Dalit Girl, 13, Allegedly Raped in UP’s Amethi; Accused Threatens to Kill Her
A 13-year-old Dalit girl was allegedly raped in Amethi’s Fursatganj area on December 30, police said on Wednesday. The minor was reportedly dragged to a tube-well in a field by a youth from the same village, who then assaulted her and threatened to kill her if she spoke about the incident. After returning home, the traumatized girl confided in her mother, who immediately filed a police complaint. An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the POCSO Act and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Station House Officer Nand Hausla Yadav confirmed the case, stating, “Multiple police teams have been formed, and the accused will be arrested soon.” Authorities are conducting raids in the area as part of their investigation. (The survivor’s identity is protected as per legal guidelines) Courtesy : TOP Note: This news is originally published on https:/theobsrverpost.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul Gandhi lives in a world of fantasy and acts like a bully, Shivraj Singh Chouhan lashed out at the opposition over the G RAM G protest
Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Rahul Gandhi: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched a major attack on Rahul Gandhi. He said that he lives in a world of fantasy. He also strongly criticized the opposition over the G RAM G protest. Bhopal: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan spoke to the media in Bhopal. During this, he strongly attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the Punjab government. Shivraj Singh Chouhan was furious over the special session of the Punjab Assembly called against G RAM G. He said that this is against the basic spirit of the Constitution and the federal structure. He said that it is surprising that the agenda of bringing a resolution against a law passed by Parliament has been included in a one-day session of the Punjab Assembly. Also lashed out at Rahul Gandhi Meanwhile, Shivraj Singh Chouhan retaliated against Rahul Gandhi, saying that Rahul Gandhi lives in a world of fantasy and has nothing to do with the reality of the country. Saying that work can be done without the Council of Ministers and the Cabinet is merely spreading confusion; saying whatever comes to mind is not responsible politics. States have a constitutional responsibility to abide by laws passed by Parliament Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that if a law is made in Parliament, then passing a resolution against it in the Assembly is against the spirit of our federal structure. Would it be appropriate for the District Panchayat, Janpad Panchayat or Gram Panchayat to start passing resolutions against state laws…? He clearly stated that abiding by the laws passed by Parliament is the constitutional responsibility of the Center and all the states. What the Punjab government and some parties in the Assembly are doing is undemocratic, undignified and against the basic spirit of the Constitution. Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that this is the politics of blind opposition. Some people are opposing merely for the sake of opposition, which has nothing to do with democracy and constitutional norms. Listed corruption cases in Punjab Meanwhile, Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched a scathing attack on the state government over the corruption cases that have surfaced in Punjab, including in MNREGA and other schemes. He said that thousands of corruption cases have come to light in Punjab, but neither action has been taken against the culprits nor has the embezzled amount been recovered. Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that out of 13,304 Gram Panchayats in Punjab, social audits were conducted in only 5,915. The report revealed approximately 10,653 cases of financial embezzlement, but no action was taken against anyone. He said that money was siphoned off through inflated estimates for road and canal cleaning, and even after the central team’s investigation, the recommendations for recovery were not implemented. No action was taken against those who committed corruption and did not follow the guidelines. Irregular expenses were also incurred on activities that were not even allowed under MNREGA, such as bush clearing, soil filling, and embankment construction. Shivraj Singh said that laborers are complaining that they are not even receiving their wages. Temples Remembered Only During Elections Shivraj Singh Chouhan also attacked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He said that some people remember temples and religious faith only during elections. Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that temples and religious activities are a matter of faith, but when religious institutions are attacked, these same people remain silent. He alleged that religion is being used for electoral gains. The Union Minister said that as soon as elections approach, these people start applying tilak (religious mark on the forehead), and reciting Hanuman Chalisa and Durga Saptashati. He said that faith should be respected, not used as a political tool. Curated by: Muneshwar Kumar About the Author Muneshwar Kumar Muneshwar Kumar is a Principal Correspondent at Navbharat Times Online. He has 14 years of experience in journalism. He has a special interest in Madhya Pradesh politics, crime, current affairs, and offbeat news. He also has experience in ground reporting during several elections. He has been associated with Navbharat Times Online since 2020. Courtesy: Hindi News
DMK allies upset at Praveen Chakravarthy’s actions; Demand Rahul to initiate action
Chennai: Allies in Tamil Nadu have risen in support of DMK, dubbing Congress functionary Praveen Chakravarthy as an “irritant” in the DMK-Congress alliance. Attempts by Chakravarthy “to disrupt the alliance” with his actions and X post have prompted allies to insist that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi intervene and act against the AICC functionary and “put an end to such disruptive attempts”. Senior alliance leaders say Praveen Chakravarthy meeting TVK president Vijay, at least twice in recent months, and acting against the INDIA bloc did not go down well with allies, giving room for “ridicule and mockery” by opposition parties. The BJP has utilised the situation for its personal gains by targeting the DMK alliance with “spurious information” shared by Praveen, they allege. MDMK principal secretary Durai Vaiko said repeated incidents of Praveen speaking against the alliance disturbed harmony. “Praveen’s activities are against the interests of alliance partners and raise doubts about whether Congress is doing it on purpose. He is fuelling narratives from BJP. It is high time Rahul intervenes and stops him for the sake of the alliance,” Durai told ToI. VCK MP Ravikumar joined the chorus demanding action from Rahul Gandhi. He said such infighting weakens the morale of cadres of alliance parties. “The INDIA bloc is the strongest in TN, and our chief minister (M K Stalin) is the key reason for the alliance remaining strong. There is an image being built that DMK alliance is in trouble, and Rahul should not allow it,” Ravikumar said. Appreciating Rahul for his staunch opposition to BJP and RSS, Ravikumar said, “People like Praveen, instead of strengthening Rahul’s fight against the RSS, are weakening him.” Though CPM state secretary P Shanmugam accepted that the Praveen issue had become a concern in the alliance, he said it will not impact their performance. “But Congress should sort it out,” said Shanmugam. CPI state secretary M Veerapandian too took a similar stand. “Our alliance is ideology-based and will not be impacted by such minor issues. It is quite common in a multi-party alliance, and Congress will sort it out,” Veerapandian 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
Casteism; Dalit Youth Subjected to Casteist Abuse, Defamed on Social Media; Demands FIR Under SC/ST Act
Himachal News: Surajmani, a Scheduled Caste resident of Balichowki in Mandi district, has sent a complaint to the Superintendent of Police. He is receiving casteist abuses and death threats due to a private video that went viral on social media. He has demanded that an FIR be registered under sections of the BNS, IT Act, and SC/ST Act. This case comes against the backdrop of increasing caste-based atrocities in Himachal Pradesh. The Viral Video Incident Surajmani stated that a video of a private conversation of his was uploaded on Facebook without his permission a few days ago. The video did not contain any objectionable comments about deities. Yet, some people are repeatedly sharing it. This has led to Surajmani receiving abuses with casteist slurs and threats. These threats are spreading through Facebook posts, photos, and videos. Surajmani is suffering from mental stress. It has become difficult for him to leave his house. People are spreading rumors. He has been defamed throughout Himachal Pradesh. In his letter to the Superintendent of Police, he demanded an investigation. He said that the accused can be identified through social media. Complaint of Unauthorized Call Recording Facebook user “Bunty Saraji Baldev Thakur” called Surajmani. He recorded the call without informing him. Later, he made it viral on social media. Surajmani termed this a violation of privacy. He cited the Supreme Court’s 2017 Puttaswamy judgment. This judgment considers unauthorized recording a crime. Surajmani said that this is a violation of his constitutional right under Article 21. His right to life and personal liberty has been snatched away. He demanded action against the accused under sections of the IT Act. Harassment Through False Complaints “Bunty Saraji Baldev Thakur” and “Tulesh Thakur” have filed false complaints against Surajmani. These complaints were filed at the Superintendent of Police office and Janjehli police station. Surajmani says that these are motivated by caste hatred. This is negatively impacting their livelihood and social standing. They cited Section 3(1)(v) of the SC/ST Act, which provides for punishment for giving false information. Surajmani appealed to the police to take action on these complaints. Applicable Legal Sections The complaint mentions Section 351 of the BNS, which covers criminal intimidation. Section 356 deals with defamation. Section 66 of the IT Act addresses unauthorized computer activity, and Section 67 applies to the transmission of offensive material. Section 3(1)(r) of the SC/ST Act punishes public insult, and Section 3(1)(u) penalizes promoting hatred. Section 72A of the IT Act provides for two years imprisonment for disclosing confidential information, and Section 43A ensures compensation for data misuse. BNS Section 223 is the basis for action against giving false information. Surajmani demanded an FIR under all these sections. Demand for Action Against the Accused Surajmani appealed for the arrest and interrogation of the accused. They requested directions to social media platforms to remove the content and also requested police protection. They offered to provide screenshots and video links. Rising Caste-Based Cases in Himachal Cases under the SC/ST Act are increasing in Himachal Pradesh. In 2024, 213 cases were registered in the state. Mandi district alone accounted for 42 cases, while Shimla had 27 and Kangra 22. Recently, a case of caste discrimination in Rohru made headlines. The death of a 12-year-old Dalit boy sparked a debate on untouchability. The rape and murder of a Dalit woman in Kangra led to protests. The CPI(M) demanded justice for Dalits. The High Court has taken a strict stance in several cases. In October 2025, a woman was denied anticipatory bail for allegedly beating an SC child for touching her. A discharge order was revoked in July 2025. The court stated that caste is determined by birth and does not change. These incidents show that caste-based atrocities are still a challenge in Himachal Pradesh. Surajmani’s case appears to be part of this trend. Poonam Sharma Courtesy: Hindi News
BJP accuses Cong of defaming Dalit community over Ankita murder case
Dehradun, The Bharatiya Janata Party today accused the state Congress of tarnishing the reputation of Devbhoomi and the entire Dalit community through unverified and indecent social media posts. The party expressed outrage that although the court has already sentenced the culprits, the Congress continues to invoke new names conspiratorially, thereby insulting the soul of the departed daughter. The BJP suggested that the Congress Pradesh President raising this issue from Delhi points towards a political conspiracy. Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here, today, Rajpur Road MLA and former Cabinet Minister Khajan Das accused the Congress of indulging in negative and shameful politics. He stated that the Congress is using viral audio and video clips from social media, which lack any basis or decency, as political weapons for publicity. He asserted that under a deliberate conspiracy, a sin is being committed by insulting the entire Scheduled Caste community under the guise of these irresponsible statements. Das directly accused the Congress Pradesh President of holding a press conference in Delhi based on unconfirmed and obscene remarks, claiming this indicates the Congress’s intent to humiliate Devbhoomi and Dalit society, a move the BJP condemns in the strongest terms. Khajan Das asserted that as part of this planned conspiracy, the Congress is defaming a senior BJP leader who has dedicated his life to being a powerful voice for the underprivileged Scheduled Castes and their social upliftment. Though Das did not name the leader in question, but apparently he was referring to Dushyant Kumar Gautam who belongs to the SC community. Describing this as the height of shameful and unethical politics, he said the BJP strongly criticises and opposes such plots. Expressing shock, he noted that the oldest party in the country and the main opposition in the state is so frustrated by continuous electoral defeats that social media content created for cheap popularity and obscenity has become its main agenda. Das further alleged that their responsible senior leaders are deliberately trying to tarnish the image of the BJP and its leaders through evidence-less charges and baseless charges for immediate political gain. He claimed that targeting of a prominent BJP leader from the Dalit community is most unfortunate, asserting it is not just an attempt to demean one leader but an effort to cast aspersions on the character of the entire Dalit community that has progressed after long struggles. He also shared that legal action is currently under way regarding the so-called videos circulating on social media and expressed hope that the full truth would emerge soon. He described the continuous release of obscene and indecent social media posts concerning party leaders as deeply worrying, reflecting a social decline that requires serious contemplation by all. Furthermore, he suspected a massive conspiracy behind these developments aimed at creating social malice and spoiling the atmosphere of Uttarakhand. He remarked that it is tragic that the Congress is playing with the fire of social disharmony for political leverage, which will surely backfire on them. He assured that as a responsible political party, the BJP will not allow the Dalit community to be insulted or the state’s harmony to be disturbed at any cost. Regarding the tragic Ankita Bhandari murder case, he stated that the culprits have already been sentenced to life imprisonment, making the Congress’s baseless allegations shameful. He argued that the scenarios being presented by the Congress constitute a misdeed that insults the soul of the deceased girl. He noted that the opposition has previously made such disgusting attempts using various names and political deceptions. The truth, he asserted, is that the historic court decision resulted from the Dhami government’s transparent investigation, swift action, and strong advocacy. He reminded of the government’s quick decisions and clear policy, which led to the arrest and jailing of the accused within 24 hours of the incident and the formation of an SIT. He mentioned that while the SIT had requested the public to provide any evidence or information, those currently making allegations failed to present any proof to the SIT or the court. Instead, they continue to mislead the public by repeatedly chanting the “VIP” mantra for political reasons. He concluded that the government’s efforts and the court’s decision in this tragic event have restored public confidence and provided strength to the daughters of the state. BJP’s Pradesh Media In-charge Manveer Singh Chauhan, Co-in-charge Rajendra Negi, Pradesh Spokesman Mathura Dutt Joshi, and Kamlesh Raman were also present at the press conference. Garhwal Post Bureau Courtesy : Garhwal Post Note: This news is originally published on https:/garhwalpost.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Thackeray brothers need Marathi vote consolidation, sizable Muslim and Dalit votes to win BMC polls
In the BMC polls scheduled on January 15 of next year, Congress has refused to be part of the Thackeray brother alliance, over differences in decent space and number of seats. MUMBAI: If Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray eye to win the Asia’s largest civic body (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) polls, the leaders have to repeat Shiv Sena (UBT)’s 2024 Lok Sabha performance. It will help them to win as many as 113 seats out of 227 in the BMC polls. However, Shiv Sena (UBT) had won the three seats out of six Lok Sabha seats while it lost one seat, by 34 votes in Mumbai. Congress’s vote base — Muslim and Dalit — and Sharad Pawar’s supporters from the western Maharashtra region who stay in Mumbai, helped to secure several seats. MVA was successful in restricting the BJP and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena to one seat each only in the financial capital. In the BMC polls scheduled on January 15 of next year, Congress has refused to be part of the Thackeray brother alliance, over differences in decent space and number of seats. Also, Raj Thackeray’s stand against North India is considered problematic for Congress’s North Indian voters. However, the silver lining for Uddhav Thackeray is, Raj Thackeray-led MNS has a seven per cent vote share in Mumbai, which will help them both to fill the gap caused by Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Congress, but that is not enough at all, as there is still a gap of six per cent. Thackerays has to go an extra mile by addressing as many rallies as possible, galvanising the ground network and utilising funds. Only then ther is a possiblity, that they will be able to swing the verdict in their favour. Despite Thackeray’s alliance, the BJP is unfazed and is comfortable on the ground as it has 27 per cent vote share in Mumbai, and even DCM Eknath Shinde will pull in at least five per cent vote share. Most likely, the BJP and Shiv Sena will march towards a historic win in this closely contested BMC election. Shinde led Shiv Sena has won the six state assembly seats in Mumbai, while BJP had won 15, and DCM Ajit Pawar led NCP has won one seat; therefore, arithmetically, BJP and Shiv Sena are unperturbed. The split in Maha Vikas Aghadi has boosted the confidence of the BJP and its Gujarati, Marwari and North Indian vote bank in Mumbai remains unaffected. However, the opposition are getting divided into multiple forces. Meanwhile, if Muslim and Dalit votes get divided among the Thackerays, Congress, NCP SP, Samajwadi Party, MIM, then it will be difficult to repeat the Lok Sabha’s template again in BMC polls. Sudhir Suryawanshi 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
Bhiwani Dalit Student Suicide Case: NCSC Slams Police Investigation, Handwriting Mismatch Revelation Adds New Twist to the Case
Bhiwani: The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has raised serious questions about the functioning of the local police in the case of the suicide of a 22-year-old Dalit student in Bhiwani district last year. The commission has clarified that police officials were negligent in investigating the case. The commission has recommended that departmental proceedings be initiated against the guilty officers under the provisions of Section 4 of the SC/ST (POA) Act. The matter was raised prominently during a hearing held on December 11 before the commission’s chairman, Kishore Makwana. Considering the seriousness of the case, the commission has directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to investigate the matter to complete its investigation within a timeframe and in an impartial manner. The commission has also sought an ‘Action Taken Report’ within 15 days. Shocking Revelation Regarding Handwriting During the hearing, a very shocking fact came to light. DSP (State Crime Branch, Faridabad) Vikas Kumar informed the commission on December 11 that the handwriting of the deceased student did not match that on her answer sheets. The DSP stated, “According to the CFSL (Central Forensic Science Laboratory) report, the student’s handwriting did not match her answer sheet. Following this revelation, Sections 338, 336, and 340 of the BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) have also been added to the FIR. An SIT has been constituted to get to the bottom of the matter and is currently investigating.” What was the whole case? Last December, this 22-year-old student of the fifth semester of BA committed suicide. It was alleged that the college administration had not allowed her to sit for the examination due to non-payment of fees, which caused her mental distress. However, the college management had completely rejected these allegations made by the student’s family. This matter also took on a political dimension, with leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing Congress MLA Rajveer Phartiya from Loharu of running the institution. However, the MLA clarified that his brother-in-law, Hanuman, manages the college’s operations. Courtesy: Hindi News
Newborn of Dalit woman dies in nursing home: Husband beaten by owner after complaining, Raunahi police informed
