Immerse in this new book that dives into the life of a Dalit boy in Gujarat
This is most prominently witnessed in the chapter exploring his relationship to Mahatma Gandhi and his ideas Title: Homes Without WindowsAuthor: Chandu MaheriaGenre: MemoirPublisher: JuggernautCost: Rs 699 Gujarati writer Chandu Maheria’s new book Homes Without Windows (Juggernaut), translated into English by Hemant Ashwinkumar, is an honest account of what it meant to grow up as a Dalit boy in the working-class suburb of Rajpur in Gujarat. We learn how several Dalit families left their villages after independence to settle in parts of Ahmedabad. Through 11 essays, Maheria helps readers draw a brief history of caste politics in Gujarat: from aggression in schools of the Khadol village in the 1960s, to the anti-reservation riots and the growing consciousness of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s ideology across the state in the 1980s. Through it all, Maheria’s tone is understated and nuanced. This is most prominently witnessed in the chapter exploring his relationship to Mahatma Gandhi and his ideas. He excavates the reasons why a majority of the Dalit community resents Gandhi and prefers to advocate Dr Ambedkar’s views. Without disagreeing with the concerns of the community on the Gandhi-Ambedkar debate, he argues that one cannot disregard Gandhi’s role in bringing the subject of caste to the forefront of public discussion and politics. Maheria’s most distinctive quality is how he examines everyday objects and gives evidence from his personal experience to portray how deeply entrenched the caste system is in India. Chapters like ‘Your Chappals, Our Skulls’, which highlights footwear, or ‘The Mayor’s Bungalow’, which looks at public toilets, become significant in this regard. For instance, he recollects being turned away at the school gate as a kid, on the first day of school, because he couldn’t afford footwear and reached barefoot. The final chapter on fighting rumours and sicknesses with multiple hospitalisations offers a poignant closing to a sensitive and necessary book Nandini Varma Courtesy : Mid-Day Note: This news is originally published on https:/mid-day.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
The road to the Dalit settlement in Gorakhpur is dilapidated and muddy: Villagers face difficulties commuting, demanding repairs from the administration.
The road leading to the Dalit settlement in Mainabhagar Gram Panchayat, in the Jungle Kaudiya development block of Gorakhpur, is extremely dilapidated and muddy. Local villagers allege that the condition of this road has been poor for a long time, causing significant difficulties in commuting. According to villagers, children, women, elderly people, and other villagers travel this route daily. The situation becomes even worse during the rainy season, as the entire route is waterlogged and muddy. Local residents reported that while other roads in the village are in good condition, the road to the Dalit settlement has not been repaired. Consequently, schoolchildren face particular difficulties commuting to and from school. Villagers say they have lodged complaints several times in this regard, but no action has been taken yet. They have demanded that the administration and public representatives resolve the transportation problem by constructing the road as soon as possible. Sugreev Kumar Yadav | Bhauramal (Gorakhpur Sadar), Gorakhpur Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit woman sarpanch alleges harassment, seeks arrest of accused
Rohtak: A woman sarpanch of Mokhra Khas village on Monday gave a representation to the Rohtak superintendent of police (SP), seeking the immediate arrest of two accused named in a case under the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. She also sought permission to hold a peaceful dharna if no action is taken. In her representation dated July 13, sarpanch Manjubala stated that she belongs to the SC community, and became a permanent resident of Mokhra Khas after her marriage. She stated that she was elected as the village sarpanch in the 2022 panchayat elections from a general seat reserved for women, defeating her nearest rival by 32 votes. She added that all other candidates in the election belonged to the general category. The representation alleges that two villagers, identified as Rajnesh alias Dola and Manoj alias Bandu, have been hostile towards her and her family. Referring to an FIR registered in May 2026 under the SC/ST Act at Bahuakbarpur police station, Manjubala alleged that despite registration of the case, the accused have not been arrested so far. She claimed that the delay in arrest has created fear for the safety of her family. In the representation, she stated that if timely action is not taken, the accused may pose a threat to their lives, forcing them to leave the village. She also said she already met senior police officials twice regarding the matter, but no effective action has been taken. Speaking to TOI, Manjubala said she enjoys support from people of all communities in the village, but alleged that the two accused made caste-based and defamatory remarks against her. Meham DSP Tanuj Sharma confirmed that the representation has been received. 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
Tehri Dalit Teen Murder Case: Case Registered Based on a Complaint from the Girl’s Mother
New information has emerged in the Tehri Dalit teen murder case. A case has been filed based on the girl’s mother’s complaint. Tehri: A new twist has emerged in the recent murder of a Dalit teen in Tehri district, Uttarakhand. According to the police, after the minor girl’s medical examination, a case has been registered at Lambgaon police station based on the girl’s mother’s complaint. A case has been filed under various sections, including the POCSO Act. The investigation will be conducted by female SI Hemlata. In fact, around 11 pm on the night of June 7-8, a minor teen from a village in the Lambgaon police station area went with his friend to a nearby village to meet his friend (a love affair case). The girl’s family members apprehended the two boys. It is alleged that the girl’s family members assaulted the two boys, leaving them seriously injured. Both were subsequently admitted to the hospital, where the minor girl’s friend (boyfriend) died. Based on a complaint filed by the deceased boy’s family, the police arrested four people, including the girl’s father and grandfather. The deceased minor boy’s friend is an eyewitness to the incident, and the police have now filed a case under the POCSO Act. The minor girl’s mother also filed a complaint with the police station, but the police did not register a case. However, the High Court later ordered the police to hear the minor girl’s side of the story. Following this, on July 11, the Lambgaon police station filed a case under the POCSO Act against the deceased’s friend, who was also an eyewitness to the incident. Investigating officer and CO Chandramohan stated that female SI Hemlata has been authorized for this purpose. Led by the former village head of the minor girl, people also met with Tehri SSP Shweta Choubey, demanding harsh punishment for the culprits and a change in the investigating officer. Courtesy: Hindi News
Congress to Protest at Jantar Mantar on July 27 over Dalit Student’s Murder: Party’s UP in-charge
NEW DELHI — Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam on Monday said that the party delegation was stopped mid-day and denied a chance to meet the family of Meerut victim Lalita Gautam. Speaking to IANS, Rajendra Pal Gautam said that the party workers will assemble at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on July 27 to raise their voice against the Dalit student’s murder and also demand justice for her. He also said that the Congress delegation led by him, which included many senior leaders and MPs like Imran Masood, was stopped by the police at the Kashi toll plaza and refused permission to meet the family of the missing Meerut victim. “Police kept us waiting for hours, giving assurances that they would allow us to meet the victim’s family but then denied permission for the same, citing law and order conditions,” he remarked. He also demanded Rs 1 crore as financial compensation to the affected family, along with a government job for one member of the victim’s family and also sought a speedy investigation to bring the perpetrators to book. The UP Congress in-charge also lashed out at the SSP’s conduct and demanded his suspension over alleged excesses on demonstrators. “Action should be taken against the SSP, who openly took the law into his own hands. Why has no case been registered against him? Why has he not been suspended?” he asked. According to police, the 20-year-old Lalita Gautam had gone missing from the TP Nagar area on May 15 and two days later, her dead body was found in the Rohta area. Ankush Kumar (23), identified as the main accused, was arrested on May 18, while another was held for allegedly destroying evidence. The incident prompted protests by her family and community members. The Congress delegation that headed to Meerut included Lok Sabha MPs Imran Masood and Tanuj Punia, Rajya Sabha MP Karamveer Singh Bauddh and AICC OBC Department chairman Anil Jaihind, among others. Earlier, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge had accused the BJP dispensation of turning a blind eye to the family woes, stating that it exposes the double engine government’s “anti-Dalit” face. Courtesy : Clarion Note: This news is originally published on https:/clarion.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rape case filed against ‘murdered’ Dalit youth after HC prod
Dehradun: In a fresh turn of events in the Tehri Garhwal suspected “honour killing” case, Uttarakhand police have registered a case of gang-rape against the deceased 16-year-old Dalit youth and his friend. The action follows a directive from the high court after the parents of the minor upper-caste girl presented a medical examination report suggesting sexual assault. The FIR was registered on Sunday after the direction of the court following a formal complaint by the girl’s mother. Tehri Garhwal SSP Shweta Chaubey confirmed to TOI that a case of gang-rape has been filed under BNS Section 70 alongside relevant sections of the Pocso Act. “On the basis of the complaint, the minor deceased youth and his friend were named in the case. However, as the minor is no more, we have taken appropriate legal action under relevant provisions while considering the medical examination report. A probe is ongoing,” said SSP Chaubey. The case dates to June 7, when the 16-year-old Dalit boy was allegedly beaten to death by the minor girl’s family members. According to the initial police investigation, the boy and his friend had gone to the girl’s house late at night after receiving a phone call from her. The girl’s family allegedly caught them, leading to the fatal physical assault. Following the teenager’s death, police had registered a case of murder and physical assault, subsequently arresting four accused individuals, including the girl’s father and grandfather. The investigations into both the murder and the subsequent sexual assault allegations are currently underway. 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
15yo Dalit rape survivor dies by suicide in Kheri
Pilibhit: A 15-year-old Dalit rape survivor was found hanging at her house in a village under Neemgaon police station limits in Kheri district on Monday, police said. Senior police officials, including SP Khyati Garg and the local CO, reached the spot as the deceased and the accused belonged to different communities. The body was sent for postmortem, and police force was deployed in the village to maintain law and order. An FIR in the alleged rape case was lodged on July 5 under BNS section 65, which deals with rape of a woman under 16 years of age, and relevant provisions of the Pocso Act, based on a complaint filed by the girl’s mother. As per the complaint, the 21-year-old accused, a resident of the same village, entered the girl’s house around 5pm on July 5 when her family members were away for agricultural work. He was arrested the same night after the FIR and sent to jail the next day. SP Garg told TOI, “Preliminary investigation by the CO has revealed that the girl and the accused were in a relationship for over two years. The victim had initially denied rape, but after the FIR was lodged, she confirmed the allegations in her statement recorded before court under BNSS section 183.” Police said they are probing the circumstances that led to the girl’s death and have not ruled out the possibility that she was under emotional distress after testifying against the accused. Further action will be taken after the postmortem report, officials added. 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
Police recommend ₹6 lakh relief for family of dalit youth died in Pudukkottai
Pudukkottai: District police have recommended a relief of ₹6 lakh for the family of a 20-year-old dalit youth who was found dead in a quarry pit in Pudukkottai under suspicious circumstances more than two months ago. On April 23, R Hariharan of Nadupatti near Thirumalairayapuram was found dead in a quarry in Vellanur. Police initially registered a case under Section 184 of the BNSS as a suspicious death. However, after the man’s family alleged foul play and claimed that he was murdered by the family of a woman from a different caste with whom he was in a relationship, police altered the case to Section 108 of the BNS read with Section 3(2) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. In the action taken report (ATR) submitted by district superintendent of police Ravindra Kumar Gupta to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), it is mentioned that the social justice and human rights (SJ&HR) wing police has been asked to disburse 50% of the relief under the SC/ST Act. The report added that the relief is yet to be distributed as a legal heir certificate from the deceased’s father is awaited. The report also stated that the accused woman was arrested and remanded in judicial custody on June 2, while her father, her brother and another man were named as accused in the case. Statements from the family members were recorded, call records were analysed, and digital devices were seized. Meanwhile, the postmortem report stated that there were no external injuries on the body and it was decomposed as it remained in water for three days, the ATR report said, and added that further investigation is on. K Muruganatham of Neelam Cultural Centre said, “We welcome police’s move to ensure transparency by providing the ATR, which has not happened in the past. However, the man’s parents feel that police should arrest other family members involved in the case and interrogate them.” 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
Uttarakhand Dalit Boy Murder: FIR Filed Against Deceased’s Friend Based On Girl’s Mother Complaint
Four people, including the father and grandfather of the girl, were arrested based on a complaint lodged by the family of the deceased boy. Tehri: The police in Uttarakhand have registered a case in the killing of a Dalit minor boy based on a formal complaint filed by the minor girl’s mother. Charges under the POCSO Act and other sections have been filed at the Lambgaon police station. After the killing of a Dalit minor boy in Tehri district, the police have filed a case under the POCSO Act on July 11 against the deceased’s friend, who is an eyewitness in this case. The incident took place on the night between June 7 and 8, when the Dalit minor boy, along with his friend, went to the nearest village around 11 pm to visit a minor girl with whom he had a romantic affair. However, the family of the minor girl found the boys and assaulted them brutally. The victims were taken to a hospital, and later, the boyfriend of the girl died due to injuries sustained. Four people, including the father and grandfather of the girl, were arrested based on a complaint lodged by the family of the deceased boy. The mother of the minor girl had also complained to the police at the time, but no case was registered immediately. The turning point arrived when the High Court directed the police to listen to the side of the minor girl. According to the investigating officer and CO Chandramohan, Hemlata, a sub-inspector, has been given the responsibility of investigating this aspect of the case. In the meantime, there have been tensions both politically and locally due to the case. A delegation visited Tehri SSP Shweta Chaubey demanding severe action against the accused as well as a replacement of the investigating officer. Previously, protestors belonging to the Bhim Army, along with MP Chandrashekhar Azad and MLA Umesh Kumar, went on a hunger strike following their interception by the police in Haridwar while trying to proceed towards Tehri. Courtesy : ETV Bharat Note: This news is originally published on https:/etvbharat.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rajasthan Police will no longer use the word ‘Dalit’.
This order directly means that the police department will no longer use the word ‘Dalit’ in its FIRs, complaints, charge sheets, panchnamas, arrest memos, custody documents, case diaries, closure reports, forms, applications, certificates, and official letters. Jaipur. The word ‘Dalit’ will no longer be used in any official work or documents of the Rajasthan Police. The Miscellaneous Cell of the Rajasthan Police has issued an order in this regard. This order states that the word ‘Dalit’ will neither be spoken nor written in any government document or conversation. The term ‘Scheduled Caste’ will be used instead. This news came out on July 11, 2026. This order directly means that the police department will no longer use the word “Dalit” in its FIRs, complaints, charge sheets, panchnamas, arrest memos, custody documents, case diaries, closure reports, forms, applications, certificates, and official letters. This order has been sent to all Director Generals of Police (DGPs), Police Commissioners, District Superintendents of Police (SPs) and their officers-in-charges of the Rajasthan government. All Station House Officers (SHOs) at the police station level have also been asked to follow these rules. Superintendent of Police (SP) of the Miscellaneous Cell, Gyan Chand Yadav, said, “The word ‘Dalit’ will no longer be used as per an order issued by the Gwalior Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court in 2018 and an order issued by the Rajasthan Government’s Information and Public Relations Department from Bhilwara on March 16, 2019. We received instructions from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), where a complaint was lodged that the word ‘Dalit’ was still being used despite these earlier orders. Therefore, this new order has been issued, stating that the term ‘Scheduled Caste’ should be used instead.” Courtesy: Hindi News