YSRCP stages protest at DGP office over Dalit activist’s murder

Mangalagiri: YSRCP leaders staged a dharna in front of the DGP’s office after police refused to grant them an appointment to submit a complaint regarding the brutal murder of the party’s Dalit activist Manda Salman. YSRCP leaders said they were denied permission to meet director general of police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta, forcing them to protest outside the office, after which an additional DGP finally received their representation. Former minister Merugu Nagarjuna said that Salman’s killing was a “government-sponsored murder” and demanded a CBI probe. He said police not only failed to register a proper FIR on the murder but also shockingly booked a case against Salman himself. He added that leaders were initially not even allowed to see Salman’s body and that police responded only after YSRCP president and former chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy said he would personally come and perform the burial. He questioned what was happening in the state, stating that even serious crimes against women and children were not being registered and that the Constitution had been replaced by a ‘Red Book rule’. Former MLA Kasu Mahesh Reddy said Andhra Pradesh had descended into lawlessness, where even after the murder of a Dalit activist, police failed to act against the attackers and instead filed cases against the deceased. He said Salman’s family was obstructed from performing the last rites according to religious customs and that authorities went to the extent of demanding Aadhaar cards even for burial. He announced that YSRCP would approach the High Court through a PIL and continue its struggle until justice is delivered to Salman’s family. Former minister T J R Sudhakar Babu said YSRCP leaders were humiliated at the DGP office and questioned whether the DGP was working for the people or acting as an agent of Chandrababu Naidu. He recalled rampant attacks on Dalits, demanded Rs 1 crore compensation to Salman’s family and called for action against MLA Yarapathineni Srinivas Rao. Former minister Vidadala Rajini accused police of abandoning their constitutional duty and serving Chandrababu Naidu and Nara Lokesh. She said that SCs, STs, BCs, and minorities have no protection, that TDP goons are committing murders, and that even common citizens cannot enter police stations without political clearance. MLC Mondithoka Arun Kumar said the killing of a Dalit activist exposed the government’s true face and called upon Dalits to unite against what he termed “barbaric rule”. Former minister Ambati Rambabu said police conduct in the case was deeply controversial, that repeated attempts to submit a complaint were ignored and that the protest was forced upon them. He demanded a high-level inquiry and immediate relief for Salman’s family. Courtesy : THI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehansindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Bareilly Dalit Attack: Head Shaved, Mustache Cut, and Mud Smeared on Face: Dalit Man Brutalized in Bareilly for Asking for Money

Bareilly Dalit Attack: In Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, a Dalit man was brutally beaten and humiliated by three local goons for asking for the return of borrowed money. The goons allegedly shaved his head and eyebrows, cut off his mustache, and smeared mud on his face. Bareilly Dalit Attack: In Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, a Dalit man was brutally beaten and humiliated by three local goons for asking for the return of borrowed money. The goons allegedly shaved his head and eyebrows, cut off his mustache, and smeared mud on his face. In addition, the three men made a video of his humiliation and uploaded it on social media. The incident took place about a month ago. Pappu Diwakar, the victim, had been living at the house of the accused, Chandrasen, in Bareilly for the past few months. In his complaint to the local police, he stated that Chandrasen had borrowed Rs 4.5 lakh from him to buy a tractor. However, when Diwakar asked Chandrasen for the money back, Chandrasen, along with his son Pappu, friend Godhanlal, and several other associates, started verbally abusing him. The three accused allegedly used abusive language against Diwakar and hurled casteist slurs. Furthermore, they attacked Diwakar by shaving his mustache, head, and eyebrows. They recorded every moment of the attack on video and uploaded it on social media. Three Accused Arrested Based on the complaint, the local police took swift action and arrested three people involved in the alleged assault. However, the main accused in the case, Chandrasen, his son Pappu, and Godhanlal, are still absconding. Meanwhile, a separate angle has emerged during the investigation of the attack. Police have learned that several villagers had expressed their anger towards Diwakar, accusing him of practicing black magic. It is alleged that Diwakar misled them by claiming that hidden treasure was buried in their homes and instructed them to dig for it. However, despite spending a considerable amount of money on the excavation, they found nothing, which reportedly led them to attack Diwakar. TRANSLATED BY: ASHWANI KUMAR SRIVASTAVA Courtesy: Hindi News
Bhopal News: Tribals And Dalits Abused, Land Grabbed In Anandpur Dham; Congress

One woman allegedly was forced into sexual relations, and when she complained, the video evidence was deleted, and she was coerced into signing documents. Ahirwar also accused Dham officials of encroaching on Dalit, Tribal, and government land and singled out one member for hooliganism and land grabbing. Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Congress has accused Anandpur Dham authorities of sexually abusing tribal and Dalit residents and seizing their land. Pradeep Ahirwar, state president of the Congress Scheduled Caste Cell, made the allegations to media on Monday, citing repeated complaints ignored by local authorities. Earlier on April 11, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had paid a visit to the Dham and participated in a religious programme. Ahirwar said victims who spoke out faced job termination, threats to their reputation and death threats. One woman allegedly was forced into sexual relations, and when she complained, the video evidence was deleted, and she was coerced into signing documents. Ahirwar also accused Dham officials of encroaching on Dalit, Tribal, and government land and singled out one member for hooliganism and land grabbing. Despite complaints filed with local government and CM Helpline, Ahirwar said no action was taken. Congress demanded a CBI enquiry, warning that local police of Ashoknagar or Guna might be under pressure. Courtesy : TFPJ Note: This news is originally published on https:/thefreepressjournal.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Punjab Congress embroiled in Jat Sikh vs. Dalit conflict, BJP sees an opportunity and offers Channi a deal

Former CM Channi is known as a prominent leader of the Dalit community in Punjab. The meeting was also attended by Rajendra Gautam, chairman of the Congress’s Scheduled Caste department. Currently, top positions in the Punjab Congress unit are held by Jat Sikh leaders. Internal strife has once again surfaced within the Punjab Congress. The matter is related to the Jat Sikh versus Dalit leadership dispute in the Punjab Congress. The issue escalated when a video of former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi went viral. In the video, which went viral on social media, Channi can be heard demanding representation for Dalits in the party. The MP from Jalandhar also clarified that he did not speak about any particular caste or community and that he was a victim of malicious propaganda on social media. During his address at a meeting of the party’s Scheduled Caste (SC) wing on Saturday, Channi had said, “If you accept that the Dalit population in Punjab is 35 to 38 percent, which it actually is, then why are we not getting proper representation?” What Channi said about Dalits He further added, “The Punjab (Congress) president is from an upper caste, the leader of the legislative party is from an upper caste, the head of the Punjab Congress women’s wing is from an upper caste, the Punjab (Congress) general secretary is from an upper caste? So where do we go? Where will these people go?” Another video of him has also gone viral in which Channi is seen appealing to people not to record videos before he speaks. The Punjab Assembly elections are about two years away and are scheduled for 2027. Channi is known as a prominent leader of the Dalit community in Punjab. The meeting was also attended by Rajendra Gautam, chairman of the Congress’s Scheduled Caste department. However, the truth is that currently, top positions in the Punjab Congress unit are held by Jat Sikh leaders. The president of the Punjab Congress unit is Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and the Leader of the Opposition is Pratap Singh Bajwa. What did former CM Channi say about the controversy? Earlier, when Channi was asked about this, he said, “I didn’t say anything like that in the meeting.” He had called the whole matter propaganda, but now Channi’s speech in the meeting has revealed the truth behind the ongoing Jat Sikh versus Dalit leadership dispute in Punjab Congress. However, the Congress party has also become alert after this matter came to light. According to a party source, this issue is likely to be discussed in the meeting of state-level leaders called by the party high command on January 23. Congress in turmoil, BJP targets the party Amidst this development, BJP leader Kewal Singh Dhillon on Monday urged Channi to join the BJP, saying that he would get due respect in the party. Dhillon said in a post on X, “Channi ji, as a proud Punjabi, I believe that your stance on Dalit representation reflects leadership and secular values. In the Punjab unit of the BJP, you will get respect, dignity and a real opportunity to serve every community. Let’s work together for the future of Punjab.” Mohit Malhotra Courtesy: Hindi News
Sultanpur: Rahul Gandhi given final chance in defamation case, must appear in MP-MLA court on February 20

Rahul Gandhi Defamation Case: The MP-MLA court in Sultanpur has given Congress leader Rahul Gandhi a final opportunity in the defamation case. Sultanpur: The MP-MLA court has given Congress leader and Raebareli MP Rahul Gandhi a final chance in the defamation case. The court has ordered Rahul Gandhi to appear in person and record his statement on February 20. The case was heard on Monday. During the previous hearing, the witness in the case, Ramchandra Dubey, had recorded his statement. Following this, cross-examination was conducted by the lawyers. However, Rahul Gandhi could not be present in court during this hearing. Rahul Gandhi’s lawyer stated that Rahul Gandhi will appear in the MP-MLA court on February 20. This case is related to a statement made almost eight years ago during the Karnataka assembly elections. It is alleged that Rahul Gandhi made objectionable remarks about the current Home Minister Amit Shah at that time. BJP leader Vijay Mishra, feeling aggrieved by this remark, had filed a complaint against Rahul Gandhi. Currently, the case is being heard in the MP-MLA court. Rahul Gandhi has already recorded his statement and is currently out on bail. Curated by: Devesh Pandey About the Author Devesh Pandey is a consultant at Navbharat Times Online. He has 8 years of experience working in TV channels and digital media. He has experience and interest in politics and sports. He covered several IPL matches and the World Cup 2023 in Lucknow. In politics, he also covered the 2017 and 2022 UP elections. Courtesy: Hindi News
On two-day visit to Rae Bareli, Rahul to lead save MGNREGA campaign

Lucknow: Congress MP and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will begin a two-day visit to his parliamentary constituency Rae Bareli from Tuesday where he is scheduled to address an “MGNREGA Chaupal” as part of the party’s nationwide campaign, ‘MGNREGA Bachao Sangram’. On Tuesday, he is expected to address the ‘chaupal’ in Unchahar area, where the Congress plans to highlight issues related to rural employment and livelihoods. The outreach comes against the backdrop of the BJP govt repealing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and introducing the Viksit Bharat — Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-G RAM G Act). According to party sources, Gandhi will also visit villages in his constituency to interact with residents and discuss local issues, including concerns surrounding the new legislation. Later in the day, he will inaugurate a cricket tournament at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, where former India cricketer RP Singh, a Rae Bareli native, is expected to be present. On Jan 21, Gandhi is scheduled to hold meetings with party officials and workers from Rae Bareli and neighbouring Amethi. Amethi MP Kishori Lal Sharma will also attend the interactions, party leaders said.The Congress organised sit-ins, protests and panchayat-level outreach programmes across Uttar Pradesh under the ‘MGNREGA Bachao Sangram’. Last week, the party members staged protests in Varanasi led by state unit chief Ajay Rai, including a symbolic fast, followed by a protest march by NSUI workers.Earlier this month, the Congress announced a year-long protest plan – the first phase being from Jan 10 to Feb 25 . 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
Bareilly Dalit Assaulted, Head Shaved and Mud-Smeared in Alleged Caste-Based Attack

In Bareilly district’s Nawabganj area, a Dalit man, Pappu Diwakar, was allegedly subjected to caste-based assault and public humiliation over a financial dispute on Saturday. According to his complaint to the police, Diwakar had lent ₹4.5 lakh to Chandrasen, a resident of Geltanda village, to buy a tractor. When he asked for the repayment, he was allegedly attacked by Chandrasen, his son Pappu, Godhan Lal, and several others. The accused are said to have beaten him, abused him using caste-based slurs, forcibly shaved his head, cut his moustache and eyebrows, and smeared mud on his face in front of villagers to humiliate him. Following the complaint, Nawabganj police registered a case under relevant sections of the BNS and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Chandrasen and Godhan Lal have been taken into custody, while efforts are underway to arrest the third-named accused. Police also noted village claims that Diwakar practises occult rituals and allegedly misled people about buried treasure, which are being examined as part of the investigation. SHO Arun Kumar Srivastava confirmed that a thorough investigation is ongoing. 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
Dalit teenage girl molested in Hathras: Accused stopped her on the way while she was going to the toilet, fled after she raised an alarm, arrested

A case of molestation of a Dalit teenage girl has come to light in a village under the Hathras Junction police station area in Hathras. The police took swift action and arrested the accused youth, and a case has been registered against him. According to the information, the 14-year-old girl was going to the toilet when a young man from the same village stopped her on the way and started molesting her. The accused fled from the spot after the girl raised an alarm. Upon receiving information about the incident, the police reached the spot and started investigating the matter. The police questioned the people there. Based on the complaint filed by the girl’s father, the police registered a case against the accused under the relevant sections. The police promptly arrested the accused youth, Vinod. Further legal action is underway. Courtesy: Hindi News
Robbers target transgender persons in MP’s Morena; take away gold, cash

Morena (MP), A group of robbers targeted the house of a transgender person and looted gold and silver jewellery and cash at gunpoint in Madhya Pradesh’s Morena district in the early hours of Sunday, police said. The incident took place around 2 am at the house of Rabia in Ambah town, where four other trans persons were present, Sub-Divisional Officer of Police Ravi Bhadoria told PTI. He said the robbers entered the house through the terrace, held the occupants hostage by pointing a gun at them and tied them up before taking away 15 tolas of gold jewellery, four kg of silver ornaments and Rs 4 lakh in cash in a matter of half an hour. The robbers also allegedly mocked the persons of the third gender, the official said. Ambah police station in-charge Satendra Singh Kushwaha said the robbers appeared to have recced the area and studied the layout of the house, including the CCTV system, he said. “All the victims were confined to one room,” he said. The house is located in an isolated area, Kushwaha said, adding that police were scanning CCTV footage from surrounding areas to identify the suspects. A case has been registered and investigations are underway, police said. PTI COR LAL NR This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. Courtesy : The Print Note: This news is originally published on https:/theprint.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Cannot disclose, time will answer’: DK Shivakumar after meets Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi amid power tussle speculation

NEW DELHI: Karnataka Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar attended a meeting as an observer for the Assam elections at 10 Rajaji Marg, the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, while refraining from commenting on his discussion with the party high command. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi was also present at the meeting on Friday. Amid speculation over a power tussle in Karnataka, Rahul Gandhi and DK Shivakumar were face-to-face for the first three hours of the meeting. Afterward, Shivakumar went back to meet Mallikarjun Kharge, according to news agency ANI. Speaking to reporters today, he declined to discuss his meeting with the Congress high command. Shivakumar, who is in New Delhi after canceling his scheduled visit to Davos for the World Economic Forum 2026, asked the media “not make a big deal” out of his visit, stating he came to the national capital for government and party work. Maintaining that he would not disclose anything regarding the meeting, he said, “I cannot disclose it. Time will answer everything… We are all politicians; politicians do whatever politics they want. There is nothing wrong with that. We have met. Why do you make a big deal out of it? We come here for government work, for party work. We come here for politics.” His visit to Delhi comes amid speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka. As the state government crossed the halfway mark of its tenure in November 2025, a speculated tussle for the CM post began, with CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM Shivakumar, and Home Minister G Parameshwara in the fray. Earlier today, the Deputy CM said that he prefers not to speak even when there is “good news.” “When there is good news, we don’t talk about it. It’s Sunday, a good day. We are people who work for the people and wish well for them. We do not disclose or discuss anything related to such matters, including leadership change,” Shivakumar said. 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