Land Eviction Case: Kerala Government Promises No Dalit Family to Be Evicted
CM V.D. Satheesan made a major statement on the Pariyathukavu land dispute in Ernakulam, Kerala, stating, “Despite the court order, no Dalit family will be deprived of their homes; the government will provide rehabilitation.” Thiruvananthapuram. Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan issued a major assurance on Monday. He clarified that no Dalit family will be left homeless in the process of resolving the long-pending land dispute involving Pariyathukavu residents in Ernakulam district. Speaking on this sensitive issue after a cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister responded to criticism from leftist parties. He stated that the government’s primary focus is on rehabilitating the affected families, even if legal compulsions require eviction action. Indeed, a private party obtained an eviction order from the Supreme Court, following which the Kerala High Court also directed the land to be vacated. Responding to this, Satheesan said that if the court order is implemented, the government will provide these families with alternative land and housing so they don’t have to wander the streets. To this end, the government has already initiated discussions with the Advocate General and senior legal officials. The aim is to find a humane and practical solution to the matter. Given the gravity of the situation, the government has also directed the Advocate General to seek more time from the court. The Pariyathukavu case involves a disputed piece of land near Kizhakkambalam in Ernakulam. Dalit families have lived there for decades, while some private parties have been claiming ownership of the land. The dispute has been escalating since the court ordered the land to be vacated based on ownership. Repeated failed eviction attempts and demands for the families’ rehabilitation have made it a major political issue in the state. Launching a scathing attack on the previous CPI(M)-led Left government, the Chief Minister said he was surprised to see two former ministers from the previous cabinet protesting there. He sarcastically remarked that this was happening just a day after the new government was sworn in. The Chief Minister explained that this was the 15th attempt to evict residents. During the previous Left government’s tenure, attempts were made to evict residents 14 times on court orders, but no concrete steps were taken toward rehabilitation. Satheeshan stressed that this was a land dispute filed by a private individual. He alleged that the Left government did not take even the slightest initiative to resolve the issue, but his government took cognizance of it the very next day after coming to power. To resolve the dispute, the government immediately sent Higher Education Minister Rosy M. John to Ernakulam to speak directly to the protesting family members. The Chief Minister concluded by stating that the government has reviewed all options and has determined that even if the court order is implemented, the eight affected families will not lose their homes. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Raped a Dalit woman under the pretext of a job, threatened her when she became pregnant; Kerala High Court denies bail to suspended Congress councilor!
The special SC/ST court had already denied Prasobh anticipatory bail after a police complaint was filed. Kochi—The Kerala High Court on Tuesday denied anticipatory bail to suspended Palakkad Congress city councilor Prasobh M in the alleged rape case of a Dalit woman. Justice A. Badruddin dismissed Prasobh’s appeal and upheld the lower court’s decision. Prasobh is accused of sexually exploiting a Dalit woman by promising her a job. A case was registered against him at the Palakkad Town South police station under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, on charges of rape and intimidation. According to the prosecution, Prasobh, despite being married, maintained a relationship with the victim for over a year and a half. He repeatedly had physical relations with her, promising her a job and lifelong support. When the relationship became public, the accused threatened the woman and used caste-based slurs. She was even threatened when she became pregnant. The victim told the court that she met Prasobh when his father, who owned a tea stall, abused her. Prasobh persuaded her not to file a complaint and then remained in constant contact with her. He lured the woman into a sexual relationship with the promise of a good job. After a police complaint was filed, the Special SC/ST Court denied Prasobh anticipatory bail in April. The trial court stated that a prima facie case was made out against the suspended councilor. Following this, Prasobh approached the High Court. Senior advocate Sasimangalam S. Ajit Kumar and other lawyers represented Prasobh in the High Court. They argued that even if the allegations were considered true, the relationship was consensual. He also argued that the elements of the crime under the SC/ST Act were not met, and that the prohibition on anticipatory bail under this law did not apply. However, Justice Badruddin rejected these arguments, stating that the trial court’s decision was correct. The High Court clarified that the case primarily lay under the SC/ST Act. Therefore, the suspended councilor was denied relief. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit woman sexual exploitation case: Kerala High Court rejects anticipatory bail for expelled Congress councilor M.A. Prasobh
The Kerala High Court has taken a tough stand in the case of sexual exploitation of a Dalit woman on the pretext of a job and lifelong companionship. Expelled Congress councilor M.A. Prasobh was denied anticipatory bail. The Kerala High Court on Tuesday dealt a major legal blow to expelled Congress councilor M.A. Prasobh. The court rejected his anticipatory bail plea in the case involving the sexual exploitation of a Dalit woman on the pretext of a job and lifelong companionship. A bench headed by Justice A. Badruddin upheld the previous order of the Special SC/ST Court, which had rejected the former councilor’s pre-arrest bail application. The lower court had clearly held that a prima facie case was made out against the accused. The case was registered at the Palakkad Town South Police Station. The serious allegations surfaced, causing significant political embarrassment for the Congress in Palakkad, leading to the expulsion of the accused from the party. This issue has also been politically sensitive. Even during the assembly election campaign, the CPI-M used this incident as a major political weapon against the Congress. According to the prosecution, despite being already married, M.A. Prasobh remained in contact with the complainant for approximately one and a half years. It is alleged that he repeatedly engaged in physical relations with her by falsely promising her employment and lifelong support. The victim, who belongs to the Scheduled Caste community, claims in her complaint that she became pregnant during this relationship. When the affair became public, she was threatened and abused. Based on the victim’s complaint, the police have registered a case against Prasobh under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). These include rape, sexual exploitation by false pretenses, and criminal intimidation. He has also been charged with stringent provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Pleading for anticipatory bail in the High Court, the defense lawyer argued that even if all the allegations are accepted as true, this appears to be a case of a completely consensual relationship between two adults. The defense also argued that the SC/ST Act had been misused in this case, and therefore, the statutory bar on bail under the Act should not apply. They claimed that the special court did not record any clear finding substantiating the rape allegation and denied bail solely on the basis of the SC/ST Act. However, the complainant’s lawyer strongly opposed the bail plea, stating that the accused had emotionally and sexually abused the woman over a prolonged period. The victim stated in her complaint that she first met Prasobh when his father, who runs a tea stall, allegedly abused her. The woman alleges that after that incident, Prasobh persuaded her not to file a police complaint. He then gradually won her trust by promising her a job and security, trapping her in his net. Now, after the Kerala High Court rejected her anticipatory bail plea, the expelled councilor’s troubles have increased significantly. As the investigation progresses, the threat of arrest hangs over M.A. Prasobh. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
A shameful incident in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh: Two minors gang-raped a 9-year-old Dalit girl.
In Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, a case of gang rape of a 9-year-old Dalit girl by two minor boys has been reported. Police have registered a case under the POCSO (Prevention of Atrocities) and SC/ST Acts and have begun an investigation. Uttar Pradesh: A deeply disturbing and shameful incident has come to light in Ballia district. A nine-year-old Dalit girl was allegedly gang-raped in a village under the Haldi police station area. Shockingly, both accused in this heinous crime are minors and hail from the same village as the victim. Based on a complaint filed by the victim’s father, the police have registered an FIR and initiated an investigation. According to the complaint, this horrific incident occurred on the evening of May 23rd. The innocent girl was grazing goats outside the village. It is alleged that the two minor boys lured her with something and then sexually assaulted her. The father has also made a serious allegation in his complaint that the accused used casteist slurs against the girl during the incident. The incident has sparked widespread outrage among local residents. Providing details of the case, Bairia Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Mohammad Fahim Qureshi, stated that the two accused boys are between 11 and 12 years old. He also confirmed that the accused and the victim were already acquainted with each other. After receiving the complaint, the police registered a case against the two accused boys on Monday under stringent sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 70(2) (gang rape), the POCSO Act, and relevant sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The DSP further stated that the victim girl was sent to the District Women’s Hospital for a medical examination on Tuesday. Currently, the police are completing the process of recording the girl’s official statement and the necessary legal action in the case is being taken promptly. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Congress submits memorandum on Mahoba student case: Demands arrest of culprits, fast-track trial, and stringent punishment
Congress leaders in Kushinagar expressed deep outrage over the alleged kidnapping and gang rape of a Dalit student in Mahoba. Led by District Congress Committee Kushinagar Vice President Md. Zaheeruddin, the workers submitted a memorandum addressed to the Governor through the District Magistrate, demanding strict action against the culprits. The memorandum states that a Dalit student returning from NEET coaching in Mahoba was abducted and gang-raped. The incident has been described as extremely shameful and inhuman, shocking the entire state. The Congress party has raised serious questions about the safety of women, especially Dalit daughters. Congress District President Md. Zaheeruddin said that crimes against women are continuously increasing in the state, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the general public. He appealed to the government to take immediate and strict action against such incidents to prevent recurrence in the future. In the memorandum, Congress leaders demanded that the victim student be given speedy justice. All accused involved in the incident be immediately arrested and tried in a fast-track court. They also demanded the harshest punishment for the culprits, ensuring the safety of the victim and her family, and providing adequate financial assistance and government support. In addition, Congress workers demanded effective and concrete steps for the safety of women and Dalit daughters in the state. They stressed that strengthening law and order is the need of the hour. Numbers of Congress workers, including NSUI Kushinagar District President Anuj Mishra, Parvez Alam, Ramzan Ali, and Keshav Gupta, were present on the occasion. Sajid Ansari | Padrauna (Kushinagar), Kushinagar Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit youth brutally assaulted in Jhunjhunu
Rajasthan Crime: A case of brutal assault on a Dalit youth has come to light in Gudhagaurji, Jhunjhunu district. The victim alleges that a young man he met on the road first made him drink alcohol, then stripped him and severely beat him. Rajasthan Crime: A case of brutal assault on a Dalit youth has come to light in the Gudhagaurji police station area of Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan. The incident occurred with Pawan Meghwal, a resident of Jhajhariyon Ki Dhani, who suffered severe injuries. The victim alleges that a young man he met on the road first made him drink alcohol, then stripped him and severely beat him. Victim Pawan Meghwal said that he was returning home from work on Sunday night when he met a young man named Rakesh Kumar. Rakesh offered him a ride to Chhau and took him on his tractor. It is alleged that he was taken some distance away, made to drink alcohol, and then brutally assaulted. According to Pawan Meghwal, the accused stripped him and beat him severely. He somehow managed to escape the scene. On the way, he met an acquaintance, Jagdish Prasad, who, seeing his condition, immediately rushed him to Gudhagaudji CHC. Upon receiving the information, the police also arrived at the hospital and investigated the matter. After receiving treatment today, Pawan Meghwal met with former minister Rajendra Singh Gudha. Rajendra Singh Gudha strongly condemned the incident and said that influential people have made life difficult for Dalit families. He spoke with the Jhunjhunu SP regarding the matter and demanded strict action. The victim’s family also reached the SP’s office and reported the entire incident. The SP has assured effective action in the case. The family says that Pawan Meghwal has severe injuries on his back and body. The assault was so brutal that his back has turned completely blue. The police are currently investigating the case. Edited by Aman Singh, Reported by Sandeep Kedia Aman Singh has nearly three years of experience in digital media and is currently with Zee Rajasthan. He keeps a close eye on every news story in Rajasthan, big and small, and is adept at presenting it effectively on digital platforms. With nearly three years of digital media experience, Aman has established a strong reputation in news production, content creation, and storytelling. Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit farmer’s crop harvested in Nagla Tara Singh village: Threatened for protesting, 8 people charged
A case has come to light in Nagla Tara Singh village, in the Sikandrarao tehsil area, where a Dalit farmer’s standing sorghum crop was harvested. The victim, Mahesh, son of Mehtab Singh, resident of Jirauli Khurd, has filed a complaint and demanded action from the administration. In his application, Mahesh stated that he had purchased land in Nagla Tara Singh, plot number 81, an area of 0.100 m, on which a sorghum crop was standing. It is alleged that at around 7 a.m. the previous morning, some villagers, using force, harvested the standing crop. When Mahesh arrived at the scene and protested, the accused abused him, assaulted him, and threatened to kill him. The victim has accused six named individuals and two unidentified individuals of being involved in the incident. Mahesh stated that the incident was reported to Dial 112 police, but before the police could arrive, the accused left the scene after issuing threats. In a complaint letter to the administration, the victim stated that he and his family are in danger from the accused. He alleged that he filed a complaint with the Sub-District Magistrate, CO, and Kotwali in-charge, but despite repeated complaints, the administration and police are not taking any action. Frustrated and hoping for justice, the victim has also filed a complaint on the Chief Minister’s Public Hearing Portal, demanding strict legal action against the culprits and protection for his family. Meanwhile, the Sikandrarao Kotwali in-charge stated that the complaint has been received and the matter is being investigated. Based on the investigation, necessary legal action will be taken. Jayendra Varshney | Sikandrarao, Hathras Courtesy: Hindi News
“…then Dalits don’t go away,” Why is Rahul blaming the Congress for the rise of caste-based regional parties?
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi blamed his own party’s policies regarding Dalit politics. He said that if Congress had taken the right steps earlier, Dalits wouldn’t have gone away. New Delhi: Without naming names, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi blamed Congress’s policies for the rise and strengthening of parties associated with the Dalit vote bank, including the Bahujan Samaj Party. Addressing the party’s Scheduled Castes Department meeting at Congress headquarters on Monday, Rahul Gandhi said that if Congress had taken the right steps for Dalits in the 1980s and 1990s, caste-based regional parties would not have formed, nor would the Dalit community have turned to them. Promoting a message of change, Rahul Gandhi further stated that Dalits will now play a key role in the Congress party. Sources present at the meeting revealed that Rahul Gandhi praised BSP founder Kanshi Ram, saying that he united the Dalit community and instilled self-confidence in them. According to sources, Rahul Gandhi stated in the meeting that the BJP is, on the one hand, eliminating regional parties and, on the other, snatching away the rights of Dalits. Atrocities against Dalits are increasing. In such a situation, Congress will fight for the rights of Dalits, and Dalits will play a key role in the party. Congress will fulfill the dreams of Baba Saheb Ambedkar. Why is Rahul saying this? A year ago, Rahul Gandhi publicly stated that Congress neglected the OBC community. He apologized for this. Now, Rahul has made similar statements about the Dalit community. Indeed, through this, Rahul is trying to gain influence among the Dalit and backward communities. During the last Lok Sabha elections, he held rallies holding a copy of the Constitution and claimed that the Constitution is in danger under the Modi government. It is believed that this benefited the Congress and India alliance among the Dalit community. Rahul Gandhi demanded a caste census for the OBC community. This doubled the Congress’s seat count in the Lok Sabha. Also read: Controversy erupts over the appointment of the Kerala CM’s secretary; the opposition claims Rahul Gandhi would have protested if this had happened in Bengal. There’s a connection to the UP elections! With the UP Assembly elections in mind, Rahul Gandhi appears to be intensifying his campaign for Dalits and backward classes. Last week, he unveiled a statue of freedom fighter Veera Pasi, a Dalit, in his constituency of Rae Bareli and addressed a Bahujan Sabha. A day earlier, Congress Scheduled Caste Department President Rajendra Pal Gautam of Lucknow unsuccessfully attempted to meet Mayawati at her home. How successful Rahul Gandhi’s move to admit his past mistakes regarding Dalits and now give them a key role in the party will be will only be clear in the elections. Reported by: Jainendra Kumar, Edited by: Priyank Dwivedi Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit girl gang-raped in Etah: Three village boys dragged her into a car while she was fetching water at night, then brutally released.
A minor girl was abducted and gang-raped in the Marhara police station area of Etah district while she was fetching water. Based on a complaint from the victim’s family, police have registered a case against two named accused and an unidentified person. Police have arrested two of the accused and sent them to jail, while the search for the third is ongoing. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. Saturday night. The 15-year-old girl had gone to fetch water from a tap to give it to her brother. It is alleged that Lavekesh alias Labba, son of Bhajanlal, and Niranjan, son of Amar Singh, from the same village, arrived with an unidentified accomplice. The accused gagged the girl, dragged her into a Maxx vehicle, took her to a secluded area, and gang-raped her. When the girl resisted, the accused threatened to kill her. After the incident, the accused abandoned the girl and fled. Recognizing the seriousness of the matter, the Marhara police station took immediate action. CO Sadar Sankalpdeep Kushwaha is investigating the case. Police have arrested Lavekesh and Niranjan and sent them to jail. Raids are underway to search for the unidentified third accused. The victim’s mother stated that her daughter had gone to fetch water when some men came, gagged, and took her away in a car. They were returning after feeding their son and when their daughter did not return, they began searching for her. After about two and a half hours, the daughter returned home in a distraught state. CO Sadar Sankalpdeep Kushwaha stated, “An FIR was immediately registered based on the victim’s father’s complaint. Within five hours, the police arrested the named accused and sent them to jail.” Nand Kumar | Etah Courtesy: Hindi News
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to seek Congress top brass nod for cabinet rejig during Delhi visit
The proposed rejig is expected to address long-pending demands for better representation and performance-based changes within the government. BENGALURU/NEW DELHI: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to travel to New Delhi on May 26 for high-level deliberations with the Congress high command— Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal— a visit that is being viewed as significant for the state’s political future. Sources indicate that the CM will primarily seek the party leadership’s nod for a much-anticipated reshuffle of his cabinet and this will the first big reshuffle. The proposed rejig is expected to address long-pending demands for better representation and performance-based changes within the government. Apart from the ministerial reshuffle, names of three candidates for Rajya Sabha elections and nominations for the Legislative Council are also likely to be discussed. After the MLC election, the Congress will be the biggest party in the Upper House and the next chairman is expected to be from the party. These appointments are seen as critical for strengthening the party’s presence in the Council and rewarding loyalists ahead of key electoral battles. While there has been speculation in some quarters that the broader question of leadership in Karnataka Congress could come up during the visit, a senior party leader dismissed such talk as “wishful thinking”. The leadership issue, according to the leader, is not on the agenda and remains settled in favour of the current arrangement. The Delhi trip is also expected to cover the Congress’ strategy for the upcoming GBA and other local and assembly-level elections. With the party aiming to consolidate its position in urban and rural pockets of Karnataka, fine-tuning campaign strategies and candidate selection processes will be key focus areas. Political observers note that the outcome of this visit could have a bearing on the stability and direction of the Congress government in Karnataka, especially as the party looks to maintain momentum after its victory in the 2023 Assembly elections. The Chief Minister’s Office has not issued an official statement on the itinerary or the specific agenda, but party insiders confirm that Siddaramaiah will hold meetings with top Congress leadership, and other central observers. Bansy Kalappa Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights