Karnataka: Dalits prevented from entering temple, allowed entry in presence of police and administration
Allegations of attack on Dalits entering temple. Complaint filed against 42 people. Entry into temple led by officials. Davanagere (Karnataka): An allegation of Dalits being prevented from entering a temple has surfaced in Davanagere, Karnataka. The incident reportedly occurred in the Channagiri taluk of the district on Friday night. Three Dalits filed a complaint at the Basavapatna police station, alleging that a group of 20 people attacked them while they were entering the temple. As soon as the incident came to light, Tehsildar Nagaraj, AC Dr. Channappa, SP H.T. Shekhar, and police force visited Malalakere village. They inspected the area and escorted the Dalits inside the temple. Following this, they held a meeting with leaders of both communities in the village and instructed them to live in harmony. According to the police, the victims told them that the ‘Ajji Habba’ festival was being celebrated on Friday. While returning from the festival, they were attacked by 20 people on their way to the temple. They were not allowed inside. Meanwhile, a leader from the other community denied these allegations. He said, “They were trying to enter the temple after consuming alcohol, so they were stopped.” PSI Imtiaz of Basavapatna police station said, “Last night, there was a minor clash between two groups. Dalits alleged that they were not allowed to enter the temple, while the other group claimed they were drunk. A peace meeting was held in the presence of members of both groups and officials.” A complaint has been filed against a total of 42 people at the Basavapatna police station. Channagiri Assistant Commissioner (AC) Channappa said, “A case of SC-ST atrocities has been registered at the Basavapatna police station. We will take action against the culprits.” He further said that the youths who were attacked are being treated at the Chigateri District Hospital. Channappa said, “The police are investigating the matter. The truth will emerge only after the investigation. No one should take the law into their own hands. We have resolved this dispute by allowing the Dalits to enter the temple and perform puja.” Courtesy: Hindi News
Explainer: Why Dalits are marginalized in Punjab despite having the largest population, marginalized in politics
Despite constituting a third of Punjab’s population, why is Dalit politics weak? Let’s explore the reasons… In states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Dalit politics has always held sway. Whether it’s previous generation leaders like Kanshi Ram, Ram Vilas Paswan, and Mayawati, or newer leaders like Chandrashekhar Azad and Chirag Paswan, these leaders have a strong appeal, and this has led to significant Dalit votes in Bihar. However, this is not the case in Punjab, one of the country’s leading states in terms of Dalit population. It has been a matter of curiosity for people across the country as to why this community is not at the center of politics in a state with a 32 percent Dalit population. Not only this, Dalits are also in a weak position in terms of education, social influence, and economic status. Their participation in the Punjab government’s cabinet has also been low. 96.6 percent of Dalits in Punjab do not own any agricultural land. Nearly 60 percent of these people follow the Sikh faith, yet they are considered untouchables and face discrimination. The state has a total of 117 assembly seats, and 34 of these seats are reserved for Dalits. The number of Dalit MLAs in the assembly is crucial for any government. Yet, they have never ruled Punjab. This is because their population is divided among various castes, and there is also a divide between Hindus and Sikhs. While Dalit votes are divided, Jat Sikhs have a strong hold on the social system in Punjab. This is because they control most of the agricultural land. They also have a strong hold on various institutions and rural systems, including gurdwaras. Bhagwant Mann’s cabinet includes five Dalit leaders: Harpal Singh Cheema, Dr. Baljit Kaur, Lalchand Kataruchak, Ravjot Singh, and Mohinder Bhagat. This figure represents 27 percent of the total 18 ministers in the cabinet. The previous Congress government had three ministers. However, it is also a fact that Charanjit Singh Channi was made the Chief Minister, becoming the state’s first Dalit Chief Minister. The Akali-BJP government that lasted until 2017 also had three Dalit ministers. Channi was subsequently appointed Chief Minister by the Congress in 2022, but this failed to significantly bolster the Dalit vote. He received only 31 percent of Dalit votes, while the AAP secured 38 percent. Punjab lost the Congress under the leadership of Charanjit Singh Channi, the only Dalit Chief Minister, and even now, he is in no position to be considered the leader of the Punjab Congress in the upcoming elections. While the Jat community constitutes only 22 percent of the population in Punjab, they have a significant representation. Interestingly, the BSP originated in Punjab, and Kanshi Ram was also a native of the state. However, the BSP has never been very strong in Punjab. Dalits here have primarily voted for different parties. These include the Congress, the Akali Dal, and now the Aam Aadmi Party. The BSP received less than 2% of the vote here in 2022. Why Dalits lack political dominance despite constituting 32% of the population? Although the Dalit population in Punjab is 32%, they own only 3.5% of the total land. According to the Punjab Village Common Land Act of 1964, one-third of the land belonging to the village community is reserved for Dalits. However, this provision remains only on paper and has not been properly implemented on the ground. Due to landlessness, the development of Dalits has been hampered. 73% of Dalits living in villages are landless. Furthermore, due to lack of land, their income is low, and unlike other communities, their children are not able to go abroad. This is because they have limited means of earning. It is also true that while the Sikh faith advocates equality, casteism is a reality here as well. They are denied entry into Gurudwaras established by Jat Sikhs or other upper castes. According to a study, Dalits who converted to Sikhism have established 10,000 Gurudwaras and Ravidas Deras. This is to ensure autonomy, at least in religious matters. Furthermore, a large number of Dalits are also converting to Christianity. Dalits in Doaba are a different story, with children also migrating abroad. While the situation of Dalits is weak in most parts of Punjab, the situation in the Doaba region is different. There are many villages here where the Dalit population ranges from 40 to 65 percent. Exposure to urban life and employment have strengthened their position. Furthermore, a significant number of Dalits from here have migrated abroad. This has allowed them to maintain a strong position despite the decline in farming. However, this has little impact on electoral politics, as the Dalit community is divided along caste and religion lines. Courtesy: Hindi News
Govt teacher suspended for raping Class 11 Dalit student in Churu
Jhunjhunu: A physical training instructor (PTI) at a govt school in Churu district was suspended Friday following allegations of raping a 16-year-old Class 11 Dalit student. Outraged family members and local villagers locked the main gate of the school under the Sandwa police station area and staged a demonstration, demanding the teacher’s immediate arrest. The protest disrupted school operations for nearly two hours before police persuaded the locals to unlock the premises and allow students inside. According to Sandwa SHO Mahendra Kumar, the survivor’s father filed a complaint stating that the incident occurred on July 30. The girl had gone to school as usual but went missing after recess. Prompted by school staff, her father began searching for her. Around 12:30pm, the survivor returned to the school premises in a visibly shaken state. She later disclosed to her family that the accused PTI had signalled her to come outside the school gate around 10:20am. The teacher allegedly coaxed and pressured her onto his motorcycle, taking her to his empty residence nearby. There, he allegedly locked her inside a room and sexually assaulted her before letting her go. Taking administrative action given the gravity of the matter, Churu District Education Officer Sajjan Singh Saini suspended the accused teacher with immediate effect and initiated a formal departmental inquiry. Police confirmed that the survivor’s medical examination has been conducted and a case has been registered under relevant sections, including POCSO and SC/ST Acts. The accused fled the village shortly after the incident and remains at large. Dy SP Darjaram Bos is leading the investigation, and special police teams have been deployed to trace and apprehend the absconding govt teacher. 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
Four get 20 years’ RI for gang rape of Dalit woman
Mangaluru: The Second Additional District and Sessions (Special) Court here on Friday sentenced four to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the gang rape of a Dalit woman. The second additional district and sessions (special) court Friday sentenced four men to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the gang rape of a Dalit woman in 2018. According to the prosecution, the convicts, Prajwal, Arun Amin, Adithya Salian and Abdul Riyaz, sexually assaulted the woman on Nov18, 2018. At 12.30pm that day, the accused and three minors approached the victim, asked her name, hometown and caste details, intimidated and physically assaulted the friend who was with her. They then took the friend away and restrained him while dragging the victim into the bushes. The accused threatened her and gang-raped her in turns. They also threatened to kill the victim and her friend if they revealed the assault or filed a complaint. Mangaluru Women’s Police registered a case under IPC sections 341, 323, 354, 376(D) and 506, and sections 3(2), (v-a) and 3(1)(w)(i) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The then police inspector, Kalavathi K, and assistant commissioner of police (ACP) Manjunath Shetty investigated the case. Later, the then ACP Srinivasa Gowda R filed the chargesheet. Special public prosecutor Jyothi Pramod Nayak conducted the prosecution. The court examined 40 of the 65 witnesses listed by the prosecution. Judge Jagadeesh VN held the accused guilty Thursday. Prajwal, Arun Amin, Adithya Salian and Abdul Riyaz were awarded 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000 each under IPC section 376(D) read with 34 and sections 3(2), (v-a) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The court also awarded one year imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5,000 each under IPC Section 354 read with 34 and sections 3(1)(w)(i), 3(2), (v-a) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. In addition, the court imposed one year’s imprisonment and a fine of Rs 2,000 each under IPC Section 506 read with 34 and sections 3(2), (v-a) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The accused were further sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and fined Rs 1,000 each under IPC Section 323 read with 34 and sections 3(2), (v-a) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, besides a fine of Rs 500 each under IPC Section 341 read with 34. All sentences will run concurrently. Of the total penalty amount, Rs 60,000 will be paid to the victim. 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
Govts weakening Dalit unity in the garb of justice: Dr Ratnakar
Mala Mahanadu leader Dr. RS Ratnakar announces ongoing peaceful protests against SC sub-categorisation in Telangana, urging for unity and equitable representation for all Scheduled Caste communities. Mahabubnagar: Alleging that the implementation of SC sub-categorisation threatens the existence of the Mala community in Telangana, Mala Mahanadu and RAKS National President Dr RS Ratnakar said his organisation would continue its peaceful agitation until legal changes are made in Parliament. Addressing a press conference in Mahabubnagar on Friday, Dr Ratnakar alleged that the Congress government had laid the foundation for SC sub-categorisation, which later expanded across the country. He said that since the benefits under SC reservations are already limited, both the Central and State governments must clarify how equal opportunities would be ensured for all Scheduled Caste communities across India, including all SC groups in the Telugu states. He accused governments of weakening Dalit unity in the name of social justice. He demanded that the principle of social justice should not be confined to reservations alone but should also be reflected in the distribution of national wealth and representation in Union and State CabinetsHe also called upon elected representatives from the Mala community in both Telugu states to raise their voice on the issue and unite to safeguard the interests of their community. He also called upon elected representatives from the Mala community in both Telugu states to raise their voice on the issue and unite to safeguard the interests of their community. Courtesy : THI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehansindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Teacher booked for allegedly beating up 8-year-old Dalit boy for drinking water from his bottle in Madhya Pradesh
According to officials,the teacher, Lokesh Sharma, beat up the class 4 student using a cane in front of his fellow students after which the boy narrated the incident to her parents An eight-year-old Dalit boy was thrashed and targeted with racial slurs by a teacher in a government school in Madhya Pradesh’s Shivpuri district for drinking water from his bottle, officials said on Friday (July 31, 2026). According to officials, the incident took place on July 28 in a government primary school in Ukawal village under the Kolaras police station area, where the teacher, Lokesh Sharma, beat up the class 4 student using a cane in front of his fellow students after which the boy narrated the incident to her parents. The need to address caste-based atrocities Speaking to The Hindu, Shivpuri Superintendent of Police (SP) Yangchen Dolkar Bhutia said that an FIR has been registered under relevant provisions of the BNS and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, based on a complaint from the student’s family. The teacher has been questioned in the matter, she said. As per the complaint, Ms. Bhutia said the teacher hit him on the hands with a cane and used racial slurs against him. “The family and the boy have alleged that the incident took place as he drank water from the teacher’s bottle. The teacher, however, is denying the allegation and is saying that he scolded the boy over the homework,” she said. Ms. Bhutia also said that the police have also taken statements from the boy’s schoolmates. “They are confirming the beating up but are unclear on the reason. We have also looked into the teacher’s record but have not found any such incident or complaint,” she said, adding that the police are probing the case from all angles. Mehul Malpani Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Kodaikanal: 26-year-old Dalit youth allegedly hacked to death; TNUEF issues condemnation
Police have registered a case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. According to TNUEF, one accused has been arrested so far, while the remaining suspects are yet to be taken into custody. Synopsis: TNUEF alleged that Ramar was then attacked by a group of five men armed with sickles. Ramar sustained multiple cut injuries and died, while Prasanth, who accompanied him, suffered serious injuries and is undergoing treatment at Theni Government Medical College Hospital. A 26-year-old Dalit youth was allegedly hacked to death in the Kodaikanal taluk on Wednesday night, 30 July. According to a statement issued by Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front (TNUEF), the deceased, Ramar (26), and injured Prasanth (20), both from Poombarai village in Kodaikanal taluk, were engaged in transporting vegetables from the hills using horses before loading them into vehicles. The organisation alleged that on the night of July 30, Raghu, a man belonging to a dominant caste community, came to Ramar’s house claiming that their horse had grazed on his land and took him to the spot. TNUEF alleged that Ramar was then attacked by a group of five men armed with sickles. Ramar sustained multiple cut injuries and died, while Prasanth, who accompanied him, suffered serious injuries and is undergoing treatment at Theni Government Medical College Hospital. Police have registered a case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. According to TNUEF, one accused has been arrested so far, while the remaining suspects are yet to be taken into custody. The organisation demanded the immediate arrest of all those involved, advanced medical treatment for the injured Prasanth, statutory compensation for Ramar’s family, a government job for his wife, and government support for the education of his two children. TNUEF state secretary Se. Muthurani, Dindigul district secretary K.T. Kalaichelvan, state committee member Vanaja, and CPI(M) district executive committee member Ajay Ghosh visited Ramar’s family at Dindigul Government Hospital and assured them of support in their pursuit of justice. In the statement, TNUEF state president T. Sellakkannu and general secretary P. Sugandhi strongly condemned the alleged caste-based murder and said the organisation would continue its legal and democratic struggle until justice is secured for the victim’s family. 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
19 yrs on, 5 get life for abducting Dalit girl to stop her testifying; girl still ‘untraceable’
Agra: A special SC/ST court in Aligarh has sentenced five people to life imprisonment for kidnapping a 19-year-old Dalit girl in Sept 2007 to prevent her from testifying in her own rape case — a crime the UP court ruled was a “deliberate ploy to eliminate a key witness and derail the trial”. Despite almost two decades of search and investigation, she remains “untraceable”. The convicts — now aged between 40 and 50 years — were punished under IPC section 364 (kidnapping or abducting a person with the intent to murder them or put them in danger of murder) and section 3(2)(v) of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Delivering the verdict, the court of special judge-II (SC/ST Act) Pratibha Saxena on Thursday observed that “the kidnapped girl has not been recovered even after 19 years” and held that “showing undue sympathy would embolden criminals and discourage victims and witnesses from coming forward”. On Sept 28, 2007, the girl’s father, filing the police complaint, claimed the accused — Amar Singh, Lekhraj, Babulal, Suresh (Hathras residents) and Usha Devi from Aligarh — armed with country-made pistols, barged into his house at a village in Aligarh district. The complaint stated: “They took away my daughter, who was a complainant in her rape case registered against some of the same accused. She was kidnapped to stop her from testifying in that case…” During trial in the kidnapping case, the prosecution examined seven witnesses and argued that the accused targeted the Dalit family to intimidate them and obstruct justice in the other case. “In the separate rape case which was being simultaneously heard before court, the accused were acquitted earlier this year. Sadly, the girl couldn’t appear and witnesses turned hostile. The kidnapping case was filed by her father six months after the rape case,” special public prosecutor Chaman Kumar Sharma said on Friday. Each convict has been awarded life sentences under IPC 364 and the SC/ST Act along with Rs 10,000 fine in each offence. Co-accused Satish Pandey was acquitted due to “lack of sufficient evidence”. Rejecting the leniency plea, the court said that “the justice system must reassure vulnerable sections of society that crimes against them, regardless of the accused’s influence, will invite stringent punishment”. 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
Meerut: Attempted kidnapping of Dalit girl; police find her using drone in 3 hours; search for the accused continues
The girl’s family said they suspect the accused are from the same village, and the police are currently investigating. Meerut: A case of kidnapping of an 11th-grade Dalit girl has come to light in the district. Some unidentified youths forcibly dragged her into a field. Acting on information from local residents, police launched a search operation using drone cameras. After approximately three hours of effort, the girl was recovered safely, while the police are continuing to search for the absconding accused. SP City Vinayak Gopal Bhosale stated that the incident occurred in the Partapur police station area, where a Dalit minor girl was forcibly taken into the fields by some men. Local villagers became suspicious and informed the police. Upon receiving the information, the SSP arrived at the scene with his team and began a search using drone cameras. After approximately three hours of effort, the girl was recovered. The villagers also provided considerable support during this time. The SP stated that drone cameras are now being used to monitor the area. The accused youths will be identified and arrested soon. Efforts are also being made to interrogate the student so that the accused can be identified quickly. Meanwhile, the student’s family stated that they suspect the accused are from the village. Currently, the police are investigating from every angle. Courtesy: Hindi News
Eyewitness to Dalit youth murder case in Tehri arrested on rape charges
New Tehri, Diwakar Dimri, an eyewitness to the murder of Dalit youth Ketan Lal in Uttarakhand’s Tehri district, has been arrested on rape charges. Police announced this on Thursday. Police said Dimri was arrested on Tuesday evening on charges of raping a minor girl involved in the case. According to a police complaint filed by Dhanpal Lal, father of Ketan (18), a resident of Dewal village, at 11 pm on June 7, his son, along with his friend Dimri, arrived at the minor girl’s house in Kholgarh village at her call, where the girl’s family locked them in a room and severely beat them. The next morning, the minor girl’s father called Ketan’s family and asked them to take his son away. According to the complaint, when they reached Kholgarh, Ketan was found bleeding and died on the way to be taken for treatment. The injured Dimri was admitted to the district hospital for treatment. Now, with Dimri’s arrest, the incident that occurred last month in Kholgarh village in the Pratapnagar area has once again gained momentum, where the family members of the deceased staged a protest at the Collectorate on Thursday demanding the release of Dimri and the arrest of his alleged co-accused. However, Ketan’s family and villagers later ended the protest after District Magistrate Nitika Khandelwal assured them of a fair investigation. Earlier, the family members of the minor girl and the people of the area, who had long threatened to protest after Dimri’s arrest, postponed a planned protest and siege of the District Magistrate’s office on Wednesday. According to the police, a case of alleged rape was registered against Dimri on July 11 at the Lambgaon police station under various sections, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, based on the complaint of the minor girl’s mother. During the investigation, he was arrested based on the victim’s statement and other evidence. Meanwhile, the deceased’s father, Dhanpal Lal, mother, Rukma Devi, along with other family members and villagers staged a sit-in protest at the Collectorate on Thursday, demanding the arrest of alleged co-accused in the Ketan murder case. The protesters alleged that other individuals were also involved in Ketan’s murder, against whom no action has yet been taken. They also claimed that the minor girl’s mother and others also played a role in Ketan’s beating. The protesters demanded that the case be heard in a fast-track court, all co-accused be arrested, the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report be made public, and the arrest of arrested eyewitness Dimri. Investigating officer and Police Circle Officer Chandramohan Singh stated that the investigation is ongoing and four individuals have been arrested so far in connection with Ketan’s murder. He added that further action will be taken based on whatever facts and evidence emerge from the investigation. Deepti Shafiq This story has been auto-fed from Bhasha news agency. ThePrint is not responsible for its content. Courtesy: Hindi News