Dalit activist passes away
Mangaluru: M Devadas,74, one of the founding functionaries of the Dalit movement in undivided Dakshina Kannada, and a participant and guide in people’s movements in Dakshina Kannada, has passed away following cardiac arrest on Wednesday. According to CPM district secretary Muneer Katipalla, when the Dalit Sangharsh Samiti (DSS) was launched in the state, M Devadas worked hard to initiate the Dalit movement in the coastal district. He travelled across the district to build the organisation. He made significant efforts to create ideological awareness and self-respect among Dalits. In the Mangaluru region, he organised several protests in association with leftist and rationalist organisations. Devadas also contributed to building platforms of like-minded groups and organising joint struggles. He was an inspiration to a new generation of activists. Following health issues, he was admitted to a hospital on July 12. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. The CPM Dakshina Kannada District Committee and other organisations have condoled his death. 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
Minorities, Dalits and deprived sections must unite to fight for their constitutional rights, say intellectuals
Meeting presided over by Justice Ranjit Singh (Retd.), former Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court The representatives of the Sikh, Muslim and Dalit communities, along with intellectuals and social activists, on Saturday resolved to establish a common front to raise concerns over the constitutional rights and equal opportunities of deprived minorities and marginalised sections. The resolution was adopted at a joint meeting of Sikh, Muslim and Dalit thinkers held at Kendri Sri Guru Singh Sabha, here, to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur. The meeting was presided over by Justice Ranjit Singh (Retd.), former Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. GeographicReference Former Rajya Sabha MP Mohammad Adeeb said that the Muslims who remained in India after Partition and Sikhs who supported the Indian Union on the assurances of Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel now feel those promises have not been fulfilled. He said that if the BJP seeks to establish a ‘Hindu Rashtra’, it should obtain the people’s mandate through a national referendum. The gathering observed that although India adopted democracy, secularism and constitutional governance after Independence, the successive governments have increasingly pursued policies favouring the majority community and upper-caste interests. Former Chief Justice Iqbal Ansari alleged that the ruling establishment promotes religious polarisation by setting one community against another for electoral gains. Noted Sikh scholar Gurtej Singh, IAS (Retd.), endorsed the proposal for a united platform of minorities and deprived communities and recalled that Sant Harchand Singh Longowal had entrusted him with initiating dialogue with Muslim leaders as early as 1983. The participants further stated that many minorities and deprived communities have been reduced to second-class citizens and are being used as scapegoats for advancing Hindutva politics. They stressed the need for minorities, Dalits and other marginalised sections to unite on a common platform to safeguard their rights and dignity. Among those who addressed the gathering included Prof Sham Singh (President), Dr Pyara Lal Garg, Gurpreet Singh (Global Sikh Council), Daya Singh Delhi, Anzarul Bari, Rajwinder Singh Rahi, Senior Journalist Jaspal Singh Sidhu, Surinder Singh Kishanpura and several other distinguished speakers. Courtesy : The Tribune Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetribune.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit rights forum announces protest over ‘rise’ in atrocities across Haryana
The Dalit Adhikar Manch has announced a statewide protest in Haryana against the alleged rise in crimes against Dalits, social discrimination and what it termed government neglect. At a state-level meeting, the organisation decided to hold protests in all districts between July 20 and July 30. During the agitation, memorandums addressed to the CM will be submitted through the respective Deputy Commissioners. Dalit Adhikar Manch convener Ramkumar Bahbalpuria on Saturday alleged that the Dalits were facing increasing social, economic, political and caste-based discrimination under the present government. He claimed that several incidents of atrocities against the Dalits had been reported across the state over the past three months. Bahbalpuria also alleged an increase in cases of harassment and gang rape involving Dalit women and minor girls, claiming that victims were not receiving justice. He further alleged that attempts were being made in some areas to evict Dalit settlements to benefit land mafias. The body also expressed concern over the alleged reduction in and irregularities in scholarships for the Dalit students. It criticised the reported reduction in ration for pink ration card holders following changes to the Food Security Act and the discontinuation of mustard oil supply. Bahbalpuria said after the July protests, the organisation would launch a signature campaign in the Dalit colonies across the state in September and October. A detailed memorandum highlighting its demands will then be sent to the President during the Winter Session of Parliament. Anil Kakkar Courtesy : The Tribune Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetribune.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit woman sarpanch alleges harassment, seeks arrest of accused
Rohtak: A woman sarpanch of Mokhra Khas village on Monday gave a representation to the Rohtak superintendent of police (SP), seeking the immediate arrest of two accused named in a case under the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. She also sought permission to hold a peaceful dharna if no action is taken. In her representation dated July 13, sarpanch Manjubala stated that she belongs to the SC community, and became a permanent resident of Mokhra Khas after her marriage. She stated that she was elected as the village sarpanch in the 2022 panchayat elections from a general seat reserved for women, defeating her nearest rival by 32 votes. She added that all other candidates in the election belonged to the general category. The representation alleges that two villagers, identified as Rajnesh alias Dola and Manoj alias Bandu, have been hostile towards her and her family. Referring to an FIR registered in May 2026 under the SC/ST Act at Bahuakbarpur police station, Manjubala alleged that despite registration of the case, the accused have not been arrested so far. She claimed that the delay in arrest has created fear for the safety of her family. In the representation, she stated that if timely action is not taken, the accused may pose a threat to their lives, forcing them to leave the village. She also said she already met senior police officials twice regarding the matter, but no effective action has been taken. Speaking to TOI, Manjubala said she enjoys support from people of all communities in the village, but alleged that the two accused made caste-based and defamatory remarks against her. Meham DSP Tanuj Sharma confirmed that the representation has been received. 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
Rahul Gandhi, Haryana Congress in-charge Sanjay Dutt discuss strategy to strengthen party in state
CHANDIGARH: Haryana Congress in-charge Sanjay Dutt on Tuesday met Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and discussed the political situation in the state, with the party deciding to intensify efforts to strengthen its organisation and expand outreach to workers. Dutt said Gandhi reviewed the political scenario in Haryana and gave guidance on building a stronger, more active and people-centric organisation. The discussions also centred on maintaining regular engagement with party workers and effectively raising public issues. Referring to his recent visit to the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee headquarters in Chandigarh, Dutt said he held meetings with office-bearers, district presidents, representatives of frontal organisations and party workers over several days. He said the interactions focused on strengthening the organisation down to the booth level, increasing workers’ participation and preparing them to take up public issues more effectively. Expressing confidence in the party’s prospects, Dutt said the Haryana Congress would emerge stronger and more responsive under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership. He said the party would continue its organisational expansion drive across the state while maintaining close coordination with workers and office-bearers. The meeting comes as the Congress steps up organisational activities in Haryana ahead of its future political programmes and campaigns in the state. 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
Thirty years on, justice remains elusive for Dalits in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Haryana
A chapter in a major 30-year review of the PoA Act argues that institutional failures, rather than legislative gaps, remain the biggest obstacle to justice Thirty years after Parliament enacted the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, a landmark review of the law has concluded that the promise of justice for Dalits and Adivasis remains far from realised. Published by the Human Rights Advocacy and Research Foundation (HRF), The Elusive Search for Justice: 30 Year Review of the SCs & STs (PoA) Act brings together the work of former civil servants, lawyers, academics, human rights defenders and Dalit rights activists to assess how India’s principal anti-atrocities legislation has functioned over three decades. Across its chapters, the report paints a troubling picture of rising atrocities, persistently low conviction rates, and poor implementation of victim compensation schemes, weak monitoring mechanisms, and widespread institutional failures that continue to undermine access to justice. The report’s central conclusion is that while Parliament has repeatedly strengthened the law through amendments and expanded protections for victims, the institutions responsible for implementing these safeguards have largely failed to match the law’s ambition. Among the most revealing contributions to the volume is a chapter by activist, writer and human rights defender Vidya Bhushan Rawat, who examines the functioning of the Act in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Haryana. While the broader report identifies national trends of weak implementation and institutional apathy, Rawat’s chapter shows how these failures manifest on the ground, in police stations, district administrations, courts and villages across northern India. Unlike chapters that focus on legislative history or national statistics, Rawat’s contribution is rooted in lived experiences. Drawing on field investigations, case studies, Right to Information disclosures and years of engagement with Dalit communities, he examines the obstacles faced by survivors seeking justice under the PoA Act. Rawat’s account suggests that the greatest barriers often emerge not in the courtroom but much earlier, at the stages of complaint registration, investigation and administrative response. Rawat’s central argument is that the crisis confronting the PoA Act is no longer one of legislative inadequacy. Over three decades, Parliament has progressively strengthened the law, expanded the list of recognised offences, enhanced victim protections and introduced new accountability mechanisms. Yet the effectiveness of these provisions ultimately depends upon the willingness of police officers, prosecutors, district administrations and local governments to enforce them. It is at this level, he argues, that the law repeatedly breaks down. The result is a system in which the formal existence of legal rights often bears little resemblance to the realities experienced by Dalit survivors attempting to access protection, accountability and justice. The hidden crisis behind atrocity statistics Rawat begins by challenging a common assumption that official crime statistics adequately capture the scale of caste violence. For many observers, NCRB data provides the principal measure of atrocities committed against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Rawat argues that these figures reveal only a fraction of the reality. The larger problem, he suggests, lies in the vast number of incidents that never enter official records at all. Across Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring states, Dalit complainants frequently encounter resistance at the very first stage of the criminal justice process. Police officials may refuse to register FIRs under the PoA Act, dilute charges, classify incidents as ordinary criminal disputes, or encourage parties to arrive at informal compromises. In many villages, survivors must navigate local power structures before they can even reach a police station. The consequence is that official statistics may reflect only those cases that successfully overcome multiple layers of institutional resistance. Rawat argues that any assessment of the PoA Act that relies exclusively on registered cases risks overlooking the structural barriers that prevent countless incidents from being formally recognised as atrocities in the first place. Uttar Pradesh: The limits of legal protection Among the three states examined, Uttar Pradesh occupies a central place in Rawat’s analysis. The state has long recorded some of the highest numbers of crimes against Scheduled Castes in the country. Yet Rawat contends that these figures tell only part of the story. The deeper problem lies in the persistent inability of victims to secure meaningful justice after a case is reported. According to the chapter, many police officials continue to approach caste atrocities through the lens of local disputes rather than recognising them as manifestations of entrenched social discrimination. Complaints are often discouraged, investigations delayed, and statutory provisions under the PoA Act either ignored or improperly applied. Rawat argues that this administrative response reflects a broader reluctance within state institutions to confront caste power directly. Rather than functioning as neutral enforcers of the law, institutions frequently mirror the social hierarchies that the legislation was intended to challenge. The Case of Shivam: A child, a crushed arm, and a system that failed To illustrate these dynamics, Rawat recounts the case of Shivam, an eight-year-old Dalit child from Jaunpur district whose arm was allegedly crushed in a sugarcane-crushing machine owned by an upper-caste family in December 2015. The incident should have triggered an immediate legal response. Instead, according to the account presented in the chapter, the family encountered resistance from law-enforcement authorities when they sought to pursue the matter. Efforts to register a complaint were allegedly met with indifference, while those assisting the family reportedly faced hostility from officials. What makes the case particularly significant for Rawat is not merely the injury itself but the social environment surrounding it. The family belonged to a community economically dependent upon dominant-caste landowners. Villagers were reportedly unwilling to speak openly about the incident, fearing repercussions. The imbalance of power was such that even seeking justice carried social and economic risks. Ultimately, concerns for safety and survival reportedly forced the family to leave the village. For Rawat, the episode demonstrates how caste violence cannot be understood solely as a criminal act. It is sustained by relationships of economic dependence, social exclusion and institutional indifference that make accountability exceptionally difficult to achieve. Hundreds of cases, no convictions Perhaps the
Haryana: 32-year-old Dalit youth brutally murdered, head severed from body; police investigating
A heartbreaking murder has come to light in Rohtak. A young man has been beheaded and his body severed. Murder of Dalit Youth in Rohtak Rohtak: A case of the brutal murder of a Dalit youth has come to light in Rohtak, Haryana. The youth has been identified as Neeraj of Ismaila village. He was 32 years old. The incident has created a stir in the area. A Dalit youth was brutally murdered in Ismaila village, under the jurisdiction of Sampla police station in Rohtak. The youth’s head was severed from his body. No information has yet been released about the murderer. All that has been known is that someone slit his neck with a sharp-edged weapon. The youth’s body was found in the village water tank this morning. The deceased’s name was Neeraj, and he was only 32 years old. Police and FSL teams arrived at the scene to investigate. The deceased’s body was taken into custody and sent to Rohtak PGI for post-mortem. The police have registered a murder case and initiated an investigation. This incident has created a sensation in the area and created an atmosphere of fear among the people. The visuals of the incident are so terrifying that even a normal person would be shaken by them. Even the police team arriving at the scene was stunned. This incident was carried out with extreme brutality. The case is under investigation, and people say that the perpetrator of such a crime should be severely punished. At present, no information has been obtained about the accused, but the police are conducting a continuous search operation. So far, no update has been received regarding the motive behind the murder or any enmity with the deceased. Discussions are ongoing in the surrounding area, and people are hoping for justice from the police. People believe that the police will soon uncover the truth behind this brutal murder and reveal the truth to the public. It remains to be seen how long it takes the police to solve this case. Currently, this incident has sparked anger among the Dalit community. Written By: Rituraj Tripathi Report by Sunil Kumar Courtesy: Hindi News
“I’ll get away with it if the police let me go…” A Dalit youth suspected of motor theft was “punished” by a mob.
A video of a Dalit youth being hung upside down in a well in Haryana and beaten is going viral. Police have filed a named FIR against five people and launched an investigation. (Haryana: Dalit youth thrown upside down in a well (Latadia Today) “A disease can be cured, but not a sick mentality.” A similar incident occurred in Haryana’s Hisar district. A video from the area is going viral on social media, showing some people beating a Dalit youth suspected of stealing a water motor. The situation escalated when the accused hung him upside down in a well, crying and screaming. Seeing the seriousness of the matter, the police swung into action. They have registered a case against five named and some unidentified individuals. The incident took place in Sorki village, near Hansi in Hisar. The victim, a Dalit youth, has been identified as Baru, a resident of Sorki. According to a report by Praveen Kumar of India Today, a video of the incident, which occurred on June 1, 2026, has now gone viral. In the video, the victim can be seen tied with ropes and hanging upside down in a well. Caught on charges of motor theft In the viral video, people can be heard questioning Baru about the motor theft. After the incident, Baru managed to escape and report the crime to the police. Following this, the police registered an FIR on Thursday, June 5, and began an investigation. According to a report in the Indian Express, Sub-Inspector Praveen Kumar of the Sorkhi police post confirmed the incident. He said that Baru was admitted to the government hospital in Hansi on the evening of June 4. A case has been registered against the accused under sections 109 (1) of the IPC (attempt to murder), 126 (2) (wrongful restraint), 3 (5) and 351 (3) (criminal intimidation) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). Sections of the SC/ST Act have also been added. Went to the field after suffering from diarrhea According to Praveen Kumar’s report, Baru said that he was suffering from diarrhea and had gone to freshen up. Meanwhile, people chased him, mistaking him for a thief. When he jumped into a drain, a man started shouting “thief, thief!” Baru said, “He caught me. I said, ‘There’s no need to catch me, I won’t run away.’ Despite this, the men continued to beat me.” Baru said that he told the people that he was not a thief and would not run away. He even said that if they suspected him of theft, he was ready to go to the police station. According to the Indian Express report, Baru said that he denied the allegations several times, but the people refused to listen. People demanded punishment on the spot The attackers said that handing Baru over to the police would be of no use and that he would easily be released. Baru also alleged that one of the accused threatened to punish him “on the spot.” He said, “They tied a rope to my leg and hung me upside down in the well. That’s why I was forced to confess.” Local residents say Baru was arrested on suspicion of stealing a water motor. They even claim that several water motors had been stolen from the area recently, causing distress among farmers. At the time of writing, no information has been received regarding the arrest of the accused. Pragati Pandey Courtesy: Hindi News
FIR against 10 for hanging Dalit youth upside down in well over theft suspicion
Hisar: A day after a video showing a Dalit youth hanging upside down in a well went viral, Hansi police booked 10 people, including five named accused, for assault, criminal intimidation and offences under the SC/ST Act. The FIR was registered after the victim, Baru of Sorakhi village, gave his statement following the circulation of the video online. Police named Deepak, Pawan, Joga and Surender among the accused, besides five unidentified persons. Bass police station SHO Pavitra said the investigation was underway and no arrests had been made till Friday evening. The incident reportedly stemmed from allegations that the youth stole a water pump motor and sold it to a scrap dealer. According to claims made in connection with the viral video, villagers allegedly caught him while disposing of the motor and subsequently subjected him to physical assault. The video shows a group of men tying him with ropes, hanging him upside down inside a well, and assaulting him to force a confession. The youth is heard screaming and pleading to be pulled out as he is lowered headfirst into the water-filled well. The attackers, however, continue lowering him deeper into the well for nearly a minute, until he appears to agree to give information on the alleged theft. He is pulled out, only to be thrashed with sticks. The video also shows attempts to restrain him further with ropes. The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with demands for strict action against those involved. Police said further action would be taken based on the findings of the investigation. 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
“I’m sorry, you’re SC, we can’t hire you.” A young man in Haryana was fired from his job after being asked about his caste two hours after joining.
A Dalit youth in Panipat, Haryana, has leveled serious allegations against a private company. He claims he was fired from his HR position because of his caste. During the interview, the company owner and others abused him with caste-related slurs and pushed him. A complaint has been filed at Sector 13 and 17 police stations, and the police are investigating the matter. Panipat. A shocking incident has come to light in Panipat, Haryana, where a young man was fired because he belonged to the Dalit community. Rizul Kumar, a resident of Babarpur Mandi, said he was selected for the HR position after an interview at Ela Home Fashions Company on GT Road, Panipat. After his selection, Rizul was asked to meet the company’s General Manager. The youth went to the GM’s cabin to meet him. It is alleged that the General Manager asked about his caste instead of his qualifications. After providing his caste, Rizul returned home. About two hours later, the company official called Rijul and said, “I’m sorry, we can’t hire you. You belong to a Scheduled Caste. This isn’t covered by our policy.” Hearing this, the young man was shocked. The young man explained that when he went to the company with his sister to inquire about the reason for the dismissal, he and his sister were insulted with casteist slurs. The young man alleges that the company owner’s mother also used casteist slurs and pushed the two siblings out of the company. The victim went to Sector 13 and 17 police stations and filed a complaint against the company owner’s mother, the General Manager, and the HR for insulting him with casteist slurs. The station in-charge stated that the matter would be thoroughly investigated. The young man stated that his salary and all formalities had been completed. He alleged that the company promised to offer jobs based on caste. He said that he was stressed the entire night. The senior HR also made caste-related comments and even attempted to assault him. Reported by:Sumit Kumar Edited by:Vinod Kumar Katwal About the Author Vinod Kumar Katwal, a Season journalist with 14 years of experience across print and digital media. I have worked with some of India’s most respected news organizations, including Dainik Bhaskar, IANS, Punjab Kesari, and Amar Ujala. Currently serving as the Bureau Chief for Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, I lead and oversee comprehensive coverage across key regions, ensuring impactful, accurate, and timely reporting. With a strong command over political and crime reportage, I am passionate about in-depth storytelling, ground reporting, and delivering sharp, trustworthy journalism. Courtesy : Hindi News