Uttarakhand: Congress Intervenes After Outrage In Tehri Following Upper Caste Girl’s Family Beating Dalit Youth To Death
Police arrest four, as the Uttarakhand Scheduled Castes Commission classified it as a serious case, begins monitoring progress of probe. Dehradun: The murder of Dalit youth Ketan Lal in Kholgarh village, under Lambgaon police station of Tehri Garhwal district in Uttarakhand has taken a political turn. Four days after the 18-year-old youth received a phone call from a minor girl with whom he had befriended, and rode his bike to Kholgarh to meet her, along with friend Diwakar Dimri, where he was apprehended by the Upper Caste girl’s father and relatives who beat him to death — Madan Lal, the president of the Uttarakhand Congress Scheduled Castes wing — visited the family of the deceased and assured them of all possible support and justice. Madan Lal also met with the Tehri district Superintendent of Police and demanded a fair and prompt investigation into the case, and strict action against the culprits. In a statement, he said that since the BJP came to power in the state, law and order has completely collapsed. “Weaker sections of society, especially Dalits, are being harassed and tortured, while women are feeling unsafe as incidents of lawlessness keep increasing every day in the state, which is extremely worrying,” he said, adding that such acts are tarnishing the image of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. The Congress leader demanded that the state government provide adequate financial assistance and compensation to the family of the deceased, and warned that if the victim’s family does not receive swift justice, the Congress will launch protests, demonstrations, and sit-ins. This followed a day after the police arrested two more accused in connection with the murder of the Dalit youth. Two other accused had already been arrested, bringing the total number of arrests to four The Atrocity And After The incident, which took place in the intervening night of June 7 and June 8, came to light after a video surfaced, showing the battered youth begging for water before he passed away. The incident sparked outrage and anxiety across the region, with the police and administration swiftly deployed to piece together details of the case. So far, what has come to light is that after Ketan was called over by the girl, her father Yashveer Singh Panwar, along with her brother, and other relatives, captured Ketan and Diwakar, held them captive inside their house, and beat them mercilessly in the girl’s presence. The next morning, the accused themselves called Ketan’s father in Deval village and informed him of the situation. Following this, Ketan Lal’s father, Dhanpal Lal, went to the Lambgaon police station and filed a formal complaint, alleging that a group of people had kept his son and his friend Diwakar in their house and brutally assaulted both. The complaint further stated that the assault was so severe that Ketan had sustained serious injuries, and his condition was deteriorating. Although his family rushed him to the hospital for immediate treatment, doctors were unable to save his life, and Ketan passed away while undergoing treatment. According to the complaint, the accused brutally assaulted Diwakar as well, causing a severe injury and a fracture to his arm. He is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital. Diwakar’s condition and his statement are crucial to the police investigation. Investigative agencies are trying to determine the circumstances under which the incident occurred, the root cause of the dispute, and the sequence of events. The police believe that statements from eyewitnesses and the injured youth will play a pivotal role in uncovering the truth. Swift Police Action; Arrests Continue Tehri SSP Shweta Chaubey said given the gravity of the matter, the police expedited action from the beginning. Initially, two accused — the girl’s brother and father — were arrested. With the arrest of two additional individuals, the police have sent a clear signal that the investigation will not falter at any stage. They said various aspects of the case are still being investigated, with further action to be taken based on evidence, medical reports, eyewitness statements, and other available facts. Currently, the post-mortem report is also awaited. The incident has also drawn the attention of state-level bodies. Taking suo motu cognisance of the matter, the Uttarakhand Scheduled Castes Commission has classified it as a serious case, and sought a detailed report from the Tehri SSP, besides promising to monitor the progress of the probe. Rajesh Singh Raja Koli, a member of the Uttarakhand Scheduled Castes Commission, expressed deep concern over the incident. “The Commission is addressing cases of atrocities, harassment, and discrimination