MP: Attack on Dalit Groom’s Pre-Wedding Procession in Damoh; Pulled Off Horse and Assaulted; Family Reaches Police Station with Wedding Procession
A case has come to light in the Hatta police station area of Damoh, where a Dalit groom with a disability was pulled off his horse and assaulted by local strongmen during his *Rachwai* (pre-wedding procession). The police have registered a case under the SC/ST Act and have initiated an investigation. On Tuesday evening, a dispute erupted during the *Rachwai* of a disabled groom belonging to the Dalit community in Bijori Pathak village, located within the Hatta police station jurisdiction of Damoh district. It is alleged that certain influential individuals (strongmen) from the village pulled the groom down from his horse and assaulted him using sticks and clubs. The incident caused chaos and panic at the scene. Members of the groom’s side, accompanied by the entire wedding procession, proceeded to the Hatta police station and lodged a formal complaint. The police have registered a case under various sections, including the SC/ST Act, and have deployed a police force in the village to maintain order. **Wedding Procession Bound for Chhatarpur; Pre-Wedding Procession Being Held First** According to reports, the wedding procession of Golu Ahirwar (23)—son of Bhagirath Ahirwar and a resident of Bijori Pathak village—was scheduled to travel on Tuesday to Budhi Semra village in the Buxwaha region of Chhatarpur district. Before the main wedding procession departed, the groom’s *Rachwai* was being carried out within the village around 5:00 PM. Golu was seated on a horse, while his family members and fellow community members were celebrating. During this time, as the *Rachwai* reached the ‘Lodhi Mohalla’ (neighborhood) of the village, certain individuals raised objections. It is alleged that they demanded the groom dismount from his horse. When he resisted, the physical assault began. **Groom Levels Serious Allegations** The victim, groom Golu Ahirwar, stated that as soon as the *Rachwai* reached the front of a particular house, some people present there pulled him down from his horse and attacked him with sticks and clubs. He alleged that Guddu Singh, Krishna, Hakam, Paltu, and others were involved in assaulting him. Golu further mentioned that despite his disability, the accused beat him mercilessly. **Allegations of Assault Against Sister and Mother as Well** The groom’s mother, Vidya Ahirwar, stated that when family members announced that the groom’s wedding procession (Baraat) was about to depart and the traditional pre-procession ritual (Rachhwai) was being observed, the accused launched an attack. She further reported that her daughter—the groom’s sister, Manisha—who intervened to mediate the situation, was also physically assaulted. A complaint has also been lodged regarding the disappearance of some of her gold jewelry during the altercation. **Entire Wedding Procession Reaches Police Station; Police Conduct Medical Examination** Following the incident, members of the groom’s side, outraged by the events, took the groom and the entire wedding procession to the Hatta Police Station. A formal complaint was registered there. The police subsequently arranged for a medical examination of the groom. Thereafter, the wedding procession was allowed to proceed under police protection. **Case Registered Under SC/ST Act and Other Provisions** Late at night, following the registration of the case, Hatta Police Station In-charge Sudhir Kumar Begi stated that, based on the complaint filed by the aggrieved party—Gariba Ahirwar—a case has been registered against local villagers Vishwanath Lodhi, Bichchhu Lodhi, Paltu, and other accused individuals under various sections of the law, including the SC/ST Act. He added that, in view of the prevailing tension in the village, an adequate police force has been deployed to ensure that the wedding rituals can be conducted peacefully. **Outrage Within the Dalit Community; Preparations Underway for a Major Protest** The incident has sparked widespread outrage within the local Dalit community. Community members have demanded the immediate arrest of the accused and strict punitive action against them. Several social organizations have also condemned the incident, issuing a warning to the administration that if strict action is not taken against the culprits, a framework for a large-scale protest movement will be devised. **Questions Raised Regarding Social Responsibility and the Spirit of the Constitution** This incident is not merely a criminal matter; it serves as a test of social consciousness and constitutional values. The Constitution of India guarantees every citizen the right to live with equality, respect, and dignity. Preventing any individual from participating in weddings, festivities, or social traditions on the basis of caste is not only a legally punishable offense but also a violation of fundamental human values. **Similar Disputes Have Occurred in the Past** For years, the government, social welfare organizations, and conscientious citizens have been striving to strengthen social harmony by propagating messages of equality, brotherhood, and mutual respect. Such efforts are having a visible positive impact on society, with people in numerous villages and cities setting aside caste distinctions to celebrate festivals and ceremonies together. However, incidents of this nature indicate that the narrow-minded and casteist mentality of certain individuals continues to act as a hindrance to social progress. Such individuals must respect the law, understand the rights and duties enshrined in the Constitution, and convey a message of equality and harmony—rather than discrimination—to the younger generation. According to villagers, disputes regarding the wedding procession (*rachwai*) of a young man from the Dalit community have arisen in the village on previous occasions as well. Even at that time, the procession was eventually carried out only after the intervention of social organizations. The recurrence of such an incident has once again created an atmosphere of tension within the village. **Here, for the First Time, a Dalit Groom Rode a Horse** On Saturday evening, in the village of Patna Durga—located adjacent to Damoh city—a wedding procession featuring a Dalit groom riding a horse was carried out for the very first time. The event concluded peacefully. Deepraj Jatav, the District President of the Azad Samaj Party (Kanshiram), along with his team, had proactively requested police protection in advance. In recent times, several incidents involving attempts to prevent Dalit grooms from riding horses—often accompanied by physical assault—have come to light within the district. The case involving
Rahul rallies in Kolkata, Serampore cancelled as police denies nod
KOLKATA: Police have denied permission for Rahul Gandhi’s rallies in Kolkata and Serampore, scheduled on April 23, Bengal Congress secretary Roahan Mitra said Tuesday. Congress planned three rallies for Gandhi. For the Kolkata rallies, permission had been sought for Ramlila Park or Park Circus ground, and Metiabruz. A separate permission was sought for holding a rally at Serampore stadium. “Police have not given us permission for a single rally while others are allowed to hold rallies,” Mitra said, adding that the rallies planned for April 23 have been cancelled. Asked for a response, Bengal mantri Shashi Panja said, “Caretaker govt in the state cannot answer for the cancellation of his visit, EC can answer that.” 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
Play documenting stories of oppression showcased in Bengaluru
The 33-minute Kannada documentary traces the many socio-political realities faced by Dalits in contemporary India. ‘Song of Ghetto’ (Keri Haadu), directed by Chandrashekara K and produced by city-based arts collective Jangama, won the Best Documentary Award at the P K Rosy Film Festival. The festival is organised as part of the Vaanam Art Festival, an annual initiative during Dalit History Month by acclaimed filmmaker Pa Ranjith’s Neelam Cultural Centre The 33-minute Kannada documentary traces the many socio-political realities faced by Dalits in contemporary India. The film focuses on the lives of a Dalit community in Dindagur of Hassan district — their resistance against untouchability and their fight to claim their fundamental right to enter their village temple The film shows how discrimination persists — from being denied access to temples and eateries to them being barred from drinking water from public tanks, and how caste segregation seeps in like DNA, with children from privileged castes refusing to mingle with their Dalit counterparts. Even as many believe education is a way out, caste continues to shadow their lives when they return to their hometowns. There is significant evidence to show that such practices are seen across the country and not limited to Dindagur. Chandrashekara shot the entire film on his mobile phone. During a workshop conducted by Jangama in the village, he began documenting people’s stories, eventually shaping 17 hours of footage into this documentary. He aims to document more such instances of caste-based oppression across villages. Pranati A S Courtesy : DH Note: This news is originally published on https:/deccanherald.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit voters of Villupuram share support across parties over lack of development and emanicpation
Even cadres within the DMK raised opposition to Lakshmanan canvassing in GRP Street, alleging that he betrayed former MLA S Pushparaj by not facilitating him a seat in Vanur in this Assembly election. VILLUPURAM: With just a day to go for the election, the voter mood in Villupuram town is swaying in a three-cornered contest between the DMK, AIADMK and TVK. With the last leg of campaign rallies under way in the town, residents expressed dissent against the DMK government for not providing basic amenities in Dalit residential areas such as Valudareddy and GRP Street. Both areas, which have nearly 3,000 voters each, still lack proper drinking water facilities, roads and infrastructure. With dense populations and cramped housing, the localities almost sink during peak monsoon periods, but mitigation has not been carried out through proper infrastructure development. A Arumugam (55), a resident of Annai Indira Nagar, said, “We need to fetch water from a common pipe, so we go there as early as 4 am. This lifestyle, driven by lack of amenities, makes us wonder if we really live in the modern era.” Meanwhile, young supporters of TVK in both areas criticised the DMK and AIADMK for playing “cunning” politics over the years. They are also influencing their parents to vote for actor-turned-politician Vijay’s whistle symbol, seeking “a fresh political space devoid of caste equations”. “Both parties ruled us for so long, but I am still stigmatised for coming from a ‘colony’. My neighbourhood is not hygienic, decent or healthy. Whose fault is it, and why should we choose them again now? They claim social justice and equality, but in reality they do not live up to it. We don’t want to support such cunning politics,” said Kumudha (22, name changed), a resident of GRP Street and a member of TVK. Even cadres within the DMK raised opposition to Lakshmanan canvassing in GRP Street, alleging that he betrayed former MLA S Pushparaj by not facilitating him a seat in Vanur in this Assembly election. Several supporters of the latter pointed out that Dalit emancipation has not been enabled by either AIADMK or DMK leaders in Villupuram due to casteist intentions. In a video circulating on social media, a DMK supporter was heard saying, “Only he (Lakshmanan) wants to be minister and MLA. Why not a Scheduled Caste person come to power?” “Pushparaj, a Dalit politician, is a resident of Villupuram. If he becomes an MLA in Vanur, that would mean social empowerment of Dalits not only in Vanur but also in Villupuram town. This is essentially a problem for dominant caste politicians in Villupuram, and the town is entrenched in casteist politics that does not allow a Dalit person to rise within party structures, especially in the DMK,” said P K Diwakar (32). This is no different in the AIADMK. “I have been working in the party for the last 19 years, but former minister C Ve Shanmugam has not visited or even asked me about deaths in my family. Their Dalit aversion is so evident that I decided to quit politics altogether,” said a 56-year-old Dalit block-level cadre in the AIADMK from Villupuram (on condition of anonymity). Speaking to TNIE, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) district secretary R Periyar said the current DMK MLA had provided welfare measures to Valudareddy, including an anganwadi building, two fair price shops, a cremation shelter and borewell mechanisms that are yet to be made operational for public use. He added that though development for Dalit residents in the town is not adequate, it is important to consider the consequences of supporting the AIADMK, which would indirectly mean supporting the BJP. “VCK cadres will work for the victory of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance in Villupuram constituency,” he said. Though there is a broader sentiment favouring the DMK, such nuanced emotions among Dalit residents, whose votes could decide the outcome in Villupuram, cannot be overlooked. With youngsters leaning towards TVK, some elders shifting support to the AIADMK, and growing dissent against the DMK MLA, the contest is likely to be closely fought with narrow margins. Krithika Srinivasan 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
‘Rahul Gandhi se chalne wala nahi hai’: Tej Pratap Yadav backs Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as INDIA bloc face
PATNA: Tej Pratap Yadav on Tuesday sparked a political debate by backing Priyanka Gandhi to lead the Congress, while expressing doubts over Rahul Gandhi’s ability to run the party. “Only Priyanka Gandhi can run it; she is like Indira Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi cannot run it, by going on a yatra, by sitting on a Bullet, it won’t make a difference” he said, dismissing Rahul Gandhi’s political outreach efforts and questioning their effectiveness. His remarks came in response to Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of Nitish Kumar, whom he had called “compromised” after the JD(U) leader’s recent political moves. Following this, BJP leader Samrat Choudhary took over as Bihar chief minister. Questions over Rahul Gandhi’s leadership have surfaced earlier as well. Former Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed had recently alleged a lack of internal democracy within the party, claiming that senior leaders were being sidelined. Ahmed said Rahul Gandhi was uncomfortable working with seasoned leaders and alleged that decision-making in the party had become highly centralised, with his word being final. He also claimed that the youth wings were being promoted to replace the old guard in the party. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Odisha Reconstitutes State Transgender Welfare Board to Strengthen Inclusive Governance
In a significant move towards inclusive development, the Government of Odisha has reconstituted the State Transgender Welfare Board, aiming to enhance welfare initiatives and ensure better coordination for the transgender community across the state. New Structure to Improve Governance The earlier board, constituted on May 15, 2025, with a three-year term, has been dissolved within a year and replaced with a newly structured body. Under the revised framework, the Chief Secretary of Odisha will now serve as the Chairman, marking a shift towards stronger administrative leadership. The Secretary of the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department has been appointed as Vice-Chairperson, while the Director of the department will act as the Member Secretary. Multi-Departmental Representation To ensure comprehensive policy implementation, the reconstituted board includes senior officials from key departments such as: Health and Family Welfare Women and Child Development Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Housing and Urban Development Skill Development and Technical Education Higher Education School and Mass Education Additionally, the Director General of Police and senior administrative officials are part of the board, reinforcing inter-departmental collaboration. Community Representation Ensured The board places strong emphasis on representation from the transgender community. Notable members include Dipti Mohapatra, the state’s first third-gender doctorate recipient, and Soumya Das, a prominent rights activist. Representatives from organizations such as the Transgender Suraksha Trust in Bhubaneswar and the Chetana Organization in Balugaon have also been included, ensuring grassroots-level participation. District-Level Participation To strengthen regional representation, District Collectors from Balangir, Angul, and Khordha will serve as members on a rotational basis. Focus on Welfare and Inclusion The reconstituted board is expected to improve implementation of schemes related to: Education and skill development Healthcare access Social security Livelihood opportunities This initiative reflects the state’s commitment to promoting dignity, equality, and empowerment for transgender persons through inclusive governance. By Ananya Pattnaik Courtesy : Pragativadi Note: This news is originally published on https:/pragativadi.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Transgender guru builds ₹85 lakh Shiva temple using ‘badhai’ earnings
Gorakhpur: A 75-year-old kinnar (transgender) guru, Prema, from the Padri Bazar area has constructeda grand Shiva temple by spending over ₹85 lakh — all sourced from traditional ‘badhai’ (ceremonial blessings) earnings. The temple is set to be consecrated on Apr 24, with preparations in full swing and the entire locality brimming with enthusiasm, guru Prema said. Residents have been visiting the site in large numbers, praising Prema’s unique initiative that blends faith with social welfare. Prema, who has been living in the area for nearly six decades, said her aim is to connect society with spiritual values. “When people worship, they move towards the path of righteousness. Those who follow the right path contribute to building a strong nation,” she said. Apart from temple construction, Prema has been actively involved in community service. She has funded road construction and supported the marriage of several underprivileged girls. Families she once helped nowinvite her to ceremonies, treating her with deep respect. Sustaining herself through agriculture, orchards and traditional ‘badhai’ collections during weddings and childbirth celebrations, Prema has consistently reinvested her income into social causes. Deeply rooted in the community, she continues to draw people seeking her blessings. “All religions deserve respect; ultimately, there is one supreme power,” she said, summing up her inclusive belief system. 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
Road Construction Halted in Jaunpur; Dalit Families Protest: Interlocking Road Being Built via Village Fund; Justice Sought from DM
On Tuesday, hundreds of men and women staged a protest within the Collectorate premises in Jaunpur’s Pariyawa village, opposing the halting of work on an interlocking road project being constructed using the Village Fund. The protesters chanted slogans demanding, “DM Sir, give us justice,” and submitted a memorandum to City Magistrate Indra Nandan Singh. Village Head S.P. Manav alleged that the construction of the interlocking road had been initiated using the Village Fund. He claimed that certain opposing parties forcibly obstructed the work, thereby disrupting the commute of approximately 150 Dalit families residing in the village. The Village Head stated that this pathway is nearly 100 years old. Between 2010 and 2015—during the tenure of former Village Head Prabhavati Devi—a 600-meter *kharanja* (stone-paved road) was constructed at this site. Currently, this *kharanja* has fallen into a completely dilapidated state and is in urgent need of reconstruction. On Monday, the incumbent Village Head commenced the work of constructing the interlocking road using the Village Fund. However, certain opposing parties and neighboring landowners prevented the work from proceeding. At the site, the width of the existing *kharanja* was reported to be 9 feet. Upon receiving information, a police team—contacted via the ‘112’ emergency helpline—arrived at the scene, but the construction work was still not allowed to move forward. The following day, Tuesday, a team from the Revenue Department along with police personnel reached the site. The team assessed the width of the previously constructed *kharanja* and issued directives to continue the construction work. Despite this, the opposing parties allegedly resorted to physical aggression and once again brought the work to a halt. The Village Head and the affected Dalit families maintain that this is their sole route for commuting, and it is being forcibly blocked. They have demanded that legal action be initiated against the opposing parties to ensure the unhindered movement of the 150 Dalit families, thereby allowing the road construction project to be completed. Ankit Srivastava | Jaunpur Courtesy: Hindi News
Kerala Dental Student’s Suicide: 52 Dalit Organisations Call Hartal On April 28; Demand HC-Monitored Probe
Council demanded ₹10 crore compensation for Nithin Raj’s family, cancellation of the college’s affiliation, strict action against faculty and a transparent and time-bound investigation. Thiruvananthapuram: A joint action council comprising 52 Dalit organisations in Kerala has called for a statewide hartal on April 28, alleging serious lapses in police investigation into the death of Nithin Raj R L, 22, a first-year student of Kannur Dental College in Anjarakandy, and that the probe has been inadequate and biased. The dawn-to-dusk shutdown is scheduled from 6 AM to 6 PM. The action council spearheading the protest has demanded a judicial probe under the supervision of the Kerala High Court, claiming that the police are attempting to shield those responsible. General convener Sunny M Kappikkad, addressing the media here on Tuesday, alleged that key evidence has been ignored and that there has been a deliberate attempt to attribute the death to unrelated factors such as loan app harassment. The council demanded immediate government intervention to ensure a fair and impartial investigation while citing a lack of progress in the case. The JAC has also planned to organise preparatory protest meetings scheduled across districts on April 24. The organisations have raised serious concerns over the handling of the case and demanded a probe under the supervision of the Kerala High Court. The council has demanded ₹10 crore as compensation for Nithin Raj’s family, cancellation of the college’s affiliation, strict action against those found guilty and called for a transparent and time-bound investigation. Son of a daily-wage labourer from Uzhamalakkal here, Nithin, succumbed to his injuries after a fall from the fifth floor of the college building on April 10. Nithin joined the college only in September last year when he secured a BDS seat after repeated attempts at the NEET examination. The incident took a serious turn when family members and fellow students alleged sustained caste-based harassment by faculty members. Later, the college suspended two faculty members – Dr M K Ram, Head of the Department of Oral Pathology, and Dr K T Sangeetha Nambiar, who went absconding after police turned the heat. The action council accused the police of failing to register an FIR based on the complaint filed by Nithin Raj’s parents. It also alleged possible political interference in the case, pointing to the college management’s lack of response and previous allegations against its authorities. “We’re not satisfied with the current police investigation and accused authorities of attempting to shield those responsible,” Sunny M Kappikkad said. He claimed that crucial aspects of the case were being overlooked and that efforts were being made to attribute the death to unrelated factors such as alleged loan app issues. The action council further alleged that the student had faced caste- and colour-based harassment prior to his death. It also claimed that several individuals, including members of the college administration, should be brought under the ambit of investigation. However, according to the council, no meaningful progress has been made so far. Courtesy : ETV Bharat Note: This news is originally published on https:/etvbharat.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit Woman Alleges Custodial Assault, Caste Abuse in MP’s Sidhi On Ambedkar Jayanti
Dalit woman in Sidhi accuses constable and others of assault and caste slurs during Ambedkar rally. A serious allegation of custodial assault and caste-based abuse has emerged from Sidhi, where a Dalit woman has accused a police constable and three others of brutally attacking her during an Ambedkar Jayanti event. The incident, reported on April 14, has triggered public outrage and renewed concerns about police conduct and caste sensitivity in the region. What the complainant alleges The victim, identified as Pankali Saket, said she had gone to the Amaliya police station area to take part in an Ambedkar Jayanti rally when she was allegedly surrounded and attacked. According to her complaint, a police reservist and three men in civilian clothes assaulted her with sticks, causing injuries to her head, back, hands, and legs. She also alleged that casteist slurs were used during the attack. If proven, the allegations would fall under provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Medical and procedural concerns The woman further alleged that she did not receive proper treatment at a local hospital and had to purchase medicines herself despite visible injuries. She reported symptoms including dizziness and vomiting following the assault. A written complaint has been submitted to the Superintendent of Police in Sidhi, along with photographs of her injuries. Names of accused and investigation status One of the accused has been named as Saurabh Shukla, while the identity of another person remains unknown. The woman has also alleged involvement of a police personnel, identified as Abhishek. As of now, police authorities have not issued an official response or confirmed the registration of an FIR, which has added to public concern. Political and social reactions The case has gone viral on social media, drawing criticism from activists and political leaders. Sunil Asteya of the Azad Samaj Party questioned the state government, pointing out the contradiction between welfare schemes for women and alleged violence against Dalit women. He has demanded strict action under the SC/ST Act and warned of protests if no action is taken. Courtesy : TOP Note: This news is originally published on https:/theobserverpost.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights