Madhya Pradesh: Upper Caste Man Humiliates Morena Dalit Youth Who Refused To Pay For Alcohol

After video of torture went viral on social media Tuesday, police arrested the accused, “a habitual offender” and put him in custody. Morena: A video of a Dalit youth being subjected to humiliating torture by an upper caste man in Ambah town of Morena district in Madhya Pradesh, has gone viral, sparking outrage among the public. It is alleged that the local tough, Dharmendra alias Pui Tomar, a resident of Retkapura, demanded money from the victim to buy alcohol. When refused, he brutally beat the youth, then forced him into a humiliating posture (squat like a chicken), before subjecting him to more shameful acts, all purposefully recorded on video. Following the outrage, Ambah police registered a case against the accused and arrested him. The video went viral on social media on Tuesday afternoon. It clearly shows the inhumane treatment of the Dalit youth. When the police took notice of the video and launched an investigation, the incident was traced to the Janpad Panchayat office premises in Ambah town. The investigation revealed that the victim is a Dalit youth from Katare Wali Gali. He was called to the police station for questioning, where he recounted the entire ordeal, saying that two days before, he was going to the market for some work, when he met Dharmendra alias Pui Tomar, near the district office. The accused demanded money from him to buy alcohol. When the young man refused, the accused became enraged. Dharmendra then brutally beat up the young man and forcibly made him hop like a chicken. When even this did not satisfy him, he committed a “more shameful and humiliating act” on the victim. Someone, allegedly an accomplice, recorded the incident on video that has now gone viral on social media. As soon as the video surfaced, pressure mounted on the police to take action, so, Ambah police registered a case against Dharmendra under relevant sections of the BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) by Tuesday evening and arrested him. Ambah SDPO Ravi Prakash Bhadauria said, “As soon as the video came to our attention, we registered a case, arrested the accused and put him in custody. The accused is said to be a habitual offender. Considering the seriousness of the matter, the police have taken suo motu cognisance, registered an FIR and started a probe. Strict legal action will be taken against the arrested accused.” 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
Dalit Sarpanch Abducted and Assaulted in Madhya Pradesh’s Morena

A Dalit sarpanch from Kelaras village in Morena district, Madhya Pradesh, was allegedly abducted from his home and beaten by a group of 20 to 25 individuals described as casteist elements on Saturday. The incident came to light through a viral video and social media post shared by Dalit activist and Azaad Samaj Party founder Sunil Astay, a former Bhim Army state in-charge. Astay described the abduction and assault as a serious and condemnable attack on the democratic system. A report aired on local channel Vistar News shows villagers and the sarpanch’s family gathered outside the local police station, demanding immediate action. According to the report, the assailants stormed the sarpanch’s residence, kidnapped him, and took him to a nearby village where he was allegedly beaten severely. They then returned him home, locked him inside, and fled before police could intervene. The sarpanch sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment. The family suggested a possible financial dispute as a motive, though details remain unconfirmed. Activists have called on the police for strict and immediate action, highlighting a broader pattern of caste-based violence in the region. Astay also tagged key officials, including Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and the Morena Superintendent of Police, holding them accountable for administrative inaction. He warned that when elected Dalit representatives are unsafe, the security of ordinary Dalit citizens is also at risk. Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the investigation. Courtesy : TOP Note: This news is originally published on https:/theobserverpost.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit Sarpanch Abducted and Assaulted in MP’s Morena: Activists Demand Immediate Action Under SC/ST Act

The incident came to light through a viral video and post shared by prominent Dalit activist and Azaad Samaj Party founder Sunil Astay, a former Bhim Army state in-charge in Madhya Pradesh. Morena- A Dalit sarpanch was allegedly abducted from his home in Kelaras village, Morena district, and subjected to a brutal beating by a group of 20-25 individuals described as “casteist elements.” The attack, which occurred earlier on Saturday, has been condemned as a direct assault on India’s constitutional framework, social justice, and democratic representation. The incident came to light through a viral video and post shared by prominent Dalit activist and Azaad Samaj Party founder Sunil Astay, a former Bhim Army state in-charge in Madhya Pradesh. In the post, Astay detailed the abduction and assault, emphasizing its gravity: “The abduction of the Dalit sarpanch from his home in Kelaras, Morena district, Madhya Pradesh, and the beating by casteist elements is extremely serious, condemnable, and a direct attack on the democratic system. This incident is not just against one individual but against the Constitution, social justice, and Dalit representation.” The accompanying video, aired on local channel Vistar News, shows on-the-ground reporting from the scene. It depicts the sarpanch’s family and villagers gathered outside the local police station, demanding swift intervention. According to the report, the assailants stormed the sarpanch’s residence in the Kelaras police station area, forcibly kidnapped him, and transported him to a nearby village where they allegedly thrashed him severely. The attackers then returned him to his home, locked him inside, and fled before police arrived. The sarpanch sustained serious injuries and is receiving treatment. The family has alleged possible motives linked to a financial dispute, though details remain unconfirmed. The clip urges police to take “strict and immediate action,” underscoring a pattern of unchecked caste-based violence in the region. Astay tagged key officials, including Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Morena Superintendent of Police, and the state government holding them accountable for administrative inaction. He warned: “When an elected Dalit public representative is not safe, the security of ordinary Dalit citizens automatically comes under question. The administration’s inaction and silence are emboldening criminals and reveal a complete failure in preventing caste violence.” Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy : The Mooknayak Note: This news is originally published on https:/themooknayak.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Bhopal News: Tribals And Dalits Abused, Land Grabbed In Anandpur Dham; Congress

One woman allegedly was forced into sexual relations, and when she complained, the video evidence was deleted, and she was coerced into signing documents. Ahirwar also accused Dham officials of encroaching on Dalit, Tribal, and government land and singled out one member for hooliganism and land grabbing. Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Congress has accused Anandpur Dham authorities of sexually abusing tribal and Dalit residents and seizing their land. Pradeep Ahirwar, state president of the Congress Scheduled Caste Cell, made the allegations to media on Monday, citing repeated complaints ignored by local authorities. Earlier on April 11, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had paid a visit to the Dham and participated in a religious programme. Ahirwar said victims who spoke out faced job termination, threats to their reputation and death threats. One woman allegedly was forced into sexual relations, and when she complained, the video evidence was deleted, and she was coerced into signing documents. Ahirwar also accused Dham officials of encroaching on Dalit, Tribal, and government land and singled out one member for hooliganism and land grabbing. Despite complaints filed with local government and CM Helpline, Ahirwar said no action was taken. Congress demanded a CBI enquiry, warning that local police of Ashoknagar or Guna might be under pressure. Courtesy : TFPJ Note: This news is originally published on https:/thefreepressjournal.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Robbers target transgender persons in MP’s Morena; take away gold, cash

Morena (MP), A group of robbers targeted the house of a transgender person and looted gold and silver jewellery and cash at gunpoint in Madhya Pradesh’s Morena district in the early hours of Sunday, police said. The incident took place around 2 am at the house of Rabia in Ambah town, where four other trans persons were present, Sub-Divisional Officer of Police Ravi Bhadoria told PTI. He said the robbers entered the house through the terrace, held the occupants hostage by pointing a gun at them and tied them up before taking away 15 tolas of gold jewellery, four kg of silver ornaments and Rs 4 lakh in cash in a matter of half an hour. The robbers also allegedly mocked the persons of the third gender, the official said. Ambah police station in-charge Satendra Singh Kushwaha said the robbers appeared to have recced the area and studied the layout of the house, including the CCTV system, he said. “All the victims were confined to one room,” he said. The house is located in an isolated area, Kushwaha said, adding that police were scanning CCTV footage from surrounding areas to identify the suspects. A case has been registered and investigations are underway, police said. PTI COR LAL NR 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
Raping Dalit woman is…: Congress MLA’s bizarre theory sparks row, BJP reacts

A political controversy has erupted in Madhya Pradesh after Congress MLA Phool Singh Baraiya’s remarks linking rape with religious scriptures sparked widespread outrage. The incident has led to demands for his suspension and expulsion from the party amid sharp criticism from BJP and state leaders. A political storm has erupted in Madhya Pradesh after a video surfaced allegedly showing Congress MLA Phool Singh Baraiya making remarks that appear to link rape with religious scriptures, triggering sharp reactions from across the political spectrum and demands for his suspension and expulsion from the party. The video, which emerged from an interview circulating on social media platforms, shows Baraiya, the Congress legislator from the Bhander Assembly seat, making claims that religious texts offer “spiritual rewards” for sexual violence against women from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Other Backward Class communities. The clip was shared online by the Bharatiya Janata Party, drawing widespread condemnation. In the clip, he is heard saying, “In India, the maximum number of rape cases are among Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and most OBCs. The theory of rape is that when a man, whatever his state of mind, sees a very beautiful woman while walking on the road, his brain can get disturbed and rape can happen. But among tribals, where are such beautiful women? Among SCs, where are such beautiful women? Among most OBCs, are there such beautiful women? Why does rape happen? Because religious scriptures give such instructions.” He then goes on to invoke religious texts to justify his argument, saying, “I do not want to say anything specific about Hindu religious scriptures, but what I mean is that it is written that when a person does this act, he gets the reward of a pilgrimage. It is written that by having relations with women of certain castes, one gets the spiritual reward of visiting places like Kashi, Prayagraj or Ayodhya. If someone cannot go on a pilgrimage, an option is given to stay at home and get the same reward by forcing himself on their women.” In the same video, Baraiya makes disturbing remarks while referring to sexual violence against infants. “Listen to why rape happens even with four-month-old, ten-month-old or one-year-old babies. Are their organs ready for sex? It happens because it is written that if I rape a girl of this caste, I will get a spiritual reward,” he says. BJP ATTACKS CONGRESS, CALLS REMARKS CRIMINAL The BJP reacted strongly, calling the remarks misogynistic, casteist and criminal. Madhya Pradesh BJP media in-charge Ashish Agrawal shared the video on X and wrote that Baraiya’s words were “not a slip of the tongue but a public display of a sick, perverted and criminal mindset”. “Measuring women on the scale of ‘beauty’ and describing rape of SC-ST women as a ‘pilgrimage reward’ is not a statement, it is an admission of a criminal mentality,” Agrawal said, adding that the comments were an attack on women, Dalits and humanity itself. He demanded immediate action from the Congress leadership, asking whether the party would suspend or expel the MLA or “accept that it stands with an anti-women and anti-Dalit mindset”. CHIEF MINISTER SEEKS EXPULSION Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also condemned the remarks, accusing Baraiya of spreading social hatred. “Phool Singh Baraiya has worked to spread poison in society. Such an MLA should be suspended and expelled from the party so that it is clear he has respect for other sections of society,” Yadav said, adding that he strongly condemned the comments. The Chief Minister urged the Congress leadership to act decisively, especially as senior party leaders were visiting the state. “People of the country want to know what action will be taken,” he said. NATIONAL BJP LEADERS WEIGH IN Senior BJP leader Sambit Patra described the remarks as an insult not only to Sanatan Dharma but to humanity. “He is an MLA holding a constitutional position. Senior Congress leaders were present, yet no one stopped him,” Patra said. He added that the comments hurt the legacy of B R Ambedkar and demanded a response from the Congress leadership. “By evening, the country expects a clear statement and action,” he said. CONGRESS YET TO RESPOND As of Saturday, the Congress had not issued an official response or clarified its stand on the controversy. Baraiya, who has often courted controversy for his statements in the past, has also not publicly addressed the backlash over the video. Ravish Pal Singh Edited By: Sonali Verma 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
Indore water contamination: Rahul Gandhi visits families of deceased

NEW DELHI/INDORE: The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, today met the families of the victims who died due to the consumption of contaminated drinking water in Indore and also those who are undergoing treatment in hospital. Gandhi accused the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh of criminal negligence over the deaths and illnesses caused by contaminated drinking water in the Bhagirathpura area of Indore, saying the government must take responsibility and ensure compensation and assistance to the affected families. After meeting the victims and their families, Gandhi said access to clean drinking water remains a serious issue in the country even today. He alleged that the failure to provide safe drinking water and control pollution reflected the government’s inability to discharge its basic responsibilities. Several people have died and many others have fallen ill after consuming contaminated water in the area, he noted, adding that such incidents were a direct consequence of administrative negligence. “The affected families must be given proper compensation and support,” he demanded. Quoting local residents, the Congress leader said there was still no assured supply of clean drinking water in Bhagirathpura, and that alternative arrangements were temporary and largely symbolic. He warned that once public attention faded, the situation could revert to its earlier state. Residents, he said, were demanding a permanent and systematic solution, which was fully justified. Gandhi said that as Leader of the Opposition, it was his duty to raise the concerns of the affected families and stand with them in their struggle for basic civic amenities. He also questioned the implementation of the Smart City scheme, remarking that this appeared to be the new model of a “Smart City” where citizens did not even have access to clean drinking water. The problem, he said, was not limited to Indore but was prevalent in many cities across the country. Later, in a post on X, Gandhi alleged that the BJP’s “double-engine government” model was marked by poisoned water, air, medicine and land, and that when questions were raised, bulldozers were deployed instead of accountability. He said no one was held responsible for the deaths of the poor, and demanded punishment for those responsible, along with proper treatment and immediate compensation for the victims. 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
A day before Rahul’s visit, Patwari meets ex-LS speaker Mahajan over Indore deaths

Bhopal: A day before Lok Sabha LOP Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Indore, state Congress president Jitu Patwari created political tremors when he met former Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan at her residence on Friday morning. Everyone wondered why the state Congress chief went to meet the BJP’s former MP from the city. After the meeting, Sumitra Mahajan said, “Jitu Patwari works well. He comes to meet me occasionally and he came today also.” Mahajan said that Jitu Patwari asked for her guidance about the present water contamination crisis in the city. Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to reach Indore on Saturday and meet families of the deceased victims of the Bhagirathpura water contamination tragedy. The Congress had applied for permission for a public meeting which was refused by the state administration. Jitu Patwari had also asked for a meeting with all corporators’ of the Indore Municipal Corporation which has also been disallowed. Sumitra Mahajan said, “He (Patwari) said that the Congress being in the opposition will protest. But the solution must come rising above party lines. We must work together to find a solution, he told me,” Sumitra Mahajan explained. “I said yes, in a democracy, the opposition must also do its work. We were also in the opposition and protested on various issues,” she recollected. The former Speaker of the Lok Sabha said that she reminded Patwari that there are institutions like the IIT, IIM and GSITS (Shri Govindram Seksaria Institute of Technology and Sciences) where they have technical experts. “I said there are many institutions in Indore where technically qualified people can help. In fact, the govt should be doing this. I said that the Congress can sit together, make a list of recommendations and send it to the govt. I did not give any wrong advise,” Mahajan quipped. Asked if Rahul Gandhi will be coming to meet her during his visit on Saturday, Sumitra Mahajan said, “No. There was no discussion about that. But if anyone wants to come and meet me, I am here.” Patwari told reporters, “We discussed the situation of water supply in Indore. Now the NGT has also said that 70% of water in MP is contaminated and undrinkable. We must rise above party and politics to ensure that a glass of safe drinking water reaches the people of this city. There should be no politics over water. The dialogue with former Lok Sabha speaker was very positive.” 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
MP: Tribal Woman Gang-Raped in Harda; Four Accused, Including Dhaba Owner, Two in Custody

This incident once again brings to light the horrific reality of the exploitation of tribal women in the name of safety and employment. Bhopal. A very serious and shocking case of gang rape of a tribal woman has come to light in Harda district of Madhya Pradesh. Four people, including the owner of a roadside eatery (dhaba) located on Khudiya Road under the Sirali police station area, are accused of holding a 27-year-old tribal woman captive and raping her. The police have taken swift action and taken two of the accused into custody, while the search for the remaining two is underway. Lured with the promise of a job, then subjected to brutality In her statement to the police, the victim said that on January 6, the dhaba owner, Anand Rajput, lured her with the promise of a job at his eatery. Using this pretext, he took the woman to the dhaba on Khudiya Road on his motorcycle. According to the victim, she was given alcohol there at night, which rendered her semi-conscious. During this time, Anand Rajput, along with his three accomplices, raped her. The victim also stated that Kanha Rathore, a resident of Sirali, also played an active role in this inhumane act. According to the woman, she was threatened when she resisted and was held captive under duress. Giving details of the case, Robert Girwal, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDOP) Khirkiya, said that a case was immediately registered on Thursday based on the victim’s complaint. After preliminary investigation, the police have rounded up two of the accused. Separate teams have been formed to arrest the remaining two accused, and raids are being conducted at possible locations. The SDOP said that the case is being investigated seriously, and necessary evidence is being collected while the victim’s medical examination is being conducted. A case has been registered against the accused under stringent sections of the law. Questions raised again about the safety of tribal women This incident once again brings to light the horrific reality of the exploitation of tribal women in the name of safety and employment. Cases of women being lured from rural and tribal areas under the pretext of providing employment, being drugged and then subjected to crimes, and subsequently threatened and intimidated, are constantly coming to light. Social organizations say that incidents of crimes against women are increasing in the name of providing work at roadside eateries, brick kilns, and in the unorganized sector, but the system of monitoring and accountability is weak. In a conversation with The Mooknayak, tribal activist Sunil Adivasi said, “The gang rape of a tribal woman in Harda district is not just a single criminal incident, but it shows how insecure women in tribal society are. They are lured under the pretext of providing work and then exploited. This is a failure of the system. In such cases, not only should arrests be made, but the accused should receive the harshest possible punishment, and the victim should receive complete protection and justice. Until there is a strict policy and concrete action on the ground regarding the safety of tribal women, such crimes will not stop.” Tribal Congress attacks the government In a conversation with The Mooknayak, Ramu Tekam, the state president of the Tribal Congress, targeted the BJP government, saying, “The continuous incidents against tribal women in Madhya Pradesh show that law and order have completely collapsed under the BJP government. There is neither security nor sensitivity from the government in tribal areas. Tribal women are being exploited in the name of work and employment, but the government is turning a blind eye. In this case, not only superficial action should be taken, but the accused should be given strict punishment after a trial in a fast-track court, and the victim should be guaranteed justice and security at every level.” Investigation underway, arrests claimed The police say that the identities of the remaining accused are clear and they will be arrested soon. During the investigation, the activities at the roadside eatery, the statements of other people present there, and CCTV footage (if available) are also being examined. Situation alarming in NCRB data Madhya Pradesh has long been a subject of discussion across the country for crimes against women, especially rape cases. The situation did not improve much in 2023 either. The NCRB report shows that the state ranked third in the country in terms of rape incidents. 2,979 cases were registered here within a year. Rajasthan topped the list with 5,078 incidents, while Uttar Pradesh saw 3,516 cases. These figures clearly show that the safety of women in the state remains a major challenge. Although the government has launched several schemes and helpline numbers for the safety of women, their impact at the ground level is very limited. Ankit Pachauri Courtesy: Hindi News
New twist in Gwalior Ambedkar controversy: Dalit leader Makarand Maurya arrested in old case

In a major move in the Gwalior Ambedkar controversy, police have arrested the complainant, Dalit leader Makarand Maurya, in an old case. Meanwhile, Congress protested at the Collectorate demanding strict action against the removal of the Gandhi-Ambedkar exhibition. The ongoing Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar controversy in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, has taken a new turn. While Advocate Anil Mishra, a leader of the upper castes and the Rakshak Morcha and former president of the High Court Bar Association, has been in jail for the past three days for raising objectionable slogans against Ambedkar and burning his portrait, the police have now arrested the complainant, Dalit leader Makarand Maurya. It is reported that three days ago, Advocate Anil Mishra had gone to the IG’s office to submit a memorandum. It is alleged that he subsequently protested outside the SP’s office without permission, raising slogans against Ambedkar, and burning his portrait. Upon learning of the incident, a large number of Dalits gathered at the Superintendent of Police’s office and demanded that a case be registered against the accused and they be imprisoned under the NSA. On the application of Dalit leader Makarand Maurya, the police registered a case against seven people, including Anil Mishra. Subsequently, the police arrested four of them while they were on their way to Morena. The next day, all the accused were produced before the JMFC court, where the court refused to grant bail and sent them to jail. Anil Mishra was later hospitalized for medical reasons, while the other three accused remain in jail. Meanwhile, Anil Mishra filed a petition in the High Court’s double bench, calling the case unfair and questioning the police action. Despite Saturday and Sunday being holidays, the hearing in the Gwalior High Court division bench failed, but the accused received no relief. During the hearing, Mishra’s lawyer argued that a case had already been registered against the complainant, Makarand Maurya, and an arrest warrant had been issued by the court. Despite this, the police did not arrest him. Meanwhile, the lawyer representing the Dalit community argued that the court cannot make a decision without hearing the complainant. The High Court issued notices to all concerned parties, including the complainant, Makarand Maurya, and set a hearing date for Monday. Just hours after the notice was issued, the police executed a warrant previously issued by the court and arrested Bhim Army leader and main complainant, Makarand Maurya. All eyes are now on the High Court hearing scheduled for Monday. Congress Protests Against the Removal of the Gandhi-Ambedkar Exhibition from the Fair Meanwhile, tension prevails in the city following the removal and vandalism of exhibitions depicting great men and freedom fighters, including Gandhi and Ambedkar, at the Gwalior Trade Fair. Calling it an insult to the Constitution and great men, the Congress protested at the District Collectorate and submitted a memorandum demanding strict action against the culprits. Congress leaders allege that this entire incident occurred at the behest of the BJP government. Congress says that since the BJP came to power, attempts have been made to weaken the Constitution. Congress has demanded that a case be filed not only under the NSA but also under sedition charges in this matter. Written by: Dev Shrimali, Edited by: Vishwanath Saini Courtesy: Hindi News