against SCs with utmost sensitivity. It will maintain continuous oversight to ensure strict legal action against the perpetrators,” said Raja Koli, adding that the law guarantees equal protection to all citizens, and that caste-based discrimination or violence runs counter to democratic values, making the ensuring of justice in such cases of paramount importance. Social activist Anoop Nautiyal described the incident as deeply tragic and concerning. He asserted that this event should not be viewed merely as a criminal act; but also understood in the context of social faultlines. “If caste-based tension, violence, and discrimination continue decades after Independence, it is a matter for introspection. Society needs to learn from such cases and move towards strengthening social harmony,” said Nautiyal. 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
Lakhimpur Kheri: Dalit woman alleges entire family dragged out onto the street and beaten, police issue challan for disturbing peace
A Dalit woman living in Kashiram Awas in Lakhimpur Kheri, has accused some people of entering her home, assaulting her, using casteist slurs, and threatening to kill her. The victim has appealed to the Superintendent of Police to register a case against the accused and take action and ensure her family’s safety. Usha Devi, wife of the late Ram Kishan, resident of Mohalla Haniatola, Kheri, stated in her application to the Superintendent of Police that on June 3rd, around 6 p.m., some people arrived at her home and began banging on the door. Upon opening the door, the accused began arguing about stray dogs. The woman alleges that when she objected, the accused used casteist slurs and verbally abused her. According to the victim, when her son objected, the accused entered the house and began assaulting family members. Later, other people were called to the scene, who dragged the family members out of the house and beat them on the street. The woman stated that some of the men were armed with sharp weapons and that she has a video of the incident. The victim stated that a complaint regarding this incident was filed at the Kheri police station, but instead of registering a case, the police issued a challan against both parties under sections of breach of peace. The woman alleges that the accused are continuously issuing threats, causing an atmosphere of fear within her family. The woman has reiterated her demand to the Superintendent of Police to conduct an impartial investigation into the matter, register an FIR, and ensure the safety of her family. Gopal Giri | Lakhimpur-Kheri Courtesy: Hindi News
Dupatta Tightened Around Her Neck’: Dalit Family in Unnao Alleges Assault and Caste Abuse
A Dalit family in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao district has accused several villagers of entering their home, assaulting family members, misbehaving with women, and using casteist slurs. The family has approached the Superintendent of Police demanding strict action against the accused. The incident was reported from a village under the Ajaiganj police station area and allegedly took place on the evening of June 8, 2026. According to a complaint submitted by the family, a group of villagers entered their house at around 7:30 pm carrying sticks and sharp weapons. The complainants alleged that the accused attacked several family members, including Roshani, Aarti, Shivdevi and the petitioner. Woman Allegedly Strangled With Dupatta, Hospitalised The family claimed that during the assault, the attackers allegedly tightened a dupatta around Roshani’s neck in an attempt to kill her, causing her condition to worsen. She was later admitted to the district hospital for treatment, according to the complaint. The family also alleged that one young woman was harassed during the attack and subjected to obscene behaviour. Allegations of Casteist Abuse and Repeated Violence The complainants accused the attackers of using caste-based slurs and humiliating the family during the incident. According to the complaint, this was not the first attack. The family alleged that another incident of assault had taken place a day earlier, on June 7. The names of several villagers were also mentioned as eyewitnesses in the written complaint submitted to authorities. Family Alleges Police Inaction The victims said they informed Raja Bagh police outpost on the same night of the alleged attack but claimed no effective action was taken. The family said they later underwent medical examination at the district hospital and also filed a complaint at Ajgain police station, but alleged that their concerns were not addressed. The family has now sought a fair investigation and strict legal action from Superintendent of Police Jay Prakash Singh. Responding to the allegations, police said the complaint had been received and necessary action would be taken after an investigation. Courtesy : TOP Note: This news is originally published on https:/theobserverpost.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit Woman in UP’s Lakhimpur Kheri Alleges Assault, Caste Abuse and Death Threats; Seeks Police Action
A Dalit woman in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri district has accused several people of entering her home, assaulting her family, using casteist slurs, and issuing death threats. The woman has appealed to the district police chief to register an FIR and ensure her family’s safety. The complainant, Usha Devi, wife of late Ram Kishan and a resident of Kashiram Awas in Kheri town, submitted a written complaint to the Superintendent of Police alleging that the incident took place on June 3 at around 6 pm. According to her complaint, a group of people arrived at her house and started banging on the door. When the family opened the door, an argument allegedly broke out over stray dogs. Family Alleges Casteist Abuse and Violence Usha Devi alleged that when the family objected to the behaviour of the accused, they began abusing them and used caste-based slurs. The woman claimed that when her son asked the accused not to abuse them, the situation turned violent. “When my son objected to the abusive language, the accused entered the house and started assaulting family members,” she alleged in her complaint. According to the family, more people were later called to the spot and several members of the household were allegedly dragged outside and beaten on the road. The complainant further alleged that some of the accused were carrying sharp weapons during the attack. Video of Alleged Assault Emerges The woman said the incident was recorded on video and claimed she possesses footage of the alleged assault. A video related to the incident has also surfaced, though its authenticity has not been independently verified. Woman Alleges Police Did Not Register FIR Usha Devi said the matter was reported to Kheri police station soon after the incident. However, she alleged that instead of registering a criminal case, police booked both sides under preventive sections related to breach of peace. According to the complainant, the accused have continued to threaten the family, creating fear and insecurity in the household. The woman has now urged the Superintendent of Police to order a fair investigation, register an FIR against the accused, and ensure protection for her family. Police have not yet publicly responded to the allegations. Courtesy : TOP Note: This news is originally published on https:/theobserverpost.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
A Dalit girl returning with chowmein in the rain was raped: Family approached the police station after no action was taken, SSP reprimanded the station in-charge.
A case of rape of a minor Dalit girl has been reported in the Ratanpuri police station area of Muzaffarnagar. Following the lack of action by the local police, the victim’s family filed a complaint with Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sanjay Kumar Verma. The family stated that the girl was returning home with groceries from a shop on Thursday night when a young man from the village allegedly took her to a deserted house and raped her. When the girl did not return home for a long time, the family began searching for her. During the search, they found the girl with the accused youth. The victim’s family alleges that after the incident, several people from the accused party arrived at the scene, entered their house, and assaulted them. The family also alleges that they were subjected to casteist remarks, death threats, and assault. Tensions between the two parties escalated following this incident. The family says that the local police did not take the required action on their complaint. Following this, the victim’s family met with Senior Superintendent of Police Sanjay Kumar Verma on Friday and informed him of the entire incident. Regarding the seriousness of the matter, SSP Verma immediately directed the Ratanpuri police station in-charge to take necessary action. He ordered the police to conduct a medical examination of the victim, ensure the safety of her family, and investigate the allegations and take legal action. Following the SSP’s instructions, Ratanpuri police arrived at the police station in their vehicle and took the victim and her family with them. The police are currently investigating the matter. Police officials stated that further legal action will be taken based on the facts revealed in the investigation. Varun Kumar Sharma | Muzaffarnagar Courtesy: Hindi News
“It’s not ’12 years of excellence’, but the BJP has impoverished the country; the Congress SC department will make every sacrifice to save the Constitution,” said Rajendra Pal Gautam.
On completing one year as chairman of the Congress SC department, Rajendra Pal Gautam roared, “The BJP’s ’12 years of excellence’ is merely a sham; the Bahujan Samaj is ready to make every sacrifice to save the Constitution and democracy.” New Delhi. A grand event was held in the capital today to mark the completion of one year of former Delhi government minister Rajendra Pal Gautam as chairman of the Scheduled Caste (SC) department of the All India Congress Committee (AICC). A large number of party workers, supporters, and members of the Bahujan community participated in the solemn ceremony held at the Congress headquarters at 24, Akbar Road, New Delhi.Raju, National Coordinator of the SC, ST, OBC, and Minority Departments of the Congress, was present as the special guest on this special occasion. During the program, the workers and the public present praised Rajendra Pal Gautam’s successful one-year tenure and described it as a year of historic activity for the department. Addressing the ceremony, Rajendra Pal Gautam remembered the great Bahujan leaders who made unparalleled contributions to nation-building and social consciousness. He paid his respects to all the leaders of society, including Father of the Nation Jyotirao Phule, Savitribai Phule, Fatima Sheikh, Narayan Guru, Periyar Ramaswami Naicker, Sant Gadge Baba, Sant Ghasidas, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Mata Ramabai, Babu Jagjivan Ram, Buddha Priya Maurya, and Honorable Kanshi Ram. In his address, Rajendra Pal Gautam launched a scathing attack on the central government, stating that the country’s Constitution and democracy are in grave danger today. Referring to recent incidents like the cancellation of Rajya Sabha nominations, he described it as a blatant robbery and murder of democracy. He alleged that the current regime is not just stealing votes, but stealing entire elections and intends to re-enslave future generations. The former minister criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of foreign policy and national security. He said that the central government has completely surrendered to foreign powers. Despite attacks on Indian ships and the loss of civilian lives, the government has adopted a policy of surrender instead of strongly protesting, which is extremely worrying. Recalling the historical contributions of the Congress party, Gautam said that the credit for keeping the country united and building modern India goes to the Congress leadership and leaders like Dr. Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru, Sardar Patel, and Maulana Azad. He said that the Congress party built major institutions like AIIMS, IIT, IIM, BHEL, GAIL, SAIL, and ONGC, and opened the way for progress for Dalits and the deprived by nationalizing banks. Comparing the policies of the central BJP government, he said that those who built the country feel the pain, but those who sold it feel no pain. He alleged that the BJP sold hundreds of public sector undertakings (PSUs), closed government schools in the name of mergers, and made education so expensive that children from poor, working classes, Dalits, and backward classes are forced to abandon higher education or commit suicide. Rajendra Pal Gautam also expressed deep concern over the growing hatred and divisive forces in the country. He said that through demonetization and black laws, the country’s farmers and laborers were oppressed. Hatred is being spread in the name of caste and religion, Dalits are being oppressed, and criminals are being honored. He reminded that the ideological ancestors of the current government stood with the British during the freedom movement, and therefore, they have no contribution to nation-building. Assuring the party’s top leadership, Gautam stated that in a recent senior leadership meeting, it was decided that no sacrifice would be made to save the country. Addressing the respected Rahul Gandhi, he said that the Bahujan Samaj has always been loyal and will stand firmly with him until he becomes the Prime Minister of the country. He called upon the workers to go to every village, town, and settlement and fight a decisive battle to protect the Constitution and democracy. He said that we are not afraid of government investigation agencies, police, and prisons; even the government’s prisons will fall short in front of our population. Giving credit to his entire team for his successful tenure, Rajendra Pal Gautam said that the BJP’s slogan of “12 years of excellence” is hollow, as they have impoverished the country while their leaders have become wealthy. In contrast, this one year of the AICC SC Department has been truly exceptional due to the collective efforts of all national coordinators, state presidents, volunteers, and civil society. Courtesy: Hindi News
The ‘Dark Web’ of Human Trafficking in Bihar! A Three-Tier Syndicate Stretches From Villages to Cities, Targeting Poor and Dalit Girls
Bihar Human Trafficking: A large human trafficking network is operating in Bihar. Recent operations by the Bihar Police have revealed that underprivileged girls from backward and rural areas are being targeted. Patna: According to recent investigations and rescue operations by police and social organizations, a highly organized three-tier human trafficking network is reportedly targeting adolescent girls from poor and Dalit families in rural and backward areas of Bihar. This network operates through a well-planned system in which rural girls are lured with false promises of jobs, marriage, friendship, or a better life and taken to major cities across the country. Many victims are later forced into domestic work, bonded labor, or marriages against their will. What do the statistics say? These revelations come amid growing concern about the rising number of missing children in Bihar, which is being identified as a major source of human trafficking. According to official data, 12,000 to 14,000 children go missing in Bihar every year. This number reached 14,699 in 2025 alone. Adolescent girls remain the most vulnerable group. Nearly 60 percent of all missing children in the state are girls under the age of 18. The situation was particularly alarming in 2023, when 12,299 children were reported missing. Nearly 75 percent of these were girls, meaning three out of every four missing children were girls. Police Action Continues Police and social organizations have rescued thousands of girls over the past two years. During 2024-25, police rescued 1,970 girls, while another 1,492 girls were rescued during 2025-26. These operations have helped investigators understand the structure and functioning of trafficking gangs operating in Bihar and other states. According to investigators, the human trafficking system operates through three interconnected layers. What do the human trafficking statistics say? Every year, 12,000 to 14,000 children go missing in Bihar. This figure reached 14,699 in 2025. Adolescent and minor girls are most at risk. Nearly 60 percent of children are girls under the age of 18. In 2023, 12,299 children were reported missing. Girls constituted 75 percent of the missing. Police rescued 1,970 girls during 2024-25. Another 1,492 girls were rescued during 2025-26. An active network at the rural level? At the first stage, local youth act as agents and identify vulnerable girls in villages. Victims are often lured through friendships, love affairs, marriage proposals, or promises of jobs. Agents reportedly work under pressure to recruit girls within a short period of time. Once trust is established, girls are persuaded to leave their homes and villages. Trafficking Method After leaving their villages, victims are handed over to transportation networks. They are often transported from one place to another at railway stations and bus terminals. In some cases, victims are allegedly drugged or threatened to comply. They are then transported to distant cities via long-distance trains and other modes of transportation. Trafficking Centers in Cities! The final stage operates primarily in metropolitan cities. Victims are reportedly held in undisclosed locations, subjected to physical and mental abuse, and stripped of their identities. Many women are allegedly sold into forced marriage or forced to work as bonded laborers. Case Study Number One A 19-year-old woman from Sahibganj was trafficked to update her Aadhaar card. After leaving home, she was allegedly taken to Hyderabad. Lured with the promise of employment, the traffickers took her to a nearby city and sold her. Police later recovered the 19-year-old woman. Case Study Number Two A 15-year-old student from Rohtas was subjected to human trafficking. Her friend lured her, drugged her, and then ran away. He took the student to Secunderabad and then escaped. The victim was rescued by police at Secunderabad railway station. Case Study Number Three An 18-year-old girl from East Champaran was lured and abducted by her friend. The girl was taken to Secunderabad and forced into bonded labor. Police rescued the girl before she could be allegedly forced into marriage. Case Study Number Four A 22-year-old woman in Gopalganj went out to buy medicine. The woman was first lured with the promise of marriage. The woman was then forcibly taken to Kolkata. Police successfully recovered the woman after 15 days. A rescue team traveled directly from Kolkata to Hyderabad. Where a 21-year-old woman from Siwan was rescued from the same network. Girls Reaching the South! Experts believe that over six girls have been rescued from Hyderabad and Secunderabad with the help of the police in the last six months. According to them, most of the victims were lured with promises of permanent jobs or marriage. They were forced to work long hours before being prepared for forced marriage. What does Bihar Police say? Suhita Anupam, Additional Director General of Police, Vulnerable Classes and Crime Investigation Department, said that major trafficking centers across Bihar are being identified and placed under special surveillance. She said that as a precautionary measure, registration has been made mandatory for orchestra groups and similar organizations. The ADG also said that villages with repeated incidents of human trafficking are being identified and monitored. Anupam further said that an online monitoring system has been established at the police headquarters level to more effectively monitor human trafficking cases. Public awareness and community vigilance remain crucial to prevent human trafficking and protect vulnerable girls from exploitation. Edited by: Ashutosh Kumar Pandey About the Author Ashutosh Kumar Pandey, Courtesy: Hindi News, serves as Principal Digital Content Producer at Navbharat Times (Digital). He joined Navbharat Times, the digital wing of the Times Group, in September 2022. Currently, Ashutosh manages the desk at NBT Bihar-Jharkhand Digital. Courtesy: Hindi News
A young man who went to meet a girl in Tehri was beaten to death and died in the hospital. Where is society heading?
Ketan Lal, who went to meet a girl in Tehri, was beaten to death and then died in the hospital, raising the issue. Dehradun: The recent murder of a Dalit youth in Tehri, Uttarakhand, has shocked everyone. The youth was beaten so badly that he died. His only crime was to meet a minor girl, but he paid the price with his life. The brutality inflicted on the youth sent shivers down everyone’s spine. A video of the youth screaming for water before his death has surfaced, which is spine-chilling in itself. Currently, police have arrested two more accused in the case of the death of Dalit youth Ketan Lal in Kholgarh village, Lambgaon police station area. Two other accused were previously handcuffed. This brings the total number of arrests to four. Following this incident, an atmosphere of anger, concern, and a demand for justice has prevailed throughout the region. Meanwhile, the police administration is working to piece together the story. Why was he subjected to such violence and what exactly happened? Let us explain. Ketan Lal had gone to meet a girl: It is being reported that Ketan Lal of Dewal village was friends with a girl. On the night of June 7-8, after receiving a call from the girl, he and his friend Diwakar Dimri rode a bike to Kholgarh village, but the girl’s father and relatives intercepted him there. It is also being said that the father may have sent the message from the girl’s mobile phone. This incident is also being alleged to have been due to caste-based love/friendship. Meanwhile, the girl’s father, brother, and others held Ketan Lal and his friend Diwakar hostage and beat them. It is being said that they beat him in front of the girl. Furthermore, in the morning, the accused themselves called Ketan’s father and told him everything. Following this, Ketan Lal’s father, Dhanpal Lal, went to the Lambgaon police station and filed a written complaint. In the complaint, he alleged that his son, Ketan Lal, and his friend, Diwakar Dimri, were brutally assaulted by some people. It was alleged that Yashveer Singh Panwar and other members of his family not only beat the two youths but also held them hostage in the house. The complaint also stated that the assault was so severe that Ketan Lal suffered serious injuries and his condition continued to deteriorate. Ketan Lal was immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment by his family, but despite the best efforts of doctors, his life could not be saved. Ketan Lal died while undergoing treatment at the hospital. This incident shocked the entire area and the matter quickly became a topic of public discussion. A video of Ketan before his death also surfaced, in which he was writhing in pain, asking for water, saying, “I’m going to die, I’ve been beaten so badly…” Another youth’s hand fractured, hospital treatment ongoing: Ketan Lal wasn’t the only victim in the incident. Diwakar Dimri, who was with him, was also allegedly attacked. According to the complaint, the accused also severely assaulted Diwakar, resulting in serious injuries and a fractured hand. He is currently undergoing treatment in the hospital. Diwakar’s condition and his statements are also considered crucial to the police investigation. Investigating agencies are trying to determine the circumstances of the incident, the real reason for the dispute, and how the fight unfolded. Police believe that the statements of eyewitnesses and the injured youth will play a crucial role in uncovering the truth of the matter. Police’s swift action, arrests of accused continue: Tehri SSP Shweta Choubey says that given the seriousness of the case, police acted swiftly from the beginning. Two accused were arrested first. This includes the girl’s brother and father. Now, with the arrest of two more people, the police have clearly indicated that the investigation will not be allowed to falter at any level. They say that various aspects of the case are still being investigated. Further action will be taken based on evidence, medical reports, eyewitness accounts, and other available facts. If the role of other individuals is revealed during the investigation, legal action will be taken against them as well. The post-mortem report is currently awaited. Scheduled Caste Commission takes suo motu cognizance of the death of a Dalit youth: The incident has drawn the attention of not only the police administration but also state-level institutions. The Uttarakhand Scheduled Caste Commission, taking suo motu cognizance of the case, has deemed it a serious matter. The Commission has summoned a detailed report from the Tehri Senior Superintendent of Police and has pledged to monitor the progress of the investigation. A statement issued by the Commission stated that incidents of atrocity, violence, or discrimination against any person belonging to the Scheduled Caste community will be taken with utmost seriousness. The Commission also directed the police administration to ensure a fair, transparent, and timely investigation. Rajesh Singh Raja Koli, a member of the Uttarakhand Scheduled Castes Commission, expressed deep concern over the incident. “The Commission is working with utmost sensitivity in cases of atrocities, harassment, and discrimination against members of the Scheduled Caste community. The Commission will continuously monitor the situation to ensure strict legal action against the perpetrators.” – Rajesh Singh Raja Koli, Member, Uttarakhand Scheduled Caste Commission Furthermore, Rajesh Singh Raja Koli says that the law provides equal protection to all citizens and any form of caste discrimination or violence is against democratic values. Therefore, it is extremely important to ensure justice in such cases. This is not just a crime, but also a warning to society: Social activist Anoop Nautiyal also described this incident as extremely sad and worrying. He says that this incident should not be seen only as a criminal act. Rather, it must also be understood as a reflection of larger social issues facing society. “Even after decades of independence, if incidents of caste-based tension, violence, and discrimination continue to surface in society, it is a matter for introspection. Society
Justice Balakrishnan Commission report on SC status for Dalit converts ready for submission
The Commission, set up in October 2022, has got several extensions; it was to study the discrimination faced by Dalit converts, their demand for SC status, the opposition to the demand, and the impact on existing SC communities The Justice (Retd.) K.G. Balakrishnan Commission examining the issue of Scheduled Caste status for Dalit converts has finished its study and prepared the report it was tasked with almost four years ago, The Hindu has learnt. The three-member Commission of Inquiry was constituted by the Union government in October 2022, just as the Supreme Court was about to resume hearing a batch of pleas that sought SC status for Dalit Muslims and Christians. The issue has been pending in the top court for 20 years now. The Commission’s mandate included examining whether SC status can be granted to Dalits who have converted to any faith other than those mentioned in the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order of 1950. Currently, only Dalits of Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh faiths are entitled to an SC classification, unlike the Scheduled Tribe status, which does not have a religion criterion. Multiple extensions Nearly four years after the Commission was formed, officials aware of the matter said that the report has been prepared and is currently being readied in a “book format” for official submission. One official said that the Commission should be able to submit its report “in a few days”. The Commission was initially given a two-year deadline to finish its work and submit a report to the government. Since 2024, the Commission has been given multiple extensions, the last one in April this year, which set the latest deadline at June 10, 2026. Gazette records do not show any further extension granted to the Commission. Pending case According to the government, the Commission’s study was meant to look at the demand for SC status for Dalit converts, the opposition to this demand and its impact on existing SC communities, and the levels and types of discrimination faced by Dalit communities after they convert to other faiths. Even as a batch of petitions remains pending in the Supreme Court on the Constitutional question of whether Dalit Christians and Muslims can be granted SC status, the top court had recently ruled in the case of a Christian pastor from Andhra Pradesh that the religion bar as it exists for the SC classification was “absolute”. Notably, the Union Social Justice Ministry has made multiple submissions to the Supreme Court in these matters, arguing that the SC status should be denied to people who had converted to faiths like Islam and Christianity, citing the foreign origins of these religions, while the religions currently included are Indic in nature. Abhinay Lakshman 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
Dalit youth beaten to death in Barabanki: Dance was taking place on the road after a feast, brutally beaten for asking for way.
A Dalit youth died in a dispute over giving way in Azad Nagar Mirpur village, under the Mati police station area of Barabanki district. The family has alleged that the youth was beaten to death. The family has demanded strict action against the accused. The deceased has been identified as Durgesh Rawat, an electricity worker. According to the family, Durgesh was on his way to his aunt’s village in Mirpur late at night to pick up laborers to repair a high-tension line fault. After the feast, a DJ was playing on the road near Azad Nagar and some people were dancing, blocking the road. Durgesh asked the people present there to give way. This sparked an argument, which soon escalated into a physical altercation. The family alleges that Durgesh was brutally beaten, leaving him seriously injured. The injured Durgesh was taken to the Community Health Center, Deva, where doctors declared him dead. His family arrived at the hospital around 2 a.m. after receiving information from the hospital. The deceased’s family is demanding the immediate arrest of the culprits and justice. Mati Police Station in-charge Ajay Kumar Tripathi stated that the police have received information about the incident and are investigating the matter. He also stated that no written complaint has been received yet. According to the station in-charge, further legal action will be taken based on the receipt of the complaint and the investigation. The police are thoroughly investigating all aspects of the case and will take necessary action once the facts emerge. Sarfaraz Warasi | Barabanki Courtesy: Hindi News