A case of a newborn dying in the womb of a Dalit woman has come to light at Sahu Medical Center in the Raunahi police station area of Ayodhya. It is alleged that the incident occurred due to the negligence of the medical center’s staff doctor. The woman’s husband, who went to complain, was allegedly beaten by the center’s owner. The victim, Sarita Devi, a resident of Rudauli in the Baba Bazar police station area, was taken to Sahu Medical Center on the night of December 19 after experiencing labor pains. Her husband, Vivek Kumar Chauhan, said that despite being unsuccessful in delivering the baby for approximately 11 hours, they were not allowed to take her to another hospital. According to Vivek Kumar, due to the negligence of the nurse and doctor on duty during this time, the newborn died in the womb. Despite the mother’s deteriorating condition, she was hastily discharged from the nursing home and sent home. When Sarita Devi’s condition did not improve even after four days, Vivek Kumar complained to the owner, Vipin Sahu. Vivek alleges that instead of listening to his complaint, Vipin Sahu beat him with slaps and punches and hurled casteist abuses at him. Vivek Kumar informed the police control room about the incident, after which the police arrived at the spot and rescued him. The victim’s husband has appealed to the Raunahi police and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Sunil Baliyan for justice. CMO Ayodhya, Dr. Baliyan, said that he has received information from the victim over the phone and that an investigation will be conducted and necessary action will be taken upon receiving a written complaint. Amit Kumar | Bhauli (Rudauli), Ayodhya Courtesy: Hindi News
SC/ST panel rues over Dalit neglect in governance
Madikeri: Alleging neglect of Dalits and denial of due representation in the Congress and govt corporations and committees, a meeting was held at Ambedkar Bhavan on Monday, during which the SC and ST Coordination Committee was formed. H M Nandakumar has been elected president of the Coordination Committee, and Janardhan as general secretary. The meeting was held under the leadership of KPCC member H M Nandakumar and attended by leaders of various Dalit organisations from across the district. It was decided to launch initiatives to draw the attention of the govt, Congress leadership and MLAs to issues concerning the community. Addressing the gathering, Nandakumar alleged that SCs were being viewed with disdain within the district Congress. He said even MLAs elected with decisive dalit support were indifferent to their concerns. Dalits are not being given priority in internal party committees and sre denied president posts in key bodies, including Akrama-Sakrama Committee, Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee and ZP KDP committees, he said, terming it an injustice. He stressed the need to organise Dalits and fight for the fulfilment of their legitimate demands. Issues faced by govt employees from the community also require urgent attention, he added. Dalit Sangharsh Samiti leader Bellur Krishnappa said no meaningful work is being carried out for Dalits and their demands are being ignored. Manjunath of Aluvara village alleged that MLAs were unresponsive to workers, while Dalit leader Janardhan of Somwarpet taluk said SCs are being deprived of their rightful seats due to the influence of certain leaders. District Congress spokesperson T E Suresh said demands regarding representation of SCs had earlier been placed before the Congress block president. Somwarpet Taluk Guarantee Implementation Committee member Sandeep said MLAs must first be made aware of the problems faced by Dalits. 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
DMK high command directs party functionaries not to respond to Praveen Chakravarty
Chennai: A day after Congress functionary Praveen Chakravarty triggered a row, stating Tamil Nadu’s debt situation was alarming, DMK high command issued a directive to the party through state industries minister T R B Raaja “to stop reacting and focus on constructive work”. Raaja on X asked DMK functionaries not to get distracted by such tweets. “Urge our ecosystem to please avoid engaging with anyone with private agendas. We have a larger war to fight with those trying to curtail the growth of TN. Beware of unwanted distractions,” Raaja said. On Sunday, Praveen Chakravarty took social media by storm when he tweeted that the debt of TN doubled under the DMK govt and was much higher than UP. Chakaravarthy’s assessment of TN’s debt situation had evoked angry responses from senior DMK functionaries. Insisting that functionaries focus on development schemes of DMK govt, Raaja said, “Concentrate on our leader’s pathbreaking schemes and development-oriented thoughts. Use your time to share the achievements of the Dravidian Model govt of our leader CM M K Stalin. Don’t fall for diversionary hooks.” TNCC functionaries too issued rebuttals to Chakravarty’s tweet. Raaja said Praveen Chakravarty acted out of desperation. “He (Praveen) knows very well that he will not get a seat in the 2026 election if DMK is with Congress, and in desperation he is speaking against DMK. But Congress leader Rahul Gandhi knows well that DMK is the key ally of Congress for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections and will not go against us,” Raaja told TOI. The minister said Praveen Chakravarty projected himself as a person close to Rahul Gandhi, but Rahul does not engage him in taking decisions, especially in matters related to Tamil Nadu. 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