21-year-old Dalit youth shot dead in UP’s Mau, police launch probe
Mau (UP), A 21-year-old Dalit youth was shot dead on Monday allegedly by unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants near a petrol pump here, police said. The victim, identified as Avneesh Kumar, was returning from his aunt’s house with his friend when some youths surrounded him near the Sarsena petrol pump in the Chiraiyakot police station area and opened fire, they said. Hansraj, a BSc student accompanying Avneesh, said the assailants shot him after surrounding him. “I suspect a youth named Golu may be involved in the incident. Some youths saw Golu in the market near Sarsena,” Hansraj alleged. Police said Avneesh was taken to the district hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. Dr SK Nitin, in-charge of the emergency department at the district hospital, said a youth with a gunshot injury was brought to the facility. “He was brought dead and had suffered a gunshot injury to the head,” the doctor said. Police said a probe is underway. This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. Courtesy : The Print Note: This news is originally published on https:/theprint.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Why is the SP’s Dalit Mahasammelan starting in Agra? Learn about Akhilesh Yadav’s plan
Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav has begun efforts to woo Dalit voters for the UP elections. As part of this effort, he will launch a Dalit convention in Agra. In light of the turmoil within the Bahujan Samaj Party and the upcoming UP elections, the Samajwadi Party has increased its focus on Dalit voters. In this regard, the SP will organize a Dalit Mahasammelan on November 15th, starting in Agra. SP President Akhilesh Yadav will also be present at the event. A large number of SP workers from the surrounding areas will participate. Agra is a crucial district in UP’s Dalit politics. This is why the SP has decided to launch the Dalit convention here. This district also has a historical connection with Dr. Ambedkar and BSP founder Kanshi Ram. It was in Agra, on March 18, 1956, that Ambedkar delivered his last major speech in the Chakri Pat Jatav Basti. In that speech, he hinted at his conversion to Buddhism, a few months before his initiation ceremony in Nagpur. BSP founder Kanshi Ram formally established the Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation (BAMCEF) in 1978. The organization’s first unit in Uttar Pradesh was established in Agra in 1978. Later, a unit was also established in Lucknow. Why did the Dalit Conference begin in Agra? The Samajwadi Party chose Agra because the Jatav community there was already relatively organized, educated, and economically strong. Ambedkarite consciousness was also deeply ingrained here. Kanshi Ram connected these urban, educated Dalit employees and small businessmen through BAMCEF. This base later became the foundation of DS-4 and the BSP. Kanshi Ram made Agra the initial laboratory of Bahujan politics in North India. The socio-economic conditions and Ambedkarite background of the region helped his organization take root. This is why Agra is still considered a center of Dalit politics. Agra has been a hub of Dalit politics. Agra can be called the capital of Dalit politics in Uttar Pradesh because it is where Dalit consciousness, the Ambedkarite movement, and electoral politics have developed their deepest and most organized base. This isn’t just a matter of population figures; it’s the result of history, socio-economic conditions, and political experimentation. A long-standing stronghold of the Dalit movement, Dalit organizations have been active in Agra since the 1950s and 60s. The Jatav community asserted their identity and rights by erecting statues of Ambedkar, organizing processions, and embracing Buddhism. This movement later became the foundation of Kanshi Ram’s BAMCEF and the Bahujan Samaj Party. Western Uttar Pradesh, especially Agra, served as a laboratory for both Kanshi Ram and Mayawati. The Agra division comprises four districts: Agra, Mathura, Mainpuri, and Firozabad. Etawah and Hathras also border this district. These districts have a Dalit population of over 20 percent, with the Jatavs constituting the largest number, a core voter base for the BSP. The SP is attempting to make inroads into this vote bank. The Strength of Dalit Voters in This Region According to one estimate, Agra has approximately 23% Jatav voters, while Mathura has 20%, Mainpuri 20%, Firozabad 19%, Etawah 25%, and Hathras has approximately 24%. For the past several years, Akhilesh Yadav has been eyeing the Dalit voters in UP. This is why he previously formed an alliance with Mayawati, though it didn’t benefit him in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. However, his alliance with Mayawati has alleviated accusations of anti-Dalit sentiment. This benefited Akhilesh Yadav in the 2022 and 2024 elections. Eyeing the BSP’s Vote Bank This is why Akhilesh Yadav has now developed a liking for the color blue, and has changed everything from his party’s gamchha to his T-shirts to blue. Furthermore, he has begun to prioritize the party’s Dalit leaders. This SP convention is taking place at a time of constant turmoil within the BSP. Akash Anand and Ishaan Anand have been expelled from the party. Furthermore, the party’s younger workers are distraught and looking for new leadership. Written By: Praveen Yadav About the author Praveen Yadav has been active in journalism for 21 years. He joined Star News in 2004 and is currently an input editor at ABP News. He has held various positions, including assignment head and forward planning, and has also served as head of digital media. In 2022, he also joined digital media. Courtesy: Hindi News
Police Unwilling To Register FIR Against BJP MLA Who Beat Dalit Mandal President: Kuldeep Kumar
NEW DELHI | The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) strongly criticised the Delhi Police for failing to register an FIR against BJP MLA Gajender Drall over the assault of his party’s Dalit Mandal President, Sunil Kumar. AAP MLA Kuldeep Kumar said the Dalit family had been visiting the police station for three days seeking to register a complaint, but the police had refused to act. He questioned how ordinary Dalit workers could feel safe when even a Dalit office-bearer within the BJP was unsafe, and demanded that the Delhi Police register an FIR under the SC/ST Act and that the BJP suspend its MLA. Addressing a press conference on Sunday, AAP MLA Kuldeep Kumar said, “In the national capital Delhi, the BJP’s anti-Dalit government has created a very hostile environment for Dalits. BJP MLA Gajender Drall from Mundka Assembly constituency abducted Sunil Kumar, who belongs to the Dalit and Valmiki community, at night, took him to his house, held him hostage throughout the night and brutally beat him. Sunil Kumar is currently the Mandal President of the BJP itself, but he was beaten simply because he belongs to the Valmiki community.” Kuldeep Kumar further stated, “Even in remote villages across the country, no one treats another person with such brutality, yet this incident has taken place in the national capital under the BJP government. For the past two to three days, this family has been going from place to place seeking justice and trying to get an FIR registered, but despite the matter being highlighted, the Kanjhawala police station and the police administration are unwilling to register an FIR.” He said that he had called the DCP and posted hundreds of tweets, but the DCP did not even answer his call. He said the BJP MLA had become so arrogant because of his power that he beat a person from the Valmiki community in this manner. Kuldeep Kumar added, “We want to ask the BJP government what action it has taken against its MLA. The Delhi Police should immediately register an FIR against Mundka MLA Gajender Drall, and the BJP should immediately expel this goon MLA from the party. If this does not happen, it will be understood that this MLA carried out such an act in the national capital under the protection of the BJP itself.” The AAP MLA said that since the BJP government came to power in Delhi, Dalits and the Valmiki community had been continuously subjected to exploitation. He highlighted that very recently, a sanitation worker had been murdered, a Valmiki youth had been beaten to death, and in Trilokpuri too, a former BJP Mandal President had taken a person from the Valmiki community from his home and assaulted him. “We got a case registered under the SC/ST Act in that matter and had him arrested. The Delhi Police should immediately arrest Gajender Drall and send him to jail, and the BJP should make it clear whether it stands with Dalits or not. If it does, it should immediately have its MLA arrested and suspend him from the party,” he added. Kuldeep Kumar questioned, “When BJP’s own Dalit office-bearers are not safe within the party, how can ordinary people be safe?” The entire dispute behind this assault, he noted, is simply about how a person from the Valmiki community became a Mandal President. “The BJP gives people positions merely for the sake of appearances and appoints them, but does not remove casteism from the minds of its MLAs,” he asserted. He continued, “They have been taught this from the beginning in RSS shakhas, how to discriminate against Dalits and backward communities, and the casteism instilled in their minds will not disappear so quickly.” Victim admitted at hospital is not even receiving proper treatment: Kuldeep Kumar Kuldeep Kumar stated that he had gone to RML Hospital to meet Sunil Kumar, the victim from the Valmiki community, but the entire police and security machinery was deployed to prevent him from meeting the victim. “Has meeting a victim now also become a crime? Sunil Kumar was reportedly brutally beaten by BJP MLA Gajender Drall, abused with casteist slurs and kept locked up throughout the night,” he said. Kuldeep Kumar added, “Even after three days, the police have not registered an FIR. This is happening in the national capital, and the entire BJP government is busy protecting its MLA. The most painful part is that Sunil Kumar’s treatment has also not been properly started, and he has been kept separately in a hospital gallery.” He concluded by asserting that instead of protecting its MLA, the BJP government should give the victim justice, immediately register an FIR and take action against those responsible. Courtesy : Aam Aadmi Party ORG Note: This news is originally published on https:/aamaadmipartyorg.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalits counter BJP protest in T. Narsipur over Ganesha procession
Dalit groups accuse former MP Pratap Simha of deliberately spreading communal poison in T. Narsipur with his allegedly inflammatory statements Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashok, along with Mysuru MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, former MP Pratap Simha, MLA Srivatsa, leader Sachidananda, and BJP supporters gathering in T. Narsipur on Sunday, who were protesting against the police inspectors warning with regard to Ganesha procession. Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashok, along with Mysuru MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, former MP Pratap Simha, MLA Srivatsa, leader Sachidananda, and BJP supporters gathering in T. Narsipur on Sunday, who were protesting against the police inspectors warning with regard to Ganesha procession. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Tension prevailed in T. Narsipur town near here on Sunday as BJP leaders and supporters staged a protest against the town police inspector’s remarks during a peace meeting ahead of the Ganesha procession, while a counter-protest was also staged by Dalit organisations against former MP Pratap Simha’s allegedly fomenting communal trouble remarks. Superintendent of Mysuru district police Mallikarjuna Baladandi, who visited T. Narsipur to supervise security arrangements, said additional forces had been deployed in the town to maintain law and order in view of the protests. Narsipur town police inspector Dhananjaya’s reported warning to the processionists against bursting crackers in front of the mosque on Link Road in the town had sparked a strong response from the BJP, with Mr. Pratap Simha allegedly threatening to storm the police station in protest against the police inspector’s remarks. Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashok was arrested during BJP’s protest in T. Narsipur on Sunday against the police inspectors warning with regard to Ganesha procession. Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashok was arrested during BJP’s protest in T. Narsipur on Sunday against the police inspectors warning with regard to Ganesha procession. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement As BJP leaders, including Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashok and Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, made their way to T. Narsipur town on Sunday, a group of Dalit activists sporting Jai Bheem flags and blue shawls gathered near the police station and shouted slogans against Mr. Simha. The activists of the Dalit groups accused the former MP of deliberately spreading communal poison in T. Narsipur with his allegedly inflammatory statements. The police managed to swiftly disperse them. Meanwhile, BJP supporters gathered in the town and started raising slogans in support of Mr. Pratap Simha and against the town police inspector. Mr. Ashok, who arrived in the town, criticised the Congress government for imposing restrictions on the celebration of the Ganesha festival in different parts of the State while addressing the large gathering of BJP supporters. He also sought action against the police inspector for threatening the groups celebrating the Ganesha festival. Mr. Pratap Simha too addressed the crowd of BJP supporters gathered in the town to protest against the police inspector’s warning. The police later arrested BJP leaders, including Mr. Ashok. They were subsequently released. Meanwhile, Mr. Baladandi said the police inspector of the town had convened a peace meeting on September 7 and asked various groups installing Ganesha idols to inform the police about the date of the immersion to ensure proper security arrangements along the route. As one group had taken out the Ganesha procession without intimating the police last year, no security could be provided for the procession, which also passed through a mosque. Hence, the police inspector asked the group not to take out the procession unilaterally without informing the police. About 15 to 20 Ganesha pandals are put up in T. Narsipur town every year, and there is no restriction on the processions. The processions can be taken out on the same route this year as well. The police have imposed no restrictions, he clarified. However, he regretted that the police inspector’s statement was being shown in a “different” manner on social media. He said necessary instructions had also been issued to police officials against issuing statements that could create confusion in the minds of the public. The Hindu Bureau 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 Teen Was Humiliated In Maharashtra’s Beed, Viral Video Sparked Public Outrage: Here’s What Happened
A minor Dalit boy was allegedly assaulted and humiliated in Maharashtra’s Beed district. After an FIR was registered, attention is now on the action police may take against those accused. A case involving the alleged assault and humiliation of a minor Dalit boy in Savargaon, Majalgaon taluka, has triggered concern in Maharashtra’s Beed district. The victim has been identified as Siddhant Avghade. According to the complaint, the minor was allegedly beaten and subjected to humiliating treatment. The incident reportedly came to wider attention after a video related to the case surfaced on social media. An FIR has been registered at Majalgaon Rural Police Station today, September 13, 2026. The case was registered under the provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, along with relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). What Legal Action Could The Accused Face? There are stringent laws regarding offences related to caste abuse, assault, and humiliation in the SC/ST Act. Based on the nature of the accusation and the law invoked, a guilty party may receive jail terms and fines. Arrest