Video Falsely Claims Indian Army Officer Thrashed In Thailand For Refusing To Pay For Escort Service
The video actually shows a 52-year-old Indian tourist, Raj Jasuja, who was allegedly beaten up in Pattaya following a dispute over payment for sexual services. A video showing several women assaulting a man in public is being widely shared on social media. The clip includes a screenshot of what appears to be a Times of India headline claiming that an Indian Army official, identified as Lt Gen Rajiv Kumar Sahni, was beaten up in Thailand after refusing to pay for an escort service. Was Indian Army Officer Lt Gen Rajiv Kumar Sahni Assaulted In Thailand? No, Video Viral Evidence A Google reverse image search using a keyframe from the viral video led us to a report published by ABP News on January 3, 2026. The report identified the man in the video as Raj Jasuja, a 52-year-old Indian tourist. According to the report, he was allegedly assaulted by a group of transgender women in Pattaya, Thailand, on December 27, 2025, following a dispute over payment after availing sexual services. We also found a report by The Indian Express carrying details of the same incident. The report, too, detailed that Raj Jasuja was allegedly assaulted in Pattaya after an argument related to payment for sexual services escalated into a physical altercation. The report further noted that the tourist suffered injuries to his face and the back of his head and was taken to a hospital after receiving first aid. Further investigation led us to a report by The Thaiger, which stated that the incident took place near Pattaya’s Walking Street. Citing an eyewitness identified as Phongphon, the report stated that an argument broke out between Raj Jasuja and a transgender woman over an alleged payment dispute. Was Indian Army Officer Lt Gen Rajiv Kumar Sahni Assaulted In Thailand? No, Video Viral With False Claim According to the eyewitness account, the transgender woman subsequently called several colleagues, after which the Indian tourist was allegedly attacked by a group. The report added that Raj Jasuja received medical treatment for his injuries and that police planned to record his statement as part of their investigation. We also searched for the Times of India headline visible in the viral post and found that it had been digitally altered. The original reports and footage identified the victim as Raj Jasuja, an Indian tourist. However, viral social media posts modified the headline and falsely portrayed the man as an Indian Army official, thereby creating a misleading narrative around the incident. Conclusion Our investigation found that the viral claim is false. The video does not show an Indian Army official being assaulted in Thailand. It actually depicts an incident involving 52-year-old Indian tourist Raj Jasuja, who was allegedly attacked following a dispute over payment for sexual services in Pattaya. Additionally, the headline attached to the viral post was manipulated to misrepresent the identity of the victim. Written By Mohammed Zakariya, Translated By Vasudha Beri, Edited By Kushel Madhusoodan Courtesy : News Cheker Note: This news is originally published on https:/newschecker.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Britain rolls out landmark transgender rules for single sex toilets, NHS wards and women-only spaces
From public toilets and hospital wards to gyms, schools and women-only refuges, Britain is preparing for one of the biggest changes to its equality guidance in years after the government formally unveiled new transgender access rules. The updated guidance outlines when transgender people can legally be excluded from certain single-sex spaces under UK law, a move that is already triggering intense national debate over privacy, safety, inclusion and equality rights. The new code follows a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom in 2025, which stated that under the Equality Act 2010, the legal definition of “sex” refers to biological sex rather than gender identity. The judgment effectively means a transgender woman is legally considered male under equality law, while a transgender man is legally considered female for the purposes of single-sex protections. The guidance was prepared by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), Britain’s independent equality watchdog, and formally presented to Parliament by the UK Government Equalities Office under Women and Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson. Parliament now has a 40-day scrutiny period before the code becomes fully enforceable across public bodies, workplaces and service providers throughout England, Scotland and Wales. The updated rules replace earlier guidance dating back to 2011 and are expected to influence policies across the National Health Service (NHS), schools, universities, gyms, sports organisations, employers and local councils nationwide. UK’s single-sex spaces rules The new code states that organisations can lawfully exclude transgender individuals from certain single-sex services if doing so is considered a “proportionate means” of protecting privacy, dignity, safety or fairness. The guidance applies to places and services including: Public toilets Changing rooms Domestic abuse refuges Hospital wards Sports competitions Schools and colleges Gyms and leisure centres Under the updated framework: Trans women may be excluded from women-only spaces. Trans men may be excluded from men-only spaces. Organisations are encouraged to consider gender-neutral or third-space alternatives where possible. The EHRC also stressed that transgender people still remain protected under the Equality Act through the protected characteristic of gender reassignment. However, the guidance says organisations must balance those protections with the rights of women and other service users. The code repeatedly emphasises “case-by-case” assessments rather than blanket bans. One significant point is that the guidance warns organisations against creating “double exclusion” situations where transgender people are unable to access either male or female facilities. Workplaces could see major changes Some of the most immediate impacts are expected in healthcare, workplaces and sports. The draft guidance states hospitals can legally place patients in wards based on biological sex rather than gender identity. NHS policies may now require revision following the publication of the updated code. In sports, the code says participation in sex-separated competitions should generally be based on biological sex. For workplaces, employers may need to reconsider toilet and changing-room arrangements. Legal experts have noted that many organisations are still trying to understand how to apply the ruling practically without creating discrimination risks. The guidance also acknowledges practical complications. For example, it says it would usually be unrealistic to routinely ask people for proof of biological sex before using ordinary public facilities like toilets. The code further notes that excluding trans men from certain healthcare services such as gynaecology or obstetrics could itself become disproportionate or discriminatory. Debate erupts over trans rights law The publication of the guidance has triggered intense debate across politics, legal circles, LGBTQ+ organisations and women’s rights groups. Supporters argue the new rules finally provide legal clarity after years of confusion around the Equality Act. Many campaigners for women-only spaces welcomed the code as a necessary step following the Supreme Court decision. Critics, however, warn the guidance could marginalise transgender people and create fear around accessing public facilities. Some LGBTQ+ activists and advocacy groups say the practical impact could lead to exclusion and humiliation for trans individuals. Legal challenges have already surrounded earlier versions of the EHRC’s interim guidance. While one High Court challenge failed earlier this year, debate over how the law should be interpreted remains far from settled. International human rights experts have also urged Britain to ensure that both women’s rights and transgender rights are protected equally under future policy implementation. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Transgender University of Washington student stabbed over 40 times: Court documents
“Our family has been shattered,” Juniper Blessing’s family said. Teen found dead at UW off-campus apartment; police search for suspectPolice probe the death of a 19-year-old transgender woman at a Seattle apartment. ABC News’ Trevor Ault reports as the search for a suspect continues. The transgender University of Washington student who was killed in a student housing building suffered over 40 stab wounds to the head, neck, shoulder, arms and hands, according to the probable cause statement. Juniper Blessing, 19, was found covered in blood in the laundry room of the Nordheim Court building on Sunday night, according to court documents. The suspect, 31-year-old Christopher Leahy, surrendered to police on Wednesday and was booked for first-degree murder, documents said. “Our family has been shattered,” Blessing’s family said in a statement released by the Human Rights Alliance. “Juniper was simply the most amazing human being we have ever known — highly intelligent, extremely talented, and deeply sensitive to the needs of others. Juniper’s loss not only devastates us but diminishes the world.” “A gifted singer with a transcendent voice, Juniper was admitted to New Mexico School for the Arts, where they studied from 2020 until 2024,” the family said. “Weather was a love of Juniper’s since early childhood, and at the University of Washington they intended to study Atmospheric Science while continuing to study voice and pursuing minors in Music and Philosophy. They loved Seattle and Santa Fe, where they worked as an usher during summers at the Santa Fe Opera.” “Juniper was courageously living their life as who they were until it was cut tragically short,” the family said. According to court documents, another Nordeim Court resident told police that shortly before 10 p.m. Sunday, a man followed her when she used her card to access the building and laundry room. She said the man told her he was waiting for his laundry. Surveillance video shows them in the laundry room and the suspect “appears to be visually searching the room for cameras,” court documents said, before he left the room. A video from 10 p.m. shows Blessing in the laundry room, and the suspect “comes back into the laundry room and stares directly into the camera,” documents said. The suspect “appears to follow the path of the cord with his eyes and head from the camera around the wall above the doorway,” documents said. “He then turns to exit the laundry room, something clatters to the ground and he pauses. He continues out of the laundry room at 10:00:27 p.m.” “Blessing is seen cleaning the lint tray, appears to add more time to the dryer, then stands up and deposits the lint into the garbage at the end of the bank of dryers. … The video stops at 10:01:01 p.m.,” documents said. Seattle police released the images of the suspect in the laundry room, documents said. A man named Patrick Leahy contacted police saying the suspect in the image was “without a doubt” his brother, Christopher Leahy, according to the documents, and a friend also reached out to police identifying Christopher Leahy as the man in the photo. Christopher Leahy’s attorney called the Bellevue Police Department on Wednesday night to say he was turning himself in, documents said. Christopher Leahy came to the department with his parents and was taken into custody, the documents said. Christopher Leahy made his first court appearance on Thursday and is due back in court on Monday, according to ABC Seattle affiliate KOMO. He has not entered a plea. ByEmily Shapiro Courtesy : ABC News Note: This news is originally published on https:/abcnews.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
New York: Support Bill to end caste discrimination, campaign intensifies
Last week, May 6, the move to get caste equity bills pushed in New York state, received a push with a group of 50+ inter-faith coalitions, led by Dalit leaders and advocates met with several legislators May 6, last Wednesday, the campaign to get caste equity bills pushed through as legislation in New York state received a boost with a group of 50+ inter-faith coalitions, led by Dalit leaders and advocates meeting several legislators. Meetings took place that day in Albany, the state capitol of New York to meet with legislators to support A6290/S6531 — the caste equity bills in New York! As a group of 50+ interfaith coalitions, led by Dalit leaders and advocates met with several legislators, many of whom instantly agreed to support this bill, understanding why caste equity is so important in New York State. One key meeting was with Senator James Sanders who helped introduce this bill last year, and who spoke with immense power about the need to recognise the solidarity between Black folks and Dalit communities. “Anyone who is against this [bill] doesn’t know your own history”, he said! Ms. Swati Sawant who has been working on this bill for over three years gifted him a statue of Babasaheb and explained the connection between Black and Dalit shared histories. Iconic writer and campaigner, Yashica Dutt, whose 2024 published Coming Out as a Dalit, is a powerful individual account that throws a spotlight on systemic injustice in India and its growing impact on US society, took a leading part in this campaigning effort. Writing about this on her Facebook-meta page, Yashica said that she documented that day in detail “for a video to be produced later.” She also spoke about her book Coming Out as Dalit and talked about how it points to the existence of caste, right here in the United States. The campaign has asked all those who live in New York to support A6290/S6531! Besides, at the click of a button, any person can send their letter to their New York State lawmaker in less than a minute — SabrangIndia had previously reported, how in July 2025, the US District Court for the Eastern District of California in its ruling on July 18, in response to an allegation by the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) that had claimed that the California civil rights department’s enforcement of anti-caste policies violated the “constitutional rights of all Hindu Americans,” dismissed HAF’s contention. HAF had attempted arguments to the effect that the California civil rights department’s enforcement of anti-caste policies violated the “constitutional rights of all Hindu Americans.” This claim had been dismissed by a US District Court. Academics and civil rights activists had then too welcomed a landmark judgment by a US federal court upholding the California civil rights department’s constitutional authority to defence caste-oppressed individuals through state action. Courtesy : Sabrang India Note: This news is originally published on https:/sabrangindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Maharashtra: Bangladeshi transgender Ayan Khan arrested for kidnapping and sexual exploitation of a minor boy
Maharashtra Police arrested Bangladeshi transgender Ayan Khan in Mumbai for allegedly kidnapping a minor, forcing him into begging, and sexually abusing him. The case has also exposed illegal infiltration, property accumulation, and a suspected cross-border financial network linked to Bangladesh Vashi: On April 19, the Maharashtra Police arrested a 30-year-old Bangladeshi transgender individual, Ayan Khan, alias Guru Maa or Babu Hijra, from Vashi. Khan is accused of kidnapping a 17-year-old boy from Shivajinagar in Govandi, with the help of an accomplice identified as Safde alias Jara, and forcing him into begging while subjecting him to sexual abuse. The arrest was made by a joint team of local police and the Crime Branch following a complaint filed by the boy’s father. Khan had previously been arrested around six months ago for illegally residing in Mumbai. During the latest investigation, police found that despite being an illegal infiltrator, Khan had acquired properties in Mumbai worth several lakhs of rupees. The abducted minor was rescued and reunited with his family, who were shocked to find him dressed in women’s clothing. Initially hesitant and fearful, the boy reportedly claimed he wanted to live as a girl. However, he later disclosed the abuse and coercion he endured between 10 March and 1 April 2026. Khan has now been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, along with relevant provisions of the Transgender Persons Act. He remains in police custody as investigations continue. Authorities are also probing a possible larger network that may have facilitated Khan’s illegal entry into India, his continued stay, and the transfer of funds to Bangladesh. According to reports, Khan, who presented as a transgender “guru,” operated under multiple aliases, including Guru Maa and Jyoti Maa, and lived in Rafiq Nagar Part 2 in Shivajinagar, Govandi. In the area, Khan reportedly had influence over more than 300 followers. Originally from Basatpur village in Bangladesh, Khan’s arrest has led to the detention of several other Bangladeshi nationals residing illegally in the city. Investigators have also uncovered a cross-border financial trail linking earnings from alleged illegal activities in India to investments in Bangladesh. Police sources indicate that Khan used money earned in India to fund real estate and commercial ventures in Bangladesh. Despite living illegally in India for over three decades, Khan reportedly owns a house and is involved in constructing a shopping mall in Bangladesh. “During the investigation, we found documents and photographs suggesting that the accused built a house in Bangladesh using money earned here. We also recovered images related to a bhoomipujan ceremony for a mall project,” a senior Mumbai Police official said. Courtesy : Organiser Note: This news is originally published on https:/organiser.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
FBI’s rare Cuba mission: Agents fly to Cuba to recover a child from transgender parent who wanted transition surgery for child
A US government aircraft made an unusual trip to Havana this week as part of a rare operation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to recover a 10-year-old child from Utah in an international parental kidnapping case. According to reporting by The New York Times and federal court filings, agents believed the child had been taken abroad by a transgender parent and their partner, allegedly with the intention of pursuing gender transition surgery. Authorities have charged Rose Inessa-Ethington, 42, and Blue Inessa-Ethington, 32, both from Cache County, Utah, with international parental kidnapping and aiding and abetting. Court filings identify Rose as the child’s biological father who transitioned to female after the child’s birth. Rose shared custody of the child with the biological mother, identified in documents only as “LB.” The child, described in filings as a 10-year-old assigned male at birth who identifies as female, had been living between both parents prior to the incident. How FBI tracked the child’s journey from the US to Cuba According to an affidavit filed by an FBI special agent in Utah federal court, the two person allegedly misled the child’s mother by claiming they were taking the child on a camping trip to Calgary, Canada, on March 28, 2026. Investigators say the group never reached their destination. Instead, authorities believe they crossed into Canada from Washington State, flew from British Columbia to Mexico City, travelled onward to Merida, and then flew to Cuba on April 1 using U.S. passports. The child was scheduled to be returned to the mother on April 3 but was not, in violation of a custody agreement. A search of the suspects’ residence uncovered items that investigators say point to advance planning. These included approximately $10,000 in cash, handwritten “to-do” lists referencing tasks such as learning Spanish, emptying bank accounts, and arranging travel logistics, as well as notes related to gender-affirming medical care for children. Federal agents stated in court filings that there was no indication the pair intended to return to the United States with the child. Family members describe ongoing dispute Family members told investigators that disagreements over potential medical treatment for the child had been ongoing. Rose Inessa-Ethington’s brother, Steven Ethington, told The New York Times that his sister had strongly advocated for transition-related medical care for several years. Tess Davis, a lawyer representing the child’s biological mother, said the issue had been a point of contention during the parents’ divorce proceedings, adding that the mother feared she might not see the child again. Rare federal response draws attention Legal experts say the government’s response was highly unusual. While international parental kidnapping cases are often complex, the use of a Justice Department aircraft to retrieve a child from another country is rarely seen. “This is highly unusual,” said Jay Groob, president of a firm specialising in child recovery cases, noting that such deployments are not typical in custody disputes. The aircraft, a Boeing 757 operated by the U.S. Department of Justice, travelled directly from Virginia to Cuba. Cuban authorities assisted in locating the individuals, who were arrested on April 16. They were later transported back to the United States. On April 13, a Utah court granted the biological mother exclusive custody and ordered the immediate return of the child. Following coordination between U.S. and Cuban authorities, the child was located and returned safely to the mother. Cuba formally acceded to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction in 2018, though cooperation between countries can vary in practice. The case also comes amid broader political tensions and ongoing U.S. policy debates around gender-related care for minors. Case remains ongoing The two defendants remain in federal custody and face charges that could carry significant legal consequences if proven. Officials emphasised that the case remains an allegation at this stage. “Our priority in every parental kidnapping case is the safety and well-being of the child,” an FBI official said, adding that the operation reflected coordination between agencies to ensure the child’s safe return. As the case proceeds through the courts, it continues to draw attention for its legal, international, and political dimensions. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Ontario survey reveals invisible caste bias in South Asian communities across Canada
A first-of-its-kind survey on caste-discrimination in Canada by the South Asian Dalit Adivasi Network (SADAN) and researchers from four Canadian universities reveals subtle and overt discrimination experienced by caste-marginalised South Asians. A decade after US-based Equality Labs released its first survey on caste discrimination in the United States, an Ambedkarite group in Canada has released the findings of a similar survey in that country, which shows that people of South Asian heritage—the majority of them Indians—practise discrimination against people of lowered castes and Dalits. The South Asian Dalit Adivasi Network (SADAN) and researchers from four Canadian universities conducted the community-oriented survey and released the Caste Experiences in Ontario Survey report to coincide with Dalit History Month, which is observed in April, and Ambedkar Jayanti, which falls on April 14. The survey received responses from 128 people, the majority of whom—85%—traced their roots to India, while the remaining had ancestry in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. 61% of the respondents were caste marginalised and 38% self-identified as Dalit or caste-oppressed. The respondents also professed different faiths—Hinduism, Buddhism, Ravidassia, Dalit and Adivasi practices. The majority of respondents spoke Hindi (70%), while 37% spoke Punjabi and 27% Tamil. Over 40% of respondents said they were discriminated against at the workplace and educational institutions. Discrimination also spilled over into social relationships such as friendships and marital alliances, as well as at places of worship and cultural gatherings. The report was authored by Kavya Harshita Jidugu, Harshita Yalamarty, Vijay Puli, Jatin, Chinnaiah Jangam, and Sailaja Krishnamurti. Kavya is a PhD candidate at Queen’s University. Harshita is an assistant professor and Canada Research Chair in gender and migration (Tier 2) at Toronto Metropolitan University. Vijay Puli is a founder and executive director of SADAN. Jatin is a PhD scholar and co-founder of the Forum for Anti-Caste Activism at the University of Toronto. Chinnaiah is an associate professor at Carleton University of Toronto and co-founder of SADAN. Sailaja is an associate professor and HoD of gender studies at Queen’s University. Kavya, who was a lead researcher in the project team, said in a press release: “The courage it took for community members to come forward and speak about caste-based discrimination is both powerful and essential to addressing casteism in Canada and we are grateful for the community’s leadership.” The report noted that South Asians formed the largest visible minority in Canada and while researchers had studied South Asians in terms of a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) framework, social relations within South Asians had not received much attention. The survey asked 38 questions divided into four sections: demographic information, personal experiences of caste discrimination, discrimination in the community, and personal reflections. Participants were also allowed to record their views on certain questions. Many respondents talked about caste discrimination being less overt compared to India. However, as one respondent put it, “subtle biases persist, making it harder at times to feel fully included or accepted. This has somewhat affected my sense of belonging, particularly within diaspora circles where caste consciousness continues to influence social relationships.” One respondent spoke of Brahmins wearing a sacred thread in public places such as swimming pools as an example of practices that “don’t directly attack anyone but quietly establish superiority in society”. “On the surface, this appears to be a religious practice, but it actually serves as a way of signalling to others that they are superior to other Hindus… it’s an assertion of religious and caste superiority”. Around 50% of the participants—of which 92% were from caste marginalised backgrounds—have experienced caste-based discrimination in their workplaces, educational institutions, while purchasing or renting homes, and in other social settings. More than half of these respondents said they had been subjected to discrimination more than once. Around 69% of respondents said that caste discrimination has impacted their mental health. How casteism affects life in Canada Casteism at the workplace included interviewers asking job aspirants for their caste because they couldn’t identify the candidate’s caste from their last name and paying lower wages to Dalits than others for the same work. More than 50% interviewees said that caste discrimination has prevented them from progressing in their career. Several people spoke of being asked about their caste by roommates or neighbours, encountering rental listings that specified acceptable caste backgrounds and housing being denied at the last minute when the tenant’s caste was identified. One respondent stated that “(my) upper caste roommate called me impure because I was eating meat (sic).” Many respondents described being bullied for their skin colour or meat diet in school. Students reportedly also face bias from their faculty during their vivas, assignments, or exams. A respondent noted the lack of diversity within university systems that work in the South Asian context, where there is “virtually no Dalit, Bahujan, Adivasi representation either at faculty-level or even in terms of the curriculum…” Many respondents spoke of how they were excluded or segregated in social settings, particularly religious gatherings. One respondent said, “The so-called upper caste people don’t prefer to mingle with Dalits … they won’t be invited in family puja, ceremonies, even if invited, they will have separate area to eat (sic).” One person spoke of how their family tried to ensure that their wedding was performed and “in contact” with only people from their caste (dominant). “Although this consideration was ultimately removed by me and my partner, we saw the initial hesitation (sic).” The report notes that some forward caste parents tell their wards not to speak to their marginalised caste peers. Dalit Muslim respondents drew connections between casteism and Islamophobia in both Canada and India. “I have witnessed behaviours that are exclusionary, oppressive, racist and sexist towards Christians, Dalits, Muslims and other groups,” said a respondent. Another spoke of being called slurs and names, and “even untouchability at times. Not willing to share food with us. Or not wanting to marry us.” One queer and Dalit woman talked about being unable to trust an Indian in Canada for fear of being
PM Balen Shah Backtracks on Decision to Apologize to Nepal’s Dalits for the First Time! Breaks Promise, Quietly Withdraws Decision
Nepal Dalit Apology: The government’s decision to backtrack on its plan to apologize to Dalits has sparked dissent within Ravi Lamichhane’s party. Santosh Pariyar, a prominent Dalit leader within the RSP, has emotionally distanced himself from both the party and his official roles. He stated, “An apology consisting merely of words—without concrete policies or legal documentation—holds no meaning.” Nepal Government Backtracks on Proposal to Apologize to Dalits! Kathmandu: Nepal’s Balen Shah administration has quietly backtracked on its proposal to issue an apology to the Dalit community. The government has surreptitiously all but abandoned the initiative to apologize to Dalits. Just last month, the Balen Shah government had announced that it intended to introduce a proposal wherein “an apology would be tendered to the Dalits, who have been persecuted for centuries.” According to *The Kathmandu Post*, any further discussion regarding the government’s proposed apology is now rendered futile, as the initiative has been quietly shelved. The newspaper wrote, “The government led by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has shamelessly broken its promise and has effectively sidestepped the issue through an emotional speech delivered by Ravi Lamichhane.” Raising pertinent questions, the newspaper asked: How—and why—did the Balen administration withdraw its own decision to issue a formal apology to the Dalits? The publication noted that while some argue that Ravi Lamichhane did indeed apologize to the Dalits in Parliament on April 2—promising the nation that, unlike in times past, no individual or caste group would henceforth face discrimination—there remains a significant distinction between an apology offered by an individual and one issued officially by the government. What exactly had the Balen Shah government promised? In fact, when a new government led by Balen Shah was formed in Nepal in March 2026, he announced in his 100-point common minimum program that the government would issue a formal state apology to the Dalit community for historical discrimination within 15 days. This was hailed as a revolutionary step. True to this promise, on April 2, Home Minister and RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane delivered an emotional speech in Parliament, apologizing for the injustices inflicted upon Dalits. However, Nepali experts and newspapers argue that this was merely a “political speech,” not an official “state apology.” This is because a formal state apology requires a Cabinet decision, followed by the President’s seal of approval, and finally, it must be published in the Government Gazette. The government failed to complete any of these legal procedures. An apology was merely tendered in Parliament—a gesture deemed incomplete. No legal motion was passed to formalize this. According to *The Kathmandu Post*, even after the 15-day deadline had elapsed, the government failed to present any written documentation. It is alleged that the government backtracked on this initiative under pressure from conservative factions within the ruling coalition and from established political parties. **Dissent Within the National Independent Party** The government’s decision to renege on its promise to apologize to Dalits has sparked dissent within Rabi Lamichhane’s party. Santosh Pariyar, a prominent Dalit leader within the RSP, has emotionally distanced himself from both the party and his official roles. He stated, “An apology consisting merely of words—without a concrete policy or legal documentation—is utterly meaningless.” The party, however, maintains that it *did* issue an apology. Speaking in Parliament, Rabi Lamichhane declared, “I apologize—not in my capacity as Home Minister, but as a citizen of this country—to all those Dalits who have been subjected to humiliation.” Yet, Dalit activists have denounced this as an act of betrayal and deception. According to reports, the government had been advised by various quarters that issuing an apology to Dalits at the official state level would imply an admission of guilt regarding past atrocities—a move that could potentially trigger demands for financial compensation. Furthermore, the government feared that once ‘historical injustice’ was officially acknowledged, the Dalit community could put forward significant legal claims for job reservations and land rights. Curated by: Abhijat Shekhar Azad About the Author Abhijat Shekhar Azad is an International Affairs and Defense Journalist at Navbharat Times Online. He possesses approximately 17 years of experience across various news channels and digital journalism platforms. Courtesy: Hindi News
80% of Pakistan is gay: Karachi transgender activist Hina Baloch’s viral claim
Pakistani transgender activist Hina Baloch claimed in a viral video that “80% of Pakistanis are gay,” calling it an “open secret” hidden by social and religious pressures. How do cultural pressures affect LGBTQ+ visibility in Pakistan? What basis does Hina Baloch use for her 80% claim? How do cultural pressures affect LGBTQ+ visibility in Pakistan? Why do Indian trans activists oppose the 2026 bill? A viral video featuring Pakistani transgender activist Hina Baloch has triggered widespread debate after she claimed that “80% of Pakistan is gay and the remaining 20% are bisexual,” arguing that sexuality in the country is largely hidden due to social pressure, religion, and family honour. In an interview with Queer Global YouTube Channel, Baloch describes what she calls an “open secret” in Pakistani society. “I believe that more than half of Pakistan is quite gay actually. They don’t want to just say it out loud, but I guess 80% of Pakistan is gay and the remaining 20% are bisexuals, so I don’t think that anybody is straight in Pakistan in terms of their sexuality,” she says. She adds that people often deny or conceal their sexual orientation, citing cultural and religious factors. “They will deny it, they will bring religion into it, they will bring culture into it, but this is an open secret. Nobody’s straight in Pakistan,” Baloch says, while recounting her own perceptions growing up. Reflecting on her personal experiences, Baloch says her concerns were less about sexuality and more about gender expression. “What I was worried about was how to apply lipstick and not get lots of shit from the family for that. How do I get to dress feminine, wear jewellery and not get the beatings?” she says. Baloch also speaks about the structural challenges faced by the khawaja sira community in Pakistan, noting that many are pushed into limited and often exploitative livelihoods such as begging, dancing, or sex work. Rejecting these constraints, she became actively involved in organising for gender and minority rights. She went on to co-found Sindh Moorat March and participated in Pakistan’s Aurat March, positioning herself as a vocal advocate for transgender and minority rights. Baloch has previously said she faced violent retaliation after raising a Pride flag at a protest and survived kidnapping and abuse by law enforcement, experiences that ultimately forced her to leave Pakistan. She later secured a scholarship to SOAS, University of London, and sought refugee status in the United Kingdom. Written By: Akshat Trivedi Courtesy : India Today Note: This news is originally published on https:/indiatoday.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Nepal to issue formal apology to Dalits within 15 days
KATHMANDU: Nepal’s new govt said it would issue a “formal state apology” to Dalits and other historically excluded communities within 15 days under prime minister Balendra Shah’s 100-point reform agenda, in what activists described as a historic acknowledgment of generations of caste-based discrimination, exclusion and denial of opportunity. The proposed apology is to be accompanied by measures on social justice, inclusive restoration and historical reconciliation. The agenda said: “We will formally acknowledge the injustice, discrimination and deprivation of opportunities inflicted on Dalits and historically marginalised communities by the state, society and policy structures, and prepare the basis for social justice, inclusive restoration and historical reconciliation.” It added that a reform-oriented programme would be announced too. The promise has drawn attention in a country where Dalits make up about 13-14% of the population but continue to face entrenched exclusion despite constitutional guarantees and laws against caste-based discrimination and untouchability. Activists said nearly 42% of Dalits lived below the poverty line, literacy remained below the national average, and representation in key institutions stayed disproportionately low. For many, the issue remained deeply personal. Saraswati Nepali, president of the Dalit Society Development Forum in Baitadi, recalled that as a child she was not allowed to drink from the same water jar as her classmates and had to walk home for water because she was Dalit. “The state’s official apology will be like a balm for our wounds,” she said. “But for it to heal entirely, govt must effectively ensure all our guaranteed rights. That would give us justice and ensure our dignity.” Dalit activist Hira Lal Bishwakarma welcomed the announcement, but said its meaning would depend on implementation. “The current decision is honourable, but there is fear that it will only be lip service like in the past,” he said. “After announcing such programmes, policies, budgets, and structures are needed. Without them, it is good to show such announcements externally, but the Dalit community does not get justice.” Amrita Ban, 23, a Gen Z activist, told TOI the move had raised expectations among young voters. “A state apology to a community that has faced discrimination for generations is historic and a positive beginning. I strongly welcome the decision…I am hopeful it will also bring concrete measures to end discrimination at its roots.” Rakshya Bam, 26, said, “If govt backs this with budgets, enforcement and accountability, it could mark a significant shift in Nepal’s response to caste injustice. Without that, the apology could become a powerful acknowledgment of the past, but fall short of changing the present.” Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights