Dalit Family in Sidhauli Forced to Flee Home: Allegations of Assault and Threats Against Local Bullies; Appeal Made to SP
In Karaunda village, located within the Nigohi police station area of Shahjahanpur, a Dalit family has alleged that local bullies (known as *dabangs*) forcibly entered their home, physically assaulted them, hurled caste-based slurs, and damaged their property. The victimized family states that they are receiving continuous threats, compelling them to abandon their village. They have appealed to the Superintendent of Police (SP) for justice and protection. Ramlal, a resident of Karaunda, stated in a written application submitted to the Superintendent of Police that on the evening of March 3, around 7:30 PM, several local bullies forcibly barged into his home. It is alleged that the accused subjected him to caste-based verbal abuse and assaulted him using sticks and clubs. During this attack, Ramlal sustained severe head injuries and was left bleeding profusely. In addition to breaking down the front door, the accused also damaged a motorcycle parked in the courtyard and a storage chest kept inside the house. Immediately following the incident, the victim alerted the police via the ‘Dial 112’ emergency service. Upon arriving at the scene, the police arranged for Ramlal’s medical examination. He initially received treatment at the Primary Health Centre in Nigohi, followed by further treatment at the District Hospital. A case has also been registered against some of the accused individuals in connection with this matter. Ramlal alleges that since the incident occurred, the accused have been continuously pressuring him to reach a compromise. He is being threatened that if he does not agree to a settlement, he will not be allowed to continue living in the village. Terrified of the accused, Ramlal and his family are living in constant fear and are contemplating leaving the village. On Tuesday, Ramlal appealed to the Superintendent of Police, requesting that he and his family be provided with police protection. He also pleaded for arrangements to be made—under police supervision—to retrieve his household belongings from his home, so that he and his family may relocate to a safe location. In this regard, Shahjahanpur Superintendent of Police Rajesh Trivedi has assured that an investigation will be conducted and appropriate action taken. Viresh Kumar | Mishripur (Sidhauli), Courtesy : Hindi News
Dalit Woman Beaten with an Iron Rod in Maharajganj; VIDEO: Youth Attacks Over Old Feud, Victim Referred to Medical College
On Tuesday evening, in the Senani Nagar ward of the Siswa Municipality in Maharajganj, an aggressive youth severely injured a Dalit woman by beating her with an iron rod, stemming from an old personal feud. The incident was captured on CCTV footage, a video of which has now surfaced. According to reports, Punita (30)—wife of Jitendra Gautam, a resident of the Senani Nagar ward—was walking along Block Road around 4:00 PM for some work. According to eyewitnesses, an unruly youth from the same ward intercepted her on the way and began beating her with an iron rod. After the assault, the accused fled the scene, leaving the woman half-dead. Upon receiving information about the incident, police from the Kothibhar station arrived at the scene and admitted the injured woman to the Siswa Primary Health Centre (PHC). After receiving primary treatment there, and given her critical condition, she was referred to the District Hospital. Later, as her condition deteriorated further, she was transferred to a Medical College. The entire incident was captured by a nearby CCTV camera, and the resulting video is currently going viral on social media. The victim’s husband, Jitendra Gautam, currently resides in Bengaluru. Speaking over the phone, he stated that the accused youth—known for his aggressive behavior—had previously assaulted him twice over a land dispute. It is for this very reason that he has been living in Bengaluru to ensure his personal safety. According to police sources, the accused youth has been taken into custody. Regarding the matter, Dharmendra Singh stated that the police have received information about the incident. Once a formal written complaint is received from the victim’s side, a case will be registered against the accused, and further legal action will be initiated. Brijesh Kumar Gupta | Maharajganj | Courtesy : Hindi News
Killed for Saying ‘Happy Holi’: Dalit Youth Stabbed to Death in Lucknow, Family Demands ‘Death for Death’ Justice
Dalit Man Stabbed to Death in Lucknow After Wishing ‘Happy Holi’Dalit Man Stabbed to Death in Lucknow After Wishing ‘Happy Holi’Opinion column access What began as a seemingly ordinary festival greeting turned deadly in a village on the outskirts of Lucknow earlier this week, when a young Dalit man was allegedly stabbed to death following an altercation with members of an upper-caste Brahmin family. The victim, identified as Suraj Gautam, 22, was attacked in Begariya village under the Dubagga police station area on March 4 after he wished neighbours “Happy Holi,” according to police and local media reports. Witnesses and family members allege that the greeting triggered an argument with members of a Brahmin household, which escalated into violence. During the confrontation, a woman from the family allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Gautam multiple times. He was rushed to a hospital with severe injuries but later succumbed to the wounds.City & Local Guides According to reports, the dispute erupted when Gautam greeted a neighbour during Holi celebrations. Some witnesses claim the greeting angered the upper-caste family, leading to a heated exchange. During the altercation, Gautam sustained several stab wounds. Police say he was taken to a trauma centre but doctors declared him dead shortly afterwards. The exact sequence of events remains under investigation. Police Response Following a complaint filed by the victim’s family, police registered a murder case under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) along with provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Authorities said three accused persons have been arrested, and the knife allegedly used in the attack has been recovered. Police officials have not publicly confirmed the motive behind the killing, stating that the investigation is ongoing. Gautam’s mother has demanded the strictest punishment for those responsible, reportedly telling reporters that the family wants “death for death” justice for her son. Several posts circulating online claim the dispute began simply because a Dalit youth greeted members of an upper-caste family during the Holi festival. However, some of these claims remain difficult to independently verify. A broader pattern of caste violence The killing has renewed conversations about caste-based violence in India, particularly in rural areas where social hierarchies continue to influence everyday interactions.Indian sports coverage Over the decades, several incidents of violence against Dalits—ranging from individual killings to mass atrocities— keep getting national attention. While legal frameworks such as the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act exist to protect marginalised communities, implementation often remains inconsistent. Police officials say the investigation is ongoing and that further arrests may follow if additional suspects are identified. For Gautam’s family, however, the tragedy has already left an irreversible loss. 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
HC urges end to highway protest over dalit youth’s death
Madurai: The Madras high court on Tuesday asked the family of a dalit youth who died after sustaining injuries in police custody in Sivaganga district to appeal to protesters to disperse from the Manamadurai highway. The youth, Akash, 26, died on Sunday at Govt Rajaji Hospital in Madurai, triggering allegations of police torture and custodial violence. He had been apprehended by Manamadurai police near the Melapasalai flyover in connection with a machete attack on two people. Police claimed that Akash suffered severe leg fractures after he jumped from a flyover while attempting to evade arrest. Following his death, family members and local residents staged a roadblock protest on the Madurai–Rameswaram highway near the old bus stand in Manamadurai. The protest entered its third day on Tuesday, with temporary tents set up at the site. The protesters demanded action against the police personnel allegedly responsible for the youth’s death. Traffic towards Rameswaram was diverted via Sivaganga and Kamudhi due to the blockade. When the matter was mentioned before the Madras high court on Tuesday, the state submitted that the continuing blockade of the national highway was affecting the general public. Justice L Victoria Gowri orally instructed the family members of the deceased to request, through the media, that protesters disperse from the spot. On Monday, during the hearing of a petition filed by the youth’s father, A Rajeshkannan, the state had informed the court about the highway blockade and its impact on the public. Counsel for the petitioner had then submitted that he would convey a request through the family to the protesters to disperse. 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
14 years on, life term for 4 who gang-raped newly-wed Dalit
AGRA: An SC/ST court in Aligarh sentenced four members of the Bablu Mewati gang to life in jail on Tuesday for robbery and brutal gang rape of a 23-year-old newly-wed Dalit woman in 2012. The crime took place after the accused men broke into the woman’s home while she was asleep, stealing jewellery and cash before gang-raping her. Driven by fear of social stigma, the traumatised family initially informed the cops about the theft alone, based on which an FIR was filed. However, on Jan 30, 2013, after a team of special operations group surrounded the robbers and Iqrar and Shamim, were nabbed. In custody, the men confessed not only to the 2012 robbery, but also to rape. When police called the woman’s family to identify the culprits, they recognised all of them. According to the prosecution, during trial, accused Nazim died in a police encounter in Gujarat, while another accused — a minor at that time — faces proceedings before the Juvenile Justice Board. Special public prosecutor Chaman Prakash Sharma said, “Based on evidence and testimony collected over a decade, the SC/ST court of additional district and sessions judge, Tosh Kumar Sharma, found all of them guilty of robbery and gang rape. The court also imposed a total fine of Rs 1.6 lakh on the four convicts, Iqrar, Shamim, Nakeem and Gulfam, with half the amount to be paid as compensation to the survivor.” 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
‘Dalit Christians must be listed as SC community’: Human rights activist Vincent Kathir
Kathir was referring to the March 2 Nanguneri sickle attack incident in which John Mark, a Dalit Christian and Trinath Kata, worker from Odisha died MADURAI: Human rights activist and CEO of the NGO Evidence Vincent Kathir on Tuesday said Dalit Christians should be recognized as Scheduled Caste so that victims of caste violence can receive compensation from government as per provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Referring to the March 2 Nanguneri sickle attack incident in which John Mark, a Dalit Christian and Trinath Kata, worker from Odisha died, Kathir said John’s family is not eligible to receive compensation because Dalit Christians are listed under the Backward Class (BC). “The Tamil Nadu government should ensure that Dalit Christians are included under the Scheduled Caste (SC) category, making them eligible for compensation and the benefits they deserve,” he said. Alleging failure of police intelligence, Kathir said “Local police stated there was no personal enmity behind the brutal attack, but our field investigation revealed longstanding tensions between two communities, in the region. On the tragic night, one group went on a rampage in Perumalpattu village. Shockingly, the two victims were not connected to either of these communities and had no involvement with the caste tension prevailing between the two sides. Such attacks should be categorized as community-based clashes, which are often more devastating than personal disputes. The attack appears to have been motivated solely by caste affiliation, and highlights a troubling pattern of caste-based violence.” Further, he said there has been a notable increase in caste-related violence in districts like Theni, Madurai, Thoothukudi, Sivaganga, Thanjavur, Tirunelveli, and Pudukottai in recent years. 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
Transgender Students Ke Liye Universities Mein 100% Fees Maaf
Government of Maharashtra ne transgender community ke students ke liye ek important decision liya hai. State ki public universities mein transgender students ki 100% academic fees maaf kar di gayi hai. Maharashtra ki sabhi public universities mein transgender students ko poori tarah free education milegi. Universities ko instruction diya gaya hai ki academic fees apne funds se cover karein. Government ka aim hai ki transgender students ko equal opportunity aur dignity ke saath education mile. Financial problems ki wajah se jo students padhai chhod dete hain, unko bhi higher education pursue karne ka mauka milega. Courtesy : Galli News Note: This news is originally published on https:/gallinews.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Nod to changes to widen transgender definition
NEW DELHI: Cabinet Tuesday approved a proposal to amend the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, seeking to expand the definition of transgender persons in what is being cited as an attempt to make the law more “inclusive” so that all bona fide persons receive benefits and protection. There has been debate over the implementation of the law, with community leaders raising concerns from time to time. Even Supreme Court has expressed concern over the tardy implementation of the law. While no official details of proposed changes were shared Tuesday, TOI has learnt that the bill proposes to bring clarity to the definition of transgender persons compared to the current provision. Officials said the bill proposes that the criteria for identifying transgenders would be spelt out more elaborately and ensure there is no misuse of provisions. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, which came into effect on Jan 10, 2020, lays down provisions to provide legal recognition, prohibit discrimination, and mandate welfare measures for transgender individuals. The rules to implement the law were notified on Sept 25, 2020. Sec 2 of the law deals with definitions and states that a “transgender person” includes trans-men/women, intersex persons, gender queer individuals, hijra and others, irrespective of surgery. “A ‘transgender person’ means a person whose gender does not match with the gender assigned at birth and includes trans-man or trans-woman (whether or not such person has undergone sex reassignment surgery or hormone therapy), person with intersex variations, genderqueer and persons having such socio-cultural identities as kinner, hijra, aravani and jogta,” the law states. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul attends wedding of farmer’s daughter in a Sonipat village
Sonipat: Lok Sabha leader of opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday attended the wedding of a farmer’s daughter in Medina village of Sonipat district, fulfilling a promise he made to the family during an earlier visit. The village falls under Baroda assembly segment in Gohana. Gandhi reached the village at 10.10am and spent nearly an hour at the ceremony hosted by farmer Sanjay Malik, whose daughter Tanu was getting married. He was accompanied by party MP Deepender Hooda and MLA Indu Raj Narwal. Villagers welcomed Gandhi by presenting him with a turban. When he walked towards the house where the rituals were underway, locals greeted him with “Ram-Ram, Rahul Bhai”, to which he responded with folded hands and a smile. During the ceremony, Gandhi met members of the bride’s family and blessed the couple. He interacted with villagers and spent some time seated among family members, enquiring about local customs and wedding traditions. Women in the household were singing traditional wedding songs as he joined them briefly and asked about the rituals associated with the ceremony. Gandhi also sampled traditional dishes served during the celebrations. He had churma with milk, tasted missi roti prepared by the bride, and also tried sweets including balushahi, laddoos and freshly prepared jalebis. At one point, he was seen offering jalebi to Deepender and the bride’s father, Sanjay Malik. Family members said they were surprised by Gandhi’s presence. Kirti Jakhar, a relative of the bride, said the family had invited him, but did not expect him to actually attend the ceremony. According to her, women in the house were singing ritual songs when the news of his arrival spread, creating excitement among the guests. The family also said a day before the wedding, Gandhi had sent a 55-inch LED television as a gift. During the ceremony, he presented the bride with a traditional ‘shagun’ envelope. The bride’s mother Sunita Devi said his presence at their home was itself the biggest blessing for the family. Gandhi’s association with the family dates to 2023, when he had visited Medina and joined Sanjay Malik in his fields. During that visit, he drove a tractor and participated in paddy transplantation, an interaction that drew considerable public attention. Later, he had invited Malik and several other farmers to his residence at 10 Janpath in New Delhi. 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
Allegations of Sexual Exploitation Following a Fraudulent Marriage: Woman Arrives from Andhra Pradesh in Search of Accused; FIR Filed Against Youth from Rohtak
In Rohtak district, a woman hailing from Andhra Pradesh has accused a youth from Tilak Nagar of sexually exploiting her under the pretext of a fraudulent marriage. Furthermore, she alleges that he swindled lakhs of rupees from her under the guise of building a house. The victim, in collaboration with social organizations, has filed a complaint against the youth at the Civil Lines Police Station regarding this matter. The victim stated that she resides in a district within Andhra Pradesh. She had uploaded her profile on a matrimonial website. Coincidentally, the youth—a resident of Tilak Nagar in Rohtak—had also posted his profile on the same site. Their communication began in 2022 through this platform. Their interactions remained limited to phone calls for a period of approximately 6 to 7 months. The victim recounted that in 2023, the youth traveled to Andhra Pradesh and, while standing on a beach, accepted her as his wife by performing a symbolic ritual involving water held in his hands. When she requested that they solemnize their marriage according to full traditional rites, the youth claimed to be an Arya Samaji and asserted that such a ceremony constituted a valid marriage within his community. The youth also refused to allow the marriage to be officially registered. **Youth Takes Money and Returns to Rohtak; Fails to Return** The victim stated that the youth took approximately ₹40 lakhs from her—ostensibly for the construction of a house—and returned to Rohtak, never to come back. When she attempted to contact him via phone, she found that he had switched off his mobile number. Subsequently, she called the youth’s brother—who is posted as an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) in Gurugram—but he, too, failed to provide any response. **Sexual Exploitation in Both Andhra Pradesh and Rohtak** The woman has alleged that, following the fraudulent marriage, the accused youth sexually exploited her in Andhra Pradesh for nearly four months while they lived together as husband and wife. Later, when she traveled to Rohtak in search of him, she claims she was subjected to further sexual exploitation on multiple occasions at a hotel there. **Youth Admits Guilt at Police Station, Then Retracts Statement** The woman revealed that, at the Civil Lines Police Station and in the presence of representatives from social organizations, the youth had admitted his wrongdoing and acknowledged her as his wife. A written settlement agreement was also drafted at the police station; however, that document has now mysteriously gone missing. Instead of taking the young man home with him from the police station, he took him to a hotel and, from there, dropped him off at the bus stand before leaving. **Allegations of Collusion Leveled Against the Family** The woman stated that the entire family of the accused is complicit in the matter. She alleged that the young man’s brother, who holds the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), is misusing his official position. Consequently, the police have refrained from taking any action. Under pressure from social organizations, the police did register a case under the SC/ST Act; however, they have yet to arrest the accused young man. **DSP and ASP Kept Informed** The woman alleged that both the ASP and the DSP were fully apprised of the details of the case immediately after the complaint was lodged. She claimed that the DSP’s Reader had even visited and inspected the hotels in question alongside the accused, yet no action has been taken. On the contrary, the police have transferred her FIR to Andhra Pradesh, despite the fact that she was also subjected to sexual exploitation in hotels within Rohtak. **We Will Fight Every Battle to Secure Justice** Social activist Surendra Panchal stated that, for the past two and a half months, the district administration has forced the victim to wander from door to door in search of redressal. Despite repeated attempts to meet with the Superintendent of Police (SP), the administration continues to adopt a lax and indecisive attitude. He alleged that the administration is mentally harassing the victim with the sole intent of sweeping the case under the rug. Under the SC/ST Act, immediate arrest is mandated; however, although nearly a month and a half has passed since the FIR was registered, the accused remains unarrested. **Administration Will Face Trouble if the Issue Takes on a Casteist Hue** Manisha Birla Bohat of the Bharat Mukti Morcha Women’s Wing asserted that a grave injustice has been committed against the woman, and the administration is failing to provide her with justice. She warned that if the community unites and launches a protest—framing the issue through the lens of caste-based discrimination—the administration will face severe repercussions. Therefore, she urged the police administration to act promptly to deliver justice to the victimized woman and to immediately apprehend the accused. Courtesy: Hindi News