him. He returned home after getting his TV repaired and had dinner with his family. But within a few hours, everything was destroyed. CSP Arun Kumar Soni said the case is being investigated. The cause of death will be clear only after the postmortem report is received, and further action will be taken based on that. This incident is not just a tragedy of one family, but reveals the reality of thousands of farmers and Dalit families who are burdened with debt and installments. Ankit Pachauri Courtesy: Hindi News
One village, two roads: A separate road worth ₹50 lakh was built to keep Dalits away from the main road. Dalit families said, “We want equal rights, not a separate road.”
While the administration is calling it a “public welfare” measure, Adi Dravidian families allege it is a deliberate conspiracy to permanently keep them off the main public road. Tiruvannamalai: The construction of a new road in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvannamalai district has sparked controversy. While the administration is calling it a development measure, Scheduled Caste (SC) residents see it as a new wall perpetuating discrimination and untouchability. The case is in Mothakkal village in the Tharampattu taluk, where Collector K. Tharpagaraj announced the construction of a new cement road at a cost of ₹50 lakh on September 18th. This road is being built on private land where a dirt road currently exists. This dirt road is used by Scheduled Caste villagers to carry the body of a deceased member of their community to the cremation ground. The Collector also praised the Vanniyar landowners who donated the land for “public welfare.” However, Scheduled Caste residents say they never demanded a new and separate road. They were simply demanding the right to use the village’s main public road, Murugan Koil Street, which is used by everyone else. Adi Dravidar families stated that they had petitioned the Collector for a shared public road, not a separate path. Expressing their anguish, one resident said, “This move further reinforces the notion that people from our community do not have the right to equal status in the village.” Caste discrimination runs deep in Mothakkal village. For decades, approximately 200 Adi Dravidian families here have been forced to use an alternative dirt road to transport bodies to the crematorium. Aravind*, a resident of the village, explains, “Our people are afraid to use the main road. Two weeks ago, when a person died and we tried to use that road, the police and revenue officials discouraged us, saying, ‘Why create unnecessary problems when an alternative route already exists?’” Residents say that an atmosphere of fear has long been created by upper-caste villagers, leaving many Dalit families wondering if they will ever be able to safely transport the bodies of their loved ones on the main public road. After several instances of tension during attempts to use the public road, G. Muniappan, a resident of the village, filed a writ of mandamus in the Madras High Court in December 2024, seeking police protection for Scheduled Caste residents. In April 2025, the court directed that people could contact the police and they would provide all necessary assistance. However, four months later, residents allege that they are still not allowed to use the common road. Arvind* says, “When we ask for police protection, the police themselves are afraid of creating problems. What can we do then?” Mayan*, another resident, said, “This new road may be useful for farmers from the Vanniyar community to bring their tractors, but it is of no use to us.” Vetri Sangamithra, a VCK (Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi) leader from Tiruvannamalai, has described the new road as a “road of untouchability.” She alleged that it is a deliberate conspiracy to keep Scheduled Caste families away from the public road. He said, “Even though it’s officially called a public road, only people from the SC community will use it. People from the Adi Dravida caste will not use it.” Collector Tharpagaraj has responded to these allegations. He refuted all claims, saying, “Anyone can use both roads—the existing public road and the upcoming new road. The unpaved road becomes very bad during the rainy season. It becomes difficult for people to walk, let alone vehicles, let alone carry bodies. The new road is being built with this in mind. Work has begun and will be completed within a few days.” (*Names have been changed to conceal identities) Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Is Telangana turning into a land of caste killings?
Telangana may not have the khap panchayats of North India, which settle caste clashes within villages, but we have seen how even a major atrocity like Nerella was hushed up and minimised. Synopsis: The act of a person from one caste falling in love with or marrying someone from another caste has nothing to do with the honour of a family, a caste, or a community. It is simply the voluntary, loving decision of two adults. And neither chose the caste they were born into. In reality, these so-called “honour killings” are murders driven by caste prejudice, arrogance, chauvinism and discrimination. It would be false to say Telangana was free of caste inequality, but such tensions rarely escalated to massacres. The recent murders are a sign of gradual change in this direction. In recent times, Telangana has been witnessing a disturbing rise in caste-related murders. Most of these are the result of inter-caste marriages, where young men and women—deemed to belong to a “lower caste” by others—are brutally killed by those who consider themselves “upper caste,” often the victims’ own parents or family members. In some cases, contract killers are hired for the murders. This chain of killings, and the atmosphere of terror it creates, has driven inter-caste lovers to commit suicide, fearing that marriage would bring death upon them. Sometimes family members themselves push or threaten the youth toward suicide. Fourteen incidents in the past eight years show how grave the situation has become: The murders of Madhukar of Manthani (2017), Amboji Naresh of Bhongir (2017), Tummala Swati of Lingarajupalli (2017), Perumalla Pranay of Miryalguda (2018), Vijayalakshmi (2018), Sushruta–Devarsh of Ghatkesar (2019), Chinta Hemanth Kumar of Sangareddy (2020), Narayana of Sangareddy (2022), Billipuram Nagaraju of Saroor Nagar (2022), Erukala Ramakrishna Goud of Kukunurupalli (2022), Neeraj Panwar of Begum Bazar (2022), Kongara Nagamani of Ibrahimpatnam (2024), Vadlakonda Krishna (Mala Banti) of Pillalamarri (2025), and Salluri Mallesh of Jagtial (2025). Each of them carries a tragic story. Some gained more public attention than others. Many more incidents that were never recorded or reported remain unknown. But each of these young men and women, most still in their late teens or early twenties, simply listened to their hearts. They dared to defy social restrictions. They longed for a human bond beyond caste barriers. That made them lovable. Innocent as they were, they did not know that social injustice could be so cruel as to snatch away their lives. They had many more years ahead but were cut short by murder. The myth of ‘honour’ The media often describes these killings under the upside-down label of “honour killings.” The phrase emerged to create an impression that victims had tarnished their families’ “honour,” and therefore their punishment was, in a way, justified. But the act of a person from one caste falling in love with or marrying someone from another caste has nothing to do with the honour of a family, a caste, or a community. It is simply the voluntary, loving decision of two adults. And neither chose the caste they were born into. Because caste inequality exists, because the “upper castes” in the hierarchy look down upon the “lower castes,” because caste rules forbid inter-dining and inter-marriage between castes and even sub-castes, families from “upper castes” see their “honour” destroyed if their child loves or marries someone from a “lower caste.” But natural male-female relationships are not determined by caste, and they do not diminish anyone’s honour. They only form a human bond. Yet, owing to the false ideologies entrenched in society, to caste prejudices, and to the belief that superiority and inferiority are determined by birth, the phrase “honour killing” has become common. In reality, these so-called “honour killings” are murders driven by caste prejudice, arrogance, chauvinism and discrimination. In fact, these fourteen recorded and reported killings are only a tiny fraction compared to the far greater number of threats, coercion, restrictions, pressures, and sufferings that do not end in murder or suicide. The overwhelming majority of victims belong to Dalit communities or to the poorer sections of backward castes. The killers are usually from dominant castes, though sometimes also from backward castes that have recently gained money power. While economic status plays a part, the primary factors are caste inequality, caste elitism, and caste arrogance. This is the outcome of religious scriptures, priests, and caste elders preaching against “caste mixing.” Caste pride and politics of intolerance Historically, Telangana society did not see this scale of caste-based discrimination and violence. Massacres such as Padirikuppam, Karamchedu, Chundur, Vempenta, and Lakshmipet took place in coastal Andhra, not on this scale in Telangana. It would be false to say Telangana was free of caste inequality, but such tensions rarely escalated to massacres. The recent murders are a sign of gradual change in this direction. Since statehood, there have been at least half a dozen incidents of collective attacks, and every year or two, one or two “honour killings” make it into the news. Countless unreported incidents remain. Telangana may not have the khap panchayats of North India, which settle caste clashes within villages, but we have seen how even a major atrocity like Nerella was hushed up and minimised. Dominant castes and feudal powers in villages have not moved beyond their mindset of resentment at Dalits or the lower castes gaining education, small jobs, and self-respect enough to walk with their heads held high. After Telangana state was formed, these dominant forces have only grown stronger. One natural outcome of Dalit and backward caste youth asserting dignity and pride has been their friendships with young women of dominant castes. These friendships, in some cases, turn into love and aspirations for marriage or cohabitation. This is intolerable to the dominant castes, whose psyche still resists accepting the education, jobs, self-respect, and improved economic standing of the oppressed communities. As a result, these friendships and loves invariably face opposition. Common dining appears to have lost meaning with public feasts, and hotels and restaurants mushrooming everywhere.