might be inevitable in some cases depending on the fulfilment of the requisite legal conditions. Nevertheless, the ultimate punishment shall be determined by the court based on the evidence and charge presented. It is possible that every case under the SC/ST Act may result in automatic arrest without the possibility of anticipatory bail, but this is dependent on the type of offence committed. Police Under Pressure To Act Quickly The case has gained attention after the alleged incident was discussed widely on social media. Social organisations have also reportedly demanded immediate action and the arrest of those accused. With the victim being a minor, authorities are expected to treat the matter with particular sensitivity. The investigation will determine what happened and establish the roles of those named in the case. If charges are established, the accused could face proceedings under the relevant criminal and SC/ST Act provisions. The victim and his family may also be entitled to protection and legal assistance under applicable rules. The case is now likely to remain under close public and administrative scrutiny as the investigation progresses. Published By: Sudeep Singh Rawat Courtesy : NewsX Note: This news is originally published on https:/newsx.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
UP: A new Dalit face enters state politics, Rohini Ghavri eyes Chandrashekhar’s vote bank
Rohini Ghavri: A new Dalit face is entering UP politics. After returning from Switzerland, Rohini Ghavri is preparing to become active in state politics. A new political front appears to be emerging in UP’s Dalit politics ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. After returning from Switzerland, Rohini Ghavri is preparing to become active in state politics. Her main focus is on uniting the Valmiki community and the 21 assembly seats in western Uttar Pradesh where Valmiki voters are considered crucial. Azad Samaj Party President and Nagina MP Chandrashekhar is also considered influential in these areas. Rohini is preparing to campaign in these areas, raising the issue of political representation for the Valmiki community. She says that for a long time, the Valmiki community has been viewed primarily as sanitation workers, while its share in political representation has been relatively low. She also aims to have a Chief Minister from the Valmiki community in a state within the next five years. She is eyeing 21 constituencies, including Agra Cantt, Etmadpur, Jasrana, Firozabad, Meerut Cantt, Meerut City, Ghaziabad, Loni, Lucknow’s Central, North, and West Assembly constituencies, as well as Sisamau, Aryanagar, Kidwai Nagar, Aligarh, and Khair. She is preparing to raise the issue of political representation of the Jatav and Valmiki communities in these constituencies. Rohini will visit several districts. Rohini will arrive in Meerut on September 13th. She will then meet with members of the Valmiki community in Lucknow on September 14th and 15th. She is also expected to meet with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav during this period. Rohini claims that Akhilesh has assured her support in her fight against Chandrashekhar. If her closeness with the SP grows and the party fields her in the election, new Dalit vote dynamics could emerge in Western Uttar Pradesh. Rohini has accused Chandrashekhar of exploiting her by promising marriage. She claims that despite providing financial support, Chandrashekhar severed ties with her after becoming an MP. She also alleged that an FIR was not filed on her complaint because she belonged to the Valmiki community. However, the parties’ views on these allegations are not included in this report. Jatav voters have consistently held significant influence in Dalit politics. Therefore, efforts to mobilize the Valmiki community as a distinct political force could create new dynamics in several seats in Western Uttar Pradesh in the 2027 elections. Rohini also speaks of moving forward with the entire community on board. Published by: Rohit Mishra Courtesy: Hindi News
IIT Mandi Janmashtami Poster Controversy: Inquiry Committee Says No Intent to Target Community, Students Will Now Be Counseled
The inquiry committee also concluded in its report that the provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, are not applicable in this case. Mandi – The three-member inquiry committee formed to investigate the controversial caste-based poster displayed during a Janmashtami event at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has recommended counseling and sensitization training instead of disciplinary action against the students involved. The committee also stated that it found no evidence of an intent to target, insult, or offend any individual or community. The inquiry committee also concluded in its report that the provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, are not applicable in this case. Following the controversy, IIT Mandi will now formulate clear rules and guidelines for student events held on campus and establish a system to monitor such events. What was the entire controversy? The controversy began with a poster displayed during a student-led Janmashtami event held on September 4th at the IIT Mandi campus. The poster was titled “Bhagavad Gita – The Timeless Wisdom.” After photos and videos of the poster surfaced on social media, it sparked strong reactions. The poster divided society into four groups: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, assigning distinct roles to them. The poster stated that Brahmins spread God’s message, Kshatriyas protect society, Vaishyas support others by running the economy, and Shudras serve the upper castes. The poster also referenced a verse from the Bhagavad Gita, which describes the four divisions of human society based on the three gunas of nature and their corresponding actions. The poster’s description of the role of Shudras as “serving the upper classes” drew the most objection, and it was considered to promote caste hierarchy. After photos and videos of the poster circulated on social media, questions arose about the role of the IIT Mandi administration. Many people expressed concerns about caste discrimination, social equality, and the dignity of students in educational institutions. Amid the controversy, IIT Mandi clarified that the event was not officially organized by the institute and that the poster was neither approved nor endorsed by the institute. Following this, on September 6, IIT Mandi Director Professor Laxmikant Behera formed a three-member inquiry committee. What did the inquiry committee find? Now that the investigation is complete, the committee has revealed several important facts related to the matter. According to the committee, the event was not organized by IIT Mandi. No officially recognized student organization of the institute was involved. No IIT Mandi funds were used for the event. The expenses were met through voluntary contributions. The controversial poster was neither viewed, approved, nor endorsed by any authority at the institute. The content of the poster reflected a student’s personal interpretation and did not represent the views or official stance of IIT Mandi. The committee found no evidence of intent to target, insult, or offend any individual or community. The student who displayed the poster was also identified during the investigation. The inquiry committee did not recommend direct disciplinary action against the students concerned. Instead, it recommended counseling and sensitivity training. According to a senior IIT faculty member, the committee found that students need to be sensitized on such issues and therefore considered counseling and sensitization appropriate steps. The committee also pointed out a significant shortcoming at the institute level. The committee found that the IIT Mandi campus lacks a clear and defined process for organizing such events. The committee considered this an institutional shortcoming that needs to be addressed on a priority basis. Based on this recommendation, IIT Mandi will now formulate rules and guidelines for organizing student events on campus and establish a mechanism to monitor such events. A key part of the inquiry report is that the committee found the provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, were not applicable in the case. The report stated that the investigation found no evidence of intent to target, insult, or offend any individual or community, and that the committee concluded that the provisions of the SC/ST Act were not applicable in this case. However, upon the poster controversy, the institute director himself acknowledged that the poster had offended members of the community and expressed regret. The institute expressed regret and sympathy to those affected and stated its commitment to equality, social justice, and a discrimination-free campus. Six members from IIT Mandi’s Reservation Cell assisted the committee in the investigation process. This allowed the committee to incorporate institutional representation related to reservation and social justice issues into the investigation. Based on the available facts and information received from relevant stakeholders, the committee concluded that the event was not an official event of the institute and that the controversial poster was not sanctioned or approved by any institute official. What’s next? Following the committee’s recommendations, IIT Mandi now has two courses of action. First, the students who displayed the controversial poster will be counseled and provided sensitivity training. Second, the institute will develop clear rules, permission procedures, and monitoring mechanisms for future student events on campus. Thus, the findings of the investigation focus more on sensitivity and institutional reform than disciplinary action against students. Overall, IIT Mandi’s investigation found the controversial poster to be at odds with the institute’s official position. Furthermore, the institute acknowledged that the poster offended community members. Counseling and sensitivity training for the concerned students, along with the development of new regulations and monitoring mechanisms for student events on campus, will now proceed. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
BL Santosh asks BJP-MLAs, ‘How will you win in 2027?’:Why did we lose 2024 LS polls, what is the solution; MPs, MLAs told not to fight each other
The BJP’s concern has grown in Uttar Pradesh as Dalit votes have shifted towards the Samajwadi Party. The party will now launch a campaign to reconnect with Dalits. On Saturday, national general secretary (organisation) BL Santosh held a four-hour meeting with MPs, MLAs and district presidents from the Kanpur division. BL Santosh asked the MLAs, How many votes did the BJP candidate receive in your Assembly constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha election? What was the reason for the defeat wherever the BJP lost? How will you make up for this in 2027, and how will you win the election? The MLAs said that in 2017 and 2019, a large number of Dalit votes that had moved away from the Bahujan Samaj Party came to the BJP. The BJP also received a substantial share of Dalit votes in 2022. However, in 2024, Dalit voters became alienated because of narratives such as the Constitution being changed and reservations being scrapped, and shifted towards the Samajwadi Party. Party leaders acknowledged that the Dalit vote is still shifting towards the Samajwadi Party. This could pose a major challenge for the BJP in the 2027 election. BL Santosh and Dharampal Singh urged party leaders to remain united and fight the Assembly election together. They said there should be no conflict between MLAs and MPs or between MLAs and district presidents. Read BL Santosh’s three key points 1- People no longer like VIP culture B.L. Santosh said that people no longer like VIP culture. Convoys of vehicles, sirens and getting tolls waived send the wrong message. This harms the party as well as MPs, MLAs and district presidents. Launch campaigns to bring members of the Dalit community and Dalit leaders into the party. Implement the Ambedkar statue scheme. Organise Sant Ravidas Jayanti programmes effectively and use them to bring Dalits closer to the BJP. 2- Do not limit social media to a photo album B.L. Santosh said that social media is now the biggest political tool. Do not limit it to photographs and albums. Make full use of it in preparing for the elections. It can be used to convey the party’s message to the public quickly and effectively. However, social media must not be misused. The meeting continued from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. BJP office-bearers from Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, Etawah, Kannauj, Auraiya and Farrukhabad attended it. The meeting continued from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. BJP office-bearers from Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, Etawah, Kannauj, Auraiya and Farrukhabad attended it. 3- Get the names of women deleted during SIR reinstated L. Santosh said that the names of a large number of voters had been deleted during SIR. This included voters who support the BJP ideology. B. L. Santosh said that the process of adding names was still under way. He directed party workers to have the names of those whose names had been deleted added again. He also raised the issue of the low gender ratio among women voters. He said that after marriage, the names of many women are deleted from the voter lists in their maternal homes but are not added to the lists in their marital homes. He directed party workers to have the names of such women added to the voter list, as women are a major vote bank for the BJP. Meeting lasted 4 hours, defeated candidates were also consulted The meeting lasted from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. BJP office-bearers from Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, Etawah, Kannauj, Auraiya and Farrukhabad attended it. State General Secretary Shankar Lal Lodhi and Kanpur Regional President Ram Kishore Sahu were also present. BL Santosh also spoke to candidates who had lost the 2022 election. He asked them how many votes they had received and by how many votes the victory or defeat was decided. Courtesy : Bhaskar English Note: This news is originally published on https:/bhaskarenglish.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Kerala Dalit dental student suicide case: Prime accused HOD Dr Kodanda Ram granted bail
The victim’s father, Rajan V.N., filed an objection in court. He stated that his son had entered the college through merit. The HOD called him a “slumdog,” taunted him about reservations, and made comments about organ donation if his parents didn’t attend PTA meetings. Talaseri – The special court in the Kannur Dental College suicide case of Nitin Raj, a Dalit BDS student, has granted regular bail to the accused department head, Dr. M. Kodanda Ram. Judge Manoj M. of the Special SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act court in Talaseri granted bail in an order passed on September 9. City and Local Guide Nitin Raj belonged to the Hindu Cheraman community, which falls under the Scheduled Caste category. Nitin committed suicide by jumping from the second floor of the college campus on the afternoon of April 10. The Kannur Crime Branch’s Crime No. 1081/2026 alleges that the accused, including Dr. Ram, publicly humiliated, insulted, and threatened him. The prosecution alleges that this harassment, attributed to his caste, caused severe mental distress and led to the student’s suicide. The case has been registered under Section 108 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 3(1)(r) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Dr. Ram is the Head of the Dental Anatomy Department at Kannur Dental College, Anjarakandy. His anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the Special Court, the Kerala High Court, and the Supreme Court. He was released on the grounds that his first arrest violated Supreme Court guidelines. He was re-arrested on July 23rd with the court’s permission. He has since been in judicial custody for over 45 days. The court clarified in its order that a detailed analysis of evidence is not conducted at the bail stage. Citing the Supreme Court’s Shajan Skaria case regarding Section 3(1)(r) of the SC/ST Act, the court stated that mere insult or threat does not apply to the offence. The victim’s caste must be the cause of the insult. The court found that at this stage, there was no evidence that the accused publicly addressed the victim by their caste, although there were allegations of public ridicule and insult. South Asians and Migrants Dr. Ram is the Head of the Dental Anatomy Department at Kannur Dental College, Anjarakandy. His anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the Special Court, the Kerala High Court, and the Supreme Court. He was released on the grounds that the first arrest was in violation of Supreme Court guidelines. Regarding the issue of abetment to suicide (Section 108 CrPC, old Section 306 IPC), the court cited several Supreme Court decisions. These include Pawan Kumar v. State of Himachal Pradesh, M. Mohan v. State, Jaideepsinh Chavda and Ramesh Kumar. The court held that mere harassment or utterances made in anger are not sufficient to constitute abetment. Clear intent, active involvement, and actions that left the victim with no option but to commit suicide must be demonstrated. These questions will be determined at trial. Crime and Justice Based on the investigating officer’s report and the case diary, the court held that further custody was not necessary for the investigation. The police had already conducted interrogations after taking custody. The court reiterated the principle that “bail is the rule, jail is the exception” and cited the Supreme Court’s decisions in Jalaluddin Khan and Manish Sisodia. The victim’s father, Rajan V.N., filed a complaint with the court. He stated that his son had entered the college on merit. The Principal called him a “slumdog,” taunted him about reservations, and made comments about organ donation if his parents did not attend PTA meetings. The father alleges that the investigation is not being conducted impartially, and the High Court has also expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of the investigation. The former investigating officer was also suspended. The accused argued that Nitin Raj was weak in studies, was under pressure from loan apps, and the incident occurred after a consultation in the principal’s cabin on April 10th. They claimed that Dr. Ram’s last contact with them was on March 13th. The court granted bail on the following conditions: A bond of Rs. 5 lakh and two sureties (one a close relative) Court and Judiciary Appearance before the investigating officer every Wednesday from 9 to 10 am (for six months or until the charge sheet is filed) Complete prohibition on entering the Kannur Dental College campus or contacting students until the trial is over Not influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence Not committing any new crime while on bail If the condition is violated, the concerned police station officer can approach the court to revoke the bail. The case is still under investigation. The court reiterated that this order is not a final verdict on the merits. Nitin Raj’s death has rekindled questions about caste-based harassment and institutional accountability on college campuses. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
A hotel owner in Karnataka has been booked for serving drinking water to a Dalit customer in his hands instead of a glass.
A shameful video of untouchability in Raichur, Karnataka, has gone viral. Following a complaint from the Social Welfare Department, police have filed a case under the SC/ST Act. Karnataka: A shocking case of caste discrimination has come to light in Raichur district. A case has been filed against a hotel owner for allegedly serving drinking water to a Dalit customer in his hands instead of a glass. The action was taken on Wednesday after a video surfaced of the shameful incident, which allegedly clearly depicts the evil practice of untouchability. Social Welfare Department official Ravindra Uppar stated that the incident came to light when a person from the Scheduled Caste community contacted him with a complaint about caste discrimination in the village. During his visit to the village, Uppar came across the video, which is said to be about three months old. After watching the video, he immediately approached the police and filed a written complaint. Based on the officer’s complaint, the Lingsugur police immediately took strict action. The police have registered a case against hotel owner Sharanappa Hadapada and other accused under Section 3(1)(za)(D) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015, and Section 4 of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955. Morality The administration has become fully alert following this incident. Uppar stated that they, along with the Tehsildar and police officers, conducted a special survey of the village. The investigation team spoke to local residents and other hotel owners and clearly warned them that there is no place for any kind of discrimination in society. However, other hotel owners in the village have categorically denied all these allegations, stating that no such practice is observed in their area. Officer Uppar stated that the circumstances surrounding the viral video and the allegations made are yet to be thoroughly investigated. Meanwhile, Raichur Superintendent of Police (SP) Arunangshu Giri has reacted strongly to the matter. He clarified that the police have registered a case and issued notices to the accused, and the entire matter is being investigated very thoroughly. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News