6-Year-Old Dalit Boy Allegedly Stripped And Beaten For Drinking Water In Kanpur
A 16-year-old Dalit boy in Kanpur was allegedly stripped and beaten for drinking water from a public handpump. Here is what happened. A bucket of water allegedly became the reason for a caste-based assault in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur district. According to the NCRB report, Uttar Pradesh recorded over 14,000 cases of atrocities against Dalits in 2024, the highest in the country. The latest case from Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur district shows how brutal that reality can still be. On 2 May, A 16-year-old Dalit boy was allegedly assaulted after drinking water from a public handpump in his village. What allegedly happened next, according to the FIR, raised fresh questions about caste discrimination that still exists in everyday spaces. A Drink Of Water Became A Trigger On May 2, a Dalit minor was reportedly working in fields near his village in Kanpur’s Sachendi area when he stopped to drink water from a public handpump in Jhakhra-Sambharpur village. He used a mug kept inside a nearby bucket. That moment allegedly triggered the assault. The FIR states that four men confronted the teenager and hurled casteist abuses at him, accusing him of “polluting” the bucket because he belonged to a Dalit community. What followed, according to police records and local reports, lasted nearly 30 minutes. The accused allegedly beat him with sticks, kicked and punched him, stripped him and forced him to lick a shoe after spitting on it. Reports also state that water was poured into the shoe and the teenager was allegedly forced to drink from it. The boy reportedly suffered a fractured arm during the assault. When his father, a farm labourer, rushed to help him, he too was allegedly attacked. According to The Times of India, the father suffered broken ribs. Then Came The “Purification” One detail from the case has especially disturbed people online. After the assault, the accused allegedly sprinkled Ganga water around the handpump area to “purify” it because the Dalit boy had touched the bucket. That act reflects a form of untouchability that India’s Constitution outlawed decades ago. The Police Case Took Time Although the assault took place on 2 May, the FIR was reportedly registered only on 17 May. The family spent days recovering in hospital before gathering the courage to approach the police. According to The Times Of India, Police have now registered a case against four accused identified as Sanjay, Deepak, Sagar and Patiya under relevant sections, including the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Assistant Commissioner of Police Manoj Kumar Singh said the matter is under investigation and action will be taken based on evidence. Vageesha Shrivastava Courtesy : Brut. Note: This news is originally published on https:/brut.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
NCW seeks report from Delhi Police within 7 days on Dalit woman’s ‘forced conversion’
New Delhi: The National Commission for Women (NCW) sought a report within seven days from the Delhi Police Commissioner over the alleged abduction, gang-rape, and forced religious conversion of a Dalit woman in Jamia Nagar, an official said on Saturday. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar wrote to Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha after taking suo motu cognizance of media reports regarding the alleged incident. The survivor had alleged that she was held captive for several days and subjected to repeated sexual assault by multiple individuals. Rahatkar wrote to the Delhi Police Commissioner, directing immediate, stringent, and time-bound action in the matter. The Commission also sought a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) within seven days. The ATR has been sought on the FIR registered in the matter, provisions invoked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and SC/ST Act, arrest of all accused persons, medical and forensic examination conducted, recording of the survivor’s statement before the Magistrate, and measures taken to ensure her safety, confidentiality, protection, counselling, and rehabilitation, said a statement. The Commission stated that allegations involving gang-rape, caste-based violence, and forced religious coercion are extremely grave in nature and must be investigated with utmost sensitivity, objectivity, and urgency. The NCW condemned the incident and stated that crimes against women involving sexual violence, coercion, and intimidation are unacceptable and must invite the strictest action under law. In a separate matter, the NCW took suo motu cognizance of “deeply disturbing” media reports regarding an alleged acid attack and extreme domestic cruelty against a woman in Pune. The case involves a man who allegedly poured floor-cleaning acid on his wife’s private parts over suspicion of an extramarital affair, confined her inside the house for several days, and denied her medical treatment, according to the Commission. Rahatkar wrote to the Director General of Police, Maharashtra, “directing immediate, stringent, and time-bound action in the matter”. The Commission also sought a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) within seven days. Courtesy : THI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehansindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit woman attacked, casteist slurs, and land grabbing allegations: FIR filed under SC/ST Act at Baba Bazar police station in Ayodhya
A case of assault, casteist slurs, and attempted land grabbing against a Dalit woman has come to light in the Baba Bazar police station area of Ayodhya. Based on the victim’s complaint, Baba Bazar police have registered a case under various serious sections and initiated an investigation. Phooljhara Devi, wife of Sundar Lal, a resident of Poore Pandit Purwa Majra Ratanpur village, has alleged that some villagers were repeatedly threatening her with the intention of seizing her inhabited land. When she resisted, the accused allegedly used casteist slurs and attacked her with a sharp weapon, leaving her seriously injured. The victim also alleges that the accused were already trying to seize her land through pressure and were threatening to kill her. The woman somehow managed to escape and hid in her house, after which she complained to the police. FIR number 0116/2026 has been filed at Baba Bazar police station. A case has been registered under sections 115(2), 118(1), 351(3) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and section 3(2)(va) of the SC/ST Act. Police have launched a detailed investigation. Ahmed Ilyas | Chandramau (Rudauli), Ayodhya Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit youth assaulted for demanding wages: FIR filed for casteist slur
A Dalit youth has been assaulted in the Shahi police station area of Bareilly for demanding his outstanding wages. It is alleged that he was also subjected to casteist slurs. Based on the victim’s complaint, the police have registered a case against the accused and initiated an investigation. Rajesh, son of Hiralal, a resident of village Bagrau, told the police that he was working at the Lal Kuan bus stand. He asked for his outstanding wages from Muzaffar, son of Jafar Hussain, a resident of Vikrampur. According to the complaint, upon demanding his wages, the accused became enraged and began abusing Rajesh. When Rajesh protested, he allegedly insulted him using casteist slurs. It is alleged that Muzaffar then beat Rajesh with sticks, kicks, and punches. Hearing the commotion, people from the vicinity arrived at the scene, after which the accused threatened to kill him and fled. Following the incident, the victim, Rajesh, reached the Shahi police station and demanded action. Considering the seriousness of the case, the police have registered an FIR under relevant sections. CO Mirganj, Ajay Kumar, is investigating the case. He stated that based on the investigation, strict legal action will be taken against the accused. Sunny Goswami | Mirganj Courtesy: Hindi News
Transgenders protest over proposed amendment bill
Mangaluru: A coalition of community-based organisations in Mangaluru has strongly condemned the proposed Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, introduced by the Union govt in March. The coalition includes the Coalition of Sex Workers’, Sexual & Gender Minority Rights (CSGMR), Sarathya Karnataka State Level Federation of Unique Sexuality community-based organisations, and Navasahaja Samudaya Sanghatane, Mangaluru. Addressing mediapersons on Saturday, the groups alleged that the amendment could seriously harm the rights of transgender and gender-diverse communities, and weaken existing protections related to equality, dignity, and identity. They said it undermines the right to self-identification affirmed by the Supreme Court in the NALSA vs Union of India (2014) judgment, which recognised transgender persons and upheld every individual’s fundamental right to determine their gender identity. Nikila, president of Navasahaja Samudaya Sanghatane, said the proposed bill would require medical examination to prove a person is transgender. She questioned the need for such procedures, and urged the Centre to reconsider the amendment, examine it properly, and ensure it supports the community. According to the groups, the bill seeks to make gender recognition dependent on medical examinations and certification, contradicting the Supreme Court’s position that gender identity should not require medical or administrative approval. The organisations argued that mandatory medical certification would violate human rights and could infringe constitutional guarantees under articles 14, 19, and 21. Christyraj from Bengaluru said the 2019 law recognised a wider range of identities, such as trans men, trans women, kothi, arvani, jogta, and kinnar, but the proposed 2026 amendment identifies only six categories and limits recognition giving them only “trans” label. The organisations claimed this definition could exclude many gender-diverse identities. The groups also warned that the amendment could increase surveillance and control over transgender persons. It also stated that the term ‘transgender’ is wrongly defined in the bill. Activists compared the proposed framework to the colonial-era Criminal Tribes Act of 1871, alleging it introduces a similarly regulatory and discriminatory approach toward marginalised communities. The organisation urged the Union govt and Parliament to withdraw the amendment bill immediately. It also urged for protection of the right to self-determination of gender identity and meaningful consultations with transgender and gender-diverse communities at every stage of policymaking. The groups also called for laws and policies to go with constitutional values and international human rights standards, reiterating that every individual has the right to live with dignity, liberty, and equal opportunity. The groups also protested near the clock tower in the city on Saturday, and submitted a memorandum to the Dakshina Kannada DC. 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
Major reshuffle of IAS officers in Kerala
Govt has initiated a shake-up in bureaucratic strata, transferring 15 IAS officers, 6 collectors THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In its first major reshuffle after assuming office, the UDF government has initiated a major shake-up in bureaucratic strata transferring 15 IAS officers, including six district collectors. GST commissioner Patil Ajit Bhagwatrao has been appointed as secretary, Finance (Resources) Department, while Transport special secretary PB Nooh has been posted as GST commissioner. Six districts got new collectors. Alappuzha collector Inbasekar K has been posted as Kerala Water Authority managing director, with additional charge of joint project director, KERA (Kerala Climate Resilient Agri-Value Chain Modernization Project). Cochin Smart Mission CEO Shaji V Nair will be the new Alappuzha collector. In a mutual transfer industries director Vishnuraj P will take over as Kannur collector, while incumbent Arun K Vijayan has been posted as industries director, with additional charge of MD, KSIDC. Kollam collector Devidas N was appointed Director, KILA. He will have additional charge of MD, Impact Kerala Ltd. Incumbent KILA director Nizamudeen A would be the new Pathanamthitta collector in place of Prem Krishnan S who was appointed as joint secretary and OSD, health department. Industries joint secretary and OSD Anie Jula Thomas will be the new Kollam collector. Palakkad collector Madhavikutty M S has been posted as collector, Kozhikode while incumbent Snehil Kumar Singh was appointed as collegiate education director, with additional charge of entrance commissioner. Collegiate education director Sudhir K will be the new Palakkad collector. Incumbent entrance commissioner Arun S Nair has been appointed as director, social justice department. He will have additional charge of executive director, Kerala Social Security Mission Limited; CEO Cochin Smart Mission and CEO Kochi Metropolitan Transport Authority. New collectors have been instructed to take charge on Monday. Alappuzha sub-collector Sameer Kishan has also been posted as Industries department deputy secretary, with additional charge of coir department director. 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
UP Congress chief booked in Mahoba for derogatory remarks against PM Modi
The UPCC chief was accused of spreading enmity, accumulating a crowd without administration’s permission, obstructing government work and creating a road blockade. LUCKNOW: An FIR was lodged against Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee chief Ajay Rai in Mahoba district on Saturday for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The FIR was based on the police complaint by the BJP’s district executive member Neeraj Rawat. Rai and 30 of his unidentified accomplices have been named in the FIR. The UPCC chief was accused of spreading enmity, accumulating a crowd without administration’s permission, obstructing government work and creating a road blockade. Significantly, Rai’s remarks escalated a war of words between the BJP and the Congress. The alleged abusive words used by Rai against Modi drew strong reaction from the BJP camp, including UP CM Yogi Adityanath and the entire BJP leadership after a purported video of Rai went viral on social media platforms. While the UPCC chief called it a fake video, accusing the BJP camp of fabricating it and claiming that he would lodge a police complaint in that connection, CM Yogi attributed the abusive language to Rai’s mental bankruptcy, reflecting his party’s frustration after facing back-to-back electoral defeats. In a post on X, Yogi said the comments made against the PM reflected the “political misconduct and poor culture” of the Congress. Rai’s indecent, unparliamentary and inexcusable remarks against PM expose the political values of Congress,” wrote the UP CM. Targeting the Congress leadership further, he said that even the party’s “Yuvraj” (read: Rahul Gandhi) had previously displayed similar political behaviour. “Congress has now reached the highest level of despair, frustration, and mental bankruptcy. They are no longer even in a position to apologise to the people of the country,” he added. The remarks came amid escalating political confrontation between the BJP and Congress after Rai’s recent comment on the Prime Minister. Namita Bajpai 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
Policemen accused of Dalit harassment in Gorakhpur drain dispute, case filed on court’s orders
On court’s orders, two policemen and the then-stational station head have been arrested for allegedly harassing women, assaulting them, and making casteist remarks during a drain dispute in Gorakhpur. Correspondent, Pipraich (Gorakhpur). A case has been filed on court’s orders against PRV personnel who arrived in the village to address a drain construction dispute for allegedly harassing women, assaulting them, and making casteist remarks. Serious allegations have been leveled against the two policemen and the then-stational station head. The CO, Chaurichaura, is investigating the matter. Pradumman Bharti, a resident of Naiyapar Bujurg village in Pipraich, filed a petition in court alleging that on November 9, 2025, a dispute arose in the village regarding drain construction. Puneet Kanaujia, from the other side, called 112 and summoned the police. It is alleged that PRV Head Constable Santosh Kumar Maurya and Constable Anand Swaroop Upadhyay, who arrived at the scene, behaved indecently and used casteist remarks against the family members. When they protested, the policemen assaulted Pradumman Bharti and his family members and threatened to kill them. The application also alleges mistreatment and physical assault of women. According to the complaint, the women were forcibly forced into a police vehicle without the presence of a female police officer, and were then driven some distance away, subjected to indecent behavior. The victim alleged that she was also tortured at the police station, resulting in ear injuries and hearing problems. The then-station head, Atul Kumar Srivastava, has also been accused of harassment in this case. Pradumman Bharti says that after the incident, the police instead issued a challan against her for disturbing the peace, and despite the complaint, no action was taken. SP North Gyanendra Kumar stated that the case was filed on court orders. Further action will be taken based on the evidence. EDITED BY: VIVEK SHUKLA Courtesy: Hindi News
A case of Dalit harassment against a District Panchayat member in Gorakhpur: Allegations of assault and casteist remarks against an employee; police launch investigation
Alok Gupta, director of an organization and District Panchayat member in the Barhalganj area of Gorakhpur, has been accused of serious Dalit harassment. He is accused of assaulting an employee of the organization, making casteist remarks, and mentally harassing him. Based on the victim’s complaint, the Barhalganj police have registered a case and begun investigating the matter. Deep Narayan Chand, alias Deepu, a resident of Dhabouli in the Barhalganj Kotwali area, stated in his complaint to the police that he has been working as a computer operator at the Manav Seva Shiksha Sanstha since 2023. The victim alleges that the organization’s director, Alok Gupta, had been treating him indecently for a long time. He was frequently insulted during work and mentally harassed with casteist slurs. According to Deep Narayan, the organization’s director had a man call him while he was resting during lunch break on May 9th. Upon arriving, he was assaulted and subjected to abusive language and casteist remarks. The victim stated in his complaint that this incident was not the first time, but that he had been subjected to continuous abuse and harassment for several years. Given the seriousness of the matter, the Barhalganj police have registered a case under relevant sections based on the victim’s complaint. Police officials stated that an impartial investigation is being conducted. Further legal action will be taken based on the facts that emerge from the investigation. The victim has demanded justice from the administration and strict action against the culprits. The police say that statements from all parties will be recorded and action will be taken based on the evidence. This incident has become a topic of discussion in the area. Gopal Tripathi | Gola Courtesy: Hindi News
300 booked for violent clashes during Dalit wedding procession in Mathura
Stones were hurled at the procession when it entered an upper-caste locality during the wedding ceremony, triggering clashes Police booked over 300 individuals, including 41 named accused from both sides, in connection with the violent clashes that erupted during a Dalit wedding procession here on May 20, officials said on Friday. Police separately filed a case over an alleged attack on policemen, naming 15 people and booking 50 unidentified persons. The incident took place in Narhauli village under the Highway police station area when a wedding procession from Bharna Kalan village in the Govardhan area arrived for the marriage of Lakshmi and Poonam, daughters of Bhagwan Das, to Ashok and Kuldeep, sons of Nemichand. According to allegations, stones were hurled at the procession when it entered an upper-caste locality during the wedding ceremony, triggering clashes. However, the other side claimed the dispute escalated after some members of the procession allegedly played songs containing caste-based derogatory remarks and used objectionable language. They alleged that when residents objected, members of the procession assaulted them and entered houses to vandalise property. Senior Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar said the crime branch is probing the incident. Highway Police Station SHO Shailendra Singh said Radha, daughter-in-law of the injured elderly woman Shanti alias Santoshi Devi, lodged a complaint naming 17 people from the Dalit community and 250 unidentified people. Those named include the bride’s brothers, police said. In another complaint, the bride’s brother Dilip named 24 people, besides 20 unidentified people. Police said additional force from several police stations has been deployed as a precautionary measure. Authorities appealed to members of both communities to maintain peace. Officials said the injured elderly woman’s condition has improved, and she is likely to be discharged from the hospital by Friday evening. Police said video footage and CCTV recordings are being scrutinised to identify those involved in the violence, and further action will be taken accordingly. CCTV footage and video clips circulating on social media are being examined to identify every person involved in the violence, he said. The SHO said the three cases registered in connection with the incident are likely to be investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), though official confirmation is awaited. 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