Dalits can’t be Tamil Nadu CM: VCK chief breaks silence over approach for top post
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol Thirumavalavan on Monday confirmed that “well-wishers and mediators” had approached him over the possibility of becoming Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, but said no formal discussions were ever held and no one officially sought his support for such a move. The remarks by the VCK leader come days after India Today reported that a rebel AIADMK leader had claimed the DMK proposed making Thirumavalavan the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, which would have made him the state’s first Dalit CM. Speaking after the floor test in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, rebel AIADMK leader C Ve Shanmugam had said the state got an “extremely rare chance” and an “unimaginable, impossible chance” for “someone from the Scheduled Caste community to become Chief Minister.” Responding to the controversy, Thirumavalavan said, “Well-wishers and mediators spoke but no one approached officially, forcing us to accept this decision and seeking support.” He added that certain mid-level leaders and supporters had questioned why a Dalit could not become Chief Minister. “Even my party general secretary put out a tweet but we said it is not right,” he said. Thirumavalavan also revealed that he was informed on the night of May 8 about comments surrounding the possibility of him becoming Chief Minister, but said he initially took it lightly. The VCK chief reiterated that his party had extended only outside and unconditional support to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) for government formation. “I’ve said that we will not take part in the Cabinet while our party leaders are still wanting to,” he said. Reflecting on the broader social context, Thirumavalavan said Tamil Nadu, despite being described as a land of social justice and Periyar’s ideology, remained deeply affected by caste realities. “Tamil Nadu, even if you call it a social justice land or Periyar land, is caught in the grips of casteism. A Dalit cannot become a Chief Minister here that easily,” he said. Story by Pramod Madhav Courtesy : MSN Note: This news is originally published on https:/msn.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
Caste tensions flare up over temple entry in Kurnool
The incident once again highlighted the persistence of caste-based discrimination in rural areas despite constitutional guarantees of equality and social justice. KURNOOL: Tension prevailed in Juturu village of Patikonda mandal in Kurnool district after Dalits were allegedly prevented from entering a newly constructed Anjaneya Swamy temple by members of upper castes. Following complaints from affected families, police and revenue officials intervened to restore normalcy and ensure temple access for the Scheduled Caste community. Though the incident occurred on Saturday, it came to light on Monday after videos and messages related to the issue went viral on social media platforms. According to Patikonda DSP Venkataramaiah, the Revenue Divisional Officer and the DSP personally supervised the situation immediately after receiving information about the incident and arranged heavy police security at temple premises. Under tight police bandobast, Dalits entered the temple and offered special prayers in the presence of officials. The DSP said officials took adequate measures to prevent any untoward incidents and deployed a police picket in the village as a precautionary measure. The incident once again highlighted the persistence of caste-based discrimination in rural areas despite constitutional guarantees of equality and social justice. 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
PHOTO ESSAY: A symbolic marriage ritual and beauty pageant brings India’s trans community together
The Koovagam festival in Koovagam village, Tamil Nadu, India, is an annual gathering of transgender women to honor the Hindu deity Aravan, celebrate their identity and beauty, and find a sense of belonging. KOOVAGAM, India | Under stage lights, hundreds of transgender women adjusted their sarees, tucked flowers into their hair, and waited to be called onstage. One by one, they waved to cheering crowds and struck poses at one of India’s largest gatherings for the transgender community. Held each year in Koovagam village in southern India’s Tamil Nadu, the annual Koovagam festival brings faith and beauty together. By day, transgender women gather at a temple to honor a Hindu deity through rituals rooted in mythology and grief. By night, they celebrate glamour, identity, and joy as they take part in a vibrant beauty pageant. The festival centers on the Hindu legend of Aravan, a warrior from the Hindu epic Mahabharata who agreed to sacrifice himself before battle but wished to marry first. According to the story, the Hindu god Krishna transformed into a female form to wed Aravan. Many transgender women in India see the tale as a rare sacred recognition of gender fluidity, and each year reenact the marriage during the festival. The celebration, which drew hundreds of transgender women last month, has become both a sacred pilgrimage and a powerful expression of identity in a country where many transgender people still face discrimination, violence and exclusion. It also unfolded under a cloud of anxiety for the transgender community. Many attendees arrived amid growing concern over a controversial national bill that activists warn could erode hard-won rights for India’s transgender community by requiring medical-board approval for legal gender recognition. For many participants, the festival was deeply spiritual. Shanshi, who goes by just one name, has been attending the festival for five years and described Aravan as “God for all transgender people.” “When we gather here, it is for one reason — to worship Lord Aravan by getting married to him,” she said, after a Hindu priest tied a sacred thread around her neck, symbolically marrying her to the deity. Others spoke of violence and hardship beyond the festival grounds. Nazariya Kutty, 28, said she was forced out of her family home as a teenager and later survived domestic abuse and sexual assault in a marriage she hoped would bring stability. She rebuilt her life through delivery jobs before reopening her travel business. Now back at Koovagam with friends, she said the rituals give her strength. “I am waiting to be the bride of Lord Aravan,” Kutty said. “I have faith he will restore whatever I have lost.” Amid the festival’s spiritual fervor, the atmosphere remained celebratory. The village of Koovagam also transformed into a vibrant beauty pageant, where glamour and community took center stage. Backstage at this year’s beauty pageant, contestants in shimmering sarees shared mirrors and makeup brushes before stepping onto the stage as music echoed through the village. For 24-year-old Surya Kutty, winning the Miss Koovagam crown marked a personal turning point after years of returning to the festival with close friends. “This win has given me the confidence to participate in national and international events,” she said. Beyond the pageantry and rituals, many attendees described the gathering as a rare space of belonging for a community that continues to face barriers to jobs, housing and healthcare across India. Surya said the festival creates a rare sense of belonging. “Here we meet other transgender people and feel loved and cared by everyone,” she said. “These are special days meant exclusively for us.” Reported by SHEIKH SAALIQ Associated Press This is a documentary photo story curated by AP photo editors. Courtesy : Sentinel Note: This news is originally published on https:/sentinel.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Ernakulam pins high hopes on UDF’s ‘power cabinet’
With CM from dist, a stronger voice in policy making is expected KOCHI: As Kerala steps into a new political era under Chief Minister V D Satheesan, expectations are running especially high in Ernakulam district, the state’s commercial hub that now enjoys unprecedented representation in the cabinet. From the long-pending Angamaly bypass, additional ring roads and stronger road-rail connectivity to the development of emerging urban centres like Muvattupuzha, residents and industry leaders are hoping the new government will finally fast-track projects that have remained on paper for years. With the chief minister himself representing the district, along with ministers Roji M John, Anoop Jacob and V E Abdul Gafoor, Ernakulam expects a stronger voice in policy making and infrastructure planning. The demand for improved connectivity has once again taken centre stage. Civic groups and planners argue that Kochi can no longer sustain rising traffic pressure without large-scale interventions including new bypasses, ring roads and alternative urban corridors connecting nearby towns. “The government should design a strategy to reduce pressure on the city. Along with the Sabari Rail project, a 50 to 60-metre-wide road should also be developed,” said V J Kurian, former managing director of Cochin International Airport Limited. “If such a high-speed corridor becomes a reality, it could significantly reduce congestion in the city. This will particularly benefit people travelling from Erumely,” he said. Kurian also stressed that development should not remain confined to Kochi.“There should be equal focus on developing cities like Muvattupuzha. After the airport, the Kochi Metro was the only major project Ernakulam received, and even that is yet to be fully completed,” he said. According to him, the long-pending Kundannoor-Angamaly bypass must figure among the government’s top priorities. Industry leaders, meanwhile, have highlighted the need to create a more business-friendly ecosystem in Kochi. Vinodini Sukumar, president of the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the government must focus on youth-centric initiatives and startup support. “Kochi has a large youth population and the government should introduce startup training programmes and youth-oriented initiatives,” she said. There is a growing trend of entrepreneurs starting ventures here but registering them outside Kerala because of the lack of a conducive business environment in the city, she added. D Dhanuraj, chairman of the Centre for Public Policy Research, stressed the need to improve urban living standards. “From water supply to roads and electricity, Kochi deserves focused attention as it hosts major institutions including Cochin Shipyard,” he said. Social activist Ranjith Thampi echoed similar concerns. “Infrastructure continues to be one of Ernakulam’s biggest concerns. The district needs more ring roads and better connectivity,” he said. “Now, with a minister from Angamaly in place, people are once again hoping the Angamaly bypass project will finally become a reality. There is also a growing demand for a second bridge connecting mainland Kochi and Bolgatty, which has long been a dream for many residents,” he added. What District wants Early completion of Angamaly bypass More ring roads and smoother connectivity Development of Muvattupuzha and eastern belt Better climate for startups and business Upgraded roads, water and transport infrastructure Abhirami Anil 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
Stage overrun as massive crowd threatens to derail security protocol in Kerala
But for the Congress-led UDF, for whom the event marked a historic return to power after a decade, a restrained ceremony would have undermined the spirit of the occasion. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After the swearing-in ceremonies of the new governments in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, all eyes were on whether Kerala too would opt for a flamboyant, festival-like spectacle or stick to the sombre tradition usually associated with such occasions in the state. When the protocol wing of the general administration department got in touch with Lok Bhavan, the latter preferred to follow convention – seating on the dais only for the governor, the ministers being sworn in and the chief secretary. But for the Congress-led UDF, for whom the event marked a historic return to power after a decade, a restrained ceremony would have undermined the spirit of the occasion. Late on Sunday, Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan made a special request to Governor Rajendra Arlekar to permit additional dignitaries on the dais. “Though Satheesan initially preferred a simple ceremony, there was pressure from the AICC to ensure that Rahul Gandhi and other senior Congress leaders were accommodated on the stage,” said a source privy to the developments. “Since the governor did not want the new government’s tenure to begin on a sour note, he did not object to the chief minister’s request,” said a top official. The presence of nearly two dozen chairs in the front row and an almost equal number behind them offered an early indication of what was to come. However, matters soon spiralled beyond expectations. The swearing-in ceremony began nearly 15 minutes late after security personnel reportedly informed officials that the arrangements on the dais did not conform to the governor’s security protocol. Besides the dignitaries, members of their personal staff too remained standing behind the chairs, further crowding the stage. Governor Arlekar himself was seen navigating through nearly 60 people on the dais upon his arrival. “When the chief minister met the governor after the ceremony, he expressed regret over the way the arrangements had eventually unfolded. Even P K Kunhalikutty felt that the scale of the crowd frenzy had gone beyond expectations and resulted in a degree of chaos,” the official added. Sovi Vidyadharan 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
Team Satheesan kicks off on a welfare note
Satheesan, who had sharply criticised the previous LDF government over its “poor handling” of the economy, also announced the cabinet’s decision to release a white paper on the state’s financial health. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid thunderous cheers from a teeming crowd and in the presence of a galaxy of VIPs, V D Satheesan was sworn in as Kerala’s 13th Chief Minister along with 20 cabinet colleagues at a glittering ceremony at Central Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, on Monday. True to his word, Satheesan wasted no time after assuming office, rolling out two major poll promises: free travel for women on KSRTC buses from June 15 and the launch of India’s first dedicated government department for senior citizens. In a major relief for striking ASHA workers, the government also announced a Rs 3,000 hike in their monthly honorarium. Satheesan, who had sharply criticised the previous LDF government over its “poor handling” of the economy, also announced the cabinet’s decision to release a white paper on the state’s financial health. Addressing a packed press conference after his cabinet’s first meeting, a composed Satheesan said he was fully aware of the enormity of the task ahead and made it clear that his administration was determined to break from rigid precedents. While the finer details of the free transit scheme are being worked out, Satheesan said the new elderly welfare department would, within two months, prepare a comprehensive road map inspired by global models such as Japan’s to ensure senior citizens can live with dignity. The chief minister said the government’s goal was to build a system that would make Kerala proudly stand out as a truly civilised society. Signalling immediate relief for grassroots health and welfare workers, the cabinet approved a first-phase `3,000 hike in the honorarium of ASHA workers, raising their monthly pay from Rs 9,000 to Rs 12,000, with the promise of a second-stage increase later. Satheesan said a final decision on their retirement benefits would be taken within a month. The government also announced a Rs 1,000 salary hike for anganwadi workers, helpers and cooks, as well as pre-primary teachers and nannies. On the fiscal front, Satheesan said the government would publish a white paper, prepared with the support of economic experts, to give people a clear picture of the state’s financial health. SIT will probe ‘police excesses’ during Nava Kerala Sadas: CM The administration will also chart its next course after receiving a detailed report on the economic impact of the fuel price hike, while simultaneously reviewing monsoon preparedness. In a major political and administrative move, Satheesan announced the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the alleged police excesses against Congress workers during the Nava Kerala Sadas in 2023. Declaring, “We will not forget anything,” he insisted the move was not driven by political vendetta. Justifying the decision, the chief minister accused the previous regime of inaction, pointing out that a court in Alappuzha had ordered a reinvestigation of the case but no steps were taken. “The SIT will reinvestigate the case,” he said. In another clear departure from the previous administration, Satheesan assured greater access for the media to the state secretariat, saying the additional restrictions imposed by the former government would be reviewed. Portfolio row pushes govt into first crisis T’Puram: Hours after assuming office, the V D Satheesan government is facing its first major test as the chief minister and the Congress leadership have failed to arrive at a consensus over allocation of portfolios to certain ministers. 1st cabinet meeting Major decisions Free travel for women in KSRTC buses from June 15 Dedicated department for senior citizens; expert study to be initiated soon Rs 3,000 hike in monthly honorarium of ASHA workers; decision on retirement benefits in one month Rs 1,000 hike for anganwadi workers and helpers, noon-meal workers, pre-primary teachers and helpers Special Investigation Team to probe attacks during Nava Kerala Sadas in 2023 White paper to be published on financial status of treasury Decision to reduce fuel price hike burden will be taken after fiscal impact analysis To monitor monsoon preparedeness Assembly Session Special assembly session to held on May 21; MLAs to be sworn-in on the day Senior leader G Sudhakaran to be pro tem speaker Speaker’s election on May 22 Governor’s policy declaration on May 29 First session of 16th Kerala Assembly from May 29 Budget most likely on June 5 New appointments Advocate General: Adv Jaju Babu (Senior High Court lawyer) Director General of Prosecution: Adv T Asaf Ali 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
Under pressure from youth booked for stalking and harassment, teen Dalit girl ends life in MP
Niwari, A Class 10 Dalit student committed suicide in Madhya Pradesh’s Niwari district on Sunday after she was allegedly pressured by a man against whom she had lodged a complaint of stalking and harassment a couple of days ago, a police official said. The 16-year-old girl hanged herself in her house in Siyakhas village, around 18 km from the district headquarters, Prithvipur police station house officer (SHO) Jitendra Singh Gurjar told PTI. “She had earlier complained against Abhishek Yadav, a youth from the same village, after he allegedly caught hold of the girl with malicious intent when she was returning home from a temple with her sister-in-law two days ago,” he said. Following her complaint, Yadav and three others were booked under provisions of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, he said. “The accused allegedly pressured the girl’s family to withdraw the case. Possibly due to fear and pressure, she took the extreme step. Yadav has been arrested,” Gurjar said. This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. Courtesy : The Print Note: This news is originally published on https:/theprint.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dispute at birthday party, case filed against 55 people: 10 people, including the president’s husband, accused of Dalit harassment in Deoria
Police have filed a case against 55 people, 20 of whom are named, in connection with a dispute that broke out during a birthday party in the Rampur Factory police station area of Deoria district. Police have filed a case against 10 people, including the Nagar Panchayat president’s husband, under sections of Dalit harassment, rioting, and assault. Based on a complaint from the other party, a case has also been filed against nearly three dozen people, including a former BJP Mandal president, SP leaders, and a ration dealer. The incident occurred on the night of May 14 in Rampur Factory town. A birthday celebration was underway at Pradeep Chauhan’s home when a dispute erupted over a broken bike indicator. This dispute soon escalated into a physical altercation. A video of the incident went viral on social media. Based on Pramod Paswan’s complaint, a case has been registered against the chairperson’s husband, Satish Verma, Rahul Verma, Raju Yadav, Guddu Verma, Vicky Jaiswal, Dinesh Verma, and Vishal Yadav, among others, for rioting, assault, and under the SC/ST Act. Police have filed a case based on both parties’ complaints and begun an investigation. Rampur Factory Police Station Officer Ashwani Pradhan stated that a case has been registered against 20 named and 55 unidentified individuals based on complaints from both parties regarding the fight that broke out over a broken bike indicator. He stated that the investigation is ongoing and the accused will be arrested soon. An FIR was also filed with the police by the Nagar Panchayat Chairperson’s husband, Satish Verma, based on the complaint from the other party. Several individuals, including SP leaders, were named in the complaint. SP leader Chandrabhushan Singh Yadav, Murali Yadav, former BJP Mandal President Deepak Jaiswal, ration dealer Irfanullah alias Sajju, Akil Nafees, Aftab Alam, Ladla, Budhan, Dheeraj Gupta, Pramod Paswan, and others. Based on this complaint, the police have registered a case under sections of intimidation, assault, and other charges. Furthermore, more than two dozen unidentified individuals have also been named as accused. Including the cases filed by both parties, approximately 50 people are now under police investigation. Tension prevails in the Rampur factory town following the incident. Police are constantly monitoring the area. On Saturday, women from one side reached the police station and created a ruckus. Following this, Circle Officer Sadar Sanjeev Kumar Reddy arrived at the scene and spoke with both parties and assessed the situation. A minor issue of a broken indicator turned into a major dispute. The most discussed topic among locals is that the entire dispute began simply because the bike’s indicator was broken. Both parties have acknowledged the broken indicator in their respective complaints. People say that the minor dispute could have been resolved through negotiations, but quickly escalated into violence, commotion, and litigation. Following the incident, this issue was the topic of discussion throughout the day in several villages within the Nagar Panchayat area, including Dumri, Sirsiya No. 1, Mahdeva, Kotwa Mod, Patanwa Pul, Madhopur, and Hirandapur. The case poses a challenge for the police, as both parties involve politically influential individuals. With names of both the ruling and opposition parties emerging, police are taking every step with caution. Given the tension in the area, extra vigilance is being maintained. The Chairperson’s husband, Satish Verma, has categorically denied the allegations against him. He stated that the opposition party filed the case as part of a conspiracy due to an election rivalry. Satish Verma claims that he is not visible in the viral video on social media, yet the case was filed under pressure. He has promised to send a letter to the Chief Minister demanding an impartial investigation into the matter. The other party alleges that casteist remarks were made and he was assaulted at the birthday celebration. Police say the investigation is being carried out based on the viral video, witnesses, and other evidence. Tensions remain between the two parties, and the police are closely monitoring the situation. Officials say further action will be taken based on the facts that emerge from the investigation. Anugrah Narayan Shahi | Deoria Courtesy: Hindi News
A Dalit priest from Rajasthan writes to Mohan Bhagwat: “You are against caste discrimination, but RSS volunteers…”
Priest Vishnu Kumar alleges that some local workers of the organization, which preaches harmony and Hindu unity, are adopting a casteist attitude and conspiring to usurp his ancestral temple. Bhilwara – Amidst Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat’s continued advocacy for “one temple, one well, one crematorium” and social harmony, a shocking incident has emerged from Rajasthan’s Bhilwara district. A Dalit priest has alleged that local RSS workers are conspiring to usurp his ancestral temple and attacked him with casteist slurs. The victim has personally written a letter to the Sarsanghchalak, requesting his intervention. Vishnu Kumar, a resident of Barana village in Asind tehsil, stated in his letter that he is the priest of the “Shri Khakul Dev Ji” temple, which was established by his ancestors approximately 400 years ago. According to Vishnu Kumar, liquor businessman Sampat Jat, an active RSS volunteer, has been fomenting trouble against him since 2023. It is alleged that on August 14, 2025, several RSS workers and villagers, led by Sampat Jat, entered the temple premises. Vishnu Kumar alleges, “They attacked us, beat us, and used casteist slurs. They forcibly placed a donation box in the temple and declared that Dalit priests would no longer be allowed to work there.” His father, Shravan Lal, and other family members were also beaten in the incident. Due to the local BJP MLA Jabar Singh’s full support for these anti-Dalit RSS volunteers, no action was taken. Later, when Scheduled Caste organizations raised their voices, a police investigation was conducted. Even after the police investigation substantiated the allegations, the accused of Dalit harassment were not arrested and were allowed to roam freely. Ultimately, the accused obtained a stay on their arrest from the Rajasthan High Court and are now harassing us again. Priest Vishnu Kumar The victim reported that after the attack, local RSS workers intensified their efforts to take over the temple by forming a trust. Vishnu Kumar expressed concern that, despite the absence of a single Muslim family in the village, a mahapanchayat was held against the Dalits in the name of “Sakala Hindu Samaj.” He directly questioned the Sarsanghchalak, saying, “You talk about harmony at the top, but your workers are doing the opposite.” Vishnu Kumar urged the RSS chief to stop the workers from snatching the temple from the Dalit priest and to urge the BJP government to return the temple to them. Vishnu Kumar also accused the administration of inaction. He stated that despite a case being registered under the SC/ST Act and the allegations being proven during the investigation, the accused were not arrested. Instead, the accused have obtained a stay on arrest from the High Court and are now harassing them again. The letter stated, “Using the pretext of a dispute created by casteist RSS volunteers, the BJP government in Rajasthan, with the help of BJP MLA Jabar Singh and the administration, has seized the Shri Khakul Dev Temple, our ancestrally built and private temple, from us Dalit priests by placing it under the Tehsildar’s control. Now, neither the police station, nor the Tehsildar, nor the administration, nor the court, nor the BJP government listens to us. Now, when we go to the temple and worship, this same RSS volunteer, Sampat Jat, and his entire group, file false complaints against us.” The priest also complained about the arbitrary actions of the local police station’s CI. In his letter, priest Vishnu Kumar wrote, “I, Vishnu Kumar, currently a priest who considers myself a member of the Hindu community and performs puja at the Shri Khakul Dev Ji temple according to Hindu customs, have approached members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) from Arshid to Bhilwara, expressing my pain. I told them that your educated volunteers are usurping the temple from me, a Dalit priest. However, no one listened. Therefore, I am compelled to write this letter to you. You speak for the entire Hindu community and advocate harmony. You are against caste discrimination, and the RSS is running a campaign for one well, one crematorium, one temple. However, the RSS volunteers have usurped my own temple from me, a Dalit priest, and now they want to implicate me and my family in false cases, send us to jail, and even kill us. Your volunteers are behaving in the exact opposite way to what you are saying above. I humbly request you to stop terrorizing me in the name of the “total Hindu community,” and to stop the volunteers from Do not take the temple away from me, the Dalit priest, and ask the BJP government in Rajasthan to remove the receiver from the temple and hand it back to us Dalits, and allow police and legal action against the accused volunteers so that we can live as Hindus.” Caste Violence in Rajasthan The Dalit community in Rajasthan has long been the victim of social boycott, temple entry bans, and violent attacks. As of July 2025, the Rajasthan Police’s monthly report recorded 3,651 cases of atrocities against Dalits, including 44 murders and 325 rapes. The Meghvanshi community in the Asind region is particularly vulnerable to harassment, and the lack of effective action by the administration is further exacerbating this. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News