Major Decision by Pilibhit POCSO Court: 20 Years for Rapist of Dalit Minor, 10 Years for Conspirator
The special POCSO court in Pilibhit has delivered its verdict in a highly controversial 2018 case. The female accomplice who lured the minor to the scene has also been sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. Pilibhit/Uttar Pradesh: A special POCSO court has sentenced a 25-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a minor Dalit girl in 2018. Additionally, a 35-year-old woman, a family friend of the victim, has also been sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment under criminal conspiracy (Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code) for luring the girl to the scene. This significant verdict was delivered by Special Judge (POCSO) Geeta Singh on Tuesday evening. The court also imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh on the convicted, Vipin, and ₹50,000 on his accomplice, Kaushalya Devi. What was the entire case? According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on May 18, 2018. At around 2 p.m., Kaushalya Devi took the 15-year-old victim out of her home in a village in Pilibhit district on the pretext of defecation and asked her to keep watch. Vipin, then 18, was already waiting in a sugarcane field. The court was told, “He dragged the girl inside the field and raped her.” The heinous crime came to light when the victim later narrated the entire ordeal to her mother. Subsequently, based on a written complaint from the victim’s father, the police initially registered an FIR under Section 354 (assault with intent to outrage the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code, as well as relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) and the SC/ST Act. The Truth Revealed in the Investigation Government Prosecutor Anil Kumar Sharma explained, “The girl did not disclose the rape when filing her written complaint to protect her dignity. However, when the medical examination confirmed the crime, the police added Section 376 (rape) to the FIR. The girl later emphasized this in her court statement under Section 164 of the CrPC.” After collecting all the evidence and witness statements, the police filed a charge sheet on April 3, 2021. Both Vipin and Kaushalya Devi were arrested the day after the incident but were later released on bail. Court’s Final Verdict The judge also ruled that if the accused fail to pay the fine, Vipin’s sentence will be extended by six months and Kaushalya Devi’s sentence will be extended by three months. The court ordered that the entire fine amount be given to the victim. In addition, the District Legal Services Authority has been directed to provide additional financial assistance to the girl under Rule 7 of the POCSO Act. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Tamil Nadu: Dalit children on their way to school stopped by elderly woman brandishing a stick, video sparks outrage
The video shows a shameful scene, Dalit children insulted by calling them “Eliya Sathi” (aliya sathi). Find out what the whole story is. Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu: A shocking and shameful case of caste discrimination, still deeply ingrained in society, has come to light in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. In Kollanagarai village, some Dalit children were allegedly stopped by an elderly woman brandishing a stick and walking on a dirt road. The video of the entire incident has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread anger. The viral video clearly shows a young man walking with some schoolchildren when an elderly woman, armed with a stick, blocks their path. Despite the young man’s efforts to move the stick aside, the woman repeatedly attempts to stop them from moving forward. Insulted by being called “Eliya Sathi” Reacting sharply to the incident, Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front state president Chellakannu strongly condemned the act. He explained that the elderly woman used the term “Eliya Sathi” to stop the children, which is a highly derogatory term used for Dalits. What is the entire road dispute? Chellakannu, explaining the incident, explained that the road over which the dispute arose is a normal dirt road. It is listed in government records as “Vandi Pathai,” meaning the road is authorized for vehicular traffic. He further said, “Recently, some locals encroached upon this road by planting banana trees. This blocked the children’s direct route to school, forcing them to take a detour of approximately one and a half kilometers around a reservoir. This continued for 18 days, before some young men from the area intervened.” It is reported that this encroachment was reported to the authorities three months ago, after which the Tehsildar intervened and the road was reopened. Police launched an investigation After the video of the incident surfaced, the police administration swung into action. Police have launched a preliminary investigation into the matter, although no FIR has been filed as of the time of writing this report. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Tamil Nadu: Case filed against woman and her family for obstructing Dalit students
An FIR has been filed against an elderly woman and her family for obstructing Dalit students from using a “public path” in Thanjavur; villagers were forced to walk 1.5 km. Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu: Local police have filed a case against an elderly woman and her family for obstructing Dalit students from using a “public path.” They are accused of allegedly preventing a group of students belonging to the Dalit community from using a nearby public path. The obstruction is visible in the video. The incident occurred on Friday morning in Kollangarai village in Thanjavur taluk. A video that surfaced on social media clearly shows some students wearing school uniforms and carrying school bags walking through a street. An elderly woman, holding a stick in her hand, steps in to stop them. She shouts, warning them not to use that path. Police launch investigation Given the seriousness of the matter, a senior Thanjavur taluk police official confirmed that an FIR has been registered. “An FIR has been registered against the woman and her family members. However, no arrests have been made so far. The investigation is ongoing,” the official told news agency PTI on Saturday. Dispute over ‘vehicle route’ Villagers complained that they were being prevented by family members from using the common path, locally known as ‘vandi pathai’ or ‘vehicle route’. Previously, villagers alleged that they were forced to take a longer route. They had to travel an additional distance of approximately 1.5 kilometers by circling a water body to reach their destination. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Demand for a 1% Separate Quota: Karnataka’s Nomadic, ‘Untouchable’ Communities to Take to the Streets of Delhi on October 2
The protest is being organized by the Confederation of Untouchable Nomadic Communities of Karnataka, which represents 59 communities whose traditional livelihoods often still depend on begging, street art, and nomadic labor. New Delhi—Thousands of members of Karnataka’s most disadvantaged communities will gather in the national capital on Gandhi Jayanti to demand the implementation of a separate 1% reservation quota originally recommended by a state-appointed committee. The protest is being organized by the Confederation of Untouchable Nomadic Communities of Karnataka, which represents 59 communities whose traditional livelihoods often still depend on begging, street art, and nomadic labor. This gathering in Delhi is the latest chapter in the fight for reservation within the Scheduled Caste (SC) category in Karnataka. The focus of the controversy is the Karnataka government’s recent internal reservation policy, implemented on August 19th. This policy divided the SC quota into: Category A (SC Left): 6% Category B (SC Right): 6% Category C (Touchable SC): 5% Nomadic communities have been placed in the 5% “Touchable SC” category (Category C). They argue that this contradicts the Justice Nagmohan Das Committee’s recommendation, which specifically recommended creating a separate 1% reservation for them within Category A, ensuring them first priority in government jobs and educational admissions. The communities allege that by placing them in Category C, the state government has effectively deprived them of their legitimate share and priority, forcing them to compete with larger, more influential groups. Frustrated by what they call the “helplessness” of the Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the communities are now taking their petition to the national opposition. The federation said, “The Delhi mission is a final appeal to the conscience of the nation. This gathering is not just a peaceful delegation; it is a final appeal.” On October 2, the delegation will march to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) office to submit a memorandum to Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders. The memorandum will urge them to intervene to ensure the implementation of the separate 1% reservation originally recommended in Karnataka. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
After speaking to Stalin, Rahul calls Vijay
Chennai: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had a telephonic conversation with TVK chief and actor Vijay on Sunday evening to extend his condolences in the wake of Karur stampede, in which 41 people, including women and children, died. Vijay and Rahul last met in 2009, amidst speculation that Vijay had expressed keenness to join Congress. “Rahul spoke to Vijay on Sunday. During his brief conversation, the Congress leader conveyed his condolences following the tragic deaths of his supporters,” said a senior Congress leader. Rahul spoke to Vijay after he spoke to chief minister M K Stalin. Congress sources indicated Rahul informed CM Stalin of his intention to speak to Vijay, considering the gravity of the incident. Acknowledging the call from Rahul Gandhi, Stalin posted on X, “Thank you, my dear brother Thiru. @RahulGandhi, for reaching out to me over phone, conveying your heartfelt concern over the tragic incident in #Karur, and sincerely inquiring about measures taken to save precious lives of those under treatment.” AICC TN in-charge Girish Chodankar on Monday visited Karur at behest of Rahul. Chodankar said Rahul’s calls should not be interpreted as political. “He spoke to both (Stalin and Vijay). He wanted to speak to people of TN in the wake of the tragedy that claimed many lives. His intention was to inquire, and there was nothing beyond that,” Chodankar told TOI. He said Rahul’s actions were entirely based on humanitarian concerns. TNCC chief K Selvaperunthagai accompanied Chodankar on his visit. AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal will visit Karur on Tuesday to provide financial aid of 1 crore to bereaved families. Selvaperunthagai came down hard on opponents for politicizing the tragedy. “Govt has constituted a one-person inquiry commission headed by retired judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan, who also headed the inquiry commission constituted by the previous AIADMK regime to probe Tuticorin police firing. Let us wait for interim report of the commission,” he told reporters in Karur. 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
Rajasthan: ABVP beats Dalit student for not attending Satish Poonia’s event; case filed under SC-ST Act
Kamal Kishore suffered a fractured finger and deep injuries to his ribs and abdomen in the attack. He is currently undergoing treatment at Mathuradas Mathur Hospital in Jodhpur. Upon receiving news of the incident, members of Dalit organizations also reached Bhagat Ki Kothi police station to register their protest. Rajasthan: A Dalit student living in a hostel on the New Campus campus, located in the Bhagat Ki Kothi police station area of Jodhpur, has been assaulted. The victim has filed a report against former student leader Ravindra Singh Banta and others at Bhagat Ki Kothi police station. The incident occurred at the New Campus of Jai Narayan Vyas University in Jodhpur. According to reports, the student suffered severe consequences for not attending a political meeting. Students affiliated with the ABVP assaulted him. The victim has filed a complaint against the accused, which the police have filed under the SC-ST Act. Student leader Ravindra Singh Banta attacked Kamal Kishore, a resident of Jaisalmer, said that he is a final-year B.Sc. student at the New Campus of Jai Narayan Vyas University. This morning, around 10:30 a.m., while he was lying in his hostel room, students affiliated with a party entered the hostel and called everyone to welcome BJP leader Satish Poonia. During this time, many students left the hostel, but for some reason, Kamal Kishore was unable to go. Meanwhile, student leader Ravindra Singh Banta and three or four of his associates attacked Kamal Kishore. Fractured finger and deep injuries to the ribs and abdomen Kamal Kishore suffered a fractured finger and deep injuries to the ribs and abdomen in the attack. The injured Kamal Kishore is currently undergoing treatment at Mathuradas Mathur Hospital in Jodhpur. Upon learning of the incident, members of Dalit organizations also reached Bhagat Ki Kothi police station and lodged a protest. Kamal Kishore says that he had not attended the event due to personal reasons, but was attacked with casteist slurs. A case has been registered under the SC-ST Act. The police calmed the students on the spot and, after receiving the victim’s report, began investigating the matter. Bhagat Ki Kothi police station officer Rajiv Bhadu stated that Kamal Kishore, a final-year BSc student living in the New Campus hostel of Jai Narayan Vyas University, filed a report. He accused former student leader Ravindra Singh Banta and others of assaulting him with casteist slurs. Considering the matter serious, the police have registered a case under the SC-ST Act and initiated further action. Reported by: Arun Harsh, Edited by: Iqbal Khan Courtesy: Hindi News
ETV Bharat Impact: Govt Grant Revives Durga Puja Of Dalits In Malda
For decades, the marginalised Harijan para had kept the tradition alive under a dilapidated tin shed, often bringing priests from Bihar to perform rituals. Samsi (Malda): A century-old Durga Puja of the Harijan community in Ratanpur village, Ratua Block No.1, has been revived after government funds arrived at the eleventh hour. Thanks to an ETV Bharat report highlighting the Durga Puja’s imminent closure. For decades, the marginalised Harijan para, a locality of Dalits, had kept the tradition alive under a dilapidated tin shed, often bringing priests from Bihar to perform rituals. But this year, the puja faced cancellation as donations dried up. Locals alleged they were shunned by other communities, who refused to contribute because of caste bias. On September 11, ETV Bharat reported the crisis. Within days, the administration stepped in, and the puja was brought under government grant. On Saturday, Ratua MLA Samar Mukherjee and Maltipur MLA Abdur Rahim Bakshi inaugurated the puja by handing over a cheque of Rs 1.1 lakh to the organisers. Panchayat members, police officials, and community leaders were also present. “In Bengal, no one is left behind. If Muslim families can celebrate Durga Puja in Malda, why should Harijans be deprived?” MLA Mukherjee said. The revival has sparked unprecedented enthusiasm in the village. Women have been decorating the altar daily, an unsold idol was sourced locally, and a new pandal now stands where only a shed existed before. Community members expressed gratitude both to the government and to ETV Bharat. “Earlier, no one gave us donations because we were lower caste. This time, thanks to Didi’s help, we are celebrating the biggest puja of our lives,” said Sunita Harijan, who rushed from her in-laws’ home to join the festivities. Another villager, Bibha Harijan, said, “Had the problem not been raised, the puja would have stopped forever.” Started nearly 100 years ago by Radhika Harijan, the tradition has now been restored to full glory to add dash to Bengal’s festive spirit. Courtesy : ETV Bharat Note: This news is originally published on https:/etvbharat.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Congress seeks Basavaraj Patil Yatnal’s apology for offending Dalit women
President of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee’s SC/ST Cell R. Dharmasena sought an apology from MLA for Vijayapura Basavaraj Patil Yatnal for his statement offending Dalit women. Speaking to reporters here on Sunday, Mr. Dharmasena, a former MLC, said Mr. Yatnal has stated that the right to shower flowers on Goddess Chamundeshwari vested with a ‘Sanatani’ and even an ordinary Dalit woman has no right to shower flowers on the Goddess. Mr. Yatnal’s statement was in the context of State government inviting International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to launch this year’s Mysuru Dasara in Mysuru. “When there was a lot of criticism over his statement, Mr. Yatnal gave a rejoinder that his statement was wrongly interpreted and that he wanted Dalit woman to inaugurate Mysuru Dasara,” Mr. Dharmasena said. He said that Mr. Yatnal should apologise for his statement, which has hurt many Dalits. If he fails to do, then the SC/ST cell will stage protests at all public functions that will be attended by Mr. Yatnal. Raghava M Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit student assaulted at Jodhpur University hostel; ABVP leader among accused
Jodhpur: A Dalit student at Jai Narayan Vyas University’s New Campus in Jodhpur was allegedly assaulted inside the university hostel, with an ABVP leader named among the accused. Police have registered a case under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The victim, Kamal Kishore, a final-year B.Sc student from Jaisalmer, alleged that the attack occurred after he chose not to attend a welcome event for BJP leader Satish Poonia. While many students participated, Kishore remained in his hostel room. According to his complaint, ABVP leader Ravindra Singh Banta and three to four associates forcibly entered the hostel and physically attacked him, hurling casteist slurs. Kishore sustained a finger fracture and serious injuries around his ribs and stomach. He is undergoing treatment at Mathuradas Mathur Hospital in Jodhpur. The incident sparked protests by Dalit organizations, who gathered at Bhagat Ki Kothi police station demanding strict action. Station officer Rajeev Bhadu confirmed that the case has been registered and that investigations are underway. Courtesy : Vartha Bharati Note: This news is originally published on https:/varthabharati.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Karur stampede: Rahul Gandhi dials Vijay; offers condolences after 41 declared dead
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi dialed TVK chief actor-politician Vijay, to convey his condolences over the death of supporters in the Karur stampede, reported news agency ANI citing sources. On Sunday, the Congress leader also called Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin to express his condolences and inquire about the incident. The stampede took place during a political event in Karur organized by TVK. The death toll from Saturday night’s rally, led by actor-politician Vijay, rose to 41 by Monday. More than 60 people were hospitalized, including a two-year-old boy, the youngest among the victims. The Tamil Nadu government has formed a one man commission (Instituting a former judge) to investigate the matter. The tragic incident has raised concerns about crowd management and safety protocols. Former Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has raised questions regarding the government’s preparedness and preventive measures. EPS sought clarity on the circumstances that led to the tragedy and questioned whether adequate safety arrangements were in place to manage the crowd at the event. The former chief minister’s remarks add to the growing discourse on accountability and the need for stringent crowd control mechanisms to avoid such incidents in the future. 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