Firing between two groups over village headman election rivalry: Dalit woman shot in left hand, seriously injured
In Nagla Ranjita village, under the Akrabad police station area of Aligarh, several rounds of firing took place between two groups over a village headman election rivalry. A Dalit woman was shot in the hand, seriously injuring her. Police immediately rushed the injured woman to the hospital. The accused fled the scene. Upon receiving information, a heavy police force, including the SP Rural, was deployed to the scene. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Monday night. A dispute was going on between village headman representative Thakur Tanuj (son of Udayveer), a resident of Nagla Ranjita village, and the other party’s village headman candidate Thakur Bhajni (son of Surendra Singh). During this dispute, one of the two sides opened fire several times. Meanwhile, Pinky Devi (wife of Vinod Kumar), who was coming from the fields, was shot in the hand. Upon receiving information about the shooting, SP Rural Manish Kumar Mishra, Circle Officer Barla Garvit Singh, and Station House Officer Vinod Kumar arrived at the scene with police force. They immediately rushed the injured woman, Pinky Devi, to the Akrabad Health Center for treatment. Given her critical condition, doctors referred her to the medical college. Police have launched an investigation into the shooting incident. A heavy police force has been deployed to maintain peace in the village. Circle Officer Barla Garvit Singh stated that a woman was injured during a shootout between two groups in Nagla Ranjita village. Police have rushed the injured woman to the hospital. The accused have fled the village. Police are searching for them. Zainul Abedin Khan | Akrabad (Kol), Aligarh Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit woman assaulted, FIR filed on court order: Accused of casteist slurs and assault
A case has been registered in Catholia Lala village, under the Basti Nagar police station area, for assaulting a Dalit woman and her daughter, using casteist slurs, entering their home, and threatening to kill them. The city police took this action on the orders of the Special Court under the SC/ST Act. The victim, Gujarati Devi, stated in her petition to the court that the incident occurred on the morning of January 27th. Village resident Shakeela was sweeping and throwing garbage in the courtyard in front of her house. When Gujarati Devi objected, Shakeela allegedly threw garbage at her and insulted her using casteist slurs. It is alleged that as the dispute escalated, Gujarati Devi’s daughter, Shalu, tried to intervene, but Shakeela began assaulting her. Shakeela then called her husband, Yusuf, and sons, Mubarak, Saddam, Salman, and Sameer. All the accused dragged Shalu to the street, kicked, punched, and beat her with shoes, and also made casteist remarks. The victim also alleges that when she protested, the accused entered her home and assaulted her as well. During this, the accused attempted to dishonor her daughter by tearing her clothes. Hearing the noise, nearby villagers rushed to the scene, saving the mother and daughter. In her petition, Gujarati Devi stated that the accused family had been pressuring her to occupy her courtyard land for a long time and had been repeatedly hurling casteist abuses and threatening to kill her. The victim had previously filed complaints at the city police station, the Superintendent of Police’s office, and through registered mail, but when no action was taken, she had to seek legal recourse. On May 8, 2026, the Additional District and Sessions Judge/Special Judge, SC/ST Act, Basti, registered an FIR under Section 173(4) of the BNSS and ordered legal action. Station House Officer Bhanu Pratap Singh informed that in compliance with the court order, a case has been registered under relevant sections and the SC/ST Act and investigation has been initiated. Mohammad Shakeel | Nagar Bazaar (Basti Sadar), Basti Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit Teen beaten to death in Tehri Garhwal over inter-caste friendship
An 18-year-old Dalit youth, Ketan Lal, was allegedly beaten to death in Pratapnagar, Uttarakhand, over an inter-caste friendship. His friend was injured. Police have filed a murder case under the SC/ST Act and detained one suspect New Tehri: An 18-year-old Dalit youth was allegedly beaten to death and his friend severely injured over his friendship with a minor girl from an upper caste community in the Pratapnagar block here, police have said. The deceased, Ketan Lal, was a resident of Deval village. His injured friend, Diwakar Dimri, was admitted to the district hospital in Baurari. According to a complaint lodged by the Ketan’s father, Dhanpal Lal, the incident occurred on Sunday night in Kholgarh village. Ketan had reportedly been in a friendship with a girl from Kholgarh for the past six months. On Sunday at around 11 pm, the girl called Ketan on his mobile phone and asked him to come to her village. Ketan went to Kholgarh with Diwakar Dimri. When they both arrived, members of the girl’s family locked them both in a room and assaulted them with sticks, the police said on Monday. On Monday morning, the girl’s father called Dhanpal Lal to inform him about his son’s condition and asked him to take him back. Dhanpal found his son covered in blood and rushed him to a community health centre in Chaund Lambgaon where he succumbed, the police said. Irate locals and the family initially refused to claim the body from the hospital and demanded immediate action against the assaulters. Tehri Garhwal Senior Superintendent of Police Shweta Choubey said a case under the charge of murder and Section 3(2)(v) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was filed. The police had detained for questioning one of the accused, Yashveer Singh Panwar, the SSP added. Courtesy : Telangana Today Note: This news is originally published on https:/telanganatoday.