Family alleges forced cremation of Dalit man Gulzar Singh in Punjab
Gulzar Singh, a 47-year-old Dalit man from Sangrur in Punjab who died after allegedly consuming poison. Image source: X/screengrab The family of Sangrur suicide victim Gulzar Singh on Thursday alleged that his cremation was carried out “forcibly”, as opposition parties renewed their demand for a CBI probe into his death. National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) Chairman Kishor Makwana and senior BJP leaders visited Gulzar’s family in Turbanjara village in Sangrur district. The family alleged that the administration conducted the cremation without its consent and that the body was taken directly to the cremation ground instead of being brought home for rituals. Gulzar’s son Shahbaz, in a purported video released on Thursday, claimed that the cremation was carried out “forcibly” and that his brother was “misled” into cremating the body. “We appeal that until justice is done, we will neither hold ‘bhog’ nor collect his ashes,” he said. His other son, Lakhwinder Singh, also alleged that the cremation was conducted without the family’s consent. The family demanded action against Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and all those allegedly named by Gulzar before his death. Gulzar, a 47-year-old Dalit man from Dirba, died on Monday night after allegedly consuming poison. His family has claimed that he was harassed and subjected to casteist slurs after questioning Cheema about the supply of drugs in the area during an event on Sunday. The NCSC said Makwana told the family that Gulzar had been raising his voice against the drug menace and was threatened and intimidated, which led him to take the extreme step. The commission also said the family had sought strict action against those allegedly involved in threatening Gulzar and demanded security for them. Opposition parties, including the BJP, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal, demanded Cheema’s dismissal and a CBI inquiry into the death. BJP Punjab chief Kewal Singh Dhillon, national vice president Manpreet Singh Badal and former state presidents Sunil Jakhar and Ashwani Sharma met the family and assured them of assistance. Dhillon said the BJP had demanded a CBI inquiry. Congress Punjab chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring alleged that the AAP government had humiliated the family by conducting the last rites against its wishes. SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal also alleged that the family’s consent was not taken and that the cremation was hurried. BJP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha criticised the Mann government over the drug situation in Punjab, alleging that synthetic drugs, or “chitta”, were widely available and that home delivery of intoxicants was taking place. On the way to the village, BJP leaders alleged that AAP workers surrounded Dhillon’s vehicle and raised slogans against the BJP, asking it not to “do politics over the dead”. Five people have so far been booked under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for abetment of suicide and relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Courtesy : The Pioneer Note: This news is originally published on https:/thepioneer.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Telangana ‘Purification’ Row: Congress, Dalit Groups Slam BRS; Hold Ex-CM KCR Responsible
A day before the ‘purification’ ritual was performed, Congress leaders and Dalit members took out a procession in protest against two BRS MLCs, Tata Madhusudhan and Naveen Kumar Reddy, who they said had insulted assembly speaker G. Prasad Kumar, a Dalit, on September 7. Hyderabad: A month after a ‘purification’ ritual was performed in Uttarakhand following Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s address at a rally in Haldwani, a similar anti-Dalit practice was publicly demonstrated in Telangana on Wednesday (September 9). This happened a day after Dalit leaders and Congress workers held a protest against Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) president and former chief minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. On Tuesday, September 8, a large number of Dalit leaders and Congress workers had marched in a ‘Chavu-Dappu’ procession to Rao’s farmhouse on the outskirts of Varadharajapuram village in Siddipet district. Funereal drums, ‘Chavu-Dappu’, were beaten during this procession. Beating the drums in a funeral procession is an occupation traditionally associated with Dalits. The Congress leaders’ procession was in protest against two BRS MLCs, Tata Madhusudhan and Naveen Kumar Reddy, who they said had insulted assembly speaker G. Prasad Kumar, a Dalit, on September 7. That was on the first day of the state assembly’s monsoon session, when the BRS MLAs and MLCs had tried to gatecrash into the assembly premises against severe security restrictions in the area. Alleging that the area near the farmhouse was “desecrated” by the drum-beating procession, the BRS cadre on Wednesday poured turmeric-water and milk on the road and nearby places to symbolise ‘purification’ of the entire area. The Scheduled Caste cell of the Congress termed this as an attempt to promote untouchability, and, alleging that it was done the blessings of Rao, demanding action against him under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1987. Scheduled Caste organisations representing Mala and Madiga sub-castes reacted strongly to the ritual after videos went viral on social media. A Congress leader, Satish Madiga, said a zero FIR had been registered at Saifabad against Rao and other BRS leaders. Congress party’s Choppadandi MLA, Medipally Sathyam, said he had filed a complaint at Saifabad police station. His complaint says the procession led by Congress workers near the farmhouse was part of a statewide call by the party to protest the intemperate remarks previously made by the two BRS MLCs – Tata Madhusudhan and Naveen Kumar Reddy – against Speaker Kumar’s late mother. Sathyam’s complaint said that the call for “dandora” – a traditional drumbeat to gather people and share important news – was issued to seek an apology from Rao for the misconduct of his party’s MLCs. The Congress protest and aftermath Congress workers had proceeded towards K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s farmhouse from four directions. A large group had also gathered on the Hyderabad-Karimnagar highway, led by former MLA T. Narsa Reddy. This group alone could approach the farmhouse, breaching the obstacles set up by the police along the way. Narsa Reddy was injured in clashes with police during this march. His group still remained two kilometres away from Rao’s farmhouse. Speaking to the media later, Sathyam alleged that the ‘purification’ ritual which followed the march was conducted on the instructions of Rao. He said it was evident that the BRS practiced caste discrimination. Another Congress MLA, K. Shankaraiah, wished “bad times” befall Rao, which BRS later said meant that the rival party aimed to “kill” him. Following this series of developments, the Congress has said it will “expose” the anti-Dalit stand of the BRS. Over a dozen party MLCs demanded that the Election Commission of India derecognises the BRS. A delegation of Congress legislators from non-elite castes, led by deputy chief minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, called on Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and said the BRS was trying to push the state into a “dark era”. They compared the developments to Germany under the Nazi Party and the activities of the American far-right hate group Ku Klux Klan. BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao in a scuffle with police as the BRS legislators tried to gatecrash into the Assembly wearing black T-shirts to protest against the Congress-led Telangana government failures on September 7. photo by arrangement. The BRS, led by working president K.T. Rama Rao, met the governor separately and complained that the procession to the farmhouse was an aborted attempt to murder Rao, and alleged that it had been authorised by chief minister Revanth Reddy. He said the Congress had mobilised thousands of people with police escort to lay siege to the farmhouse. However, the Congress maintained that the police stopped them at several places enroute. Monsoon Session chaos The purification ritual topped a series of incidents that unfolded since the BRS legislators tried to gatecrash the assembly premises wearing black T-shirts. There were scuffles between them and a huge police force that sought to stop anyone wearing black clothing or carrying black items from entering the Assembly. That is when Tata Madhusudhan and Naveen Reddy allegedly made remarks about the Speaker and his family. BRS MLC Naveen Kumar Reddy stopped by women police from entering the Assembly on September 7. Photo by arrangement. During this incident, a few MLAs had taken off their T-shirts and confronted the police, including women constables, in a half-dressed state. A woman constable trying to catch BRS MLA and former minister P. Sabita Indra Reddy was caught on camera. The video was aired on TV channels and weaponised by the BRS as an assault against a legislator. The party has sought action against the police. Police and Assembly actions so far On Wednesday, BRS members stormed into the well of the House and 22 were suspended for the rest of the session, which ends on Saturday (September 12). At the same time, the police arrested Madhusudhan and Naveen Reddy. They were released within hours in court. The verbal abuse by both the legislators has been referred to the ethics committee of the Legislative Council. Chief minister A. Revanth Reddy has announced a comprehensive inquiry
Cong will continue to fight for dignity of Dalits: Ganesh Godiyal
Dehradun, The political controversy over the alleged ‘purification’ of the Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani following Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge’s rally on 8 August further escalated today with hundreds of Congress leaders and workers marching towards the Chief Minister’s residence in Dehradun despite heavy rain. The protesters were stopped by the police near Hathibarkala, where barricades had been erected to prevent them from proceeding further. Tension prevailed for some time as Congress leaders and workers attempted to cross the barricades, resulting in pushing and shoving between the protesters and the police personnel. Some Congress leaders and workers were later taken into custody by the police. The protest, organised by the Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee, was led by state president Ganesh Godiyal and saw the participation of party state in-charge Kumari Selja, Leader of the Opposition Yashpal Arya, former minister Harak Singh Rawat, former state Congress president Pritam Singh and several Congress MLAs and senior leaders. The protesters assembled at Parade Ground, where senior leaders addressed the gathering before the march towards the Chief Minister’s residence began. The Congress has stepped up its agitation over the alleged purification ritual performed at the Haldwani venue after Kharge addressed a public meeting there. The party has described the incident as an insult to its national president and an affront to democratic values and the dignity of the Opposition. Congress leaders have also objected to the alleged failure of the authorities to register FIRs on complaints submitted at various police stations against those responsible for the ritual, while an FIR has been registered against Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi in connection with his remarks on the controversy. Addressing party workers, Godiyal said the Congress would continue its democratic agitation until action was taken against those responsible for the incident. He said the party was demanding accountability and would continue to raise the voice of the people and its workers before the State Government. Godiyal added that the party will continue to fight for the dignity of the Dalits and for the justice. Kumari Selja accused the BJP government in Uttarakhand of betraying the sentiments and trust of the people of the State. She alleged that the venue of a rally addressed by the Congress national president was subjected to ‘purification’ by people associated with the BJP after the programme. She alleged that the BJP is resorting to every possible tactic in view of the forthcoming elections and said the Congress would not remain silent on issues involving social discrimination and the dignity of its leaders. The Congress has also linked the controversy with the FIR registered against Rahul Gandhi and has alleged that the authorities are adopting a discriminatory approach by failing to act on complaints against those who conducted the alleged purification ritual while taking action against the Leader of the Opposition. It may be recalled that the protest had been planned as a major show of strength by the State Congress. The party workers from different districts reached Dehradun for the programme despite heavy rain at the time of the march. The large gathering also affected traffic movement in several parts of the city, with police and district administration making extensive security arrangements along the proposed route to the CM’s residence. The rally also threw the traffic arrangements across the city into disarray. Traffic jams were witnessed almost at all important roads in the city. The Police were unable to manage the traffic. As the protesters moved towards Hathibarkala, police stopped them at the barricading. Congress workers raised slogans against the State Government and demanded action against those responsible for the Haldwani incident. Several protesters climbed onto the barricades during the confrontation before being pushed back by the police. The situation remained tense for some time but did not escalate into major violence. As the Congress has turned the incident into a Dalit issue, the controversy has now widened far beyond Uttarakhand. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has raised the issue at the national level, while the party has been seeking action against those involved in the alleged purification ceremony. Congress leaders have argued that the incident carries implications beyond party politics and relates to the larger question of caste discrimination and social equality. The BJP, on the other hand, has rejected the Congress’ interpretation of the incident and has accused the Opposition of attempting to disturb social harmony for political purposes. The party had announced ‘Samajik Sauhard Sankalp Dharna’ programmes at its organisational district headquarters across Uttarakhand on Monday to counter the Congress campaign. A Zero FIR was registered in Bengaluru against BJP State President Mahendra Bhatt despite Bhatt and the BJP distancing from the purification event. Bhatt has maintained that the ritual was related to a havan after garbage had allegedly been left at the venue but the BJP had no connection to the purification exercise. The Congress protest in Dehradun also saw several prominent personalities joining the party in the presence of Kumari Selja and other senior leaders. Those who joined the Congress included former Roorkee mayor Yashpal Rana, former Yamkeshwar block chief Bhuvanesh Kharkwal, former principal and former chairman of the Haridwar Cane Committee Manoj Saini, former minister of state rank Ram Kumar Walia, former Dehradun Mandi Samiti chairman Ravindra Anand, advocate Sachin Kumar and others. By ARUN PRATAP SINGH Courtesy : Garhwal Post Note: This news is originally published on https:/garhwalpost.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit labourer’s suicide: Family alleges forced cremation
Sangrur: The family of Dalit labourer Gulzar Singh — who died by suicide after allegedly being harassed for publicly questioning finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema on the unchecked sale of drugs in his village — on Thursday alleged that he was cremated without their consent. Gulzar’s son, Lakhwinder Singh, alleged that the district administration carried out his father’s last rites without the family’s approval and did not allow him to see his father’s face one last time. “Govt forcibly carried out the last rites. They told us they would provide a job and other things, but we received nothing. Police pressure was immense — it was the district police. It happened without our consent,” Lakhwinder said. The family has vowed not to perform the Bhog ceremony until Cheema is named in the FIR and arrested. Sangrur deputy commissioner Poonamdeep Kaur, however, said that the family “expressed satisfaction” with the administration’s response, and mentioned that ₹5 lakh ex gratia compensation had already been disbursed and a govt job assured. Earlier in the day, National Commission for Scheduled Castes chairman Kishor Makwana visited Toor Banjara village and flagged an “atmosphere of fear” tied to the drug trade among Dalit youth.A political firestorm has engulfed Punjab over the suicide. A convoy carrying Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon, party national vice-president Manpreet Singh Badal and former state presidents Sunil Jakhar and Ashwani Sharma, was allegedly surrounded by AAP workers near Toor Banjara when they were on their way to offer condolences to the family. Dhillon called it a “brazen assault on democracy”. Sangrur BJP district president Daman Bajwa said no vehicles were damaged in the incident but alleged that AAP workers struck the vehicles with their fists, while police personnel stationed roughly 100 metres away did not intervene and “turned mute spectators”. Dhillon and general secretary Parminder Singh Brar backed the family’s account and reiterated the demand for a CBI probe. Calling it a case of “abuse of power and denial of basic dignity”, they demanded Cheema’s resignation. AAP Dirba in charge Pritam Singh Peetu Sarpanch refuted the allegations and said he, along with party workers, had only protested against BJP and Congress leaders for politicising Gulzar’s death. He said none of the BJP vehicles were attacked, and that AAP workers were only carrying banners. Former Congress CM Charanjit Singh Channi and MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira sought accountability from state govt on the cremation. Senior Congress functionary Vijay Inder Singla accused the AAP leadership of shielding Cheema. Bholath Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira termed the alleged forced cremation an abuse of state power and demanded Cheema’s dismissal, criminal cases against him and the executive magistrates involved, and Rs 2 crore compensation for the family. 4 of 5 Accused Arrested Police have registered a case against five residents of Toor Banjara — sarpanch Baljinder Kaur, her husband Baljeet Singh, Sukhdev Singh, Vicky Singh and Gona Singh — under BNS Section 108 for abetment of suicide and under Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Apart from the Sukhdev, the others have been arrested. Medical sources indicate several hours were lost after Gulzar took poison as he was moved between Sangrur Civil Hospital, Rajindra Hospital in Patiala, a private facility in Sangrur and finally DMC Ludhiana before he died. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Karnataka’s Raichur man booked for practising untouchability
Small eateries and hotels allegedly deny Dalit customers service and refuse them regular tumblers, instead pouring water directly when they ask to drink. BENGALURU: Police have registered a case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities Act against a hotel owner in Raichur district for practising untouchability. Deputy Commissioner Raichur S Poovita told TNIE that an FIR was registered after a preliminary enquiry by Lingasugur tahsildar Satyamma. There was public ire after a video went viral on social media that showed the hotel owner, Shivappa S Hadapad, standing beside a Dalit man and pouring drinking water into a man’s mouth in Itchanal village. Small eateries and hotels in the area often do not entertain Dalit clients and whenever they request for water to drink they refuse to give them a tumbler used by regular clients and pour them water. Some keep separate cutlery and cups and plates for the Dalit clients. Some explained that while some Dalit castes like Bhovis and Lambanis are touchable Dalits these restrictions apply to untouchable Dalits. Sources say that in some eateries and restaurants there are designated tables and seats for Dalits. 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
Dalit middle-aged man beaten for demanding repayment of 13-year-old loan: 80,000 rupees case in Hardoi, assault with sticks, allegations of casteist slurs
In Baghauli, Hardoi, demanding repayment of a 13-year-old loan proved costly for a Dalit middle-aged man. When he demanded the return of 80,000 rupees given in 2013, the accused kicked, punched, and beat him with sticks. He used casteist slurs and threatened to kill him. A case has been registered against the accused following court intervention based on the victim’s complaint. The report was filed at Baghauli police station at 9:15 pm on Thursday. Ram Avtar (52), a resident of Jutela village, had lent 80,000 rupees to Kamlesh Kumar Dixit of his own village in 2013. Ram Avtar paid the amount in four installments via check from the Aryavart Regional Rural Bank branch in Baghauli. This included ₹40,000 on May 23, ₹8,000 on June 4, ₹12,000 on June 11, and ₹20,000 on June 15, 2013. This transaction was documented on a ₹100 stamp in front of witnesses. When the money wasn’t returned, Ram Avtar complained to the Superintendent of Police. Threat of being implicated in a false case The police had arranged for payment by November 22, 2024, but even then, the money was not received. When the victim went to ask for the money again at 5 p.m. on June 12, 2026, the accused assaulted him with sticks and hurled casteist slurs at him. He also threatened to implicate him in a false case. When his complaint was not heard at the police station, the victim filed an application in the court of the Special Judge, SC/ST Act. On the court’s orders, Baghauli police registered a case against the accused, Kamlesh, and began an investigation. The police are investigating the matter. Shahnawaz Khan | Hardoi Courtesy: Hindi News
Pawan Khera attacks AAP govt over Dalit man’s death, hasty cremation
Congress Slams AAP Government Congress leader Pawan Khera on Wednesday attacked the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab over the death and hasty cremation of Gulzar Singh, a 42-year-old Dalit labourer from Sangrur district. Criticising the ruling party in Punjab for alleged high-handedness and constitutional overreach, Khera, in a post on X, condemned the denial of dignity to the victim’s family. “The forcible cremation of Gulzar Singh Ji’s body under heavy police deployment — and without the family’s consent — under the AAP regime in Punjab is deeply disturbing,” he said. Gulzar Singh, a member of the Valmiki community, died by suicide after allegedly facing harassment, intimidation, and threats from local party affiliates. This followed a public encounter where Singh confronted Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema regarding the unchecked drug menace that had affected his own son. Khera explicitly drew parallels between the Punjab incident and the September 2020 Hathras case in Uttar Pradesh, where the state police similarly cremated a 19-year-old Dalit victim’s body late at night without the family’s consent or presence. “It is a chilling reminder of September 2020, when the Uttar Pradesh Police hastily cremated the body of the 19-year-old Dalit rape victim from Hathras in the dead of night, without her family’s presence or consent,” added Khera. The forcible cremation of Gulzar Singh Ji’s body under heavy police deployment – and without the family’s consent – under the AAP regime in Punjab is deeply disturbing. It is a chilling reminder of September 2020, when the Uttar Pradesh Police hastily cremated the body of the… pic.twitter.com/NDgnz5fBTG — Pawan Khera 🇮🇳 ಪವನ್ ಖೇರಾ (@Pawankhera) September 9, 2026 Following Singh’s death, his family members alleged that police and administrative officials forcibly conducted his final rites under heavy security deployment, denying the grieving family their right to perform traditional last rites or bid a proper farewell. “Denying a grieving family even the basic dignity of deciding how and when their loved one’s last rites are performed – or even the final chance to see their loved one – is an inhuman abuse of state power. With this, the AAP has made one thing abundantly clear: It is just English medium BJP,” he added. Rahul Gandhi Demands Minister’s Resignation Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday also slammed the AAP government in Punjab. In a post on X, Gandhi alleged that Singh was tormented, humiliated, and ultimately driven to suicide after he publicly questioned Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema about the unchecked drug menace that had impacted his own son. He demanded immediate action in the Gulzar Singh case, calling for the resignation of the Punjab Finance Minister and an independent, impartial and time-bound investigation, saying that “anything less is eyewash.” “The people of Punjab, and especially the Dalits, should become vigilant regarding the misuse of power by the AAP government. Listen to what happened to Gulzar Singh Ji, who belonged to the Valmiki community, in his final days—hear it straight from the mouths of his family, his mother, his wife, and his brother. They tormented him in life, and even in death, they are dishonouring Gulzar Singh Ji. The grieving family members themselves are saying that even his right to traditional last rites was snatched away from them”, he said. Background of Gulzar Singh’s Death 46-year-old Gulzar Singh allegedly died after consuming poison shortly after publicly questioning Harpal Singh Cheema about the illicit drug trade. Gulzar Singh, whose son is allegedly struggling with severe drug addiction, had raised concerns with the minister about the easy availability of synthetic drugs, locally known as chitta, in the area. Following the interaction, Gulzar Singh allegedly faced harassment and pressure from local leaders and panchayat members to publicly apologise for questioning the minister. He allegedly consumed poison and passed away while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Ludhiana. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Courtesy : Asianet News Note: This news is originally published on https:/asianetnews.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Adopting the color blue won’t win Dalit votes: Om Prakash
Ambedkar Nagar. District in-charge minister and Subhaspa president Om Prakash Rajbhar once again launched a scathing attack on the Samajwadi Party and Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday. Speaking at the Circuit House on Baskhari Road, he said that merely adopting the color blue won’t win Dalit votes. Regarding the formation of the Rashtriya Suheldev Sena, he said he has been running the army for 24 years. According to him, the organization has 100,000 soldiers and 21,000 commanders, each with a distinct uniform. Taking aim at the SP’s dress code, Rajbhar said that the color blue wasn’t the SP’s creation. The BSP and he have been using this color for a long time. He sarcastically said that the SP is now copying the color. He said that Akhilesh Yadav changes his formula daily and is also repeatedly changing the PDA. He said, “In the PDA, you lost the first time with the P, you lost the second time with the D, and you will lose again this time with the A.” Rajbhar also accused Akhilesh Yadav of ignoring Dalit interests. He said that reservations in promotions were abolished and schemes named after great men were discontinued. He also alleged that districts named after Kanshi Ram and Baba Saheb were renamed. Courtesy: Hindi News
Searing questions that Mallikarjun Kharge saga throws up over Dalit rights, law
Justice Madan Lokur says the ritual is a cognisable offence as delayed police action and the FIR against Rahul Gandhi raise concerns over Uttarakhand policing In Indian law is it a crime to conduct a shuddhikaran at a site where a Dalit leader has just held a rally? Is the filing of an FIR necessary? Can the organisers of the shuddhikaran really claim they were only responding to slogans they deemed inappropriate and not Mallikarjun Kharge? And what about the FIR against Rahul Gandhi accusing him of promoting enmity and outraging religious feelings? Is that justified? Or ludicrous? Finally, what does all of this tell us about the Uttarakhand government’s attitude to crimes against Dalits and the way it enforces the law, which it’s sworn to uphold? These are some of the questions that underlie the shuddhikaran saga that haven’t been addressed adequately. It’s possible they haven’t been asked of the right people. I want today to focus on what I, at least, believe are the right answers. Justice Madan Lokur, one of our finest former Supreme Court judges, says a shuddhikaran at the Haldwani Ramlila Maidan, days after Kharge’s rally, was definitely a crime under Indian law. It’s a cognisable offence. Justice Lokur adds that under the applicable Act, if a public servant — and that includes police officers — fails to respond, he too will be deemed complicit in the crime. So, then, what should we make of the refusal of the Uttarakhand government to register an FIR for almost a month? Of course, they were wrong not to. But consider the explanations given. The organisers of the shuddhikaran, the Shri Ram Sena Dharmarth Seva Nyas Sangathan, claim it wasn’t targeted at Kharge but to counter-slogans raised by Congress members during the rally and a previous statement by Kharge comparing the BJP and RSS to a poisonous snake. Does that argument carry weight? Even if true, Kharge is still the target. He stands at the core of these explanations. Mahendra Bhatt, the BJP Uttarakhand chief, defends the shuddhikaran on the grounds that the venue had been polluted by slogans that were not appropriate for a religious place. But the Ramlila Maidan is not a religious place. It’s a public venue. Surely, this defence has little value unless, of course, it was a hint to the police how to respond. The chief minister of Uttarakhand claims the people of his state are not aware of Kharge’s caste. In other words, they don’t know he’s a Dalit and can’t be accused of untouchability. Can we really believe that? And is ignorance a defence? Let’s now come to the bizarre twist this story has taken. Whilst delaying registering an FIR against those who conducted the shuddhikaran, an FIR was registered against Rahul, on the complaint of a certain Amit Kumar, a Scheduled Caste member, who’s claimed his sentiments were hurt by the Congress leader’s characterisation of the shuddhikaran as an act of untouchability. The FIR accuses Rahul of promoting enmity on grounds of religion, deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings and giving false information to mislead a public servant. Let me ask you bluntly: do you believe Rahul Gandhi is guilty of any of this? I certainly don’t. T.C. Manjunath, the senior superintendent of police in Nainital, has said: “Amit Kumar submitted all the required evidence to substantiate his allegations, following which an FIR has been registered.” What possible evidence could there be? As Justice Lokur puts it, this is a classic instance of turning the law on its head. I can’t resist the feeling the Uttarakhand police have not acted of their own volition but were directed by the BJP government to file the FIR. On their own I doubt they would have done it. And that raises a significant question. If a shuddhikaran can be held when someone as senior as Kharge makes a speech at a rally and no action is taken for nearly 30 days, what does this tell us about the Uttarakhand government’s attitude to crimes against Dalits? And what does it say of the way it enforces the law, which it’s sworn to do? Think carefully before you answer. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s the key issue in this sorry tale. Karan Thapar Courtesy : The Telegraph Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetelegraph.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
SP to Increase Focus on Dalit Voters Ahead of UP Elections, Plans to Hold ‘Save the Constitution, PDA Jan Panchayats’ in the State
Ahead of the UP Assembly elections, the SP has further increased its focus on reserved seats. The party will organize ‘Save the Constitution, PDA Jan Panchayats’ in all reserved seats across the state. SP Focuses on Dalit Voters Lucknow: The Samajwadi Party, which is preparing for the assembly elections, has further increased its focus on reserved assembly seats. After launching the Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha uniform, the party will now organize ‘Save the Constitution, PDA Jan Panchayats’ in all reserved assembly seats across the state. The responsibility for this has been assigned to Samajwadi Baba Saheb Ambedkar Vahini, the SP’s frontal wing. It will organize ‘Save the Constitution, PDA Jan Panchayats’ in Aurai in Bhadohi, Ajgara in Varanasi, and Chakia in Chandauli on September 12, 13, and 14. The campaign will then be expanded to Dalit-dominated general constituencies. Focus on Dalit-dominated settlements The party leadership believes that strengthening the PDA (Backward, Dalit, and Minority) social equation can increase its reach among the Dalit community. As part of this strategy, issues such as the Constitution, social justice, and reservation will be prominently raised in the Jan Panchayats. According to party sources, the Samajwadi Party is preparing to field Dalit candidates in approximately 100 seats in the upcoming assembly elections. The Samajwadi Baba Saheb Ambedkar Vahini is continuously organizing programs among Dalit voters and strengthening the party at the booth level. The Vahini will organize Save the Constitution PDA Jan Panchayats in all reserved and Dalit-dominated constituencies. Programs for this are ongoing. Why the emphasis on reserved seats? There are approximately 84 assembly seats reserved for Scheduled Castes in the state. Dalit voters directly play a decisive role in elections in these seats. The SP will first take the message of “Save the Constitution” and “Save Reservation” to these seats to increase its acceptance among Dalit voters. By handing over the campaign to the Samajwadi Baba Saheb Ambedkar Vahini, the party has clearly indicated that it is prioritizing Dalit leaders, rather than Yadav leaders, to reach out to the Dalit community. This will send a message that the party wants to give representation to Dalit leadership. Edited by: Prashant Singh About the Author Prashant Singh is a consultant writer at Navbharat Times Online. He has 1.5 years of experience in journalism. He is currently part of the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand teams. Previously, he covered news in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Goa, and the Northeast. Courtesy: Hindi News