Dalit family attacked for playing loud music after namaz in UP; 12 held
MEERUT: Twelve people were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly attacking a Dalit family during a child’s naming ceremony in Ganora Sheikh village of Bulandshahr district over loud music, police said. Complainant Akash Kumar, 25, said the gathering, which featured DJ music and dance, had paused for local Muslim residents to perform prayers on Monday. After prayers, the music resumed, but around 15 to 20 men allegedly barged in with sticks, assaulting attendees, including women. He added that the assailants used casteist slurs and vandalised the property. SHO Neeraj Malik said the 12 accused have been sent to jail and further arrests are expected in the matter. “Those involved in the clash didn’t sustain any major injury,” he said. Police registered an FIR on Tuesday under BNS sections for rioting and voluntarily causing hurt, and SC/ST Act against village head Moyeen Khan, Matlub Ali, Mohd Adil, Akram Khan, and others. 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
Father, son booked for assaulting Dalit minor in moral policing incident in Mangaluru
The complainant has further alleged that caste-based insults were hurled at the boy and that he was publicly threatened with dire consequences if he returned to the area. MANGALURU: In an alleged case of moral policing, a 14-year-old Dalit boy was assaulted by a father and son near a railway track at Babugudde in Mangaluru city. According to the complaint filed by the boy’s father, his son was sitting and conversing with his female friend near the railway track on February 23 at around 4 pm. At that time, the accused, Stevan Montheiro, approached them while recording a video on his mobile phone, questioned their presence, accused them of inappropriate behaviour, and threatened to upload the footage on social media. When the boy attempted to leave the spot, he was stopped and taken to a nearby road, where he was verbally abused and assaulted by Stevan and his son, Avil. The complainant has further alleged that caste-based insults were hurled at the boy and that he was publicly threatened with dire consequences if he returned to the area. The accused are also alleged to have circulated the video on WhatsApp. Based on the complaint, the police have registered a case under Section 176 of the BNSS. Further inquiry is underway. Vincent D’ Souza 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
Dalit Wedding Procession Attacked in Aligarh After Dispute Over Song, FIR Filed
A Dalit wedding procession was allegedly attacked in Sunana village, Aligarh, after a dispute over a DJ song led to stone pelting and vandalism. A Dalit wedding procession was allegedly attacked in Sunana village of Aligarh on Tuesday night after a dispute broke out over a song played during the baraat. The incident led to stone pelting, vandalism and tension in the area under Jawan police station limits. According to police, the clash took place around 9.15 pm when the procession was passing through a locality of another community. Officials said a song perceived as caste-based and objectionable was played on the DJ system, which triggered objections from locals. The situation soon escalated into violence, with members of both sides allegedly attacking each other with sticks and stones. Videos of the clash later went viral on social media. Police Say Song Triggered Dispute Superintendent of Police City Mrigank Shekhar Pathak said a preliminary inquiry suggested that the conflict began after a participant in the procession played a provocative song through a mobile phone connected to the DJ system. “When a member of the baraat played a song intended to stir up caste-based feelings, it was objected to by members present there. Police reached the spot, pacified both sides and provided security to the procession,” Pathak said. He added that the baraat was safely escorted to the wedding venue and no injuries were officially reported. “Peace has been restored in the village. A case has been registered, and those involved are being identified for strict action,” he said. Sub Inspector Ghanshyam Singh, in his complaint, stated that when the procession entered the locality, an unknown baraati played an objectionable song. “People objected, and some unknown persons attacked each other, abused each other and used sticks. Nearby houses were also vandalised. The incident created panic and disturbed law and order,” he said. Police have seized video footage and the audio track for investigation. An FIR has been registered against unidentified persons under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including rioting, voluntarily causing hurt, intentional insult to provoke breach of peace, criminal force and mischief, along with provisions of the Criminal Law Amendment Act. Family Alleges Targeted Attack However, family members of the bride have alleged that the procession was attacked without provocation. Anees Kumar, the bride’s brother, claimed that miscreants armed with sharp-edged weapons targeted the baraat. He said the wedding party could move forward only after police intervention. In another viral video, a participant in the procession accused members of the Thakur community of pelting stones at the Dalit wedding procession. He alleged that the attack reflected growing caste tensions. Political Reactions Chandra Shekhar Azad, chief of the Bhim Army, condemned the incident and termed it serious. He alleged that the procession was attacked with sticks and other weapons, and that casteist slurs were used. Police have deployed additional forces in the village to maintain law and order. Officials said the situation is currently peaceful, and efforts are ongoing to identify those involved in the clash. 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
Rahul Gandhi to visit Telangana on March 2, to address new DCC chiefs
Hyderabad: Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is likely to visit Hyderabad on March 2 as part of the party’s organisational push in the two Telugu states. As per the tentative schedule, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha will arrive at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad on Monday and proceed to Vikarabad to attend a training camp for the newly appointed District Congress Committee presidents. The DCC presidents from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are undergoing a 10-day training programme. Rahul Gandhi will address them at the valedictory session of the programme and is expected to give a roadmap to the new DCC chiefs to further strengthen the party at the grassroots levels. During the visit, chief minister A Revanth Reddy is expected to discuss with him the upcoming election to the two Rajya Sabha seats in Telangana, the finalisation of candidates, and the development works being taken up by the govt in the run-up to Telangana Formation Day on June 2. Other political and organisational matters are also likely to be discussed. Meanwhile, sources have not ruled out the possibility of Rahul Gandhi visiting the state again in the second or third week of March to address a public meeting in Mulugu district. The Telangana Congress is planning to organise a public meeting as part of the AICC’s call for a nationwide protest against the G Ram G Act. Panchayat raj minister D Anasuya alias Seethakka represents the Mulugu Assembly constituency. The AICC has appointed her as a core member of its MNREGA Bachao Sangram committee. Also, the Mulugu district has a large number of people who are enrolled under MNREGA. Though Rahul Gandhi’s visit on March 2 was confirmed by his office, TPCC leaders said they have received only a tentative green signal about his participation in the proposed public rally in Mulugu. 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, Kharge to attend farmers’ conference in Sriganganagar proposed on March 9
Jaipur: The Rajasthan Congress would launch an agitation against the Centre’s trade deal with the United States with a farmers’ conference in Sriganganagar on March 9, Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra announced Wednesday. Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi are scheduled to address the conference, which the party says will mark the beginning of a statewide campaign against the agreement. Dotasra alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had accepted the trade deal “under pressure from the US” and claimed it would harm the interests of farmers, traders, industrialists, entrepreneurs, and handicraft artisans in Rajasthan. “The PM made a trade deal with the US, compromising the interests of the country’s farmers, which the party will oppose,” Dotasra said. “Congress workers are committed to taking every possible step and struggle to protect the interests of the country’s farmers and traders.” Dotasra said Congress workers would reach out to farmers and traders “affected by the American trade deal” and “expose the decision taken by the Centre against national interest”. 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
Kharge family has meted out injustice to Dalit leaders, says Chalavadi Narayanaswamy
The Leader of Opposition in the Council says the Kharge family has deprived many Dalit leaders, including himself, of opportunities Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chavaladi Narayanaswamy has said that the Kharge family has snatched away opportunities of many Dalit leaders, including himself. Speaking to presspersons in Dharwad on Tuesday, he took exception to Minister Priyank Kharge terming him an opportunist and said that the Kharge family has deprived him of opportunities he deserved after his four decades of service to the Congress. “Your (Priyank Kharge) father has been in politics for six decades and there is no example of him grooming a Dalit leader,” he quipped. Mr. Narayanaswamy also said that several Dalit leaders, including three-time legislators Prasad Abbayya, A. Narayanaswamy, P.M. Narendraswamy and Shivanna, have been sidelined in the Congress. “On other hand, Priyank Kharge, who has won three times, has been made a Minister on all three occasions,” he said. He also said that in Kalaburagi, the former Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh’s son has been politically suppressed by the Kharge family. Mr. Narayanaswamy also sought an answer from Priyank Kharge about allegations of them amassing wealth. The Hindu Bureau Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Karnataka: Dalit couple worships at temple after Tehsildar’s intervention
The Tehsildar warned that strict action will be taken if such atrocities occur in the taluk in the future. Tumakuru: A peace meeting was held regarding the incident of a newly married couple from the Dalit community being thrown out of a temple. Following the meeting, Turuvekere Tehsildar M.N. Kum E. Ahmed allowed the abused couple to enter the temple. A peace meeting was held in the village on Tuesday regarding the incident that occurred on February 19th in Goni Tumakuru village of Turuvekere taluk. The peace meeting was successful. Furthermore, Tehsildar Ahmed held the newly married couple’s hand and led them inside the Arasamma Devi temple, putting an end to the conflict between upper castes and Dalits. A Dalit newly married couple visited the village deity amidst police cordon. The Tehsildar warned that strict action will be taken if such atrocities occur in the taluk in the future. The Tehsildar stated that the government temple is not anyone’s property and everyone is allowed to enter the temple without restriction, which belongs to the Muzrai Department. He advised the villagers to maintain harmony among themselves. An awareness program is underway. Strict legal action will be taken against anyone found engaging in foolish rituals or illegal activities. Any kind of untouchability or caste-based abuse is a crime under the law. Everyone should be allowed to enter and exit the temple without restriction. If such incidents occur again in the future, strict action will be taken. We will set up a camp here. As part of the awareness campaign, the district administration will also perform a drama. Several officials, including the District Magistrate, will be present. Please cooperate with the villagers. Tehsildar Ahmed stated that some people have been arrested in connection with the incident, and the police are conducting further investigations. Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer Anantharaju, Conservation Sub-Inspector T. Murthy, Assistant Director of the Social Welfare Department Shivalingaiah, Assistant Engineer of the Public Works Department Kanmani, Panchayat Development Officer Suresh, Revenue Inspector Rangaswamy, Kasaba Hobli Revenue Inspector Jagadeesh, State Intelligence Department Rajkumar, Priest Nanje Gowda, Social Welfare Department employees Dhananjay and Kiran Kumar, Village Administrative Officer Mallick, and other villagers were present on the occasion. What was the matter: A newly married couple from the Dalit community in Goni Tumkur village alleged that they were not only prevented from entering the temple but also subjected to caste-based abuse. Based on a complaint from a person, a case has been registered at the Turuvekere police station under the SC/ST Atrocities Act. The victims stated in their complaint that as soon as they entered the temple, some people insulted them and threw them out. Courtesy: Hindi News
Farmers, workers bring their worries, expectations at Rahul-Kharge event
Bhopal: The loudest sounds at the Congress’s ‘Kisan Maha Chaupal’ at Jawahar Chowk on Tuesday were from slogans and loudspeakers, but the stories, almost drowned out by the shrill chants and public announcements, were conveyed through hushed conversations reflecting the many challenges faced by farmers, workers and labourers who enable city lives everyday. From an elderly woman, who came all the way from her village in a nearby district to not just to hear about the impact of the India-US trade deal but also share how badly she needed a pension for survival, to a single mother facing the challenge of eviction from the piece of land where her humble accommodation exists as the area is set for redevelopment under the smart city project, these were some of the stories shared by women as they joined thousands of others at the Congress event. For many, the event, headlined by Congress heavyweights Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, was yet another way to make themselves heard by those in places of authority for the varied concerns that affected them. Along the footpath, near a small table set up with drinking water arrangements, farmers gathered in small circles, talking about land, prices and survival — conversations shaped less by ideology and more by everyday uncertainty. Seventy-year-old GL Gour from Koudiya village in Phanda tehsil did not push his way forward. He stood patiently, listening, occasionally nodding. For him, the present is best understood by remembering the past. “Back in the day when HD Deve Gowda was prime minister, I used to sell soybean at Rs 8,000 per quintal. Now it is below Rs 4,000,” he said, in an almost matter-of-fact manner. Gour has 20 acres of land, and a family of 10 entirely dependent on agriculture. He identifies himself as an educated farmer — he passed higher secondary in 1968. “I did not come here with any political leader. I came on my own with a belief that when we fight, something will surely happen,” he told TOI. Nearby, 75-year-old Chain Singh Patel from Biccholi village in Sehore district spoke of a different kind of insecurity. His village lies in a forest area, and ownership of land remains a dream. “My grandfather was born there. We have been cultivating this land for generations, but we still don’t have patta,” he said. Asked why he made the journey to Bhopal, Patel paused before replying, “I hope something will happen”, in a voice betraying lack of conviction. Not all the journeys were short. Acche Lal Saket, 60, travelled more than 500 km from Naigarhi in Rewa district, spending the night in a general class train compartment with two friends. “I have only five acres. Earlier,it was enough to raise my family. Now, things are getting more difficult day by day,” he said, adding, “We are here in the hope of our betterment.” For 28-year-old Bhola Singh Lodhi, a small tribal farmer from Bargi in Jabalpur, the expectation was simpler. “We should get better prices for our crops,” he said, watching the crowds swell as Rahul and Kharge spoke at the Kishan Maha Choupal. Arun Patel and Sewak Ram Patel, both farmers, sat in the front row at the rally listening cautiously to every speech. When this correspondent asked them what brought them here, they said they were Soybean farmers from nearby districts. “We have come with a memorandum that we want to share with the Congress leaders about our challenges in getting compensation when crops are damaged due to rain. We also want to hear about what this trade deal is about and how it will impact us,” Patel said. As the rally continued at Jawahar Chowk, many farmers stayed back even after the speeches ended. Some folded banners carefully, others sat quietly on the pavement. They did not speak of victories or assurances — only of hope. 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 Couple Faces Humiliation Inside Karnataka Temple, Forced To Leave Premises
A Dalit couple was humiliated at Arasamma Temple in Tumakuru. An FIR was filed under SC/ST Act. A newly married Dalit couple was allegedly humiliated inside a temple in Karnataka and forced to leave the premises in an apparent case of caste discrimination. The incident took place at Goni village in Tumakuru district on February 19 when the Dalit couple visited the Arasamma Temple. It is learnt that a man belonging to an upper caste, identified as Narayanappa, allegedly pretended to be possessed by a deity and told the couple that they were not allowed inside the temple. Footage from the temple shows Narayanappa blocking the pathway to the deity while kneeling, before standing and shouting at the family, forcing them to get out of the temple. The couple reportedly faced humiliation before leaving the temple. He reportedly shouted, “Dalits cannot enter temple. Leave immediately.” Speaking to news agency ANI, SP Ashok KV said, “…One aged person started shouting at the couple in the name of God. He told them things like ‘you should not enter into the temple’. We received a complaint at the Turuvekere police station in which they mentioned seven people, six named and one unknown person.” Following the incident, the victim, Jagadish, filed a complaint with the Turuvekere Police Station. Authorities have registered a First Information Report (FIR) under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against Narayanappa and several others present at the temple, including Prabha, Kantanna, Amulya, Puttegowda, and Padma. “We received the complaint and filed an FIR under the SC/ST Act and BNS 190 and 352…. Immediately, we nabbed the person who appeared to be shouting in the video. A peace meeting has been conducted in that village under the joint leadership of the police and the revenue department. We also ensured the temple entry and other rituals of the newlywed couple…,” he added. Narayanappa has been taken into custody and police were working to trace the remaining accused. The investigation into the matter was underway. Courtesy : News18 Note: This news is originally published on https:/news18.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit man tied to wooden cot, beaten to death in Jharkhand; mob violence suspected over love affair
DALTONGANJ: A 25-year-old Dalit man was lynched allegedly by a mob on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday at Telyahi village in Palamu district, police said. According to the law enforcers, the lynching could be related to a love angle, but the accused charged him with theft. “We are probing the crime from all angles,” Palamu SP Reeshma Ramesan said. The victim, Pawan Kumar, was tied to a leg of a wooden cot and beaten up. One person has been detained in connection with the crime. Parwa police station officer-in-charge Anchit Kumar said they received a call around midnight alleging that a youth was being beaten up on suspicion of attempting to steal a tractor battery. A patrol team reached the village and found Kumar tied up and surrounded by an aggressive mob. Police rescued him and rushed him to the Medinirai Medical College and Hospital in Daltonganj around 4.06 am, where the doctors declared him dead on arrival. SP Ramesan said no battery was recovered from the victim and described the theft allegation as “unfounded” and a “deception” meant to mislead the police. The investigators are probing a possible “love angle,” as Kumar was allegedly called to the spot by a girl. Police sources suspected the killing may have been linked to a personal relationship and could involve members of the girl’s family and their associates. Kumar, a resident of nearby Kokarsa village, was allegedly lured to Telyahi. An FIR was lodged by the victim’s father, Manoj Ram, with Parwa police station in connection with the incident. The case has been registered under Section 103(2) of the BNS, which pertains to mob lynching. Police have withheld the names of the accused, saying they could abscond. Under the direction of the District Legal Services Authority chairman, Ram Sharma, who is also the principal district and sessions judge, para-legal volunteer Pankaj Pathak will visit the family to initiate and provide interim victim compensation. DLSA secretary Rakesh Ranjan said the family would receive legal assistance.The post-mortem was video-graphed. The victim, Pawan Kumar, was tied to a leg of a wooden cot and beaten up. One person has been detained 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