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
BRS Delegation in Delhi: A Push for SC Status for Dalit Christians
A delegation from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) is in Delhi to meet the Justice K. Balakrishnan Commission to advocate for Scheduled Caste status for Dalit Christians. The move, supported by prior resolutions from the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, aims to ensure parity and social justice. The BRS delegation visited New Delhi to advocate for Scheduled Caste status for Dalit Christians. They aim to gain support from the Justice K. Balakrishnan Commission on this matter. Key members of the delegation include Rajya Sabha Deputy Floor Leader Vaddiraju Ravichandra and former minister Koppula Eshwar. This initiative follows a plea from the YSR Congress Party emphasizing equality and the struggles of Dalit Christians. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) delegation arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday with the agenda of advocating for Scheduled Caste (SC) status for Dalit Christians. This initiative seeks to gain the backing of the Justice K. Balakrishnan Commission, which holds jurisdiction in these matters. Prominent figures in the delegation include Rajya Sabha Deputy Floor Leader Vaddiraju Ravichandra and former minister Koppula Eshwar. Their visit follows a recent meeting by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) with the Commission’s chairperson, where they submitted a detailed plea seeking SC inclusion for Christian Dalits. In a compelling letter, YSRCP MP Maddila Gurumoorthy emphasized the constitutional principles of equality and non-discrimination, urging Justice Balakrishnan to recognize the similarity of social and economic struggles faced by Dalit Christians, akin to other SC groups. The appeal highlights ongoing resolutions, such as the support from former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. Courtesy : Devdiscourse Note: This news is originally published on https:/devdiscourse.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Bengaluru development portfolio pared, it’s Minister Krishna Byre Gowda’s turn to sulk
Gowda’s portfolio is devoid of BDA, BMRDA, which are with CM DK Shivakumar. BENGALURU: Just as the Congress high command resolved the issue of senior leader and Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy by convincing him to withdraw his resignation, Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda reportedly went into a sulk as his portfolio is devoid of the prominent Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) and Bengaluru Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA). Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has retained his hold on BDA and BMRDA. Sources said Gowda spoke to LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over phone, apprising him that without BDA and BMRDA, the portfolio lacks significance. There is no scope or potential to deliver the goods, and he doesn’t want to be the manager of five city corporations under Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), including Bengaluru North, Bengaluru South, Bengaluru East, Bengaluru West and Bengaluru Central city corporations. BWSSB and BMRCL are also part of his portfolio. This is the reason he has not taken charge of Bengaluru Development as yet and is anticipating a call from the high command, sources said. As the CM is unlikely to give up BDA and BMRDA, Gowda will seek a change in portfolio. The issue has also been brought to the notice of AICC general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, sources said. The Bengaluru Development portfolio has caused much heartburn. Ramalinga Reddy had resigned, insisting that it had been promised to him by CM Shivakumar. But after several rounds of talks, the high command humbled Reddy who eventually took charge but with the condition that during cabinet expansion, he should be allotted an additional portfolio or a separate one. Sources within the Congress government told The New Indian Express that Krishna Byre Gowda’s name was not on the first list of 13 ministers sworn in last Wednesday, as there was a lobby against him. As Revenue Minister in the Siddaramaiah regime, Gowda had executed the clearance of illegal encroachments on government lands, about 50 acres worth hundreds of crores of rupees in and around Bengaluru. It did not go down well with some legislators, including Congress leaders, sources informed. Which is why Gowda paid the price and lost the Revenue portfolio in the new regime, despite revolutionising the department, they added. The counselling system in transfer of sub-registrars and assistant commissioners left many leaders red-faced as there was no scope for influence, sources elaborated. Byre Gowda met Shivakumar at the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) office at Vidhana Soudha and held talks. Later, he refused to react to the media, saying his meeting was to do with the party and government, and the media has the liberty to interpret his meeting. But sources said his meeting revolved around the Bengaluru development portfolio and he insisted that BDA and BMRDA should be incorporated in it. 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
LPG price hike adds to household burden in Karnataka
This is the second hike in the past three months. BENGALURU: The recent increase in the price of domestic LPG cylinders by Rs 29 has pushed the cost in Bengaluru to Rs 944 from Rs 915, adding to the burden on consumers already grappling with a series of price hikes in recent months. This is the second hike in the past three months. In March, LPG prices were increased by Rs 60 per cylinder following disruptions in global energy markets linked to tensions in West Asia. The price of a 5-kg LPG cylinder has also risen by around Rs 10, from Rs 340 to Rs 351. Speaking to TNIE about the impact of the hike, Ravi Richard, a retired professor, said, “The LPG price hike affects lower-middle-class and economically weaker sections in a serious way. “The Union government should ensure that low-income groups are protected from such increases through a differential pricing system. Those who can afford higher prices may be charged more, while poorer sections should be shielded from the burden.” “The repeated increase in LPG prices is putting significant pressure on household budgets, particularly those of middle-class and poor families. For families like ours, every rupee matters. The rising cost of essentials such as milk, cooking oil and now cooking gas is making daily life increasingly expensive,” said Shrikant, a resident of Horamavu. He added that the impact is being felt across the economy, with hotels and restaurants already raising prices. “Coupled with higher electricity tariffs, garbage collection charges and the implementation of the new labour code, food prices are likely to rise further,” he said. Suresh Kumar, an employee of a private company, said, “Given the trend of frequent LPG price hikes, it will not be surprising if the price crosses Rs 1,000 per cylinder. We are already bearing the burden of rising fuel costs and the increase in prices of essential commodities driven by higher diesel prices.” 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
Gehlot says September 2022 incident was indication of disagreement against Sachin Pilot, not Congress leadership
Ashok Gehlot alleged that Pilot’s associates were responsible for creating a perception that the MLAs supporting him had revolted against the Congress high command, leaving him with a bad reputation. Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday criticised Congress leader Sachin Pilot and stated that the incidents that unfolded in September 2022 were not a revolt against the party high command but an indication of strong disagreement among the MLAs against Pilot’s elevation as the CM. The senior Congress leader alleged that Pilot’s associates were responsible for creating a perception that the MLAs supporting him had revolted against the Congress high command, leaving him with a bad reputation. Gehlot was speaking about the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting that was called in Jaipur on September 25, 2022, to discuss the leadership of the Rajasthan government if Gehlot were to be elected president of the party. Several MLAs close to Gehlot did not attend the meeting and opposed any move to make Pilot the chief minister. Gehlot on Sunday said that he was in line to become the Congress President, but such a situation unfolded that appeared to be a conspiracy, and he ended up with a bad reputation. However, he felt sorry in front of Sonia Gandhi for not being able to get a resolution passed in the CLP meeting. “It is repeatedly asked what happened on September 25. There can never be a revolt against the high command,” he said, adding that the incident was against “Sachin Pilot, whose name was being circulated” that he could take oath as the chief minister. He said the MLAs’ stance was that they had demonstrated loyalty to the high command. They stayed confined in hotels and saved the government. “They wanted any of them to be appointed as the chief minister and they would accept it, but Pilot was unacceptable to them because he was the one who took his MLAs to Manesar,” he said. Pilot, who was serving as the deputy chief minister in the Gehlot government, had rebelled against his leadership in 2020. It is alleged that he and some MLAs stayed in Haryana’s Manesar. The rebellion led to a political crisis in the state, which the party leadership resolved through intervention. Gehlot had alleged that it was a conspiracy orchestrated by the BJP to topple his government, using Pilot and other MLAs as pawns. In September 2022, a CLP meeting was called in Jaipur to discuss the leadership of the Rajasthan government if Gehlot were to be elected president of the Congress party. Sachin Pilot was considered the top runner to replace him. But MLAs loyal to Gehlot did not attend the meeting. Instead, they held a parallel meeting and went to Assembly Speaker C P Joshi’s residence to submit their mass resignations. Gehlot said there was no question of rebellion against the Congress high command. “Sonia Gandhi had offered me the chief minister’s post three times without me even asking for it. I was in line to become the Congress President, and I am not uneducated. I am well-educated. If Sonia Gandhi and the Congress party were making me Congress President, would I have refused?” he asked. “The situation that unfolded…I feel it was a conspiracy. AICC observers arrived suddenly, a spectacle ensued, and I ended up with a bad reputation,” he said. “People believe that Ashok Gehlot wanted to remain the chief minister rather than become Congress president, and that is why the revolt happened. How do I explain it to them?” he said. “The media spread this narrative, and I remained silent,” Gehlot said. Gehlot said he stayed silent because he needed to convey to Sonia Gandhi that he was the leader of the Legislature Party, and AICC observers had arrived. He added that he was unable to get the resolution passed and “expressing his regret to her”, he “apologised” for the situation that had arisen. Asserting that truth has no alternative, Gehlot said, “I have placed the truth before everyone and will continue to do so.” He said that historically the Congress high command had maintained strong trust in the Rajasthan unit. He alleged that the perception of revolt against the party high command was created by Pilot’s associates, which was incorrect. He said that when the party high command decides to change a chief minister, a majority of MLAs tend to align with the one who is going to become the new chief minister. “Whenever the high command decides that the chief minister should be replaced, 90 per cent of the MLAs who were previously with the incumbent chief minister switch their allegiance to the new one. What was the reason that when the new chief minister’s name began circulating — whether floated by Pilot’s associates — MLAs did not go to him,” he said. “Sachin Pilot needs to understand this. He has been in politics for about 15-20 years now. He has gained considerable experience. We are not his enemies. I used to visit his family since his childhood,” he said. Pilot made a mistake, and he should acknowledge it. He has not learned to accept the truth, which is why this issue persists, he said, adding that he does not want this issue to persist. Gehlot said, today, the Congress is in crisis, the country is in crisis. Only Congress can save the country and all leaders of the party should be united for this. The former chief minister said that he had helped Pilot become a union minister in the UPA government, but he never acknowledged this help. He is no longer chasing any post, Gehlot said, adding that “it would be a different matter if a position were to come my way unsolicited. I am not vying for any post.” Serving as chief minister three times is no small feat, he said, adding that his message is “Do not erase my line. Instead, draw a line longer than mine.” As for who becomes the chief minister and who
Two Dalit youths stripped, tied, & dragged over theft suspicion in Muktsar; SC panel seeks report from SSP By June 9
Bathinda: Two Dalit youths were allegedly stripped, tied, and dragged through agricultural fields in scorching heat over suspicion of theft in Punjab’s Muktsar district on Saturday. The incident comes just two days after a viral video surfaced from Haryana’s Hansi district showing a Dalit youth hanging upside down in a well over the alleged theft of a water pump. Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has taken suo motu notice of the incident in Jhord village, seeking a report from the Muktsar SSP, to be submitted through the SP (headquarters) by June 9. Sources said a group of villagers stormed the homes of the two local youths after learning about the theft of a mobile phone from a migrant labourer. The two were taken to the paddy fields, where they were initially tied to a tree, partially undressed, and bound by their hands before being dragged, showed a video that later went viral and sparked outrage. Ashok Mahindra, a representative of a local pro-Dalit organisation, said, “The villagers acted in a Taliban style. Even if these youths committed a crime, there is a legal system to deal with them. We will request the Punjab social security minister, who represents the Malout constituency, to take serious note of this incident.” Malout DSP JS Dhaliwal identified the two youths as Gurpinder Singh (27) and Sandeep Singh (28), both residents of Jhord. Police said Gurpinder already faces a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. DSP Dhaliwal said the police are not overlooking the assault. “While we are investigating the alleged mobile snatching and the background of the youths, strict action is simultaneously being taken against those who indulged in this inhumane act.” Villagers claimed the two men confessed to the theft during the ordeal. Former Punjab SC Commission member Karanbir Singh Indora also strongly condemned the incident. “The villagers acted in a highly objectionable manner. No one has the right to take the law into their own hands.” Locals admitted to the assault but said they acted out of rage, claiming the two were involved in drug abuse and targeted a migrant labourer. 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
Rajya Sabha Elections: Hemant surprises by giving ticket to a Dalit outside the Soren family, Baijnath becomes candidate
Political twist: Congress’s Pranav Jha, BJP’s Gaurav Vallabh, JMM’s Baijnath Ram, and independents Nathwani and Sai Reddy have filed nomination papers, but the BJP remains silent. The Rajya Sabha elections for two seats in Jharkhand have heated up the political atmosphere in the state. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) surprised everyone by not fielding anyone from the Soren family for the seat vacated by Guruji. The JMM, which had staked claim to both seats until Friday, announced former minister and central vice-president Baijnath Ram as its candidate on Saturday. However, the party has not yet given a concrete answer to the question of fielding a candidate for the second seat. Meanwhile, BJP’s chief whip in the Assembly, Naveen Jaiswal, claimed on Friday night that the party’s candidate would be announced on Saturday morning. Gaurav Vallabh has also purchased his nomination as a BJP candidate, but the party did not officially announce his name until late Saturday evening. Congress candidate Pranav Jha and JMM candidate Baijnath Ram have also purchased their nomination papers. JMM General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya said that Baijnath Ram will file his nomination papers on Monday, and Chief Minister Hemant Soren will be present. Parimal Nathwani met the Chief Minister, will contest as an independent Parimal Nathwani arrived in Ranchi at 8 pm on Saturday. He went directly from the airport to Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s residence on Kanke Road, where the two leaders met for about half an hour. After the meeting, Nathwani stated that it was merely a courtesy call and no discussion took place regarding the Rajya Sabha elections. He clarified that he will contest this election from Jharkhand as an independent. His nomination papers have been purchased and he will file his nomination papers on Monday. The ‘Behind the Scenes’ Game in the Rajya Sabha Elections Who will be the proposer? The ‘Mystery’ of 10 MLAs and the Entry of 2 Heavyweights The entry of heavyweight independents like Parimal Nathwani and Vijay Sai Reddy into the Rajya Sabha fray has made the election extremely interesting. According to the rules, a minimum of 10 MLAs are required for nominations. Inside Story: It is nearly impossible to gather 10 MLAs in the Jharkhand Assembly without the tacit consent or internal sabotage of a major party. Consequently, the biggest question in political circles is: who are the hidden MLAs willing to propose these heavyweights? Will this be a simmering discontent within the ruling and opposition parties, or will it be a new horse-trading game? BJP’s ‘Dark Horse’ Plan: Silence Behind the Chess Gaurav Vallabh has purchased his nomination papers, but the BJP has yet to reveal its cards. This delay in the official announcement is not without reason. Inside Story: The BJP’s silence isn’t a compulsion, but rather a part of Plan B. If the party doesn’t officially field its own candidate, it likely means it has decided to support a strong independent candidate behind the scenes. Instead of losing a direct contest, the independent candidate is intended to dent the Grand Alliance’s vote bank and appease disgruntled MLAs. Bhupesh and Ajay met the CM and said, “All is well.” Congress observers for the Rajya Sabha elections, Bhupesh Baghel and Ajay Sharma, met with Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Saturday afternoon. After a nearly two-hour meeting, both observers stated that everything was fine. The alliance would win both seats in the Rajya Sabha elections. Bhupesh Baghel said that they had a good and frank conversation with the Chief Minister, there were no misunderstandings, and the alliance was strong. Why did the JMM choose Baijnath Ram? Baijnath Ram’s name was included in the list of ministers in the Champai Soren government, and this list had even reached the Raj Bhavan. However, he was stopped just before the swearing-in ceremony, leading to accusations of the party neglecting Dalits. Later, he was promised a suitable position, and that is why he was nominated for the Rajya Sabha seat. Furthermore, the JMM has played the Dalit card after the Congress fielded a Brahmin candidate. Candidate Profiles: At a Glance Parimal Nathwani: Industrialist and current Rajya Sabha MP from Andhra Pradesh. He served as an independent Rajya Sabha MP from Jharkhand for two consecutive terms from 2008 to 2020. He lives in Dwarkesanandi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Pranav Jha: National Secretary of the Congress Party and media strategist for the party. He is also close to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. He is originally from Anadipur village in Bhagalpur district and studied in Bokaro. He currently lives in South Avenue, Delhi. Gaurav Vallabh: A prominent BJP leader, economist, and academic. He is currently a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council. He has served as a professor of economics at XLRI, Jamshedpur, and SISS, Ranchi. He is from Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Baijnath Ram: A senior leader of the JMM and has served as a minister in the Jharkhand government. He is known as an experienced and dedicated JMM worker. He is seen as a prominent face of the party’s SC community. He originally hails from Dhobi Mohalla in Latehar. Sai Vijay Reddy: Chartered accountant and politician from Andhra Pradesh. He has served as the National General Secretary of the YSR Congress Party and a Rajya Sabha MP from Andhra Pradesh. He is considered a close associate of YSRCP chief Jaganmohan Reddy and the party’s “Chanakya.” He hails from ISKCON City, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit experience in Punjab, felt and seen
The works of poets such as Kabir, Ravidas and Namdev have resonated for centuries, but it is only recently that Dalit literature has come to occupy centre stage. With the rise of subaltern studies, literature has developed many a niche segment, where hitherto invisible or suppressed groups have asserted their literary presence. Dalit writing, particularly under the influence of Marathi pioneers like Babasaheb Ambedkar and Namdeo Dhasal, started showing its prowess some 60 years ago, and has now become an irrepressible voice in almost all states of the country. Punjab has a very large presence of Dalits and an equally large body of Punjabi Dalit literature, yet not much has been translated so far to give it readership beyond Punjabi. The anthology ‘Gangrene’ offers for the first time a set of 12 stories in English to fill that gap. Translated by Akshaya Kumar and Navdeep Singh, the book comes with an elaborate introduction that gives an insight into the development of Punjabi Dalit writings as well as the dynamics of Dalit narratives of exploitation, discrimination and oppression. The translators claim that in contrast to progressive writers’ narratives of the poor and the underprivileged, these stories by Dalits themselves explore more authentically their lived experience. Veracity apart, the stories in the collection stand out for the diversity of experience, both in terms of physical and mental trauma, as perceived by Dalits and as enacted by their oppressors. If there are stories like ‘Cry of the Sky’, ‘My Story’, and ‘Everybody’s Story’, in which crimes like rape and violence against Dalits are portrayed, then there are also stories like ‘Doomsday’, ‘Cancer’ and ‘Cactus’, where the dominant caste characters have been shown to harbour deep-seated hatred, but not without giving us a peep into their mental and emotional conflict. The stories are equally divided between rural and urban settings. If the vehra (Dalit colony in a village) is the site of open disdain and exploitation by Jats and other village heads, then the city is an equally inhospitable place where Dalits, even after education and economic progress, cannot live without hiding their identity. A cobbler’s son will remain a cobbler’s son and a Dalit rising up to become a landlord will find trust and strength only in his own community, as in the story ‘Gaurjan’. Religion, the much-touted causa prima of the caste divide, figures in three stories – ‘Gangrene’, ‘Doomsday’ and ‘Roots’. Though Hindu Brahmins’ attitude towards Dalits is well known, in these stories, even Dalits who converted to religions like Sikhism and Buddhism find no respite. One muted theme that runs through almost all the stories is that for a Dalit, there is no escape from being a Dalit. Even if they try to override it with professional progress, pecuniary leap or physical prowess, the Dalit identity does not leave them. It will continue to lead them to misery and humiliation. I particularly liked two stories: ‘Bathloo’ and ‘Aatu Khoji’. Both are proud and professionally skilful workers, yet one ends up dead because of his sense of internalised lowliness, and the other in an effort to save Dalit honour. The book is a ready compendium to understand the psyche of both Punjabi Dalits and their oppressors. At times, it also portrays the Dalit reaction where violence and highhandedness of the dominant caste are met with equal aggression. But the stories largely remain clueless about how the conflict can be reduced or resolved. The book is translated well despite the usual intrusion of local terms here and there. It is going to prove to be a good resource material for comparing the Punjabi Dalit experience with other regional writings, particularly in Marathi and South Indian languages. Courtesy : Dailyhunt Note: This news is originally published on https:/dailyhunt.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights