Questions raised over the arrest of Dr. Randall Siqueira and Dalit activist Laxman Nayak, who works for tribal communities,
Dr. Randall Siqueira is a physician and community health worker who has worked among tribal communities in the Kalahandi and Rayagada districts of Odisha. Laxman Nayak is a Dalit activist and is associated with the Maa Mati Mali Suraksha Manch and the Samajwadi Jan Parishad. Odisha. The arrest of social activist Dr. Randall Siqueira and Dalit activist Laxman Nayak is gaining momentum. Police detained them from Dr. Randall Siqueira’s Bhawanipatna home at around 10:45 pm on October 16th. After being detained overnight, they were taken to Rayagada, where they were produced before the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) at around 6:30 pm and then sent to the Rayagada sub-jail. Following their arrest, social organizations have launched a protest. An organization called Rozi Roti Adhikar Abhiyan has raised questions about the arrests. According to a press release issued by the organization, the arrests of the two are related to case number 85/2026 registered at the Kashipur police station in Rayagada district. This case relates to an incident that occurred in Kantamal village on the night of April 6th and 7th, 2026. During that incident, there were reports of lathicharge and use of tear gas against villagers. Villagers and police officers were also reported injured in the incident. The campaign claimed that the names of Dr. Randall and Laxman Nayak were not mentioned in the FIR. The organization also raised questions about the seizure of their mobile phones and the legal procedures followed during their detention. Demanding an impartial investigation into these aspects, the Rozi Roti Adhikar Abhiyan stated that the detention process should be in accordance with the law, and that the families and lawyers should be provided with timely information. Social activist and founder of Tribal Army, Hansraj Meena, also raised questions. According to him, the arrest of Dr. Randall Siqueira and Dalit activist Laxman Nayak, who served tribal communities in Odisha, is extremely worrying. The same doctor who has been treating tribal children for years is now in jail for raising his voice for tribal rights to water, forest, and land. Why is the government criminalizing those who protect tribal land and forests? Have the interests of mining companies become greater than the constitutional rights of tribals? Meena demanded the immediate release of Dr. Randall Siqueira and Laxman Nayak, a fair investigation, and the protection of tribal rights. Dr. Randall Siqueira is a physician and community health worker who has worked among tribal communities in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts of Odisha. Laxman Nayak is a Dalit activist and is associated with the Maa Mati Mali Suraksha Manch and the Samajwadi Jan Parishad. Both have been active in protests against mining projects and in struggles related to the rights of local communities. Siddhartha Gautam Courtesy: Hindi News
Coimbatore Dalit student’s death: Two classmates arrested, parents continue sit-in demanding headmaster’s arrest
Akilan, a Class 11 student at the government-aided KK Naidu Higher Secondary School on Avinashi Road, was found dead at his home in Peelamedu on Wednesday. Akilan’s parents and relatives continued their sit-in protest at the Coimbatore District Collectorate for a second consecutive day on Friday. Synopsis: Two Class 11 students were arrested by Tamil Nadu police on Friday in connection with the death by suicide of a 15-year-old Scheduled Caste student in Coimbatore on Wednesday, 21 October, following alleged casteist abuse and harassment at school. The student’s class teacher was arrested on Thursday, while his parents and relatives continued their sit-in protest at the Coimbatore District Collectorate for a second consecutive day, demanding the arrest of the school headmaster. Tamil Nadu police arrested two Class 11 students on Friday, 23 October in connection with the death by suicide of a 15-year-old Scheduled Caste student in Coimbatore. The student’s family has accused his classmates, class teacher and the school headmaster of casteist abuse and harassment. Akilan, a Class 11 student at the government-aided KK Naidu Higher Secondary School on Avinashi Road, was found dead at his home in Peelamedu on Wednesday. Akilan, was found dead at his home at Peelamedu on Wednesday, 21 October. Akilan’s mother alleged that two of his classmates, class teacher Vijayakumar and headmaster Arunkumar, were responsible for her son’s death. The police arrested class teacher Vijayakumar on Thursday. Akilan’s parents and relatives continued their sit-in protest at the Coimbatore District Collectorate for a second consecutive day on Friday, demanding the arrest of the headmaster. In her police complaint, his mother, Kousalya, named two of his classmates, the class teacher Vijayakumar and headmaster Arunkumar as those responsible for her son’s death. According to the FIR registered at the Peelamedu police station, Vijayakumar asked students in the class who ate beef. When Akilan raised his hand, two classmates allegedly abused him with casteist slurs and assaulted him. The FIR also states that headmaster Arunkumar failed to act after Akilan’s family complained to him. The family alleges that caste-based discrimination and harassment drove the boy to his death. The case has been registered under provisions relating to abetment of suicide, voluntarily causing hurt and offences under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The Tamil Nadu State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes has sought a report from the Coimbatore City Police Commissioner on the student’s death. (Edited by Dese Gowda) Courtesy : TSF Note: This news is originally published on https:/thesouthfirst.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit youth brutalized in Raikot: Allegations of sexual violence and brutal torture, pain revealed; FIR filed 20 days later
According to family members, the youth had been suffering from pain since around October 5th. Initially, the family considered it normal physical pain. The youth did not disclose anything in the initial days due to fear of threats. When the pain became unbearable, he narrated his ordeal to his family. A serious case of alleged sexual violence and brutal torture of a 19-year-old Dalit youth has come to light in Raikot. It is alleged that the youth was taken away on the pretext of a job and given drugs. He was then raped. The accused then tortured him by inserting a wooden object into his genitals. Police registered a case against Nanak Singh and an unidentified person on October 23rd, although the incident is said to have occurred around October 5th. According to family members, the youth had been suffering from pain since around October 5th. Initially, the family considered it normal physical pain. The youth did not disclose anything in the initial days due to fear of threats. When the pain became unbearable, he narrated his ordeal to his family. The family then took him to the Government Hospital in Raikot for treatment. The victim’s mother has appealed to the police for justice. Questions are being raised about the delay in police action in this case. According to police officials, the medical-legal report (MLR) related to the case was received on October 13th. Police stated that the victim was not in a position to give a statement at that time. A case was subsequently registered on October 23rd. Surjeet Singh, SHO of City Raikot Police Station, stated that a case has been registered against Nanak Singh and an unidentified person under sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway for both. Published by: Nivedita Courtesy: Hindi News
UP: Four convicted in Dalit woman’s murder case sentenced to life imprisonment
Kaushambi, A court in Kaushambi district of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday convicted four accused and sentenced them to life imprisonment in the 2009 kidnapping and murder of a Dalit woman. The court also imposed a fine of ₹1.31 lakh on each of the accused. Additional District Government Advocate (Criminal) Pankaj Sonkar said that the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge and Special Judge (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act) Amit Malviya delivered the verdict after considering the prosecution’s arguments, witness statements, and evidence. He said that the accused have been identified as Arvesh Tiwari, Sarvesh Tiwari, Ramkant Dubey, and Shivkant Dubey. The court sentenced all four to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹1.31 lakh each. According to Sonkar, on October 7, 2009, the father of a woman named Kunti Devi filed a complaint at the Sarai Akil police station, alleging that the four accused lured his daughter away and later murdered her. Based on the complaint, the police registered a case under sections 363 (kidnapping), 364 (kidnapping with intent to murder), 368 (wrongful confinement or wrongful confinement of a person abducted), 302 (murder), 120B (criminal conspiracy), and 34 (acts done with common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). A case was also registered against the accused under Section 3(2)(5) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. According to the prosecution, the police filed a charge sheet against the accused after completing the investigation. The prosecution said that after considering the available evidence and the arguments of the prosecution, the court convicted all four accused and sentenced them. Courtesy: Hindi News
UP Elections 2027: BSP eyes Dalit strongholds, Mayawati and Akash to hold rapid public meetings in these districts
Mayawati will hold public meetings in assembly constituencies in districts with a large Scheduled Caste population. The aunt and nephew are particularly focused on Western Uttar Pradesh. Mayawati to hold rapid public meetings with Akash Anand Neha Shukla, Lucknow: Mayawati has fully entered the electoral fray for the 2027 UP elections. This time, Mayawati will be holding public meetings with her nephew Akash. For this, Mayawati is first targeting Dalit strongholds. Mayawati will hold public meetings in assembly constituencies in districts with a high Scheduled Caste (SC) population. The aunt and nephew are particularly focused on Western Uttar Pradesh. The campaign will begin on October 28th in Bulandshahr district. Following this, she is scheduled to hold public meetings in Agra, Saharanpur, Kanpur Nagar, and Ayodhya districts. During the first phase of his campaign, which began in August, Akash Anand visited several assembly constituencies in western Uttar Pradesh, including Sadabad in Hathras and Jewar in Gautam Buddha Nagar. BSP Strong in Western UP The BSP has traditionally been considered strong in western Uttar Pradesh, where Dalit voters have a significant presence. Jatav, Khatik, and Valmiki voters, in particular, constitute a decisive majority in several assembly constituencies in western Uttar Pradesh. Akash has also focused on these areas. Bulandshahr: According to the 2011 census, approximately 19.8% of the total population here belongs to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community. BSP chief Mayawati’s own caste, the Jatav community, is the largest group. Agra: The district has a total of nine assembly seats, of which two seats, Agra Cantt and Agra Reserved, are reserved for SCs. Furthermore, Etmadpur, Fatehabad, Agra North, and Agra South also have a significant Dalit voter base. Saharanpur: Over 22% of the population here belongs to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community. It should be noted that the BSP won the Saharanpur seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Dalits have always been the BSP’s core voter base, with the Jatavs considered among Mayawati’s staunchest supporters. Edited by: Pawan Nautiyal About the Author Pawan Nautiyal works as a consultant writer for the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand sections of the Navbharat Times. He has over 14 years of extensive journalistic experience in print, electronic, and digital media. Courtesy: Hindi News
Akhilesh Yadav’s big bet ahead of the UP elections, saying, “The D of the PDA is through Dalit saints…”
Ahead of the UP Assembly elections, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav is now working to woo Dalit saints as part of his PDA strategy. He will honor several individuals on November 5th. × In view of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the Samajwadi Party has begun to establish its influence across all sections of society. The party is working to woo Dalits, the ‘D’ in the PDA (Backward, Dalit, Minority) formula. Akhilesh Yadav has convened a major meeting of Dalit saints on November 5th. In addition to Uttar Pradesh, Dalit saints from Punjab and Haryana and representatives of organizations associated with Dalit icons will be honored. Akhilesh will also honor the saints. The SP’s strategy is not limited to the BSP’s traditional Dalit vote bank. The party is also targeting social groups associated with the ideology of Saint Ravidas, Kabirpanth, Maharishi Valmiki tradition, and Kanshi Ram-Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. The party wants to reach different castes and communities through influential saints and organizations within the Dalit community to spread its message. Akhilesh Eyes BSP Vote After the 2022 Assembly elections, Mayawati’s party, the BSP, continued to decline in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The party managed to win only one seat in the 2022 Assembly elections. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the SP-Congress alliance won 43 seats, while the BSP failed to win a single seat. Following the BSP’s weak performance, the SP sees an opportunity to expand its base in Dalit politics. Lok Sabha Gives Opportunity to Dalits Akhilesh Yadav attempted to balance social equations by fielding Dalit candidates in general constituencies like Faizabad and Meerut in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Awadhesh Prasad’s victory in Faizabad was seen as a success of this strategy, while the SP candidate lost in Meerut by a narrow margin. Reaching Out Through Institutions The SP now wants to connect influential figures within the Dalit community with its religious and social networks. The party believes that reaching out to Dalit settlements and various communities can be achieved through connections with saints, sects, and organizations. This will be an attempt to connect with voters who, despite distancing themselves from the BSP, have not yet become permanent SP voters. The BJP is also expanding its reach among the Dalit community through social harmony and saint traditions. On the occasion of the 650th birth anniversary of Saint Guru Ravidas, the BJP is running the “Shri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Samrasata Sankalp Abhiyan” from July 29, 2026, to February 20, 2027. Under this initiative, efforts are being made to strengthen its reach among the Dalit community through the Saint Contact Campaign, Harmony Yatra, Hostel Contact Campaign, and cultural programs. Written By: Nikhil Sahu About the author Nikhil Sahu has been actively involved in journalism in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, for the past eight years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He has six years of print media experience, including stints at Dainik Bhaskar, Navbharat Times, 4PM, and Swatantra Print. He has a strong understanding of digital media, with a special focus on political, crime, development, and health news. He has experience in ground-zero reporting. Courtesy: Hindi News
Muzaffarpur: Violence erupts after youth’s murder, angry mob sets six houses in Dalit settlement on fire
Massive uproar erupts in Muzaffarpur after a 20-year-old man was stabbed to death. An angry mob set fire to the Dalit settlement in Pratappur, with a heavy police presence deployed in the area. Bihar: The murder of a 20-year-old man in Muzaffarpur district has sparked widespread unrest. The incident, which occurred late Saturday night, has created a tense atmosphere in the area. The deceased has been identified as Navneet Kumar, a resident of Mohammadpur Khaje village in the Karja police station area. Navneet was reportedly attending a local fair with his friend Subhash Kumar when he was stabbed at the fair, resulting in his death. When Navneet’s body arrived at his native village after the post-mortem, villagers were enraged. One of the suspects in the murder is said to be from the nearby Pratappur village (a Dalit settlement), prompting the mob to attack the settlement. The attackers not only brutally assaulted the residents of the settlement but also set at least six houses belonging to Scheduled Castes on fire. There are allegations that they fired in the air to spread terror, although the police have not confirmed the incident. Residents of the settlement had to flee to save their lives. Ganesh Ram, a resident of Pratappur village, said that the deceased Navneet had a dispute with Gajendra Ram’s son, who was involved in the illegal liquor trade. He said that a mob of more than 50 people launched a planned attack on the Dalit settlement in protest of the murder. Upon receiving information about the fire, fire engines arrived at the scene and tried to control the fire. According to Ganesh Ram, by the time the fire engines arrived, the houses had been completely destroyed. Given the seriousness of the incident, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kantesh Kumar Mishra, Rural Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajesh Singh Prabhakar, and City Superintendent of Police (SP) Mohibullah Ansari arrived at the scene to assess the situation. SSP Mishra stated that additional armed police forces have been deployed in the village to prevent any untoward incident. According to the SSP, the situation in the village is currently tense but is completely under the administration’s control. He also clarified that the deceased and the suspect belong to different castes and that the situation is being closely monitored following the murder. Issuing a stern warning to those who take the law into their own hands, the SSP said that the local police station in-charge has been instructed to take immediate action against the culprits. Currently, a special police team led by Saraiya SDPO Abhijeet Kaur is camping in the village. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
UP: Dalit youth beaten, held hostage, and threatened with death for worshipping at Ballia’s Kali temple
A shameful incident in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh: A Dalit youth was held hostage and beaten for living and performing puja at the Kali temple in Sardapur village. An FIR has been filed against two accused under the SC/ST Act. Uttar Pradesh: A shameful case of caste discrimination has come to light in Ballia district. A Dalit man was brutally beaten simply because he lived at a local Kali temple and performed daily puja there. Following this inhumane incident, the police took immediate action and filed an FIR against two accused under serious sections on Monday, October 19th. The entire incident took place in Sardapur village. The victim, Nageena Ram, is a native of the village and has been living in the Kali temple premises for a long time, performing pujas as per his faith. According to the complaint, on Sunday evening, October 18th, two young men began misbehaving with him without any provocation. It is alleged that these men hurled vulgar insults at Nagina Ram, referring to his caste, and violently assaulted him for staying in the temple. During the assault, when villagers working in nearby fields heard the noise and ran to the temple for help, the accused locked Nagina Ram inside the temple premises and held him hostage. The rampage of these miscreants did not end there. They then went straight to the victim’s home and openly threatened to kill him in front of his entire family. Given the seriousness and sensitivity of the matter, action was taken on the complaint at the Rasra police station late Sunday night. Rasra police station in-charge Sushil Kumar confirmed the incident and said that a named FIR has been registered against Vishal Singh and Ankit Singh based on Nagina Ram’s complaint. The police have registered a case against the two accused under stringent provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Station House Officer Sushil Kumar clarified that a police team is currently investigating the entire incident thoroughly and gathering evidence. He assured the victim’s family that any necessary legal action will be taken with full force and without any pressure. The administration is closely monitoring the situation to ensure peace and law and order is maintained in the village. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
No conclusion in a month, no mobile unlocked? Bhim Army Chief questions Mumbai Crime Branch’s investigation in Sahil Wakode case
Demands CBI probe from Amit Shah, also questions IIT-B administration’s statements Mumbai/New Delhi – Nagina MP and Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad has written a strongly worded letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding a CBI investigation into the suspicious death of IIT-Bombay student Sahil Wakode. In the letter, he also demanded an investigation into the alleged police brutality against students demanding justice following his death. Sahil died on September 18th. More than a month later, no conclusive results have emerged in the case, and the controversy has deepened after protesters were brutally assaulted during a demonstration called by the All India Independent Scheduled Castes Association (AIISCA) on October 18th. In his letter, Chandrashekhar Azad described Sahil’s death as “extremely serious and worrying.” He wrote that Sahil’s parents have been continuously fighting for justice since the incident, and their resorting to a hunger strike shows the pain they are going through to learn the truth about their son’s death. The letter also raises questions about the IIT-Bombay administration. According to Azad, the administration’s “irresponsible statements” have created confusion in the case. He also wrote that despite more than a month having passed, the Mumbai Crime Branch’s investigation has not reached any conclusive conclusions, and Sahil’s mobile phone has not yet been unlocked. According to the letter, this situation raises serious concerns about the progress of the investigation and the preservation of crucial evidence. He also raised serious questions about the allegations of excessive force being used against Sahil, deviating from the prescribed procedure. Azad made the following demands to the Home Minister: The investigation into Sahil’s suspicious death should be immediately handed over to the CBI. An impartial investigation should be conducted into the mobile phone, examination hall records, relevant documents of the institute, and the circumstances before and after the incident. An investigation should be conducted into the police behavior toward the protesting students on October 18th. The studies and academic future of the protesting students should not be adversely affected. The letter stated that no family should be forced to struggle for long to learn the truth about the death of a loved one. Azad also appealed for “respectful and sensitive” treatment of students demanding justice. October 18th: Action taken against ‘Justice Corner’ Since Sahil’s death, a protest site called ‘Justice Corner’ had been operating outside the student campus, where a sit-in had been ongoing for three weeks. On October 18th, this site was removed. Protesters and supporting organizations allege that the Mumbai Police forcibly removed the site and detained those protesting. Among those detained were AIISCA founder Rahul Sonpimple, secretary Deepali Salve, and several other activists and students. Sahil’s parents, Ravindra Wakode and Sonali Wakode, were also detained. They were on a hunger strike demanding justice for their son. Student organizations and social activists are deeply angered by this treatment of students peacefully demanding justice and a grieving family. Regarding the police brutality, Deepali said, “The Mumbai Police should understand that we are Dalit Panthers and the children of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. We know our history and are carrying forward his legacy. We will not remain silent on the police brutality against student activists or the brutal tearing of Babasaheb’s portrait.” The All India Lawyers Association for Justice (AILAJ) has expressed solidarity with Sahil’s family and the IIT-B students’ demand for an independent investigation. The organization strongly condemned police brutality, the detention of Sahil’s grieving parents, and peaceful protesters. AILAJ reiterated its demands to “Stop Institutional Killings” and “Implement the Rohit Act.” Laptops, Medicines, and Keys Confiscated After Protest After the protest site was removed, approximately 22 to 25 protesters moved into “Justice Corner 2.0” inside the Nandan Nilekani Main Building, near the offices of the Director and Chief Security Officer (CSO). They demanded the removal of Director Shirish Kedare and the appointment of an administrative representative for negotiations. The protesters allege that repeated emails sent to the institute received no response. The removal of the protest site has presented a new crisis for the students. They allege that their personal belongings, including laptops, chargers, hostel keys, medicines, shoes, and wallets, were confiscated and have not yet been returned. According to a Mumbai Mirror report, a student stated that his laptop has been confiscated for two days, even though an exam is scheduled for Wednesday at 11 a.m. Students claim the laptop contains documents and study materials necessary for the exam. The key crisis is also serious. It is alleged that three protesters’ hostel keys were left in their unreturned bags, preventing them from accessing their rooms. One student stated that they had to go to their rooms to shower and change, but they didn’t even have slippers. The most concerning issue is medication. One student alleges that their keys have been withheld for three days, preventing them from accessing their medications and medical records. According to the student, they take medication for severe depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The lack of medication has caused them severe anxiety and vomiting when trying to eat. They stated that they were advised to go to the hospital to show their medical records, which is impossible without the keys. Emails to the Chief Medical Officer also received no response. The students were allegedly taken to several locations in an attempt to get their belongings back. They were first sent to the main building, then to the main gate, and then to the Powai police station, where the police stated that the items were missing. When contacted, the CSO was initially told it was confidential, then told that the items were on campus but would not be returned without informing the police. The students submitted a list of missing items, but were allegedly made to wait from 3 to 3:30 p.m., yet they were unable to find them. A security guard reportedly told them that the items were locked in a storeroom. The students refused to sign the receipt without inspecting the items, so as not to
Rahul Gandhi too likely to meet families of drug victims
Encouraged by what it sees as the success of its five-day campaign highlighting public safety concerns amid rising gangster-related violence and extortion, the Punjab Congress is now turning its attention to the state’s drug crisis. The party is drawing up a detailed outreach programme that could see Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi criss-cross Punjab to meet families affected by drug abuse. While Rahul’s dates have not been finalised, senior party leaders said the proposed visit could coincide with the next phase of the Congress campaign targeting both the AAP government in Punjab and the BJP-led Centre over their handling of the drug menace. Party insiders said apart from gangster-related violence, the widespread abuse of synthetic drugs had emerged as a major public concern in feedback gathered through surveys conducted by the party high command across the state. Over the past week, AICC general secretary and Punjab affairs in-charge Sachin Pilot and PPCC chief Pargat Singh met the families of nearly 22 victims of gangster-related violence. A report on the feedback gathered during the campaign is being sent to the party high command. The Congress is now looking to extend its outreach to families who have lost their loved ones to drug abuse, seeking to bring the issue to the centre of Punjab’s political discourse. The move is aimed at highlighting the human cost of the drug menace while questioning the state government’s response to the crisis. Meanwhile, PPCC chief Pargat Singh has questioned Union Home Minster Amit Shah over the growing drug trade across the country, the illegal sale of pharmaceutical drugs and the destruction of the younger generation due to substance abuse. Article_Author Rajmeet Singh Courtesy : The Tribune Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetribune.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights