Dalit graduate alleges caste bias by Pune college cost him Heathrow job offer
Pune: Prem Birhade, a Dalit student from Nandurbar who recently completed his postgraduate studies at the University of Sussex, has alleged that caste-based discrimination by Pune’s Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce forced him to forfeit a job offer at Heathrow Airport in London. The allegation was brought to public attention by Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) chief Prakash Ambedkar, who accused the college of denying mandatory credential verification due to caste prejudice. According to Ambedkar, Prem had submitted all required documents to Modern College for verification, a standard process needed by employers abroad. However, the college allegedly refused to complete the verification after inquiring about his caste. Ambedkar claimed that the institution’s principal, Dr. Nivedita Gajanan Ekbote, who also serves as Maharashtra Vice-President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, allowed her political affiliation to influence administrative decisions. “This verification had earlier been issued when Prem went to pursue higher education in London,” Ambedkar said. “But when he requested it again for employment, the college administration’s behaviour changed once his caste became known.” He described Prem’s experience as “a stark example of how caste discrimination continues to follow Dalit youth, even after overcoming social and economic hardships.” In a viral video, Prem displayed his documents, stating, “I am not begging; I am demanding my rights.” In another post, he wrote, “The UK gave me a degree and a job, but a Pune college took away the opportunity,” adding that his struggle had now become “for society.” Responding to the allegations, Dr. Ekbote said the institution declined to issue a fresh education reference due to what she described as “unsatisfactory conduct and disciplinary concerns” during Prem’s time as a student. However, her statement acknowledged that the college had earlier issued him three Letters of Recommendation and one Bonafide Certificate. Social media users criticised Pune’s academic elite for perpetuating exclusion under the guise of meritocracy. Senior advocate Sanjay Hegde remarked that the case illustrated “the kind of merit-based gatekeeping that strengthens the argument for diversity quotas in all fields.” Academic commentator Prof. Ravikant observed that the ordeal revealed “the structural hate and humiliation marginalised caste students endure when seeking international opportunities.” Writer Raju Parulekar called the incident “an example of systemic Brahminism still dictating access to professional opportunities,” while advocate Priyadarshi Telang said the case shows how “caste discrimination can ripple across borders and derail lives.” Courtesy : Vartha Bharathi Note: This news is originally published on https:/varthabharathi.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Karnataka: Authorities deny permission for RSS march; tensions rise as Bhim Army, Indian Dalit Panthers plan protests
NEW DELHI: Local authorities in Chittapur, Karnataka, have denied permission for an RSS route march scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025, citing potential law and order disruptions. This decision comes amid tensions as the Bhim Army and Indian Dalit Panthers also sought permission for marches on the same route, and follows a recent state government order mandating prior permission for private organizations to use government property.The Chittapur Town Municipal Council removed RSS banners and cut-outs from the main road on Saturday under police protection, stating they were installed before obtaining route march permission. The state government’s new order, based on a Cabinet decision on Thursday, came after IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge wrote to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah requesting a ban on RSS activities in public places. “To prevent disruption of peace and law and order in Chittapur and to avoid any untoward incidents, permission for the RSS route march scheduled for 19-10-2025 is hereby denied, and the request application is rejected,” stated the Chittapur tahsildar’s order dated October 18. The RSS had applied for permission to conduct a route march and Vijayadashami programme at 3 PM on October 19 in Chittapur town, Kalaburagi district, to commemorate the organization’s centenary and Vijayadashami festival celebration. The situation became more complex when the Bhim Army informed authorities of their intention to conduct a march on the same route and date. This followed an incident where an RSS worker allegedly threatened Minister Priyank Kharge, leading to protests across Karnataka. “If the RSS, Bhim Army and Indian Dalit Panthers conduct processions in Chittapur town along the same route, there is a high possibility of clashes between the groups, which could disturb public peace and law and order. This assessment has been confirmed based on information collected from the public and police informants,” the tahsildar explained in the order. The Bhim Army State Youth Wing, Kalaburagi, expressed their opposition to the RSS march through a letter, stating it was intentionally planned against the minister’s statement. They, along with the Indian Dalit Panthers, requested permission for their own march on the same route. The tahsildar’s decision was supported by police reports and intelligence gathering, which indicated potential conflicts if multiple groups held simultaneous processions. A case had also been registered at Bengaluru’s Sadashivanagar Police Station regarding the threats against Minister Kharge. “Therefore, since simultaneous processions by the RSS, Bhim Army, and Indian Dalit Panthers on October 19 in Chittapur may lead to disturbances and adversely affect law and order, it is deemed inappropriate to grant permission for the same as per the report submitted by police in Chittapur,” concluded the tahsildar’s order. 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
Bihar polls: Congress releases second list of candidates; announces 5 nominees
NEW DELHI: The Congress party on Saturday announced its second list of candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, fielding nominees for Narkatiaganj, Kishanganj, Kasba, Purnia, and Gaya Town constituencies. Shaswat Kedar Pandey will contest from Narkatiaganj, while Qamrul Hoda has been fielded from Kishanganj. Irfan Alam, Jitender Yadav, and Mohan Shrivasta will represent the party in Kasba, Purnia, and Gaya Town, respectively. Earlier on Friday, Congress released its first list of 48 candidates. The Mahagathbandhan, which includes the RJD and Congress, has struggled to finalise a seat-sharing arrangement for the first phase of polls, whose nomination process ended on Friday. In some constituencies, the alliance is witnessing a “friendly fight” between its partners. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari alleged that the Mahagathbandhan is facing internal conflicts. He said, “Aapsi ladai ke patake Mahagathbandhan main phoot rahe hain.” He added, as quoted by ANI, “Mahagathbandhan in Bihar has till not officially announced its seat sharing. There are reports that RJD wants to have a candidate against the Congress Bihar President. Mahagathbandhan in Bihar is fighting a massive Internal tug of war: Rahul Gandhi has asked his party men to not focus on RJD seats. RJD workers are fighting against Congress workers on ground.” Bhandari further claimed, “Tejasvi Yadav and Mukesh Sahni have no face to show their workers; after been humiliated by Congress and Rahul Gandhi.” Meanwhile, earlier during the day, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) announced it will contest six Bihar seats independently, rather than as part of the Mahagathbandhan. Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor also weighed in on the electoral battle, saying, “INDIA alliance is going to finish third this time. The fight is between the NDA and Jan Suraaj.” Polling for the Bihar elections will take place on November 6 and 11, with results scheduled for November 14. With the election season underway, campaign activities have intensified, especially in constituencies going to the polls in the first phase. 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
Jully demands judicial probe into Dalit student’s suspicious death
Jaipur: Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully visited SMS Hospital Friday to meet the family of Dheeraj Kumar, a Dalit student who died under mysterious circumstances at Navodaya Vidyalaya in Neem Ka Thana on Oct 14. He demanded a judicial inquiry into the matter and the prompt arrest of those involved. Kumar’s family, which alleges foul play in his death, has been protesting outside the mortuary and refusing to conduct his last rites. They are demanding a judicial investigation into the circumstances leading to his death. Accompanied by MLAs Suresh Modi and Harimohan Sharma, Jully met the grieving family and demanded that the BJP govt in the state take crimes against Dalits seriously and take steps to restore the community’s confidence. Jully assured the family of raising the matter of Kumar’s death in the Assembly and at the administrative level. “There has been much negligence from the govt in this matter. There was no mention of suicide when the child was initially admitted to the hospital on Oct 8. If this was indeed a case of suicide, why was the family not informed of it at the outset?” Jully asked, Expressing surprise at what he termed the BJP government’s ‘anti-Dalit attitude’, Jully said the govt has utterly failed to help Kumar’s family. “On one hand, you can help some people with up to Rs 25 lakhs in compensation and pay their private hospital bills. On the other hand, because Kumar was a Dalit, you don’t have even one rupee for his family”, he 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
‘Will take my own life if they aren’t arrested’:Dalit youth in Katni allegedly urinated on by Sarpanch & son, fears stepping out of home
A Dalit youth in Katni, Madhya Pradesh, was brutally beaten, urinated on, and threatened by the village Sarpanch Ramanuj Pandey, his son Pawan Pandey, nephew Satish Pandey, and employee Ram Bihari Haldkar. He had protested against illegal mining on government land. The youth says all accused are absconding and has threatened suicide if no action is taken. Incident location and timeline The incident occurred on October 13 around 6 PM near a murram mine on Ghatiya Ramgadh hill in the Sleemanabad police station area, 40 km from Katni district headquarters. The youth spotted illegal excavation using a JCB and asked where the material was going. Ram Bihari Haldkar verbally abused him with a caste slur and threatened to kill him. Attack on youth and mother While returning home, the youth and his mother were blocked by a tractor. They were grabbed and dragged. The youth was beaten with iron rods, kicked, and Pawan Pandey urinated on his face. His mother’s braid was pulled, and she was slapped and thrown down. The accused threatened to kill the youth if he went to the police. Hospitalisation and police complaint The youth was admitted to a government hospital for three days due to serious injuries. On October 16, he approached the Katni SP office to lodge a complaint. Initially, police asked him to wander between stations, call the other party, and provide a caste certificate. Finally, a case was registered at Sleemanabad police station under the SC/ST Act, assault, and intimidation against four accused. Supporters of Sarpanch visit SP office On October 17, around 17–20 people from the village went to the SP office supporting the Sarpanch. They demanded an impartial investigation and claimed the allegations were baseless. They had travelled in a bus parked at the village entrance before leaving for Katni. Victim’s past complaints The youth had a history of activism against corruption. In 2021–22, he was a Panchayat mate, removed later, and opposed Sarpanch’s work. Since 2023, he filed complaints under RTI and the CM Helpline about Panchayat corruption, fund mismanagement, Anganwadi payments, and poor construction quality. Around 15 complaints were registered through the CM Helpline. He also petitioned the High Court for information on fund usage, and the court issued a notice to the Panchayati Rural Development Department. Despite these actions, illegal mining continued, and the youth faced attacks due to this opposition. Mother’s account The mother said she begged the accused to stop, but they did not listen. She watched helplessly as her son was beaten severely and threatened. She demanded strict action against the perpetrators. Sarpanch’s statement Sarpanch Ramanuj Pandey denied all allegations, calling them a conspiracy. He claimed the youth held a grudge since losing the 2022 Panchayat elections by three votes. He stated the murram extraction was authorised by the Tehsildar, and police were informed. Political response Azad Samaj Party (Kanshiram) national president MP Chandrashekhar Azad contacted the youth on October 17, promising justice. He warned that if the accused are not arrested within 24 hours, he would personally go to Katni and agitate. Statewide protests against the attack are also planned. Mohd Ajaz Khan, Katni 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
Uttar Pradesh News: FIR Filed Against ITI Principal, Staff For Harassing Dalit Woman Employee In Ballia
Police in Ballia, UP, have filed an FIR against the Government ITI principal Amit Kumar Dwivedi and two instructors, Ravindra Singh and Dhananjay Singh, for allegedly harassing Dalit employee Arun Kumari. She was reportedly subjected to caste-based abuses, pressured to take voluntary retirement, and threatened when she complained. Ballia (UP): Police has filed an FIR against the Government Industrial Training Institute’s principal and two employees for allegedly harassing a Dalit woman employee, officials said on Friday. Kotwali SHO Kshitij Tripathi said a case was registered based on the complaint filed by the husband of a woman employee at the institute. The accused have been identified as principal Amit Kumar Dwivedi, radio instructor Ravindra Singh, and electrical instructor Dhananjay Singh. Citing the FIR, Tripathi said the complainant’s wife, Arun Kumari, was employed as a work manager at the institute. On October 14, Ravindra and Dhananjay allegedly used caste-based abuses when Kumari was at work and “pressured” her to take voluntary retirement, he said. When she complained about the incident to the principal, he, too, allegedly used caste-based slurs, according to the complaint. Kumari’s husband alleged that the principal “threatened” her with death and asked her to leave the job. (Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.) Courtesy : TFPJ Note: This news is originally published on https:/thefreepostjournal.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
RaGa’s lawyer to reply by Nov 7 to plea on facts linked to Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination
Pune: A special MP/MLA court in Pune on Friday granted time till Nov 7 to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s lawyer Milind Pawar to file a written submission on an application by Satyaki Savarkar, the grandnephew of Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, regarding certain historical facts related to Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. In a plea filed on Sept 10, Satyaki had contested claims that Nathuram Godse’s family had to face social boycott after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. Satyaki also referred to other related issues besides taking an exception to a pursis (information to court) filed and subsequently withdrawn by Pawar. He sought Rahul’s presence in person. The court had directed Pawar to file his response. On Friday, Pawar filed an application seeking adequate time to examine facts before they can submit a written response as sought by the court. Rahul Gandhi is facing a defamation case, filed by Satyaki, before the special court over alleged objectionable remarks made by him against the Hindutva icon Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in his March 2023 speech in London. 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
Lynching victim kin being treated like goons, claims Rahul
Lucknow: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday met the family of Hariom Valmiki, a Dalit lynched by villagers in Rae Bareli, and pledged support to victims of caste atrocities across the country. The Leader of Opposition spent about 25 minutes with the family in Fatehpur district during which he spoke with Hariom’s father Gangadeen, brother Shivam, and sister Kusum and offered condolences and support. The meeting came hours after Hariom’s brother released a video stating that the family was satisfied with the govt’s action and urged the Congress leader not to politicise the case by visiting their home in Rae Bareli. “Ministers have met us, and we received financial aid and jobs. My brother’s killers are behind bars. We request Rahul Gandhi and other party leaders not to do politics over this,” Shivam said in the video, flanked by his father and sister. Despite the appeal, the Rae Bareli MP went ahead with his visit and interacted with the family. Speaking to reporters later, Gandhi said, “This family committed no crime, yet they are being treated like criminals and kept captive in their home. Dalits are being murdered and raped across the country. I urge the chief minister to ensure justice, respect, and security for them instead of protecting criminals.” He said, “Dalit oppression is at its peak under this government.” He also cited the latest National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) figures, which shows that Uttar Pradesh leads the country in cases of Dalit persecution. Rahul said his party would continue to stand with Dalit victims. “Wherever atrocities are committed against Dalits, Congress will reach out, help them, and fight for justice,” he said. In the hours before his visit, posters appeared in the locality near Hariom’s home, reading, “Dard ko mat bhunao, vapas jao (don’t encash our pain, go back).” Congress members were seen in videos tearing down those posters. The Congress alleged that the family’s video statement was made under govt pressure. Hariom Valmiki was lynched on October 2 in Dandepur Jamunapur village of Rae Bareli after being mistaken for a drone thief. He was allegedly dragged, stripped, and assaulted by a mob of about 100 people who accused him of theft. 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 Student Loses London Job As Pune College Refuses To Issue Reference Letter; “Disciplinary Considerations,” Says Principal
A promising young Dalit scholar from Maharashtra, Premvardhan Narottam Birhade, has reportedly lost a job offer at London’s Heathrow Airport after his former college in Pune allegedly refused to verify his academic credentials. A promising young Dalit scholar from Maharashtra, Premvardhan Narottam Birhade, has reportedly lost a job offer at London’s Heathrow Airport after his former college in Pune allegedly refused to verify his academic credentials. The denial, reportedly made by Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, has triggered outrage across social media and drawn allegations of caste discrimination from political leaders and activists. Meanwhile, the principal in question Dr Nivedita Gajanan Ekbote, who also serves as Maharashtra vice-president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, said in a statement that the decision to refuse to issue an Education Reference in this case “is purely based on institutional norms, disciplinary considerations, and professional ethics, and has no connection whatsoever with the student’s social or community background.” Prem, a native of Nandurbar district and a recent graduate of the University of Sussex, had been selected for an employment programme at Heathrow following his postgraduate studies. According to posts shared by Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi (VBA) president Prakash Ambedkar and also the videos posted by Prem himself, the opportunity fell through after the Pune college declined to confirm his educational background despite all required documents being submitted. In his public statement, Ambedkar accused the college’s administration of caste bias, alleging that the refusal was motivated by discrimination against Scheduled Caste students. “The same college had verified his documents when he went abroad to study,” Ambedkar said, adding that the administration later questioned Birhade about his caste when he sought verification for employment. “Prem’s case symbolises the persistent shadow of caste prejudice that continues to haunt Dalit youth, even after they overcome the hardest social and economic barriers,” he remarked. Ambedkar, also the grandson of Dr BR Ambedkar, also pointed out that Modern College’s principal, Dr Nivedita Gajanan Ekbote, serves as Maharashtra vice-president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, suggesting that her political links might have influenced institutional behaviour. However, Dr Ekbote has firmly denied the allegations. In an official statement, she described the claims as false and defamatory, asserting that the college acted purely in accordance with institutional policy and disciplinary records. “The student completed his education prior to my tenure as principal, and I have never personally known or taught him,” she clarified. According to Ekbote, the college had already provided Birhade with three Letters of Recommendation and a Bonafide Certificate in the past, fulfilling its academic obligations. She said the refusal to issue another letter stemmed from “disciplinary considerations” related to his prior record, not his community background. Ekbote further contended that Birhade’s social media posts had unfairly maligned the college’s reputation and amounted to harassment. “The refusal to issue an Education Reference in this case is purely based on institutional norms, disciplinary considerations, and professional ethics,” her statement read. She requested the authorities legal action against what she termed “false and inflammatory content” circulating online and reaffirmed that the institution “upholds the highest standards of equality, inclusivity, and respect for all communities.” Prakash Ambedkar’s statement: “Prem Birhade, a young Dalit who recently graduated from the prestigious University of Sussex, was forced to forfeit a hard-earned employment opportunity at Heathrow Airport in London. The reason? His former college, Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce in Pune, refused to verify his academic credentials, despite him submitting all required documentation. Why? Because Prem is a Dalit! The college’s principal, Dr. Nivedita Gajanan Ekbote, also serves as the Maharashtra Vice-President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, the youth wing of the BJP. Given her political and ideological alignment with the Manuwadi BJP, one can only imagine the extent to which caste prejudice must have shaped her actions against SC, ST, OBC students in her academic career. The same verification was provided when Prem had gone to London to study. When Prem requested the same verification again for his job, the college’s administration enquired of his caste! Prem’s journey from Nardubar, a poor Tribal district, to UK was not easy one. Prem’s case is a glaring example of how systemic caste discrimination continues to haunt Dalit youth, even after they break through enormous social and economic barriers. This case demands urgent attention and accountability. Prem’s story is not just his own, it is the story of countless Dalit students whose aspirations are crushed because of caste-discrimination.” Dr Nivedita Gajanan Ekbote’s statement: “Respected Sir/Madam, I, Prof. Dr. Nivedita G. Ekbote, Principal, Modern College of Arts, Science & Commerce (Autonomous), Shivajinagar, Pune – 411005, wish to bring to your kind attention a serious issue of harassment, defamation, and deliberate misuse of social media by a former student of this college, Mr. Premvardhan Narottam Birhade, who was admitted to the BBA program in June 2020 and passed in January 2024. The said individual has been continuously posting false, misleading, and defamatory statements on social media, attempting to malign the image of the college, its staff members, and the Principal. It is important to note that the student completed his education prior to my tenure as Principal, and I have never personally known or taught him. Furthermore, the student has already been issued three Letters of Recommendation (LORs) and one Bonafide Certificate by the college administration in the past, thereby fulfilling all his legitimate academic documentation requirements. Recently, he approached the college once again, demanding that an Education Reference for employment purposes be issued under my signature. Considering his unsatisfactory conduct and disciplinary record during his tenure as a student, and as per institutional policy, the college decided not to issue any further recommendation or reference letter. Following this, he began publishing false, defamatory, and inflammatory videos on various social media platforms, falsely alleging that the college, Dr. Anjali Sardesai (Vice-Principal, Academics), Prof. Lawly Das (Head, BBA Department), and the undersigned are discriminating against him on caste grounds. I wish to categorically state that no such instance
Woman held over Dalit boy’s death
The case triggered outrage across the state. Many condemned the caste-based discrimination, while some claimed the boy had a habit of stealing. The woman said she had caught him stealing from her shop, but the boy’s family denied the allegation. After her surrender plea was rejected, police arrested a woman late on Wednesday night for allegedly beating and abetting the suicide of a 12-year-old Dalit boy in Limbra village, Chirgaon. She was produced in court on Thursday and sent to three-day police custody. Rohru DSP Pranav Chauhan said a case had been registered under Sections 107 (abetment of suicide of a child), 127 (wrongful confinement), and 115 (voluntarily causing hurt) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. He said further investigation was underway. On September 16, a Dalit boy allegedly consumed poison after being beaten and locked in a cowshed by the accused woman for touching her house. He was taken to IGMC, where he died the next day. Following his death, the boy’s parents approached the police, demanding her arrest. The woman later sought anticipatory bail, which the court rejected. The case triggered outrage across the state. Many condemned the caste-based discrimination, while some claimed the boy had a habit of stealing. The woman said she had caught him stealing from her shop, but the boy’s family denied the allegation. The Scheduled Caste Commission expressed dissatisfaction with the police probe and ordered the suspension of ASI Manjeet, the Investigating Officer in tge case. The Commission also sought an explanation from the DSP. Commission chairman Kuldeep Kumar Dhiman accused the police of not taking the case seriously. He said the FIR was filed on September 20, but the SC/ST Act sections were not added initially, which was a serious lapse on the part of the police and caused unnecessary delay in justice. He added that the victim’s family had clearly mentioned in their complaint that the accused called their child “untouchable” and demanded a goat to “purify” her house. “Despite this, a case under SC/ST Act was not registered by the police at that time and were only applied later,” Dhiman said. He further said the Commission had asked the Rohru DSP to submit a report within three days, but it was delayed and reached only on October 14. Courtesy : NAI Note: This news is originally published on https:/newsarenaindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights