NHRC seeks report on ‘social boycott’ of 10 Dalit families in Ganjam
Berhampur: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an action taken report from the Odisha govt regarding the alleged social boycott of 10 Dalit families in a village in Ganjam district. The boycott stemmed from a dispute over the construction of a kalyan mandap (community hall). NHRC scheduled a hearing on the matter during its camp sitting in Bhubaneswar on July 21. The commission has requested detailed reports to be submitted within a week after issuing the order on Thursday. The development follows a petition filed by a Berhampur-based rights NGO. In response, NHRC has issued letters to the chief secretary, director general of police (DGP) and the Ganjam collector, urging them to address the issue. The commission also instructed that the relevant authorities, victims and complainants or their representatives be present at the hearing. The special secretary (home), who also serves as nodal officer for the camp, has been tasked with coordinating the attendance of the complainants and victims, ensuring they receive necessary assistance to reach the venue. The NGO’s petition alleges that the Dalit families faced ostracism from other villagers due to their efforts to construct the kalyan mandap, that was reportedly obstructed. The petition claims the act violates Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution. The organisation has urged the NHRC to take cognisance and direct the state govt to conduct a high-level investigation to eradicate such social injustices. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Rath deliberately stalled to help Adanis pull chariots, says Rahul; he has a habit of lying: BJP
Bhubaneswar: The BJP govt in Odisha slammed Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Friday for his allegation that this year’s Rath Yatra was stalled to allow industrialist Gautam Adani and his family pull the chariots the next day. While there are past precedents of the chariots getting stalled for various reasons, Rahul tore into the govt saying, “Adani runs Odisha govt. Adani runs Narendra Modi. When Jagannath Yatra was taken out in Odisha, lakhs of people witnessed it. Then, a drama took place. The chariots were stopped for Adani and his family. This will help you understand everything about the Odisha govt.” Slamming Rahul, who was in Bhubaneswar to attend the ‘Samvidhan Bachao Samavesh’ (Save the Constitution rally), state law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said he has a habit of lying. “The claims of Rahul Gandhi are false and baseless,” said Harichandan, explaining that Lord Balabhadra’s chariot had deviated from its path due to an irregular turn, causing delay in pulling the chariots of Lord Jagannath and Devi Subhadra. The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha renewed his criticism of the Election Commission of India (ECI), a day after Supreme Court allowed it to proceed with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Claiming that Congress will continue to oppose the SIR in Bihar, Rahul said, “The ECI is acting like a body of the BJP and attempting to steal the forthcoming Bihar mandate, similar to the practice they had adopted in Maharashtra. The Congress will not allow the ECI and BJP to repeat the Maharashtra-like ‘chunav chori’ (vote theft) in Bihar.” Rahul also accused the Centre and state of handing over the state’s resources to a handful of billionaires. Accusing the state govt of “stealing the wealth” from poor tribals, who form about 22% of the state’s population, the Congress leader said, “Just like the previous BJD govt, this BJP govt is allowing 5-6 big companies to exploit the state’s land, water, and forests.” He added, “Nowhere in the Constitution has it been written that the country belongs to Adani, Ambani and billionaires. The land in the country belongs to the poor and farmers and not to a single billionaire. But wherever we see, be it Odisha or Chhattisgarh, only one name is being seen — Adani.” Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who also addressed the rally, took potshots at PM Modi over Operation Sindoor. “US President Donald Trump claimed that he stopped the war between India and Pakistan. But, Modi remained silent as he lacked the courage to counter Trump. The PM’s only interest is in visiting foreign countries and getting awards there,” Kharge said. BJP state president Manmohan Samal hit back, highlighting Modi’s effective governance. “Modi ji’s good governance has impressed global leaders. Operation Sindoor has been widely praised by international experts. People in the country have not forgotten the Congress misrule. Odisha has made rapid progress under our double engine govt,” Samal said. Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan termed Congress-sponsored ‘Samvidhan Bachao Samavesh’ as ‘save Rahul Gandhi and Congress’ event. “Congress faced crushing defeats in Maharashtra and Haryana, after which Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge are blaming the Election Commission and democratic institutions for their losses. The history of Congress has always been one of neglecting the rights of the poor and marginalized sections,” Pradhan said. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Govt not trying to stop drivers’ strike: Bhakta
Bhubaneswar: OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das on Thursday alleged that the govt is intentionally keeping the drivers strike unresolved to disrupt Rahul Gandhi’s planned rally in Bhubaneswar on Friday. BJP dismissed these allegations, asserting that the govt was taking serious steps to resolve the deadlock. “The BJP government is purposely extending the crisis duration to disrupt Rahul Gandhi’s ‘save constitution’ programme. We support the demands of the drivers and appeal them to allow the vehicles of our members and supporters to reach the rally venue at Baramunda. Our vehicles should not be stopped en-route the venue,” Das said. BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal responded: “Congress should refrain from making baseless statements. Govt is committed to resolve the issue.” Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Atrocities on Dalits in Odisha Reflects Rising ‘Upper’ Caste Hostility Under the BJP Government
Shock waves spread across Odisha and indeed the country after men of the Dalit Pana community were beaten near Dharakot of Ganjam district of the state. They were forced to crawl with grass blades between their teeth and also to drink drain water. They went through that ordeal after they were falsely charged with smuggling cattle by Savarnas. According to media reports the accused have been arrested by Odisha police following a huge outcry against the inhuman treatment of Dalits. The Bharatiya Janata Party government headed by chief minister Mohan Majhi assumed office a year back. So far, the government has not done anything to stem such casteist mistreatment. This author has spoken to rural residents belonging to Dalit and Muslim communities, who believe that BJP workers in Odisha have had a role to play in making violent language against them the new normal in Odisha. Many say that this, in a society where it is not unusual to see people of all castes attending religious functions together, is a new low. Odisha had been one of the most caste conscious states in India but the relations were not marked so much by violence than widespread and structural discrimination. Growing caste hostility A campaign has been mounted by BJP functionaries, claiming that the Panas are beef eaters. The Pana community has a symbolic role to play in Hindu cultural traditions. They perform certain functions in temple ceremonies and weddings. Their skills in beating drums and playing traditional musical instruments are often priceless in Hindu rituals. People from the community collect the skins of dead cows to use them in their drums. Some are sold to shoemakers. Most are agricultural labourers and earning very little. Their temple roles are thus a source of revenue. In Ganjam district, Brahmins and Pradhan communities are usually landlords. It used to be casteist custom that Brahmins’ legs would dangle from their verandahs in such a manner that they would be above the heads of Dalit people. Similarly, Pradhans and other cultivating caste groups displayed a similar approach to Dalits who work as labourers in the agricultural fields. This special bond between Panas and cultivators fosters some kind of fictive kinship among them in rural Odisha. Changing dynamics Dharakota, the place where Pana people were subjected to the most recent atrocity, witnesses large-scale migration to Gujarat and Kerala by non-Dalits who operate a network among their communities. Panas and other Dalit workers have no option but to stay on at their respective villages and work in the lands owned by ‘upper’ caste people. There is, meanwhile, tussle here between Dalit and other backward class communities as both believe that the other is out to take their jobs. Affirmative action has meant government jobs for a section of Dalit people – leading to resentment among others. Pana people are also adept at maintaining livestock – something that leads to a degree of economic prosperity, which again is a precursor to social discontent. A new normal The spread of venomous Hindutva ideology combined with cultivated hatred against the Dalits and Panas in the name of cow protectionism has become a new normal in Odisha under the present BJP dispensation. Professor F.G. Bailey’s 1960 study Tribe Caste and Nation has shed light on the Pana people and their ties with the tribal Kandha community as a microcosm of the hatred at play. Pana people used to face stiff opposition from caste Hindus and the tribal community, both, in entering temples – an oppression that was overcome in due course. Now, Panas are elected sarpanches and play an important role in villages. But in early 2000, Hindutva politics entered into the area and recognised the Kandha as Hindus and Panas as Christians. It caused violent conflicts among them and often resulted in riots. With the coming of the BJP government the problem has been exacerbated. Caste Hindus, furious about the social mobility now enjoyed by Panas, have been pouncing on them with the ruse of cow protectionism. The heart-rending ill treatment of Panas near Dharakot is a blot not only on society and culture of Odisha but on democratic politics. Courtesy : Radha Kant Barik, The Wire Note: This news is originally published on https:/thewire.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Odisha: NHRC takes suo motu cognisance after 2 Dalits get assaulted over cattle smuggling
2 SC persons were beaten up, forced to eat grass & drink drain water, on suspicion of illegally smuggling cattle in Ganjam district of Odisha, on 26 June. New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India on Wednesday took suo motu cognizance of a media report revealing that two persons belonging to the Scheduled Caste were beaten up, forced to eat grass and drink drain water, on suspicion of illegally smuggling cattle by some people belonging to other community, in Ganjam district of Odisha, on June 26, 2025, as per an official release. Reportedly, their mobile phones were snatched, and their heads were also forcibly tonsured. The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights. Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Odisha, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks. The report is expected to include the action taken against the perpetrators and compensation, if any, provided to the victims. Meanwhile, in Telangana, High Court advocate Rama Rao filed a complaint with NHRC regarding the blast at the Sigachi Industries Limited pharmaceutical factory in Pashamylaram Industrial Area, which occurred on Monday. The complaint alleges that the incident, which resulted in several worker fatalities and injuries, was caused by the company’s failure to follow safety protocols and negligence on the part of management. According to the complaint, “Several workers have been killed after a suspected reactor explosion caused a fire in a chemical factory in Telangana. As per officials, the incident took place at the Sigachi Chemical Industry in Pashamylaram on Monday. As many as 108 workers were at the factory at the time of the blast, which could be heard about five km away. The explosion triggered a huge fire, and 15 fire engines were used to douse the flames. According to eye-witnesses, such was the impact of the explosion that workers were tossed in the air and fell several meters away.” “As the bodies of some victims were blown to pieces or charred beyond recognition, disaster occasioned due to failure in following the safety protocols, negligence on part of management, post disaster response of authorities was slow, indicating their unpreparedness, fire fighters had to reach the place from Secunderabad which is nearly 40 km away, necessary case may be directed to registered against Chidambarnathan Shanmuganathan, Dhanalakshmi Guntaka, Amit Raj Sinha, Sarveswar Reddy Sanivarapu, Vivek Kumar, Subbarami Oruganti Reddy, Rabindra Prasad Sinha, and Bindu Vinodhan (Directors/Management of Sigachi) for an offence of culpable homicide not amounting to Murder, direct the management to pay a sum of Rs 25,00,000 as compensation in case of deceased alongside a sum of Rs 10,00,000 for injured and disabled, investigations may be directed to be carried out with specific reference to cause of blast, safety audits may be conducted in all establishments throughout the industrial areas of Telangana for preventing any repetition,” the complaint further said. This report is auto-generated from ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. Courtesy : The Print Note: This news is originally published on https:/theprint.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
NHRC Issues Notice To Odisha Chief Secy, DGP Over ‘Atrocities’ Against 2 Dalit Men
New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to Chief Secretary and DGP of Odisha in connection with the alleged torture of two persons, belonging to the Scheduled Caste, on suspicion of illegal cattle smuggling in Ganjam district. Taking suo motu cognisance of a media report over the incident, the rights panel noted that, if true, the incident raises grave concerns about human rights violations. “…were beaten up, forced to eat grass and drink drain water, on suspicion of illegally smuggling cattle by some people belonging to another community, in Ganjam district of Odisha, on June 26. Reportedly, their mobile phones were snatched and their heads were also forcibly tonsured,” it said. The Odisha government has been asked to submit a detailed report in two weeks. “The report is expected to include the action taken against the perpetrators and compensation, if any, provided to the victims,” it added. Police have so far arrested 12 people, including the prime accused 20-year-old Rajesh Samal of Jahada village, in connection with the incident. According to the FIR, a mob intercepted Bulu Nayak (52) and Babul Nayak (43) of Singipur at Kharigumma under Dharakote police limits when they were transporting a cow and two calves to their village on a cargo auto-rickshaw as part of dowry arrangement of a family’s marriage ceremony. Accusing them of transporting the cattle illegally, the group snatched their mobile phones and cash and demanded Rs 30,000 to release the animals. When the men expressed their inability to pay, the miscreants tied their limbs, thrashed them, partially shaved their heads at a local salon, forced them to crawl for nearly two km to Jahada village with grass clamped between their teeth and had them drink sewage water. Courtesy : Odisha Bytes Note: This news is originally published on https:/odishabytes.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
NHRC seeks government report on dalit torture in Ganjam
On June 26, the two SC persons were beaten up, forced to eat grass and drink drain water by some people belonging to other communities, on suspicion of illegal cattle smuggling in Ganjam district. BHUBANESWAR: The NHRC on Wednesday asked the state government to submit a detailed report in connection with the brutal torture of two dalit men over illegal cattle smuggling suspicion in Ganjam district. Taking suo motu cognisance of a media report, the apex human rights panel issued notices to the chief secretary and the director general of police directing them to submit report on the action taken in this matter within two weeks. On June 26, the two SC persons were beaten up, forced to eat grass and drink drain water by some people belonging to other communities, on suspicion of illegal cattle smuggling in Ganjam district. Their mobile phones were snatched and their heads forcibly tonsured. The Commission observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights. “The report is expected to include the action taken against the perpetrators and compensation, if any, provided to the victims,” the order stated. The incident led to nation-wide outrage after its video went viral on social media. Police have arrested nine persons so far. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Rahul Gandhi to visit state on July 11
Bhubaneswar: Leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge are scheduled to visit Odisha on July 11 to attend the party’s ‘Save Constitution’ event in Bhubaneswar, Congress state president Bhakta Charan Das informed on Tuesday. During the visit, the party is likely to highlight the alleged rise in crimes against women in the state. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Torture of two dalit men: Ganjam police nabs main accused
IIC of Dharakote police station Chandrika Swain said so far, 12 people have been arrested in connection with the incident. BERHAMPUR: Five days after two dalit men were assaulted and tortured on cattle smuggling suspicion at Dharakote, Ganjam police arrested the prime accused in the case and produced him in court on Friday. The accused is 20-year-old Rajesh Samal of Jahada village. Rajesh reportedly led the mob which assaulted and tortured Babula Naik and Bulu Naik of Singipur village on June 22. IIC of Dharakote police station Chandrika Swain said so far, 12 people have been arrested in connection with the incident. Efforts are underway to nab others involved in the case. According to the FIR filed by the victims, they were transporting a cow and two calves to their village on a cargo auto-rickshaw when a mob intercepted them at Kharigumma. Accusing them of transporting the cattle illegally, the group demanded Rs 30,000 to release the animals. The FIR said when the victims refused to comply, the miscreants tied their limbs, thrashed them, partially shaved their heads at a local salon and forced them to crawl for nearly two km to Jahada village. They were also forced to consume grass and drain water at Jahada. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Crimes against women, Dalits dampen Majhi govt.’s one-year celebrations in Odisha
Since the so-called ‘double-engine’ government came to power, law and order in Odisha has collapsed, says Congress Legislature Party leader Rama Chandra Kadam Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with CM Mohan Majhi, arrives to address a public meeting to mark the first anniversary of the BJP government in Odisha, in Bhubaneswar on June 20. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with CM Mohan Majhi, arrives to address a public meeting to mark the first anniversary of the BJP government in Odisha, in Bhubaneswar on June 20. | Photo Credit: File Photo A spate of brutal crimes against women and a growing challenge to the rule of law by emboldened criminals have cast a long shadow over the Mohan Majhi government’s celebrations marking its first year in office in Odisha. Both the Congress and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) have intensified their attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, alleging a breakdown of law and order in Odisha. Even as preparations peaked for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit on June 20, a gang rape incident on June 15 sparked massive outrage in the State. A college student visiting Gopalpur beach in Ganjam district was allegedly gang-raped, filmed, and threatened by her attackers. Condemning the incident, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused the Majhi government of failing to ensure the safety of women. Although Berhampur police arrested 10 suspects, public anger did not subside. The All India Congress Committee (AICC) constituted a fact-finding team led by senior party leader Deepa Dasmunsi to assess the situation on the ground. BJD only did politics for 24 years, our Government has ushered in new era in Odisha: CM Majhi Soon after, reports emerged of the alleged gang rape and murder of a 17-year-old tribal girl under Pandapada police station in Keonjhar district. In another incident, a woman from New Delhi was molested in Jajpur district. As the government machinery focused on milestone celebrations, reports of heinous crimes dampened the mood and raised serious questions about governance. The disturbing pattern continued when a woman in Mayurbhanj district was allegedly abducted by three motorcycle-borne assailants and gang-raped near Karanjia on Wednesday. In a separate case, a Berhampur health centre operator — reportedly linked to the BJP — was arrested for raping a minor. Photographs of the accused with senior BJP leaders, including the Chief Minister, further embarrassed the ruling party. The student and youth wings of the BJD staged protests across educational institutions on Wednesday, denouncing the rising cases of atrocities against women, particularly the Gopalpur case. Citing information published by the Home Department and presented in the State Assembly, the BJD said, “Over 3,054 rape cases were reported in the last year alone, marking a steep rise in serious crimes like rape, abduction, and murder. This points to a severely deteriorating security environment for women and children in Odisha.” ‘Poor law and order’ The party also criticised the weakening of support mechanisms. “Under the Naveen Patnaik government, more than 600 police stations had functional women and child desks. Those are now barely operational, leaving victims helpless. The government’s inefficiency has emboldened criminals,” it said. In yet another shocking incident this week, two Dalit men in Ganjam district — accused of cattle smuggling — were tonsured, forced to eat grass, and made to drink dirty water. The victims claimed they were only transporting three cows to sell in order to arrange items for a family wedding. “Since the so-called ‘double-engine’ government came to power, law and order in Odisha has collapsed,” said Congress Legislature Party leader Rama Chandra Kadam, who led a fact-finding team to Ganjam. “Criminals act with impunity, and the Home Department is a mute spectator. Attacks on Dalits, tribals, and minorities are increasing by the day,” he said, addressing a press conference on Thursday. Satyasundar Barik Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.