Massive Outrage Over Dalit Student’s Suicide Due to Alleged Caste Discrimination
The suicide of a first-year BDS Dalit student in Kerala’s Kannur district has sparked widespread outrage, with various organizations taking to the streets to demand strict action against the teachers held responsible. (DC) Student, youth, women organisations, call it “institutional murder” demand stringent action against accuse Thiruvananthapuram: The suicide of a first-year BDS Dalit student in Kerala’s Kannur district has sparked widespread outrage, with various organizations taking to the streets to demand strict action against the teachers held responsible. On Monday, student, youth, and women’s groups linked to the CPM, Congress, and BJP staged separate protest marches to Kannur Dental College in Anjarakandy, accusing the police of protecting the culprits. Protesters called the death an “institutional murder” and demanded justice. Nithin, 26, was found on April 10 lying on a stone-paved area between the campus’s administrative block and hospital building. The police registered a case of unnatural death under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). They also booked two teachers, Dr. K. M. Ram, head of the department, and K. T. Sangeetha Nambiar, after Nithin’s family alleged harassment and caste-based abuse. The absconding teachers have been charged under Section 3(1)(r) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which addresses intentional insult or intimidation of an SC/ST community member in public, and Section 108 of the BNS for abetment of suicide. The case followed the emergence of audio clips in which Nithin alleged caste-based harassment. On Monday, a police team from Kannur visited Nithin’s home in Uzhamalakkal, Thiruvananthapuram district, to record statements from his parents and relatives. A seven-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), including cyber experts, has been formed to investigate the case. Three audio clips linked to Nithin have emerged, in which he accuses a faculty member of making casteist remarks, insulting him, and issuing threats. In one clip, he says he was called an “idiot” in the staff room and threatened with physical harm. “I tolerated the insults as much as I could,” he says in the recording. Dental College Principal Vinod Moni, however, told media persons on the day of the incident that no complaints related to caste abuse have been received. He said the academic administration will fully cooperate with the police for a detailed probe. Police are also looking into a loan angle Kannur City Police earlier mentioned a loan repayment issue as a possible factor in Nithin Raj’s death by suicide. His family stated that he had taken the loan with their knowledge to pay for his mother’s treatment. Kannur City police commissioner Nidhinraj said that an analysis of Nithin’s mobile phone call records showed he had taken a loan through a mobile app between December and January. Nithin had received several calls about the loan, and the lending agency had even obtained the contact number of one of his teachers. When the loan went unpaid, the agency reached out to the teacher, with similar calls made on April 10, which may have caused mental stress. However, the family said neither the teacher nor the institution informed them about the matter. “They have my contact details; they could have told me at least once. I would have cleared my son’s dues,” said Nithin’s father. Students allege harassment Some students from Ancharakandi Dental College revealed on Monday that the accused teacher, Ram, was a constant source of trouble. “He often uses foul language, body shames girls, tells boys to hit girls, and threatens to lower marks,” said one student. “Even though we faced harassment, we stayed silent out of fear. He would claim that all the external examiners were his colleagues or juniors, and if we complained, he’d instruct them to fail us,” added another studen Courtesy : Deccan Chronicle Note: This news is originally published on https:/deccanchronicle.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
GTU study maps Dalit entrepreneurship in Gujarat
Ahmedabad: A doctoral study from Gujarat Technological University (GTU) offers one of the most comprehensive assessments to date of Dalit entrepreneurship in Gujarat, detailing how many within the community are turning to business ownership as a means of economic independence and self reliance, an idea articulated by Dr B R Ambedkar. The PhD thesis, titled ‘An In Depth Study of Dalit Entrepreneurship in Gujarat’, by research scholar Jay Raval, is based on a survey of 263 Dalit entrepreneurs across all 31 districts of the state. The study is supported by 35 in depth interviews, discussions with eight bankers and government officials, and case studies from Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar and Sanand. Raval says, “The absence of land makes formal finance almost inaccessible. That one structural gap shapes everything.” According to the study, the lack of land ownership affects access to institutional finance and influences business operations. One entrepreneur from the outskirts of Gandhinagar reported that his vehicle sales remained at 2-3 units a month until he changed his surname, after which sales rose to 8-10 units a month. Another entrepreneur, originally surnamed ‘Parmar’, adopted an upper caste name. Overall, 45% of respondents said they actively conceal their surnames to avoid bias. The research also notes the limited presence of Dalit entrepreneurs in food and hospitality. Raval writes that “caste notions of ‘purity’ govern consumer behaviour,” resulting in Dalit entrepreneurs being more concentrated in sectors such as construction and labour contracting. Bindiya Soni, Raval’s research guide and a professor at Anand Institute of Management and Information Science, described entrepreneurship as “the most powerful tool for social reform” while pointing out that access to government support remains uneven. The study found that 68% of respondents were unaware of any entrepreneurship scheme, including 195 out of the 263 who had no knowledge of the Special Marketing Assistance Scheme. At the same time, 55% of Dalit entrepreneurs reported employing workers from other communities. “As first generation entrepreneurs, our money mathematics is different,” said Devendra Khuman, an entrepreneur from Ahmedabad and former functionary of the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DICCI). “The barrier is not only caste: it’s capital, confidence, and an ecosystem that is still forming.” The study records relatively high educational attainment, with 64% of respondents holding a graduation degree or higher. However, 60% of those surveyed are landless. Among those who own land, 23% possess less than 0.5 acre, limiting their access to collateral-based institutional lending. As a result, 89% of Dalit-owned enterprises are micro-sized, and 72% operate as sole proprietorships. Half of the respondents reported a median annual turnover of less than Rs 6.5 lakh. The community’s entrepreneurial participation also remains skewed by gender, with 92% male and 8% female entrepreneurs. Raval describes the financing gap as a “chicken and egg” situation. Only 9% of respondents secured bank loans for startup capital. Instead, 44% relied on family savings, 28% on loans from friends, and about 100 respondents used their own funds entirely. The study finds that 88% of entrepreneurs own a single business, reflecting limited scope for expansion. 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
Noida traffic advisory: Traffic diversions announced in Noida for Ambedkar Jayanti Event at Dalit Prerna Sthal
The traffic police in Gautam Buddh Nagar have issued a detailed traffic advisory ahead of a major public event scheduled on April 14, 2026, at Dalit Prerna Sthal in Sector 95, Noida. The programme is being organised to mark the birth anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, and is expected to draw a significant number of visitors, prompting authorities to implement temporary traffic diversions and parking arrangements across key routes in the city. According to the advisory posted by the official handle of Noida Traffic Police (@Noidatraffic) on X, traffic congestion is anticipated particularly along the Noida–Greater Noida Expressway and adjoining sectors, which serve as major access points to the event location. For commuters travelling from Greater Noida towards Noida via the Noida–Greater Noida Expressway, diversions will be enforced in case of increased traffic pressure near Dalit Prerna Sthal. Vehicles will be rerouted from the Mahamaya Flyover towards Sector 37. From there, commuters can continue their journey via Atta Peer Chowk, Rajnigandha Chowk, and Sector 15 Golchakkar to reach their destinations. In another contingency plan for the same route, if congestion intensifies near Gate No. 04 of the Dalit Prerna Sthal, traffic will be diverted from the Film City Flyover towards Sector 18. Vehicles will then be able to proceed through Rajnigandha Chowk, Sector 15 Golchakkar, or use the Sector 18 underpass and elevated road network for onward travel. Traffic movement from Noida towards Greater Noida will also be affected. In the event of congestion near the DND Flyway or Film City Flyover, vehicles will be redirected from the Sector 14A Flyover towards Sector 15 Golchakkar. From this point, commuters can take the route via Rajnigandha Chowk, Atta Peer Chowk, and Sector 37 to continue towards their destination. In addition to traffic diversions, authorities have outlined specific parking arrangements for attendees arriving from different directions. Light vehicles coming from Pari Chowk, Sector 37, and Greater Noida West will be accommodated inside Gate No. 01 of the Dalit Prerna Sthal premises. Vehicles approaching from Delhi will be directed to use the designated multi-level parking facility within Film City. For travelers coming from the Kalindi Kunj end, provision of parking space has been made at the underground parking adjacent to the Sector 95 nala (Ganda Nala), near the Dalit Prerna Sthal. This has been done to ease vehicular management and prevent crowding on the roads. Further, the notice states that ambulances, fire engines, and other emergency vehicles will not be hindered by the traffic diversion and will have free access to all points during the period. The traffic police will manage traffic at important intersections and help commuters where required. It is requested that the citizens follow the traffic management plan and use alternate routes to reduce traffic. In case of any problem or help, they can call the traffic helpline number at 9971009001. Given the massive attendance expected for Ambedkar Jayanti, it becomes essential that citizens follow the notice strictly. 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
Hyderabad: MRPS chief questions denial of SC status to Dalit Christians
MRPS chief Manda Krishna Madiga questions why Dalit Christians are denied SC status, urges repeal of 1950 Presidential Order and calls for equal rights. Hyderabad: The founder-president of the Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi (MRPS), Manda Krishna Madiga, has strongly questioned why restrictions on reservation benefits apply only to Dalits who convert to Christianity, while other communities do not face similar limitations. Speaking at a meeting by MRPS on Monday, April 13, at the Somajiguda Press Club, Madiga raised concerns over what he termed as continued discrimination against Dalits. He said that historically, Dalits were denied entry into temples, and now they are being discouraged from adopting another religion, asking how long such discrimination would persist. Madiga questioned whether Dalits have the same freedom as other communities to choose a religion of their own choice. Citing Articles 14, 15, and 25 of the Indian Constitution, he emphasised that freedom of religion is a fundamental right. He criticised the 1950 Presidential Order that denies Scheduled Caste (SC) status to Dalits who convert to Christianity, and urged the President to revoke it. He also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take the initiative on the issue. Disappointed with SC decision: MRPS chief The MRPS leader expressed disappointment over the recent decision of the Supreme Court of India, which upheld the denial of SC status to Dalit Christians. He opined that key historical figures, including former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and former President Rajendra Prasad, played a role in shaping policies that disadvantaged Dalits. Madiga stated that Dalits turned to Christianity because they were historically excluded from Hindu temples, and missionaries provided them access to education and healthcare. He termed any attempt to restrict their religious choice as a grave injustice. He further demanded that Dalit Christians be granted SC status on par with Dalits who converted to Sikhism or Buddhism, and vowed to continue the movement until equality is achieved. Madiga also called for reforms within Hindu religious institutions, suggesting that non-Brahmins should be appointed as chief priests in temples across the country, inspired by social reformer Ramanujacharya. Courtesy : TSD Note: This news is originally published on https:/thesiasatdaily.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Outrage Follows Death of Dalit Student at Kerala Dental College; Faculty Accused of Humiliation
There is widespread outrage following the death of a Dalit student at a dental college in Kerala. The family has accused the college faculty of humiliating the student over his caste and the fact that his parents are daily-wage laborers. The police are investigating the matter. Student Dies at Kannur Dental College Kannur: Intense public anger has erupted following the death of a 22-year-old Dalit student at the Kannur Dental College in Kerala. It is alleged that college faculty members repeatedly humiliated and tormented the student regarding his caste and his parents’ status as daily-wage laborers. Nithin Dies After Falling from Building The student has been identified as Nithin Raj R.L., a native of Uzhamalakkal village in Thiruvananthapuram. He was a first-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree at Kannur Dental College. The student died on Friday after falling from a building located within the college campus. Case Registered Against Two Faculty Members The student’s family has expressed suspicion that there may be a conspiracy behind Nithin’s death. The Kannur police had initially registered a case of unnatural death. However, on Sunday, the police added charges of abetment to suicide under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), as well as relevant sections of the SC/ST Act. A case has been registered against two faculty members in connection with this incident. Nithin Had Taken a Loan via an Online App According to *The Indian Express*, a special investigation team led by Kannur Assistant Commissioner of Police Hariprasad has been constituted to probe this case. The police stated that preliminary investigations have revealed that Nithin had taken a loan through an online application; when he failed to repay the loan, agents from the lending company began making threatening calls to him. The police also claimed that these agents had contacted faculty members of the college regarding this matter. The Cyber Police have registered another case based on the alleged threats issued by the agents of the loan app. **Audio Clip of Nitin Surfaces** Meanwhile, the management of the self-financing college has also taken action following allegations regarding the humiliation of the student. On Sunday, the management suspended a Department Head and an Associate Professor and ordered an inquiry into the allegations. This action was taken after an audio clip—purportedly featuring Nitin—surfaced on Sunday. **’Teacher Publicly Humiliated Me’** In this audio clip, Nitin can allegedly be heard stating that a teacher publicly humiliated him. Nitin says, “My answer sheets were distributed among all the students in the classroom, and some spelling errors were pointed out. Yesterday, when I was in his class, he mocked my mother. After stepping out of the staff room, he called me a fool. The staff room is a place where we are collectively targeted and attacked. The teacher told me that if I dared to speak up, my hands and feet would be chopped off.” In response, Nitin reportedly challenged him to do exactly that. **’Nitin Was Humiliated in the Classroom’** Nitin’s sister, Nikita, revealed that her brother was repeatedly humiliated over his complexion, caste, and his parents’ profession. Nikita stated, “He told me that the Department Head used to humiliate him by calling him a ‘mad dog.’ He was also subjected to humiliation within the classroom. Whenever the Department Head humiliated Nitin in class, he would do so in a manner that made the other students laugh.” Other students had also previously lodged complaints against the Department Head, but no action was ever taken against him. “Nitin spoke to us just two hours before he fell from the building. We suspect a conspiracy and want to know exactly what happened to him.” He did not fall from his own college building, but rather from the medical college building located within the same campus. **Widespread Protests Across the State** Nitin had enrolled in this self-financing dental college in September of last year. Principal Vinod Moni has not responded to requests for comment. Following the student’s death, widespread protests have erupted across the state. The State Human Rights Commission has sought a report on this incident from the Kannur City Police Commissioner. Union Minister Suresh Gopi also met with the family following the student’s demise. **Demand for a High-Level Inquiry into the Student’s Death** Congress Working Committee member Ramesh Chennithala has demanded a high-level inquiry into the death of Nitin Raj. In a statement, he asserted that the police must take seriously the allegation that Nitin faced humiliation on the basis of caste and skin color. Any action taken against faculty members should not be limited merely to suspension. He remarked that in Kerala—which prides itself on being a bastion of progressive and renaissance movements—discrimination based on caste is shocking. Over the past decade of LDF rule, attacks against SC/ST communities have witnessed a manifold increase. Authored by: NBT Desk Courtesy: Hindi News
Ex-IAS officer P Sivakami releases Dalit Women’s Manifesto 2026; Calls for land rights, economic autonomy in TN
Addressing safety and justice, the manifesto calls for the formation of a dedicated Dalit Women’s Protection Wing in every district under women IPS officers. CHENNAI: Releasing the ‘Dalit Women’s Manifesto 2026’ ahead of the state Assembly election, former IAS officer and convenor of the All India Forum for Women’s Intellect P Sivakami called for a rights-based framework to ensure economic sovereignty, social justice and political representation of the marginalised. The manifesto places emphasis on land rights, proposing the establishment of a High-Powered Land Recovery Commission within 100 days to retrieve encroached panchami lands. These land parcels, it states, will be redistributed to landless Dalit women and utilised through collective farming models, including through the formation of farmer-producer organisations exclusively led by women. Housing security also features prominently, with priority allocation of concrete houses or apartments for homeless women in Dalit settlements. In the economic sphere, the document proposes the creation of an “Iyothee Thass Women’s Bank” to offer collateral-free and zero-interest loans for micro-enterprises. It also envisages the transformation of Dalit habitations into agro-industrial hubs and 25% reservation for Dalit women in industrial land allotment by agencies such as Sipcot and Sidco. Addressing safety and justice, the manifesto calls for the formation of a dedicated Dalit Women’s Protection Wing in every district under women IPS officers. It also seeks fast-track courts to dispose of cases under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act within six months and a fully funded legal aid mechanism allowing survivors to choose their advocates. Notably, it recommends that compensation for survivors of atrocities include guaranteed access to agricultural lands and sustainable livelihoods. On the education front, the manifesto proposes 100% government-funded international scholarships for Dalit women and digital skill vouchers covering emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and data science. S Kumaresan 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
Custodial death row: Dalit man dies in police custody after alleged poisoning in Madhya Pradesh
Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh: A 22-year-old Dalit man, Ram Vishal Ahirwar, died under mysterious circumstances inside Chandla police station this week, sparking serious concerns over custodial safety, police accountability, and possible negligence. Ram Vishal, a resident of Naharpur village, had gone to the police station along with his wife Leela to resolve a long-standing domestic dispute. The couple, married for two years and parents to a three-month-old baby, had been living separately due to frequent fights. According to police, both families were called for a reconciliation meeting. During the discussions, Ram Vishal’s condition suddenly deteriorated. He started vomiting, and officers later recovered a suspicious substance, believed to be poison, from his pocket. The exact time and manner in which he consumed the poison remain unclear. He was immediately rushed to a local hospital and then referred to the district hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. His wife Leela gave a heart-wrenching account of his final moments. “He was writhing in pain and repeatedly begged for water, but no one gave him even a drop,” she said. “He died in my lap on the way to the hospital. After that, I blacked out.” The family has strongly alleged custodial violence. Ram Vishal’s mother, Mulia Ahirwar, claimed that police brutally beat her son inside the station. “We could hear his screams from outside. When I tried to reach him, they pushed me away,” she alleged. The family believes the police are trying to cover up a custodial assault by calling it a suicide or self-poisoning. Police officials have defended their actions, stating that giving water to a person suspected of consuming poison can be medically dangerous. However, this explanation has only intensified public outrage and questions about whether basic first-aid protocols were followed. In response to the incident, Superintendent of Police Agam Jain promptly suspended the Chandla station in-charge, Sandeep Dixit, and ordered a judicial inquiry. Additional SP Aditya Patle also visited the district hospital to review the situation. Ram Vishal reportedly had a history of alcohol abuse and had previously assaulted his wife, which led Leela to return to her parental home. The domestic issue had brought the couple to the police station for mediation. The tragic death has left behind a grieving young widow, a three-month-old infant without a father, and mounting scrutiny on the police force regarding human rights and accountability in custody. The judicial inquiry is expected to establish the exact sequence of events and fix responsibility. Courtesy : MM Note: This news is originally published on https:/muslimmirror.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Kerala: Dalit BDS student dies by suicide, family alleges caste discrimination by faculty members; probe launched
The 22-year-old student’s family has alleged that he was subjected to emotional and verbal harassment by the faculty members over his caste identity, complexion and financial background. The Kerala police have launched a probe against faculty members of Kannur Dental College after a Dalit student at the institute died by suspected suicide on Friday, with his family alleging he was subjected to caste abuse, threats and emotional harassment. The deceased has been identified as Nithin Raj RL, a native of Uzhamalackal, Puthukulangara, Thiruvananthapuram and a first-year BDS student of the college located in Kannur’s Anjarakandy. According to police, Raj was found critically injured near the medical college block after falling from the building on the afternoon of April 10. Though he was rushed to the medical college and given treatment, he later succumbed to his injuries. Following the incident, the college initiated an internal inquiry and on Saturday suspended Dental Anatomy Department Head MK Ram and Associate Professor KT Sangeetha Nambiar. Raj’s family has claimed that the 22-year-old was subjected to emotional and verbal harassment over his caste identity, complexion and financial background by the faculty members. According to a PTI report, Raj’s sister Nikitha claimed that he was once called a “rotten dog” by a faculty member in the classroom in front of other students. “He used to tell us about such discrimination and harassment regularly. He was once called to the staff room where he was severely harassed,” she was quoted as saying by the PTI. She said Raj had filed a complaint with the college principal, but no action was taken. “Once, when the harassment became unbearable, he reacted, after which the verbal abuse intensified,” Nikitha added. Raj’s father Rajan, told reporters that the faculty members allegedly threatened to harm his son academically. “He worked hard without any support to secure admission on a merit seat in the dental college. But he was harassed by faculty over his caste and complexion. They also threatened to harm him academically,” Rajan said. He said that they have lodged a complaint against the faculty members with the police and are expecting a fair probe into the death of his son. The case has been registered at the Chakkarakkal police station. In an audio clip, purportedly of Nithin, that surfaced after his death, he is heard detailing the harassment and targeted humiliation from the faculty members at the institution. “I tolerated the insults as far as I could. They insulted my mother and her surgery. My answer sheet was circulated among students, highlighting my spelling mistakes,” Nithin is heard saying in the clip, circulating on social media. The Chakkarakkal police has confirmed that Raj had sent an audio message to his friends alleging harassment by faculty members, including threats of physical assault and academic repercussions. They said a detailed probe is underway into the incident, with digital evidence being collected. Also, statements by Raj’s classmates, college authorities and family members will be recorded soon, police added. The body of Raj was brought to his residence in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday and buried on the land owned by the family. Several political leaders condemned the death and demanded a detailed probe into the incident. Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala called for a high-level inquiry into Raj’s death. He said the government should take seriously the allegations by the student’s parents and relatives that caste-and-complexion-based harassment led to the death and take urgent steps to bring those responsible to justice. Chennithala said the issue should not be closed by merely suspending two teachers and noted that the parents had firmly alleged severe caste discrimination. Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan visited Raj’s house and demanded a thorough probe. “Teachers are expected to guide students. How did such people become teachers? There should be a detailed probe,” he said. He added that strict intervention was needed to ensure such incidents are not repeated in the state. CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP A A Rahim also visited the family and described the incident as painful. Rahim said Raj was the hope of his family, which had supported his education despite hardship. “CPI(M) will stand with the family until justice is delivered. Such an incident should not have happened in a society like Kerala,” he said. He also compared the incident with the death of Rohith Vemula at the University of Hyderabad. “The family has told us that Raj faced repeated caste discrimination and was deeply affected by it. A detailed probe must be conducted and justice ensured. The action taken should set an example so that such incidents are not repeated in Kerala,” Rahim said. Meanwhile, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission on Sunday directed the police to conduct a detailed probe into the death of the student and submit a report within a week. The Commission took a case on its own based on media reports. Commission Judicial member K Baijunath issued directions to the Kannur City Police Commissioner to investigate the allegations surrounding the incident and file a report within the stipulated time, according to a statement. (Assistance for those having suicidal thoughts is available on TN’s health helpline 104 and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050) 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
He was called a slum dog: Family alleges caste discrimination after Kerala student’s suicide
Kerala often prides itself on high literacy, a students death due to caste abuse has exposed deep-seated structural casteism within its educational and social institutions. The death of Nithin Raj RL, a 22-year-old student at Anjarakandy Dental College in Kannur, has sparked widespread outrage. Nithin, a first-year BDS student from Thiruvananthapuram, died on April 10, 2026, after falling from the college building. While initially reported as a suicide, the case has been reframed by his family and peers as a “caste killing” driven by systemic harassment. Nithin Raj, a bright and promising student from Uzhamalackal, Thiruvananthapuram, secured his seat at the dental college strictly through academic merit. As a member of the Dalit community coming from a modest background—his father works as a painting laborer—Nithin represented the aspirations of his family. However, despite his achievements, he was reportedly targeted for harassment and systemic discrimination almost immediately after joining the institution leading to his death. 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
Youth posing as transgender detained for stealing phone in Odisha’s Bhadrak
The accused allegedly stole a mobile phone from his pocket when he was asleep. The matter has raised concerns over safety at public places, especially during late hours. In a shocking incident, a youth was detained by police on Sunday in the Chandbali area of Odisha’s Bhadrak district for allegedly posing as a transgender and stealing a mobile phone from a youth while he was asleep at railway station. Theft at Railway Station According to the complaint, the incident occurred when the victim Bichitra Roul was resting at the station. The accused allegedly stole a mobile phone from his pocket when he was asleep. The matter has raised concerns over safety at public places, especially during late hours. “He stole my mobile phone for which I caught him and immediately informed my brother about it. I was sleeping at the station, when he (the accused) came and slept beside me. He took my bedsheet and went to sleep. When police officers informed us to keep our belongings safe, I woke up and when I searched my phone in my pocket, it was not there. When I asked him about the mobile, he tried to escape following which I caught him,” said victim Bichitra Roul. “He told me to give him money, accusing me of stealing the phone from his pocket,” said Manas Mohanty, youth posed as transgender. Disguise Used to Gain Trust Police sources said the accused is suspected of posing as a transgender person to gain people’s trust before carrying out such thefts. This aspect has shocked locals, as it indicates a calculated attempt to deceive victims. Following the complaint, police detained the accused and have launched an investigation. He is currently being interrogated to ascertain further details and any possible involvement in similar incidents. Bibhu Prasad Ray Courtesy : Odisha TV Note: This news is originally published on https:/odishatv.in/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights