Dalit laborer dies in Saharanpur after under-construction roof collapses: Married a year ago, pregnant wife left without support
A laborer died on the spot when the roof of an under-construction house collapsed in the Kutubsher police station area of Saharanpur. The deceased has been identified as 21-year-old Nitin, son of Ramesh, a resident of Igrikala village. Nitin had gone to Rupdi Kapurpur village for work. The incident occurred on Wednesday when Nitin was demolishing the old roof of the house while working. Suddenly, the entire roof collapsed, and Nitin was buried under the debris. People nearby tried to rescue him, but he had already died. The news of the incident plunged the deceased’s family into mourning. Upon receiving the information, police and administrative officials reached the spot and assessed the situation. Following the accident, the administration immediately convened a meeting to address potential tensions between the two villages. After mutual discussions, an agreement was reached on the funeral and other related issues, maintaining peace in the area. The deceased, Nitin, had been married for about a year. His wife is approximately eight months pregnant. This incident has deeply affected the family, as Nitin was the sole breadwinner. Upon learning of the incident, BSP District President Rajneesh Bandhu, ASPA District President Sachin Khurana, Bhim Army Jai Bhim organization’s District President Sunny Gautam, and several other office bearers of social organizations reached the spot. These office bearers and socially responsible individuals like Rajneesh Ujala, Asif Ali, Beer Singh, Sukhbir Pradhan, Harshit Pradhan, and Narendra Gautam consoled the family. Immediate financial assistance was provided by the authorities, and further assistance from the government level was assured. In the presence of socially responsible people, the family declined any legal action and took the body with them. The young man’s last rites will be performed this afternoon. Tariq Siddiqui | Saharanpur Courtesy: Hindi News
Cook from Jalandhar castrated in Ludhiana transgender turf war.
Ludhiana: Police have launched a manhunt for a local transgender leader and nine associates following the abduction and forced castration of a 30-year-old cook, an attack allegedly sparked by a bitter territorial dispute. The victim, identified as Manpreet Singh of Jalandhar, was found abandoned and mutilated on a roadside on Tuesday, four days after he was reported missing. Police have claimed in their reports that Manpreet Singh worked as a cook for a transgender group led by Reshma Mahant. He vanished on the morning of Jan 24 after leaving for a walk in Ludhiana’s Khwaja Kothi Chowk area. An acquaintance of the victim, Vidhyarti Rao, has told investigators that the search for Manpreet Singh ended when an anonymous caller reported that he had been admitted to Ludhiana’s civil hospital in critical condition. “Manpreet told me that the accused and his aides abducted him, mutilated him, and dumped him on the roadside,” Rao stated in his complaint. The Investigation Police authorities believe the motive stems from a long-standing rivalry between Reshma Mahant’s group and a rival faction led by Rabina Mahant. The two groups have reportedly been at odds over “area distribution” — the informal division of neighbourhoods where transgender communities traditionally collect alms and perform at ceremonies. “We have registered a case based on the initial complaint, but the victim’s condition is critical,” said assistant sub-inspector Amarjeet Singh. “He has been referred to a hospital in Chandigarh for specialist care.” The Accused Police have registered a case against Rabina Mahant and nine others, identified as Suhana, Sona, Simmi, Kanika, Rehmat, Shiv Kumar, Dilawar, Hifazat, and Pooja. The suspects face charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections 118 (1) & (2) (causing grievous hurt voluntarily by dangerous weapons) and 61 (2) (criminal conspiracy). Investigators are currently analysing mobile tower data and CCTV footage to track the suspects, who remain at large. A formal statement from the victim will be recorded once doctors declare him fit to speak. 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
SC Commission chairman urges swift action on Dalit welfare schemes
Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Castes Commission chairman K.S. Jawahar on Wednesday appealed to the officials to implement the welfare schemes meant for Scheduled Castes without delay. During interactions with Dalit leaders Mr. Jawahar received grievances on various issues before reviewing the implementation of the welfare schemes with officials. District In-Charge Collector Y. Megha Swaroop, East Godavari Superintendent of Police D. Narasimha Kishore assured timely action to execute the respective schemes and programmes of the government. The Hindu Bureau Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Kanimozhi meets Rahul in Delhi
Chennai/Delhi: DMK parliamentary party leader K Kanimozhi met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at his residence in New Delhi on Wednesday, when he urged the DMK to begin the seat-sharing talks for the Tamil Nadu assembly election at the earliest. DMK as well as Congress leaders said the talks were `pleasant and cordial.’ The subject of power sharing too cropped up during the discussions. Though the differences over power-sharing remain inconclusive, there was mutual respect for each other’s position, a Congress leader said. A DMK leader said the interaction helped ease tensions between the allies. Rahul Gandhi is learnt to have conveyed that the DMK should soon begin seat-sharing talks with the committee formed by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. The meeting has come a day after Tamil Nadu Congress election in-charge Girish Chodankar said they were waiting for nearly two months for a response from the DMK to begin formal alliance talks. Sources said the meeting between Kanimozhi and Rahul lasted for about 30-minutes. The interaction has reaffirmed the DMK – Congress alliance and put to rest speculation over alleged rifts. “Overall, it was cordial and positive,” he said. The focus of Wednesday’s meeting was on starting negotiations and that the number of seats were not discussed. Both sides agreed that formal talks would begin after chief minister MK Stalin constituted a negotiation committee, expected in early February. Congress general secretary KC Venugopal is likely to visit Tamil Nadu in the first week of February for the talks, party sources said. The meeting Rahul – Kanimozhi meeting has gained significance as a section of the state Congress was pushing for a larger share of seats and a coalition govt. Some Congress leaders publicly supported actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam as a possible alternative, reflecting the unease within the party. The DMK has rejected the proposal for sharing power. “I am confident that we will together arrive at a good solution,” said K Selvaperunthagai, TNCC president. After the alliance framework is finalised, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi are expected to campaign in the state. Their planned January visit for village committee meetings was postponed due to the delay in concluding seat-sharing. 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
From Bihar, which shook Indira’s power, now a challenge is being sounded against Rahul! Why did a lifelong Congressman call him a coward?
History is witness that sparks of protest rising from Bihar often shake the power in Delhi. After Indira Gandhi, a front has now opened against Rahul Gandhi from Bihar itself. Former Union Minister Dr. Shakeel Ahmed, a lifelong Congressman, has left the party and called Rahul a “coward” and “incompetent,” which is casting a shadow of crisis over the “shop of love.” Patna: The movement against Indira Gandhi started from Bihar, which led to the end of her rule. Now, the loudest voice of protest against Rahul Gandhi has resonated across the country from Bihar. History is witness that a voice of protest emanating from Bihar is never ineffective. Lest it happen that love departs from the shop of love, and only an empty shop remains. Why are those who love Congress leaving it? In reality, there cannot be a shop of love because it is a matter of the heart. Love is not a commodity that can be found in a shop. Now, the owner and proprietor of the shop (Rahul Gandhi) himself is being accused of lacking both competence and courage. Former Union Minister Dr. Shakeel Ahmed has been a lifelong Congressman. But what happened that he first left the Congress and is now calling Rahul Gandhi a cowardly leader? Grandfather was an MLA in 1937, father and son were MLAs 5 times each Can only those who flatter Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi remain in Congress? Can those with independent opinions not survive in Congress? Three generations of Dr. Shakeel Ahmed’s family served the Congress. His grandfather, Ahmed Ghafoor, was elected to the Bihar Assembly from Congress in 1937. His father, Shakur Ahmed, was an MLA five times from Congress between 1952 and 1977. After 1985, Shakeel Ahmed himself was a Congress MLA five times. He was also a Member of Parliament and a Union Minister. But after the 2025 assembly elections, he left the Congress party. If Shakeel Ahmed, a member of such a dedicated Congress family, has accused Rahul Gandhi of cowardice, there must be some truth to it. Rahul Gandhi lacks an understanding of electoral issues! If someone shows Rahul Gandhi a mirror, instead of fixing his appearance, he becomes intent on breaking the mirror. When Shakeel Ahmed left the party, he said that he still has unwavering faith in the party’s policies, but he has differences with some individuals at the top of the organization. This means his displeasure is with Rahul Gandhi. Some disgruntled Congress leaders say that Rahul Gandhi lacks an understanding of electoral issues. In Bihar, he worked tirelessly for 17 days through the Voter Rights Yatra to make SIR (State Information Commission) an election issue. He tried to create a favorable atmosphere by raising the slogan “Vote thief, leave the throne.” But all his efforts went in vain because it was not an issue in the eyes of the public. Not a single complaint was received against SIR. The debate on Rahul Gandhi’s shortcomings has started again. After Shakeel Ahmed’s statement, the debate on Rahul Gandhi’s shortcomings has intensified once again. It is alleged that Rahul Gandhi has destroyed the internal democracy of the party. When he resigned from the post of Congress president after the electoral defeat, he should have worked for the organization with a clear heart. He should have handed over the reins of the party to a capable leader from outside the family. But Rahul Gandhi could not free himself from the feeling of being the super boss. He did appoint Mallikarjun Kharge, a leader from outside the family, as president, but he kept all the powers in his own hands. Kharge is just a president in name; all the decisions are taken by Rahul Gandhi. Kharge’s signature is just a formality. Now, there is opposition to Rahul Gandhi even at the district level in Bihar. This strong voice against Rahul Gandhi emanating from Bihar will resonate far and wide. Now, even at the district level, Congress leaders have started questioning Rahul Gandhi’s incompetence. Currently, Bihar Congress leaders are holding public meetings in the districts under the ‘Save MNREGA Campaign’. A public meeting was held in Darbhanga on Tuesday. During this time, local leader Ram Narayan accused Rahul Gandhi, saying that the Congress party would not progress in Bihar until the buying and selling of tickets stopped. Local leaders started chanting slogans against Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru and state president Rajesh Ram. Authored by: Ashok Kumar Sharma • Edited by: Sunil Pandey About the Author Ashok Kumar Sharma is a senior journalist. He has more than three decades of experience in journalism. He understands the politics and society of Bihar very well and analyzes the changes taking place there with keen observation. He has done special reporting on Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Bihar. Courtesy: Hindi News
‘A leader of the people’: PM Modi, CM Fadnavis, LoP Rahul Gandhi condole Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s death
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences after Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash on Wednesday in Pune district’s Baramati during landing. He said, “Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra. His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and downtrodden were also noteworthy. His untimely demise is very shocking and saddening. Condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti.” — narendramodi (@narendramodi) Prime minister also condoled the deaths of others who were on board along with Pawar. — narendramodi (@narendramodi) President Droupadi Murmu also gave her condolences. She said, “The news of the deaths of several people, including Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar, in an aeroplane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, is utterly heartbreaking. The untimely demise of Shri Ajit Pawar is an irreplaceable loss. He will always be remembered for his special contribution to Maharashtra’s development, particularly in the cooperative sector.” — rashtrapatibhvn (@rashtrapatibhvn) Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis condoled the death of his deputy in a press conference. “This morning, a very tragic incident occurred. In extremely unforeseen circumstances, the news of the unfortunate demise of our state’s deputy chief minister, Ajit Pawar, in an aircraft accident reached everyone, spreading a wave of grief across Maharashtra. For Maharashtra, today is an extremely difficult day,” he said. Further talking about his friendship with Pawar, he added, “Such leadership takes many years to develop, and at a time when he was making very significant contributions to the state’s development, his passing is both unbelievable and shocking. Personally, I have lost a strong and generous friend. This is also an enormous loss for his family.” Leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi also condoled the deaths saying, “The news of the demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar Ji and his fellow travellers in an aeroplane accident today is extremely heart-rending. In this hour of grief, I stand with the people of Maharashtra. I extend my condolences to the entire Pawar family and their dear ones in this time of sorrow. Defence minister Rajnath Singh expressed his “pain” on X saying, “Deeply shocked and pained to learn about the untimely demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar.” “Throughout his long public life, he remained committed to the development and prosperity of Maharashtra. He was known for his compassion for the people and his unwavering dedication to public service. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, well-wishers, and admirers,” he added. — rajnathsingh (@rajnathsingh) Union minister Nitin Gadkari, expressing condolences said, “The news of the untimely demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar ji is extremely shocking, unfortunate, and heartbreaking. My heartfelt tribute to him. Over the past many years, while working together in the state legislature, I have shared a very close bond with Ajit dada. His administrative acumen, developmental vision, and ability to connect with people have ensured that Ajit dada’s place in Maharashtra’s politics remains unshakable. The premature passing of this people’s leader, who harboured aspirations for Maharashtra’s development, is a loss that cannot be compensated—not just for Maharashtra, but for the entire nation. At this sorrowful moment, my condolences are with the entire Pawar family. May God grant peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti.” Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also shared her condolences saying, “I extend my condolences to the entire Pawar family and his supporters. I have spoken to Ajit Pawar’s wife and Supriya ji (Supriya Sule).” Commerce minister Piyush Goyal said, “We all are mournful today. He was a close friend and a tall leader in Maharashtra.” Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Shri Ajit Pawar in the plane crash in Baramati earlier today. My sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and all those affected by this loss. May his contributions to public life be remembered, and may the bereaved find strength in this difficult time.” Messages of condolence from across the country Many political leaders from various parts of country expressed their shock and offered condolences after the Maharashtra deputy CM’s demise. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also mourned the loss. “The news of the tragic demise of Shri Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash, is deeply shocking and profoundly distressing. It is an untimely loss of a leader who had a long and promising political career ahead,” he said. West Bengal chief minister also expressed her shock on social media, sharing her statement. “Deeply shocked and stunned by the suddden demise of Ajit Pawar! The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and his co-passengers have died in a disastrous plane crash at Baramati today morning, and I am feeling a deep sense of loss. My condolences to his family including his uncle Sharad Pawar ji, and late Ajitji’s all friends and followers. The incident needs proper investigation.” BSP chief Mayawati said, “The death today of Shri Ajit Pawar ji, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and one of the stalwart leaders of Maharashtra politics, in an aeroplane crash in Baramati is most heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to his family and the members of his party. May nature grant them all the strength to bear this sorrow.” Andhra Pradesh CM, NDA ally N Chandrababu Naidu also issued a statement on social media. He said, “Shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar ji in a plane crash this morning. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and followers. Om Shanthi.” “The tragic plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, which claimed the lives of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar ji and other members, is extremely heartbreaking and soul-wrenching. My humble tribute to them. My condolences are with the bereaved families. I pray to Lord Shri Ram that he grants eternal peace
Dalit youth brutally beaten in Hathras: Attackers bit him with their teeth for resisting, police investigating
A case of brutal assault on a Dalit youth has come to light in Sikandra Rao, Hathras. The youth was seriously injured by goons in the Sikandra Rao police station area. The victim’s brother, Ranjit Kumar, has filed a complaint with the police. Ranjit Kumar, a resident of Mohalla Qazian, stated in his complaint that his brother Asharfi had gone to the forest to defecate around 4 pm. There, 4 to 5 youths surrounded him and started taking money from his pocket. When Asharfi resisted, the accused attacked him with sticks, rods, and kicks and punches. According to the complaint, during the assault, the attackers bit Asharfi on the back with their teeth, causing him to lose consciousness on the spot. Upon receiving information about the incident, the family members reached the spot and immediately informed the police by dialing 112. The injured Asharfi was taken to the hospital for treatment, where he is currently undergoing treatment. The victim’s family alleges that the attackers are the same goons who run a roadside eatery in the area and illegally sell liquor. Ranjit Kumar also stated that the accused had previously assaulted his brother. He has demanded strict action against the accused and expressed fear for his life. In this matter, Kotwali in-charge Shiv Kumar Sharma said that they have received the complaint and the matter is being investigated. Further legal action will be taken based on the investigation. Jaynendra Varshney | Sikandararao, Hathras Courtesy: Hindi News
Public hearing in Hyderabad highlights gaps in SC/ST Atrocities Act enforcement
A seven-member civil society jury heard testimonies from Dalit and Adivasi victims at a public hearing in Hyderabad, where activists and legal experts flagged systemic failures in the implementation of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in Telangana. The Telangana chapter of the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM), along with other state-level anti-caste organisations, held a public meeting on Sunday, January 25, to review the implementation of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. A seven-member jury comprising civil society representatives heard testimonies detailing atrocities faced by Dalits and Adivasis from various parts of Telangana. The jury examined 90 cases presented before it, of which victims in 30 cases deposed in person at the review meeting held at Hyderabad’s Sundarayya Vignyana Kendram (SVK). The cases reflected a wide range of issues, including inter-caste and gender-based killings, sexual assault, police torture, custodial violence, and verbal abuse. Speaking at the meeting on the failure to effectively implement the SC/ST Act, retired judge Justice Nimma Narayana said that the Supreme Court and High Courts had not been sufficiently proactive in applying legislative rigour while examining cases under the Act. Advocate Darshanam Narasimha highlighted Section 4 of the Act, which provides for punishment of public servants, including police officers, for neglect of duty. Speakers such as Professors Sujatha Surepally, Rama Melkote, and Kalpana Kannabiran spoke on issues of gender, caste-based humiliation, and constitutional morality, stressing the need for strict and meaningful implementation of the SC/ST Act. The panel noted that the Telangana government must ensure uniform implementation of the Act across the state and demanded the establishment of district-level vigilance and monitoring committees in all districts. The jury said it would submit a list of demands to the Telangana government to ensure effective implementation of the Act in the foreseeable future. The public hearing forms part of a year-long Constitutional Justice Campaign initiated by NAPM Telangana from Republic Day 2026. Courtesy : TNM Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewsminute.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
SC Commission member urges immediate FIRs for Dalit atrocities reports
The Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Scheduled Castes member Ravada Seetharam on Monday directed the police department to file First Information Reports (FIRs) immediately when Dalits approach them to report atrocities and other related cases. On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, he interacted with Dalit leaders and explained the rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution effective since January 26, 1950. Leaders and activists complained about delays in filing FIRs under The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act-1989 by the police when they approach them. Mr. Seetharam asked them to inform the commission about through the WhatsApp number 9701305417. He said that the Commission would hold a review meeting in February in regards to the pending grievances of Dalit families across the State. K Srinivasa Rao 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
‘The People’s Doctor’: This renowned doctor from Patna will reach your home; free treatment also available in Dalit settlements
Dr. Dheeraj believes that doctors should go to the patients who cannot reach Patna or larger hospitals. His initiative is not only a new example for the healthcare system but also sends a message to society that treatment given with a spirit of service is true treatment. Vaishali: In today’s times, when medical treatment is becoming increasingly inaccessible to the common man, a unique initiative by a prominent doctor from Patna has forced everyone, from the healthcare department to the general public, to think. Dr. Dheeraj Kumar, a professor at PMCH and a renowned gastroenterologist, has put the concept of “Doctor at Your Doorstep” into practice by visiting Dalit and slum areas to provide free check-ups and distribute medicines to patients. In this era of expensive treatment and exorbitant fees, Dr. Dheeraj Kumar’s step has come as a great relief for thousands of needy people. While the fees of big doctors are usually in the thousands, Dr. Dheeraj has already created a stir in the healthcare system with his decisions. He proved that treatment can be affordable and accessible by offering OPD consultations for just Rs. 50 and X-ray facilities for Rs. 25 at his ‘InCure Clinic’ in Kankarbagh. Famous as the People’s Doctor Now, Dr. Dheeraj has gone a step further, moving out of air-conditioned rooms and large clinics to directly reach slums and Dalit settlements. In this regard, he, along with his medical team, reached Ward Number 31 in Yusufpur, Hajipur, where hundreds of patients were examined free of charge. Patients suffering from stomach problems, liver issues, gas, anemia, and other common ailments were not only given consultations but also provided with free medicines. Among the patients who come from far and wide for treatment, Dr. Dheeraj is now known as the “People’s Doctor.” Serving the poor and underprivileged is true religion. Dr. Dheeraj Kumar, who is educated in England, is a professor at PMCH and is also deeply involved in social causes. He says that becoming a doctor was his mother’s dream, and after fulfilling that dream, he considers serving the poor and underprivileged as his true religion. Edited by: Mohd Majid Courtesy: Hindi News