The minor daughter of a widowed mother was kidnapped and gang-raped, even a transgender woman sleeping alone was not spared; Two rape incidents in 24 hours shook Gopalganj, Bihar.
A case of gang rape of a minor girl who had left her home for the market has come to light in Gopalganj, Bihar. According to reports, two accused abducted the girl, gang-raped her, and then dumped her on the roadside before fleeing. The minor daughter of a widowed mother was kidnapped and gang-raped, even a transgender woman sleeping alone was not spared; Two rape incidents in 24 hours shook Gopalganj, Bihar. A case of gang rape of a minor girl who had left her home for the market has come to light in Gopalganj, Bihar. According to reports, two accused abducted the girl, gang-raped her, and then dumped her on the roadside before fleeing. Upon receiving information about the incident, local police immediately swung into action and arrived at the scene with their forces. The police wasted no time in admitting the gang rape victim, who was in extremely critical condition, to Gopalganj Sadar Hospital for treatment. She is receiving intensive treatment under the supervision of a special team of doctors. Following this horrific incident, the victim’s helpless and widowed mother mustered courage and filed a written complaint at the local police station. Based on the victim’s statement, the police have registered an FIR against the accused under relevant sections. The weeping mother pleaded with the police administration for justice and demanded the strictest punishment for the culprits. Gang-raped in a field, beaten, and dumped unconscious on the roadside The accused raped the girl in a deserted field. They then assaulted her and left her unconscious before fleeing. When she did not return home for a long time, her family began searching for her. They found her unconscious in the field. The victim’s condition is reported to be critical. The police have stated that all the accused will be arrested soon and action will be taken under the law. Advertisement A deaf and mute transgender woman was also raped. Another rape incident was reported in Gopalganj within just 24 hours. Late on Monday night, a transgender woman was sleeping in her cattle shed in the Vijaypur police station area. A young man approached her and forcibly raped her. Following the incident, the victim filed a complaint at the police station. Acting swiftly, the police arrested the accused, Vinod Ram, and are interrogating him. The victim has been sent to Sadar Hospital for a medical examination. Ankur Shrivastava Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalits not a factor in Nitish’s social justice? Even LJP’s Ram Vilas failed to light the ‘lamp of selfishness’
Bihar Politics: In Bihar politics, the electoral journey of all political parties remains incomplete without mentioning Dalits. Everyone desires this vote bank. But in this MLC election, the NDA did not nominate a Dalit candidate for the Upper House. Not a single Dalit in the NDA’s MLC candidate list Patna: All the fabrications that could be woven regarding the MLC elections in Bihar politics have already been woven. Speaking of the current MLC elections, Dalits are not a factor in the NDA’s social justice. The significant thing is that even the party that makes its political living by building on Dalit politics failed to send a Dalit leader to the Legislative Council, nor could it secure the rights of the 18 percent vote bank. Not a single Dalit in the NDA has been given an MLC ticket. NDA strategists have jointly announced the candidates for the nine full-time MLC seats and one by-election (vacated by Nitish Kumar) in 2026. Considering this announcement, the Janata Dal (United) has announced one candidate from the backward caste and three from the most backward caste. This list does not include any Dalit leaders. Nishant Kumar from the Kurmi caste, Dr. Bharti Mehta, Shivani Prajapati, and Lalan Mandal from the most backward castes have been nominated. BJP also distances itself from Dalits in the MLC elections. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party also showed indifference towards Dalits. BJP strategists have announced two candidates from the upper caste and two from the most backward castes. These include Pawan Singh from the Rajput caste, Sanjay Mayukh from the Kayastha caste, Anil Kumar Thakur from the barber caste, and Sheela Pandit from the potter caste. The party that practices Dalit politics lagged behind. Chirag Paswan, the national president of the Lok Janshakti Party, a party that practices Dalit politics, also did not light the Dalit lamp this time, demonstrating mutual coordination. Chirag Paswan declared Ashraf Ansari, a Muslim, as his candidate. Learn the names and castes of the 11 MLCs announced for 2026. Arvind Sharma from Bhumihar Pawan Singh from Rajput Nishant Kumar from Kurmi Sanjay Mayukh from Kayastha Ashraf Ansari from Muslim Bharti Mehta from Extremely Backward Class Lalan Mandal from Extremely Backward Class Anil Kumar Thakur from Extremely Backward Class Sheela Pandit from Extremely Backward Class Learn how long has JDU rejected Dalits? In March 2021, members were nominated to fill 12 vacant seats in the Bihar Legislative Council (MLC) from the Governor’s quota. These nominations were made by then Governor Fagu Chauhan on March 17, 2021, on the recommendation of the state cabinet. JDU then sent a Dalit leader, Ashok Chaudhary, to the Upper House. At that time, JDU and BJP fielded candidates for six seats each. JDU sent Upendra Kushwaha, Ashok Chaudhary, Sanjay Kumar Singh (aka Sanjay Gandhi), Lalan Kumar Saraf, Ram Vachan Rai, Sanjay Singh, and the BJP sent Janak Ram, Devesh Kumar, Rajendra Prasad Gupta, Pramod Kumar, Ghanshyam Thakur, and Nivedita Singh to the Legislative Council. Written by: Ramakant Chandan Edited by: Rishikesh Narayan Singh About the Author Ramakant Chandan began his journalism career in 1988 as a freelancer with Navbharat Times and Dainik Hindustan. He formally joined Rashtriya Sahara in 1996, starting with Haatsekhar, Noida. He became a special correspondent in 2012. In 2020, he became the local editor of Rashtriya Sahara Patna and in 2022, he became the consulting editor of Rashtriya Sahara. Courtesy: Hindi News
Bihar government suspends two senior IAS officers in connection with tender scam
The ED had conducted an inquiry against the IAS officers and subsequently wrote to SVU to recommend further action. PATNA: The Bihar government on Saturday suspended two senior IAS officers in connection with a tender scam, allegedly orchestrated by a high-profile contractor, Rishu Ranjan Sinha alias Rishu Shree. The suspended officers are 2017-batch IAS officer Yogesh Kumar Sagar and 2014-batch IAS officer Abhilasha Kumari Sharma. They are facing allegations of money laundering. Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) had arrested Rishu Shree in connection with a tender fraud and money laundering case on May 28. Both suspended IAS officers have been accused of receiving favours from the contractor Rishu Shree. The ED had conducted an inquiry against them and subsequently wrote to SVU to recommend further action. Rishu Shree reportedly sponsored a trip to Europe for Yogesh Kumar Sagar and eight of his relatives. During the tour, which took place from June 22, 2024, to June 30, 2024, Yogesh and his family members visited the Austrian cities of Vienna, Salzburg, and Wolfgang. They stayed in luxury hotels, and a total of Rs 21.92 lakh was spent on air travel and accommodation. The bills of these foreign hotels, as well as other expenses, were allegedly borne by Rishu Shree. Yogesh Kumar Sagar was posted in the state social welfare department. Originally from Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, Yogesh completed his MBBS degree in 2012 from King George’s Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow. Meanwhile, Abhilasha Sharma is currently holding the post of additional CEO and deputy secretary in the state rural development department. According to reports, SVU officials summoned Rishu Shree on the pretext that his signature was required on certain important documents. However, upon his arrival at the SVU office in Patna, he was detained and subjected to questioning regarding various aspects of the case. Sources within the investigating agency claimed that as the investigation progresses, the roles of several senior administrative officials may also come under scrutiny. The agency is attempting to ascertain the extent to which influence was exerted during the tender processes within government departments, and which officials allegedly facilitated such actions. A case of money laundering has already been registered against Rishu Shree under PMLA. Facing accusations of acting as an illegal middleman, he allegedly manipulated state tenders to benefit his firm and extended undue luxuries—such as financing multi-lakh foreign trips to Europe and Australia—for high-ranking Bihar IAS officers in exchange for lucrative government contracts. The SVU’s action was based on a case registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PC Act) against him. The agency suspects that Rishu Shree colluded with several senior officials and engineers to secure benefits for his company, “Reliable Infra Services,” by fixing tenders in government departments. During the search of his house, cash amounting to Rs. 2.5 lakh and jewellery worth Rs. two crore were recovered by SVU. Rishu Shree lived in an apartment located near Mithapur in the state capital. Ramashankar Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit politics in Bihar erupts again; Union Minister Manjhi’s statement raises political heat
Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has launched a scathing attack on the RJD and Tejashwi Yadav over the Dalit-Mahadalit issue in Bihar. He accused the RJD of suppressing Dalits. Manjhi accused the RJD of suppressing Dalits. He vowed to respond with the “power of Ambedkarism.” The political temperature in Bihar has risen following the Barachatti incident. Patna. The rhetoric surrounding the Dalit-Mahadalit issue has intensified in Bihar politics. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has once again launched a scathing attack on Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav and the Rashtriya Janata Dal. In a post on the social media platform X, Manjhi accused the RJD of engaging in politics aimed at suppressing the Dalit and Mahadalit communities. He said that the Dalit-Mahadalit community has now awakened and the politics of intimidation will not last long. “The power of Ambedkarism will provide the answer.” In his post, Manjhi wrote, “RJD goons have always said… ‘There’s no strength in the power, now ask for your life.’” In response, he invoked Ambedkarism and wrote that the Dalit and Mahadalit community will now give a befitting reply. Manjhi said in a poetic style, “As long as there is a trace of faith among Dalits and Mahadalits, the sword of Ambedkarism will reach the throne of RJD.” He said that the Dalit community has now become politically and socially aware and is not afraid of any kind of pressure or threat. Following the arrests in this case, the RJD has questioned the police action. The RJD leader alleged that innocent people, especially women, are being harassed in this case. The RJD said that the police are taking action under pressure from Manjhi. EDITATED BY: VYAS CHANDRA Courtesy: Hindi News
‘Rahul Gandhi se chalne wala nahi hai’: Tej Pratap Yadav backs Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as INDIA bloc face
PATNA: Tej Pratap Yadav on Tuesday sparked a political debate by backing Priyanka Gandhi to lead the Congress, while expressing doubts over Rahul Gandhi’s ability to run the party. “Only Priyanka Gandhi can run it; she is like Indira Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi cannot run it, by going on a yatra, by sitting on a Bullet, it won’t make a difference” he said, dismissing Rahul Gandhi’s political outreach efforts and questioning their effectiveness. His remarks came in response to Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of Nitish Kumar, whom he had called “compromised” after the JD(U) leader’s recent political moves. Following this, BJP leader Samrat Choudhary took over as Bihar chief minister. Questions over Rahul Gandhi’s leadership have surfaced earlier as well. Former Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed had recently alleged a lack of internal democracy within the party, claiming that senior leaders were being sidelined. Ahmed said Rahul Gandhi was uncomfortable working with seasoned leaders and alleged that decision-making in the party had become highly centralised, with his word being final. He also claimed that the youth wings were being promoted to replace the old guard in the party. 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
‘Nitish Kumar was compromised’: Rahul Gandhi’s big claim on NDA’s decision behind ‘Sushasan Babu’s’ Bihar exit
NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched a fierce attack on the NDA, making a strong claim about the recent exit of BJP ally Nitish Kumar from the chief minister’s post in Bihar, a position he held for the longest period in the state. Rahul alleged that the former Bihar CM was “compromised” during his Tamil Nadu poll campaign. Campaigning for the ruling DMK–Congress alliance in Thoothukudi, Rahul targeted JD(U) supremo Nitish Kumar, saying, “Nitish Kumar did not say a word; he silently went to the Rajya Sabha.” The Congress leader also trained his guns on the BJP, asserting, “We will never allow the BJP to have a government they can control in Tamil Nadu.” He added, “The BJP wants a government in Tamil Nadu that it can fully control, a chief minister who does exactly what they say.” Recently, veteran politician Nitish Kumar entered the Rajya Sabha as a debutant, in a move widely seen as a farewell phase to his long tenure in Bihar politics. Nitish Kumar’s exit from Bihar marks a significant turning point in the state’s political history, formally ending the Lalu–Nitish duopoly and paving the way for the BJP to form its first-ever government in the state under the leadership of Samrat Choudhary. The Bihar assembly elections held in November resulted in a landslide victory for the NDA. Despite years of incumbency, the Nitish-led alliance emerged victorious, with the BJP, for the first time, securing a higher seat tally than its longtime “big brother” in the state, JD(U). 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
Opposition netas denied women their rights: CM
Patna: CM Samrat Choudhary launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD chief Lalu Prasad as their parties did not support the 131st Constitution Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha last week to implement 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state legislative assemblies. Addressing the ‘Jan Akrosh Mahila Sammelan’, organised by BJP at Gandhi Maidan here on Monday, Samrat said: “The opposition leaders want their own daughters and wives to become members of the Lok Sabha, whereas (PM) Modi Ji thinks of the women of the entire nation. Had the Women’s Reservation (Amendment) Bill been passed, 122 women from Bihar would have been elected as legislators.” He alleged that certain politicians desire only their own women family members to gain entry into Parliament. Rahul Gandhi, for instance, wishes for his sister alone to become a member of Parliament; similarly, in Bihar, Lalu Prasad desires for his wife to become the leader of the opposition and his daughter to become an MP. He also took aim at the Samajwadi Party (SP) for promoting women from the party chief’s family. CM Samrat said there would be absolutely no compromise regarding the dignity and respect of “Nari Shakti”. He emphasised that the NDA has been committed to the cause of women’s empowerment from the very beginning and will continue to strive towards this goal in the future. He said the opposition’s stance exposed their anti-women face for all to see. The CM also highlighted how the NDA govt in Bihar gave 50% quota to women in panchayati raj institutions and urban local bodies. Samrat said anyone who attempts to instil insecurity among women in Bihar will be hunted down. The CM assured the women that PM Narendra Modi’s govt would enact the necessary legislation for the welfare of women and would actively work to ensure they receive justice. He noted that in 1977, when India’s population stood at 70 crores, there were 543 Lok Sabha constituencies. “PM Modi sought to increase the number of seats reserved for women by granting “Nari Shakti” a 33% reservation. Had the elections in Bihar been conducted based on the new delimitation boundaries, the current count of 29 women MLAs would have surged to at least 122. However, individuals associated with the Congress and the RJD deprived women of these rightful entitlements. BJP state president Sanjay Saraogi said the NDA would stage protests at all district headquarters to expose the opposition. Braving the summer heat, thousands of women attended the rally. Former minister Shreyasi Singh said the INDI Alliance leaders have lost all respect in the eyes of women. JD(U) leader and former minister Leshi Singh said by failing to pass the “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam” , the opposition has snatched away the rights of women. BJP leader Renu Devi said the opposition’s double standards have been exposed. Rashtriya Lok Morcha MLA Snehlata Kushwaha said the women of the country will never forgive the opposition. HAM(S) MLA Jyoti Devi said the opposition has never harboured the mindset to empower or propel women forward. Targeting RJD, she said, “What would they know about the meaning of respect for women? Their very identity is defined by the humiliation of women.” 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
‘Deadly Game’ at Private Hospital Ahead of CM’s Visit; Dalit Woman Loses Life
In Sheikhpura, a pregnant Dalit woman died due to medical malpractice at an illegally operating private hospital, just prior to the Chief Minister’s scheduled visit. Trapped in the clutches of touts, the woman’s family was extorted of ₹51,000; yet, her life could not be saved. Sheikhpura – A shocking incident that puts humanity to shame has come to light at ‘Ananya Hospital,’ located on Bhojdih Road in Sheikhpura district. Soni Devi, a resident of Kashichak in the neighboring Nawada district, was admitted to this facility through an ASHA worker after she went into labor. Her family alleges that the hospital administration extorted a hefty sum of ₹51,000 under the pretext of performing a surgical operation. Contrary to official government claims, touts active at the grassroots level deceived this impoverished family, effectively pushing them into a “well of death”—the very place masquerading as a hospital. **A Farce of Treatment and the ‘Referral Game’** As soon as the surgical procedure began, the hospital management—in a desperate attempt to conceal their incompetence—sent the family scrambling to procure two units of blood. By the time the family returned with the blood, the patient’s condition had already deteriorated critically. To save their own skins, the hospital authorities hastily referred the patient to Bihar Sharif. Tragically, the woman succumbed to excessive bleeding while being transported in the ambulance. This was, unequivocally, a fatal outcome resulting from gross medical negligence and a severe lack of necessary medical resources. **Old Peddlers of Death, New Address** Alarmingly, the hospital where this tragedy occurred is reportedly linked to the ‘Maa Savitri Hospital,’ a facility that had previously been sealed by the authorities. Locals allege that whenever the administration shuts down a hospital, the very same individuals simply put up a new signboard and resume their deadly trade under a different name. The names of the establishments change, but the operators—and their horrific modus operandi—remain exactly the same. From Patel Chowk to Bhojdih Road, numerous such clinics continue to flourish without any valid medical licenses. Doctors and Staff Flee Amidst Uproar As news of the woman’s death spread, the fury of her family members erupted. A massive commotion ensued outside Ananya Hospital, accompanied by loud demands for justice. Perceiving that the situation was spiraling out of control, the doctors and the entire hospital staff locked up the premises and fled the scene. This hasty escape, in itself, speaks volumes about their complicity and fear. The crowd gathered at the site raised vociferous slogans against the administration, creating an atmosphere of palpable tension in the area. Questions Raised Over the Administration and Health Department Occurring just prior to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s arrival in the district, this incident has placed the functioning of the Health Department squarely in the dock. The pertinent question remains: if the administration is aware that illegal clinics are operating in the region, why is no concrete action taken against them? Are authorities waiting for yet another poor person to lose their life? It now remains to be seen what action the district administration will take against these “white-collar criminals”—or whether the matter will once again end up buried within bureaucratic files. Report – Umesh | Edited By: Anubh Suman | Courtesy: Hindi News
Transgender board: NHRC seeks report
Patna: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of a complaint alleging systemic discrimination by the Bihar govt against the transgender community following the state’s failure to operationalise the Bihar State Transgender Welfare Board. Acting vice chairperson of the board Rajan Singh said, “Despite the board’s formation six months ago, the body remains non-functional and leaves the community without administrative representation.” According to the NHRC case file, “The complainant alleges that the Bihar government formed the Bihar State Transgender Welfare Board on Aug 8, 2025, but since then, members have not been given office space and their post has been declared ‘without salary’, leading to discrimination.” The file further notes that as a result of these conditions, “many transgender community complaints remain unregistered” and police protection and support during district-level public hearings are also not provided. “The NHRC informed the Bihar State Human Rights Commission regarding this issue,” Singh said. “Additionally, the Bihar govt and the principal secretary of the social welfare department were asked to give a report to the NHRC on the matter within six weeks,” he added. The transgender community in Bihar, which has an estimated population of over two lakh, remains largely unregistered. Singh accused the govt of forming the board prior to elections to secure the support of the vote bank. “The state govt is discriminating against us,” Singh said. “The social welfare department declared our positions unpaid. If we aren’t provided with a salary or an office, how are we expected to work? This is unconstitutional,” he added. 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 found hanging in West Champaran
Bettiah: A 30-year-old transgender was found hanging inside a rented room under suspicious circumstances in Dumwaliya locality of Bagaha town in West Champaran district on Saturday morning. The deceased was identified as Renu Devi, a native of Maharajganj district. She had been living alone in rented accommodation for the past 2 to 3 months. According to locals, the door of the room remained closed for a long time on Saturday morning. Despite repeated knocks and calls by neighbours, there was no response from inside. Suspecting something amiss, they alerted Dial 112. A police team arrived at the spot and informed Patkhauli police station. Patkhauli SHO Hridayanand Singh said that upon receiving the information, a police team rushed to the spot. “The room was locked from inside. When the door was forced open, the body was found hanging,” he said. Senior officials, including Superintendent of Police Ramanand Kumar Kaushal, were informed immediately. A forensic science laboratory (FSL) team later visited the site and collected evidence. The body was sent to the subdivisional hospital for post-mortem examination. Police said preliminary investigation suggests that the deceased was originally from Maharajganj district of Uttar Pradesh and had been staying in the house of a local resident. Another transgender person, identified as Laila, lives in a nearby room and is being questioned as part of the investigation. Police have taken the house owner into custody for questioning. While the case appears to be one of suicide at first glance, police said the exact cause of death would be ascertained only after the post-mortem report is received. Further investigation is under way, considering all possible angles. Meanwhile, Bablu Kinnar, associated with a local transgender group, said that the deceased was not affiliated with their community. Our group members live in their own houses under the guidance of our guru Hemlata. 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