Rights groups seek action after death of 19-year-old Dalit student in Himachal Pradesh college
Dalit rights organisations on Friday demanded the arrest of three senior students and a college professor, and accountability from authorities, following the death of a 19-year-old Dalit female student who they allege was subjected to sustained ragging, sexual harassment and psychological abuse at a government college in Himachal Pradesh. Dalit Adivasi Shakti Adhikar Manch (DASAM) and its women’s collective, Mahila Kaamkaji Manch (MKM), said the student of Government Degree College, Dharamshala, died after enduring months of harassment that was ignored by the college administration and state authorities. In a statement issued on Friday, the groups described the case as a “grave instance of caste- and gender-based institutional violence” and said her suffering was overlooked until it culminated in her death. According to a complaint filed by the girl’s father and a first information report (FIR) registered by police, the girl, who belonged to a Scheduled Caste community, was allegedly subjected to ragging, intimidation, humiliation and physical assault on campus. The FIR names three senior students — Harshita, Aakriti and Komolika — for their alleged role in the abuse. The complaint also names Professor Ashok Kumar, a faculty member at the college, accusing him of sexually inappropriate behaviour and harassment. The allegations include abuse of academic authority and conduct of a sexual nature, the organisations said. DASAM said the alleged actions attract provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, including sections relating to caste-based insult, intimidation and sexual harassment of Dalit women. The FIR also includes offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, such as sexual harassment, causing hurt and criminal intimidation, which the groups say must be read alongside provisions of the SC/ST Act that mandate enhanced punishment for crimes committed with knowledge of a victim’s caste identity. The organisations said the girl had been hospitalised repeatedly and showed signs of severe psychological distress before her death, pointing to what they described as a complete failure of the institution to provide counselling or protection. They said this amounted to a violation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, and of the constitutional right to life with dignity. Holding the college administration responsible, DASAM said provisions of the SC/ST Act that penalise neglect of duty by public servants should be invoked against officials who failed to act on complaints or warning signs. The group also said the girl’s family was entitled to protection, relief and compensation under the law. The alleged ragging also falls under the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Ragging) Act, 2009, while the accusations against the professor invoke the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, the statement said. The organisations demanded the immediate arrest of all accused, noting that anticipatory bail is barred under the SC/ST Act. They also called for the resignation of the college principal and the state’s education minister, the termination of the accused professor, and the expulsion of the three students. In addition, they sought independent inquiries by the National Human Rights Commission and the National Commission for Women, a time-bound judicial probe into institutional responsibility, and compensation and rehabilitation for the girl’s family. Incidents of violence against Dalit women in educational institutions deter others from pursuing higher education and deepen social exclusion, the groups said, calling the case a systemic failure rather than an isolated tragedy. Maktoob Staff Courtesy : Maktoob Media Note: This news is originally published on https:/maktoobmedia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dharamshala Dalit Student’s Death Case: College Claims Deceased Was Not Enrolled, Failed 3 First-Year Subjects
A 19-year-old woman allegedly subjected to ragging, sexual harassment and mental torture at a Dharamshala college died, sparking statewide outrage. Police booked four students and a professor, while the college denied her current enrollment, citing failed subjects. The family questioned the role of the college and police as investigations continue. Dharamshala: After the death of a 19-year-old female student, who was allegedly subjected to ragging and sexual harassment at her college, triggered widespread outrage across Himachal Pradesh, the college administration has come out in support of the accused professor and said that the woman was not enrolled as a student after she failed 3 subjects in the first year. About The Case The deeply disturbing case came to light on Friday from Dharamshala, where Pallavi, who was allegedly subjected to ragging and sexual harassment at her college, died while undergoing prolonged treatment. This case triggered widespread outrage and has raised questions over the role of the college and police administration. In connection with the case, police have registered an FIR against four female students and a college professor. However, the matter has taken a controversial turn as the college administration has refused to recognise the deceased as a student of the institution for the current academic year. This has led the victim’s family and guardians to question the conduct of both the college authorities and the police in handling the case. Following the death Pallavi, who was associated with Dharamshala Degree College, serious allegations of ragging, sexual harassment and mental torture have surfaced. Acting on a complaint filed by the victim’s father, Vikram Kumar, the Dharamshala police have registered a case under Sections 75, 115(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which deal with sexual harassment, voluntarily causing hurt and common intention. The FIR also includes Section 3 of the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Ragging) Act, 2009. Confirming the development, Kangra ASP Veer Bahadur said the matter had earlier been taken up on the Chief Minister’s helpline. Addressing questions over police action, he said, “Questions are being raised about the police; the truth is that as soon as they received information about the case, they immediately contacted the victim’s family and learned that they were out of town for their daughter’s treatment.” He added that the family had been requested to inform the police after returning to Dharamshala. “The police are now investigating it, in which four female students and one professor have been named as parties,” the ASP said. Meanwhile, the deceased student’s father, Vikram Kumar, has raised strong objections to the conduct of the college administration, the police and what he described as the prevailing mindset of society. He alleged that the very institution where he had sent his daughter to pursue her studies failed to protect her. “Not only did the college students mistreat her, but even the professor did not leave any stone unturned in torturing her,” he alleged. Vikram further claimed that his daughter was subjected to casteist slurs and immense mental harassment. “My daughter was so mentally tormented that she ultimately left this world. This is a highly condemnable incident. If strict action is not taken today, then in the near future, other daughters will also continue to be tormented in the same way as my daughter, and there is no guarantee that they will get justice,” he told reporters. Expressing disappointment with the police, he said that the family was compelled to approach the CM’s helpline. “In this situation, they too had to take the matter to the CM’s helpline. If the police had been vigilant here, perhaps this wouldn’t have happened,” Vikram said. After the incident, the college administration has openly defended the accused professor. College Principal Rakesh Pathania said there was no dispute that the deceased had earlier been a student of the college, but claimed she was not enrolled during the current academic year. “Therefore, saying that she was studying in this college would not be fair to the college’s image,” Pathania said. He explained that the student had failed in three subjects in her first year and was repeatedly pressuring the department professor for admission to the second year, which was against university rules. “She left the college and was neither admitted to the first year nor the second year. However, she was seen in college again in July and then left again in September. Therefore, currently, the student has no connection with the college as a regular student,” he said. Pathania also asserted that the college follows a zero-tolerance policy on ragging. “Anti-ragging committee numbers are written in every block, yet we did not receive any complaint from anyone on which an enquiry could be conducted,” he said. Vikram Shri Vats, Associate Professor of Physics and Head of the Professors’ Unit at the college, also came out in support of the accused professor Ashok. While expressing sympathy for the bereaved family, he said, “The ground reality is that the allegations levelled against our college professor Ashok are completely baseless. I condemn them and stand with the professor in this matter.” Similarly, Monica Makkar, Professor of Psychology at the college, defended the accused faculty member. “We stand 100 per cent with Professor Ashok because he has been teaching children in this college since 2006, and to this day, he has not been seen misbehaving with anyone in this way or in any other way,” she said. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has also stepped into the matter following the student’s death. Speaking to reporters, ABVP state secretary Nancy Atal said the organisation stands with the victim’s family and questioned the functioning of both the police and the college administration. “If they had taken timely action on this incident, perhaps this situation would not have arisen,” she said. Atal further accused the police of failing in their duty, alleging that they often delay action in criminal cases but act swiftly to suppress student movements. Meanwhile, an investigation is underway, and further details are awaited.
Casteism; Dalit Youth Subjected to Casteist Abuse, Defamed on Social Media; Demands FIR Under SC/ST Act
Himachal News: Surajmani, a Scheduled Caste resident of Balichowki in Mandi district, has sent a complaint to the Superintendent of Police. He is receiving casteist abuses and death threats due to a private video that went viral on social media. He has demanded that an FIR be registered under sections of the BNS, IT Act, and SC/ST Act. This case comes against the backdrop of increasing caste-based atrocities in Himachal Pradesh. The Viral Video Incident Surajmani stated that a video of a private conversation of his was uploaded on Facebook without his permission a few days ago. The video did not contain any objectionable comments about deities. Yet, some people are repeatedly sharing it. This has led to Surajmani receiving abuses with casteist slurs and threats. These threats are spreading through Facebook posts, photos, and videos. Surajmani is suffering from mental stress. It has become difficult for him to leave his house. People are spreading rumors. He has been defamed throughout Himachal Pradesh. In his letter to the Superintendent of Police, he demanded an investigation. He said that the accused can be identified through social media. Complaint of Unauthorized Call Recording Facebook user “Bunty Saraji Baldev Thakur” called Surajmani. He recorded the call without informing him. Later, he made it viral on social media. Surajmani termed this a violation of privacy. He cited the Supreme Court’s 2017 Puttaswamy judgment. This judgment considers unauthorized recording a crime. Surajmani said that this is a violation of his constitutional right under Article 21. His right to life and personal liberty has been snatched away. He demanded action against the accused under sections of the IT Act. Harassment Through False Complaints “Bunty Saraji Baldev Thakur” and “Tulesh Thakur” have filed false complaints against Surajmani. These complaints were filed at the Superintendent of Police office and Janjehli police station. Surajmani says that these are motivated by caste hatred. This is negatively impacting their livelihood and social standing. They cited Section 3(1)(v) of the SC/ST Act, which provides for punishment for giving false information. Surajmani appealed to the police to take action on these complaints. Applicable Legal Sections The complaint mentions Section 351 of the BNS, which covers criminal intimidation. Section 356 deals with defamation. Section 66 of the IT Act addresses unauthorized computer activity, and Section 67 applies to the transmission of offensive material. Section 3(1)(r) of the SC/ST Act punishes public insult, and Section 3(1)(u) penalizes promoting hatred. Section 72A of the IT Act provides for two years imprisonment for disclosing confidential information, and Section 43A ensures compensation for data misuse. BNS Section 223 is the basis for action against giving false information. Surajmani demanded an FIR under all these sections. Demand for Action Against the Accused Surajmani appealed for the arrest and interrogation of the accused. They requested directions to social media platforms to remove the content and also requested police protection. They offered to provide screenshots and video links. Rising Caste-Based Cases in Himachal Cases under the SC/ST Act are increasing in Himachal Pradesh. In 2024, 213 cases were registered in the state. Mandi district alone accounted for 42 cases, while Shimla had 27 and Kangra 22. Recently, a case of caste discrimination in Rohru made headlines. The death of a 12-year-old Dalit boy sparked a debate on untouchability. The rape and murder of a Dalit woman in Kangra led to protests. The CPI(M) demanded justice for Dalits. The High Court has taken a strict stance in several cases. In October 2025, a woman was denied anticipatory bail for allegedly beating an SC child for touching her. A discharge order was revoked in July 2025. The court stated that caste is determined by birth and does not change. These incidents show that caste-based atrocities are still a challenge in Himachal Pradesh. Surajmani’s case appears to be part of this trend. Poonam Sharma Courtesy: Hindi News
3-Time MLA And Dalit Face Vinay Kumar Is New Himachal Congress Chief
Vinay Kumar has been elected MLA from the Renuka constituency for the third consecutive time. Shimla: Ending the uncertainty that prevailed since the previous committee was dissolved on November 6 last year, Congress on Saturday appointed three-time MLA and senior party leader Vinay Kumar as the new President of its Himachal Pradesh unit. A statement in this regard was issued by AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal. The statement issued on Saturday mentioned that the party President, Mallikarjun Kharge, has appointed Vinay Kumar as the “President of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee with immediate effect”. A prominent Dalit face of the party, Kumar was the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly and tendered his resignation from the post, which was accepted by Speaker Kuldeep Pathania. The resignation was seen as a step towards his formal announcement as the state Congress party president. It is noteworthy that Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu had already advocated for a Dalit-affiliated party president. Party National President Mallikarjun Kharge also agreed with Vinay Kumar’s name. Vinay Kumar has been elected MLA from the Renuka constituency for the third consecutive time. Vinay Kumar was elected Deputy Speaker of the Assembly after the 2022 elections. With his position now becoming vacant, the names of Bhoranj MLA Suresh Kumar, Palampur MLA Ashish Butail, and Kasauli MLA KD Sultanpuri are being considered for the post. In an effort to rejuvenate the Congress organisation in Himachal Pradesh and strengthen its grassroots presence, the party dissolved its state, district, and block executive committees on November 6 of last year. The party’s top leadership initiated this organisational restructuring to address upcoming political challenges and to create a new structure that includes dedicated and influential party workers. This move was based on a proposal by then State President Pratibha Singh, which received approval from Kharge. Following this, KC Venugopal issued a letter on November 6, 2024, officially dissolving all executive committees except for the Congress President. Pratibha was asked to continue till further orders. 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
Himachal: Organizations took to the streets in Nahan against Dalit oppression, submitted a 12-point memorandum to the Chief Minister.
The 12-point demands, including the investigation of pending cases under the SC/ST Act, the arrest of the culprits, and the formation of a clean-up commission, were submitted to the Chief Minister. Nahan (Sirmaur). Dalit organizations held a strong protest in Nahan on Monday against the increasing atrocities, discrimination, and rights violations against the Dalit community in Himachal Pradesh. Representatives from more than eight organizations, united under the banner of the “Dalit Shoshan Mukti Manch,” held a protest rally and presented their demands to the state government. The protest began at the Hindu Ashram in Nahan and passed through various parts of the city, culminating at the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) office. Here, the protesters, led by the forum’s state convener, Ashish Kumar, submitted a 12-point memorandum of demands to the Chief Minister through the Deputy Commissioner. Anger over recent incidents Prior to the rally, a joint convention of various Dalit organizations was held at the Hindu Ashram. Ashish Kumar inaugurated the convention, while Satpal Mann moderated the forum. In his address, Ashish Kumar stated that incidents of atrocities against Dalits have increased in the state in recent times. He specifically mentioned the suspicious death of Dalit student Sikandar in Rohru and the fatal attack and death of a Dalit woman in Sainj, Kullu. He stated that these incidents have created deep resentment within the Dalit community across the state. Formation of a New Committee During the convention, a 31-member committee was also formed to formulate future strategies and strengthen the organization. Rajesh Tomar was unanimously elected as the convener, and Vijay Chauriya, Prasan Tomar, and Praveen Sodha were elected co-conveners. Key Demands Included in the Memorandum The memorandum sent to the Chief Minister includes several important demands related to the safety and rights of the Dalit community. The forum’s key demands are: Justice and Law: Pending cases registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act should be investigated in a timely and impartial manner, and the culprits should be immediately arrested. Reservation and Funds: An SC/ST Development Fund Act should be enacted in the state, modeled after Telangana, and the 85th Constitutional Amendment should be fully implemented. The reservation roster should be strictly followed in new recruitments. Victim Relief: Immediate financial assistance should be provided to families affected by harassment. Education: Timely payment of scholarships to Dalit students should be ensured. Monitoring: A state-level monitoring committee should be formed to investigate discrimination in government and educational institutions. Budget: The budget allocated for SC/ST welfare schemes should be utilized 100%, and a public report should be released. Sanitation Workers: Sanitation workers should be regularized in the state, the contract system should be abolished, and a ‘Sanitation Commission’ should be established in Himachal Pradesh, modeled after Delhi, Punjab, and Karnataka. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Stricter measures demanded against untouchability, caste discrimination
The Shoshan Mukti Manch today staged a massive protest outside the premises of Deputy Commissioner’s office against atrocities on the Dalit community, especially rising cases of rapes and murders. The manch demanded that the state government should opt stricter measures to stop untouchability, caste-based discrimination and oppression of Dalits as well as crime against them. Through the Deputy Commissioner, the manch submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister demanding an end to social evils, while highlighting the issues and demands of the Dalit community. During the protest, Jagat Ram, state co-convener of the manch, alleged that the state was witnessing a significant rise in incidents of untouchability, caste-based discrimination, assaults on Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes, rapes and murders over the past few months. He said in Rohru, a 12-year-old Dalit boy identified as Sikander, was subjected to such an extreme harassment that he was compelled to die by suicide. Also, in one of the schools in Rohru, a Dalit student was stripped naked by a teacher, and beaten and tortured with a stinging nettle. Similarly, in Kullu district’s Sainj Valley, a woman was brutally gang-raped and murdered, he said. During the Kullu Dussehra festival, a government officer was assaulted and humiliated, an incident that brought shame to the entire state, he said. “Cases of physical violence and rape of women by politically influential individuals and their families are on the rise. In Hamirpur, an attempt was made to rape a woman. She was attacked violently, leading to her death in the hospital,” he said. Jagat Ram further stated that the policies of liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation adopted by the state government were rapidly affecting both the nation and the state. “These policies are resulting in attacks on the rights of the common people and withdrawal of their essential facilities, creating widespread public anger. To divert attention from real issues and retain power, the ruling side is inciting divisions among people on the basis of caste and religion,” he claimed. Article_Author Tribune News Service Courtesy : The Tribune Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetribune.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
In HP: Dalit Child Beaten, Tortured with ‘Bicchu Booti’ by School Teacher
An FIR has been lodged against the teacher at the Government Primary School, Bhaloon, under the relevant sections of the BNS and SC/ST (POA) Act for inflicting severe corporal punishment on a Class One student. A school teacher gave corporal punishment to an eight-year-old Dalit boy in Rohru, barely 110 km from Shimla, the state capital. The teacher tortured the minor Dalit boy using stinging nettle, commonly called bicchu booti—a Himalayan plant known for causing itching and burning sensations from its touch. Director of Elementary Education Ashish Kohli confirmed that the police have booked the teachers accused in both incidents, one of which involves a Dalit boy, occurring in the same area. After a horrifying video of a schoolteacher torturing a student with stinging nettle, commonly called bicchu booti—a Himalayan plant known for causing itching and burning sensations from its touch—yet another case of corporal punishment of an eight-year-old Dalit boy has come to light in Rohru, barely 110 km from Shimla, the state capital. Director of Elementary Education Ashish Kohli confirmed that the police have booked the teachers accused in both incidents, one of which involves a Dalit boy, occurring in the same area. “Also, an inquiry has been ordered in both cases, after the matter reached the government. It’s a serious case of indiscipline and gross violation of Section 17 of the Right to Education Act, 2009. “The guilty will not be spared,” he declared. A third incident of came to light on November 5, wherein a Class IV boy was assaulted by his teacher. In the last two weeks, there have been three reported instances of violent thrashing of a student in Himachal Pradesh. Further, an FIR has also been lodged against the teacher at the Government Primary School, Bhaloon, under the relevant sections of the BNS and SC/ST (POA) Act for inflicting severe corporal punishment on a Class 1 student. As per the written complaint submitted by the child’s father, Durga Singh, the teacher named Nitish Thakur allegedly assaulted his minor son at school so brutally that the boy began bleeding from his ear. He also has suffered partial hearing loss. “Not only this, but the teacher crossed all limits and went to the extent of inserting stinging nettle into the child’s pants. This left the child in unbearable pain, discomfort due to a burning sensation, and humiliation,” he alleged. What is far more serious, said the aggrieved father, is that the accused teacher was not even serving the school or had not been engaged by the school authorities. He was coming to the school to drop off his wife, a part-time water carrier and had started teaching voluntarily. “The accused has also been accused of openly indulging in untouchability in the school and resorted to caste discrimination by making a separate place for the upper caste children and Dalits for the midday meal”, Ashish Kohli says, quoting contents of the complaint. The school head teacher, rather than taking action against the accused, attempted to protect him and threatened to expel the victim (the boy) if he dared to report the incident or file any complaints. The head teacher, accompanied by another staff member, visited the victim’s family and asked them not to approach the police or the sub-divisional authorities at Rohru; instead, try to suppress the matter, otherwise the child will be expelled from the school. Kohli said the departmental action has been initiated in the case of the Dalit boy, as also in the other case of a teacher torturing the boy in another school in the same area. “From time to time, we keep reiterating instructions about not using any kind of corporal punishment method against the students during teaching or otherwise. One good thing happening these days is the use of social media to highlight such incidents, which attracts our immediate attention and also action. There is zero tolerance in such cases,” said the Director of Elementary Education. Meanwhile, Dalit Shoshan Mukti Manch—an organisation working for the rights of the Dalits—has demanded the arrest of the accused and asked the state’s education department to take action against the water carrier, who has allegedly been sending her husband to teach at the school. The Block Primary Education Officer (BPEO), Yashwant Khimta, has also visited the school since then and initiated a departmental probe. He confirmed that owing to a shortage of teaching staff, the School Management Committee (SMC), with mutual consent, had permitted Nitish to assist at the school voluntarily, without any remuneration. His wife is employed at the same school as a water carrier. Khimta stated that a detailed report of the inquiry has been submitted to the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDM), Rohru, for further action. The Deputy SP of Rohru, Pranav Chauhan, said the matter is under investigation. Statements of the child’s parents are being recorded, and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Rohru has been informed about the action. Education Minister Rohit Thakur has expressed deep concern over the recent incidents of corporal punishment and other complaints emerging from government schools in remote areas. “We will ensure that strict action is taken so that such incidents do not recur in the future. I have also noted with concern reports of caste-based discrimination. This has no place in our schools or society. The government is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for every child,” he said. Ashwani Sharma Courtesy : Outlook India Note: This news is originally published on https:/outlookindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Shimla: Teachers Booked for Assaulting Dalit Boy, Putting Scorpion in His Pants
Three teachers, including the headmaster of a government school in Shimla’s Rohru sub-division, face charges under the SC/ST Act and Juvenile Justice Act for allegedly torturing an eight-year-old Dalit student Three teachers of a government school in Shimla, including the headmaster, have been booked for repeatedly assaulting an eight-year-old Dalit boy and placing a scorpion in his pants, police said on Sunday. In a police complaint, the father of the boy – a Class 1 student of Government Primary School at Khaddapani area in Rohru sub-division of Shimla district – accused headmaster Devendra and teachers Babu Ram and Kritika Thakur of frequently physically assaulting his son for almost a year.The complainant said that continuous beating caused the child’s ear to bleed and damaged his eardrum. He also said the teachers took his son to the school’s toilet, where they placed a scorpion in his pants. Following the complaint, police have registered a case under Sections 127(2) (wrongful confinement), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 3(5) (criminal acts in furtherance of a common intent) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and for cruelty towards a child under the Juvenile Justice Act. The teachers have also been charged under sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act pertaining to forcibly removing clothes or similar acts derogatory to human dignity, and crimes against a member of the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. A communication is being sent to seniors for directions on whether the investigation is to be conducted by a gazetted officer, police said.According to the father, the teachers intimidated the boy, telling him that if he complained at home, they would have him arrested. He said that on October 30, the headmaster allegedly threatened to expel the child from the school. He said the complainant’s family would face severe consequences if the matter was made public and threatened them by saying, “We will burn you.” The boy’s father was also warned not to lodge a police complaint or post about the incident on social media, or he would have to “wash his hands of life.” The complainant also alleged that Kritika Thakur’s husband, Nitish Thakur, has been illegally teaching students at the school in her place for the last one year. He also alleged caste-based discrimination by teachers at the school. Nepali and Harijan students were made to sit separately from Rajput students during meals, he said. This is not the first incident of teachers assaulting students or caste discrimination in Rohru. Last week, a teacher at Government Primary School in Gawana area of Rohru was suspended for beating a student with a prickly bush. Earlier, a 12-year-old Dalit boy allegedly committed suicide at Limda village in Rohru after some upper-caste women locked him up inside a cowshed for entering their house. Courtesy : DC Note: This news is originally published on https:/deccanchronicle.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Inhuman atrocities on Dalit students in Himachal Pradesh, Prakash Ambedkar’s anger
Mumbai – A deplorable incident of inhuman and caste discrimination by the headmaster and two teachers of an eight-year-old Dalit student of a government school under Congress rule in Himachal Pradesh has come to light. This incident has created an outcry across the country. Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi Chief Adv. Prakash Ambedkar has directly targeted the ruling party by registering a strong protest against the incident. Shocking information about atrocities According to the information, the victim student belonged to the Dalit community and was repeatedly subjected to derogatory remarks in school. He was constantly subjected to physical and mental torture by the headmaster and both teachers. In one incident of beating, blood started flowing from the student’s ears. Tyahoon inhuman type means – The accused teacher kept a live snake in the boy’s pants. Apart from this, another shocking allegation has been made that Nepali and Dalit students are kept separate from upper caste students in schools. This decline has once again exposed the ugly face of caste discrimination in the education sector. “The rulers change, but the pain of the Dalits remains” – Or giving a negative reaction ad. Prakash Ambedkar said, “BJP and Congress both wear different masks, but serve the caste system secretly. They trade the honor of Dalits for votes. They shout at each other, but their complicity in Dalit atrocities is obvious.” He further said, “The rulers change, but the pain of the Dalits continues. There is a need for Dalit society to accept the new path adopted by Baba Saheb and create a political alternative for itself.” Justice’s demand and expectation of action A demand has been made by the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi to immediately investigate the matter and take strict action against the culprits. Meanwhile, an investigation into the incident appears to be underway by the local administration. Courtesy: Hindi News
‘They Put a Scorpion in His Pants’: 8-Year-Old Dalit Boy in Shimla District Subjected to Abuse by Teachers
An eight-year-old Dalit boy in Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla district was allegedly subjected to repeated caste-based harassment and physical assault by his school’s headmaster and two teachers, including an incident where they reportedly placed a scorpion inside his pants, police said on Sunday. The accused, headmaster Devendra and teachers Babu Ram and Kritika Thakur, have been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Juvenile Justice Act, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. According to the complaint filed by the child’s father, the abuse had been ongoing for nearly a year at the Government Primary School in Khaddapani, under Rohru subdivision. He alleged that his son was regularly beaten, once so severely that his ear bled and his eardrum was damaged. In one horrifying instance, the teachers allegedly took the child to a toilet and placed a scorpion inside his pants. The father also accused the headmaster of threatening to expel his son and warning the family against approaching the police. “They told us not to file a complaint or post about the incident on social media, or we would lose our lives,” he said. The father further claimed that the school practised caste-based segregation, forcing Nepali and Dalit (Harijan) students to sit separately from Rajput students during meals. Local reports suggest this is not an isolated case in Rohru. Just last week, a teacher in Gawana area was suspended for beating a student with a prickly bush. Earlier this month, a 12-year-old Dalit boy in Limda village reportedly died by suicide after being locked inside a cowshed by upper-caste women for entering their house. Police have begun investigating the case. Officials said statements from the child and witnesses are being recorded, and medical examination reports are awaited. 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