Lingayat groups join Dalits to protest honour-killing of Dharwad woman
Gadag: Public anger has grown over the silence of Lingayat organisations and seers following the reported honour-killing of Manya Patil, a member of the community. While Dalit outfits actively supported the victim’s husband’s family and demanded justice, Lingayat organisations remained muted. However, breaking that silence, the Gadag district unit of Jagatika Lingayat Mahasabha (JLM) observed a ‘Repentance Day’ here Friday, joining hands with Dalit communities. Manya, 20, a Lingayat who was seven months pregnant, had married Vivekanand Doddamani, a Dalit. She succumbed to her injuries after being assaulted by her family members, including her father Prakashgouda, in an alleged honour-killing incident in Inam Veerapur village, Dharwad district, late last month. Police later arrested Prakashgouda and two of his relatives, who had also assaulted members of Vivekanand’s family. Tontada Siddharam Mahaswamiji of Tontarya Math said the Constitution has accorded every adult citizen of India the right to marry any person of their choice. “However, inter-caste marriages are still at stake because of the caste system. Though Sharanas of the 12th century tried to eradicate this, it is regrettable that a Lingayat family was involved in the killing [of Manya] owing to the caste system,” he said, adding that Manya had married a Dalit youth in keeping with constitutional provisions. Welcoming the govt’s move to frame an act to punish persons involved in such killings, Swamiji pressed for greater awareness among the public on inter-caste marriages. Ashok Baragundi, a functionary of JLM, said ‘Repentance Day’ by Lingayat organisations, to which Manya and her family belong, should serve as a model for upper caste communities across the nation. Writer and publisher Basavaraj Sulibhavi said ‘Repentance Day’ was meant to highlight humane qualities and good sense among all. Condemning the killing of Manya, several functionaries of Basava Kendra, Basavad Dala, Akkana Balaga, and Kadali Mahila Vedike clarified they never defended the accused, though they belonged to the Lingayat community. “Inter-caste marriages, even between Brahmins and Dalits, took place in the 12th century itself, and Sharanas accepted them wholeheartedly. Hence, many more Lingayat organisations and seers should come forward in condemning Manya’s killing,” they reasoned. Shantalinga Swamiji of Bhairanahatti, Girija Badigannavar, S S Harlapur, Shivanagoudra, Sahshidhar Todkar, KS Chetti, Shekanna Kavalikai, Sujata Varad, Sridevi Shettar, Gourakka Badigannavar, and other Lingayat leaders attended the ‘Repentence Day’ observance, where members of Dalita Kala Mandali sang songs on social awareness. More Lingayat groups are likely to come out openly in protest of the killing. Meanwhile, the silence of other Lingayat seers and organisations is being questioned on social media. Ramjan Darga, a Lingayat scholar, said seers, who often take Basavanna’s name, should take up a campaign against casteism and untouchability. “Their silence is an insult to Basavanna, who is accepted as a cultural icon of the state,” he commented. Kusuma Ayarahalli, a columnist, questioned community leaders who do not condemn the murders committed by their own community members. “It shows that Basavanna became a political tool for them,” she alleged. 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
Muslims, Xians, dalits and BCs live in fear in India: Stalin
Trichy: Chief minister M K Stalin said Tamil Nadu should unite to prevent drug addiction and the much worse communal addiction from entering the state. Flagging off MDMK general secretary Vaiko’s ‘Equality March’ in Trichy on Friday, chief minister M K Stalin said caste and religious conflicts, along with drug abuse, have emerged as a major problem in the country. The march also aims to create awareness against drug abuse. “Even those holding responsible positions, including Union ministers, make hate speeches and instigate communal clashes,” Stalin said. “For their personal ideology, they are engaging in activities that undermine country’s unity and peace,” he added. Stalin said that a situation has emerged where Muslims, Christians, adidravidars and backward communities are living in fear. “Recent Christmas celebrations saw violence in many parts of the country. Did such a situation exist in India a few years back?” he asked. Stalin said the days when different communities came together and lived joyfully have become a thing of past. He said divisive forces were at work, turning people against one another. “Instead of using spirituality (aanmeegam) to teach love (anbu), some groups use it to create conflict (vambu),” he said. On drug abuse, Stalin said the state and union govts should work together to prevent drugs from entering the country and getting trafficked into states. “Drug trafficking must be dealt with coordinated efforts between state and union govts,” he said. TN govt was extending required support to the union and other state govts to tackle drug abuse, he added. He also urged the film industry not to glorify drugs in movies. “Film industry should create their works with responsibility. Glorifying drugs will destroy an entire generation,” Stalin said. MDMK chief Vaiko said that DMK would return to power with a thumping majority in the upcoming election. Functionaries from VCK, CPI, CPM, IUML, MNM, MMK, and DK participated. VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan in a veiled attack at TVK and NTK said that entities supporting ‘sanatana forces’ wearing the masks of Dravidam and Tamil nationalism are engaging in divisive politics. “We must stand united to defeat such proxies. Dravidam is not against Tamil. It is because of Dravidam, Tamil is still alive in the state,” he 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
Dalit minor girl raped: Police arrest and jail the accused
Fatehpur, Barabanki. In Fatehpur, Barabanki, Lallan Singh, son of Rajkishore Singh, has been arrested and sent to jail by the police on charges of raping a Dalit minor girl, threatening to viral a video, and using abusive language. A 16-year-old girl from a village in the Kotwali area had complained to the Superintendent of Police. The girl alleged that about a year ago, when she was returning home from her field, Lallan Singh and another unknown person from the village forcibly took her to the field after covering her mouth. There, Lallan Singh raped her and also made a video of the act. The accused threatened the girl that if she complained to anyone, he would make the video go viral. For a year after this incident, the accused continued to rape her by threatening to viral the video and promising to marry her. On December 23, Lallan Singh called the girl to his house late at night and raped her again. When the girl talked about marriage, the accused choked her and threatened to drive her out of the village. Kotwal Sanjeet Sonkar said that a case has been registered in this matter and the accused has been arrested and sent to jail. Sachin Kumar Courtesy: Hindi News
Dharamshala Dalit Student’s Death Case: College Claims Deceased Was Not Enrolled, Failed 3 First-Year Subjects
A 19-year-old woman allegedly subjected to ragging, sexual harassment and mental torture at a Dharamshala college died, sparking statewide outrage. Police booked four students and a professor, while the college denied her current enrollment, citing failed subjects. The family questioned the role of the college and police as investigations continue. Dharamshala: After the death of a 19-year-old female student, who was allegedly subjected to ragging and sexual harassment at her college, triggered widespread outrage across Himachal Pradesh, the college administration has come out in support of the accused professor and said that the woman was not enrolled as a student after she failed 3 subjects in the first year. About The Case The deeply disturbing case came to light on Friday from Dharamshala, where Pallavi, who was allegedly subjected to ragging and sexual harassment at her college, died while undergoing prolonged treatment. This case triggered widespread outrage and has raised questions over the role of the college and police administration. In connection with the case, police have registered an FIR against four female students and a college professor. However, the matter has taken a controversial turn as the college administration has refused to recognise the deceased as a student of the institution for the current academic year. This has led the victim’s family and guardians to question the conduct of both the college authorities and the police in handling the case. Following the death Pallavi, who was associated with Dharamshala Degree College, serious allegations of ragging, sexual harassment and mental torture have surfaced. Acting on a complaint filed by the victim’s father, Vikram Kumar, the Dharamshala police have registered a case under Sections 75, 115(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which deal with sexual harassment, voluntarily causing hurt and common intention. The FIR also includes Section 3 of the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Ragging) Act, 2009. Confirming the development, Kangra ASP Veer Bahadur said the matter had earlier been taken up on the Chief Minister’s helpline. Addressing questions over police action, he said, “Questions are being raised about the police; the truth is that as soon as they received information about the case, they immediately contacted the victim’s family and learned that they were out of town for their daughter’s treatment.” He added that the family had been requested to inform the police after returning to Dharamshala. “The police are now investigating it, in which four female students and one professor have been named as parties,” the ASP said. Meanwhile, the deceased student’s father, Vikram Kumar, has raised strong objections to the conduct of the college administration, the police and what he described as the prevailing mindset of society. He alleged that the very institution where he had sent his daughter to pursue her studies failed to protect her. “Not only did the college students mistreat her, but even the professor did not leave any stone unturned in torturing her,” he alleged. Vikram further claimed that his daughter was subjected to casteist slurs and immense mental harassment. “My daughter was so mentally tormented that she ultimately left this world. This is a highly condemnable incident. If strict action is not taken today, then in the near future, other daughters will also continue to be tormented in the same way as my daughter, and there is no guarantee that they will get justice,” he told reporters. Expressing disappointment with the police, he said that the family was compelled to approach the CM’s helpline. “In this situation, they too had to take the matter to the CM’s helpline. If the police had been vigilant here, perhaps this wouldn’t have happened,” Vikram said. After the incident, the college administration has openly defended the accused professor. College Principal Rakesh Pathania said there was no dispute that the deceased had earlier been a student of the college, but claimed she was not enrolled during the current academic year. “Therefore, saying that she was studying in this college would not be fair to the college’s image,” Pathania said. He explained that the student had failed in three subjects in her first year and was repeatedly pressuring the department professor for admission to the second year, which was against university rules. “She left the college and was neither admitted to the first year nor the second year. However, she was seen in college again in July and then left again in September. Therefore, currently, the student has no connection with the college as a regular student,” he said. Pathania also asserted that the college follows a zero-tolerance policy on ragging. “Anti-ragging committee numbers are written in every block, yet we did not receive any complaint from anyone on which an enquiry could be conducted,” he said. Vikram Shri Vats, Associate Professor of Physics and Head of the Professors’ Unit at the college, also came out in support of the accused professor Ashok. While expressing sympathy for the bereaved family, he said, “The ground reality is that the allegations levelled against our college professor Ashok are completely baseless. I condemn them and stand with the professor in this matter.” Similarly, Monica Makkar, Professor of Psychology at the college, defended the accused faculty member. “We stand 100 per cent with Professor Ashok because he has been teaching children in this college since 2006, and to this day, he has not been seen misbehaving with anyone in this way or in any other way,” she said. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has also stepped into the matter following the student’s death. Speaking to reporters, ABVP state secretary Nancy Atal said the organisation stands with the victim’s family and questioned the functioning of both the police and the college administration. “If they had taken timely action on this incident, perhaps this situation would not have arisen,” she said. Atal further accused the police of failing in their duty, alleging that they often delay action in criminal cases but act swiftly to suppress student movements. Meanwhile, an investigation is underway, and further details are awaited.
Transgender groups clash, 4 injured
Balasore: A violent clash between two transgender groups in Bhadrak town on Tuesday left four persons injured, triggering tense scenes at the Bhadrak Town police station. The incident took place near Charampa when members of one transgender group were returning home after buying vegetables. They were allegedly attacked by members of a rival group armed with sharp weapons. The victims sustained injuries on their heads, backs, ears and other parts of the body. According to complaints lodged with the police, the attackers not only assaulted the victims but also forcibly cut their hair and looted Rs 10,000 in cash along with a mobile phone. Following the incident, a large number of transgender persons gathered at the Bhadrak Town police station demanding the immediate arrest of those involved. The situation turned tense as protesters raised slogans and staged a demonstration on the police station premises. IIC, Bhadrak Town, Prabhanshu Mishra said, “Three persons have been detained for questioning. Statements of the injured have been recorded.” Police sources said the violence appears to be linked to a long-standing rivalry between the two groups, allegedly led by Sanjana Shashmal and Jharanarani. 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
Karnataka govt removes EVM trust survey from its website after BJP bias charge
Bengaluru: Congress govt in Karnataka went on the defensive Friday after a survey assessing voter trust in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), commissioned by the Karnataka chief electoral officer (CEO), triggered political controversy, prompting the state to remove the report from the Karnataka Monitoring and Evaluation Authority (KMEA) website hours after it went viral. The survey, conducted by KMEA under the department of planning, programme monitoring and statistics at the behest of the CEO (Election Commission), concluded that a majority of voters believed elections in India were free and fair and that trust in EVMs had increased. Reacting sharply, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said the survey was being selectively used to create a misleading narrative that concerns raised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over electoral malpractice had been disproved. In a post on X, Siddaramaiah said the exercise was an end-line administrative evaluation of voter awareness under the SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) programme, conducted in May 2025, and not a political opinion poll certifying electoral integrity. He noted that Rahul Gandhi had raised allegations of organised voter list manipulation, termed “Vote Chori”, only in Aug 2025, based on material that emerged later. The CM also questioned the survey’s limited sample size and flagged a possible conflict of interest involving the NGO that conducted it. Referring to Aland in Kalaburagi district, Siddaramaiah said a Karnataka police SIT had filed a 22,000-page chargesheet in a voter deletion case, arguing that administrative surveys could not override criminal evidence or pending questions before the election commission. Minister Priyank Kharge alleged the survey was biased, claiming CEO through KMEA had sought assistance from an NGO run by an individual closely linked to the Prime Minister’s Office. “The survey was conducted by a Modi’s man who works in the PMO and has authored a lavish tribute to the PM. The BJP is falsely peddling the survey as a state govt survey,” he alleged, adding that the data covered only 5,000 respondents across more than 100 constituencies. He said the BJP was answerable for alleged voter fraud reported from Aland. Congress MLC and former AICC general secretary BK Hariprasad charged that the survey was conducted “only to sing paeans” about the election commission. The survey, titled Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Evaluation of endline survey of KAP (Knowledge, Attitude and Practice) of Citizens, which was removed from website, covered 5,100 respondents across 102 assembly segments in the Bengaluru, Belagavi, Kalaburagi and Mysuru divisions. It was undertaken by the Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement, Bengaluru, founded by Balasubramaniam, and monitored by KMEA. The findings showed high confidence in the electoral process even in Kalaburagi. “While recognition of the importance of each vote (above 81.3%) and trust in the electoral process and EVMs (above 83.6%) was high, concerns over inducements and the influence of money and muscle power remained, especially in regions like Kalaburagi,” the report said. It added rural voters generally perceived elections as fair due to effective booth-level officer engagement, while urban youth expressed concerns about elite dominance, lack of transparency and apathy. The evaluation adopted a mixed-methods KAP framework, using structured questionnaires, 23 in-depth interviews, 57 focus group discussions and 16 booth-level case studies across urban, semi-urban and rural areas. It reported EPIC possession at 99.02% and voter list inclusion at 98.1%, though awareness gaps persisted in urban areas. According to officials, KMEA is a statutory body tasked with independent evaluation of public programmes to support evidence-based policymaking. The state govt has not issued an official explanation for the removal of the survey from the KMEA website. 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
Tamil Nadu assembly elections 2026: Congress asks DMK for 38 seats, three cabinet berths
CHENNAI: Congress has asked DMK, its principal ally in Tamil Nadu, for 38 seats in the upcoming assembly election, and three cabinet berths if the alliance wins, multiple sources told TOI. The demand comes in the wake of a section within Congress whispering about a probable tie-up with Vijay’s TVK. “Our leadership has communicated this to DMK top leadership; negotiations will soon begin,” said a senior Congress leader who did not want to be named. He said the demand stemmed from his party’s “unconditional support to the DMK govt, which completed its full term in 2011 despite not having absolute majority in assembly” and “our willingness to give DMK ministerial berths in the UPA govts.” When contacted, two DMK leaders said they were not aware of the Congress demand. “There will be clarity only when formal seat-sharing talks between the parties begin.” Congress sources said attempts are being made to persuade the DMK leadership to provide “at least an oral assurance” on power sharing. “A meeting between AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and former Union minister P Chidambaram is expected soon, after which the picture may become clearer,” said a source. Congress constituted a negotiation committee on Nov 22 last year, after an emissary of DMK president M K Stalin met Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi. On Dec 3, the Congress panel led by AICC general secretary Girish Chodankar met Stalin. Two days later, AICC member Praveen Chakravarty met Vijay, sparking another round of speculation and confusion. While a few second-rung leaders fanned rumours of a Congress-TVK alliance in the making, TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai expressed concern over the party speaking in different voices. Recently, a few Congress functionaries shared stage with TVK leaders at a Christmas event in Arumanai in Kanyakumari. Those in Congress opposing any friendship with TVK ask how Rahul Gandhi could share a stage with Vijay who has been calling DMK an evil force. “Our MLAs haven’t spoken ill of DMK for years. How can we turn against the party overnight? Besides explaining such things, questions about leading and funding the campaign pose challenges to the idea of such an alliance,” said a senior Congress leader. 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 BJP Leader Rakesh Sahay Alleges City Chief’s Gunman Pointed Weapon at Him in Aligarh
A controversy has erupted within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Aligarh after the gunman of the party’s city president was accused of pointing a carbine at a Dalit leader during a party programme. The incident took place on Wednesday at the Atal Smriti Sammelan held at the Habitat Centre, which falls under the Civil Lines police station area in Aligarh. Rakesh Sahay, city general secretary of the BJP’s Scheduled Caste Morcha, alleged that the gunman of the BJP Aligarh city president, Engineer Rajiv Sharma, misbehaved with party workers and aimed his weapon at him during an argument. Speaking to the media, Sahay claimed the act reflected discrimination. “This happened because I am Dalit. Carbines will be pointed at us and cases will be filed against us. This gunman has been kept to intimidate party workers, not for security,” he alleged. According to eyewitnesses, the dispute began when BJP regional president Durvijay Singh Shakya arrived at the venue. As he moved from the fifth floor towards the auditorium, several party workers, including Sahay, tried to take selfies with him. During this, workers were allegedly pushed aside, leading to heated arguments between the city president’s entourage and BJP workers. Tensions rose again during the welcome ceremony on stage when Sahay, former mandal president Sanjay Sharma and Gorang Tiwari stepped forward to greet the regional president. They were reportedly stopped by the city president’s gunman, which led to another round of arguments. Senior party leaders intervened and managed to calm the situation for a while. However, after the programme ended and the regional president left the venue, another confrontation broke out. During this argument, the gunman allegedly pulled out his carbine and pointed it at Rakesh Sahay, creating panic among party workers. Other BJP leaders and security staff stepped in to defuse the situation. Metropolitan vice-president Sanjay Goyal confirmed that party workers were only trying to take photographs with the regional president. “There was pushing and arguments, but pointing a weapon at a worker is completely unacceptable,” he said, adding that the matter would be reported to the BJP’s state leadership. BJP Aligarh city president Engineer Rajiv Sharma denied the allegations. He claimed that some workers created chaos at the event and manhandled the gunman when he tried to manage the crowd. “This entire episode has damaged the image of the party,” Sharma said. Following the incident, the gunman, identified as Anoop Kumar, submitted a written complaint to Senior Superintendent of Police Neeraj Jadoun. Police officials said CCTV footage from the venue is being examined to establish the sequence of events. “An inquiry is underway, and all aspects of the incident are being verified,” a police officer said. The incident has caused unease within the BJP’s local unit in Aligarh, with several leaders demanding accountability and restraint at party programmes, especially when senior leaders and workers are present. 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
5 injured after gang opens fire at Dalit family:Dispute over cow grazing led to attack in Morena village; elderly man seen pleading with folded hands
In Rajaram Ka Pura village of the Jaura development block in Morena, influential villagers allegedly opened fire and assaulted a Dalit family after the family refused to let their cows graze in the field or allow the removal of bajra stalks. The attackers are accused of firing indiscriminately and then beating the family with sticks. Injured admitted to the hospital Five members of the family are injured in the incident and have been admitted to Jaura Hospital. The victim’s family has also accused the police of delaying in registering the report. The incident occurred on the first day of the new year, i.e., Thursday at 3 PM. The video surfaced on Friday morning. According to the victim, Maharaj Jatav, the cows of influential villagers Banwari Gurjar and his associates were grazing in his field. When the family protested, they also took away the bajra stalks. Due to this, the dispute escalated, and the influential people threatened to take revenge. Fired 8-10 rounds, beaten with sticks It is alleged that Banwari Gurjar, along with his 10-12 companions, reached the house of a Dalit family. First, 8 to 10 rounds were fired, after which the family was attacked with sticks and batons. In the video, youths are also seen holding sticks and batons. Ramesh Jatav, Maharaj Jatav, Bahadur Jatav, Mahadevi Jatav, and Simla Jatav were injured in the assault. During the dispute, an elderly member of the family even folded his hands and apologized to the bullies, but despite this, the accused did not stop the assault. Police accused of delaying FIR After the incident, the injured family members reached the Jaura police station. It is alleged that their complaint was not registered immediately. The FIR was registered late at night. A case has been registered against Banwari Gurjar, Vishram Gurjar, Damodar Gurjar, Bunty Gurjar, and Veera Gurjar in the matter. Jaura SDOP Nitin Baghel said, The dispute was over a cow and fodder. The investigation revealed that there was first an altercation with a youth from the Gurjar family, after which there was a physical fight between both parties. An FIR has been registered based on the video and available evidence. The investigation of the case is ongoing. Courtesy : Bhaskar English Note: This news is originally published on https:/bhaskarenglish.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
I too want to become CM: Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara
After becoming an MLA and minister, aspiring for the CM’s seat is a natural progression, hinted Parameshwara. BENGALURU: Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara on Thursday expressed his interest in becoming chief minister. “A human being must have aspirations, otherwise he/she will not feel human. Like everyone else, I too have aspirations”, he told reporters. Senior officers in the state home department have been given promotions and the minister was asked would he too get a political promotion. “I have lived as an optimist till now. Everyone has a desire for something to happen in life. If the high command decides, it will happen. It is up to the elders (to make a decision).” After becoming an MLA and minister, aspiring for the CM’s seat is a natural progression, hinted Parameshwara. The 74-year-old politician is a six-time MLA and one-time MLC. He has served as KPCC president for a record eight years (2010-2018). On Thursday he displayed his credentials as a Dalit and follower of Dr BR Ambedkar by attending an event commemorating the Mahars’ victory in Bhima Koregaon battle on January 1, 1818, near Pune in Maharashtra, at Nagasena Grounds near his residence in Bengaluru. According to sources Parameshwara, who has been in the good books of Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) president Sonia Gandhi, has been silently lobbying for the top post. Some of his supporters, including former Hubballi Dharwad Corporation Mayor Anilkumar Patil, had met Sonia Gandhi in Delhi to submit a petition. Later some others had staged a demonstration outside Indira Bhavan while the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting was underway on December 27. Some of the sympathizers of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, especially AHINDA leaders, have issued a statement that if he has to step down anytime in future Parameshwara should be given the top post and not Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Interestingly, a section of Dalit leaders led by Bilikere Raju in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah’s home turf, last Sunday urged that the latter should sacrifice the CM post to a Dalit leader, especially Parameshwara. “Only then we will take part in the AHINDA convention (slated to be held in Mysuru on January 25), otherwise we will skip it”, he warned. Devaraj B Hirehalli 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