20 years jail to man for raping Dalit minor, woman accomplice gets 10 yrs in prison
Pilibhit: A special Pocso court has sentenced a 25-year-old farmer to 20 years in jail for raping a minor Dalit girl in 2018. His 35-year-old female accomplice, a family friend of the girl, was handed a 10-year term under IPC section 120B (criminal conspiracy) for luring her to the spot. The judgment was delivered on Tuesday evening by special judge (Pocso) Geeta Singh, who also imposed fines of Rs 1 lakh on convict Vipin and Rs 50,000 on Kaushalya Devi. Prosecution said that around 2 pm on May 18, 2018, Kaushalya Devi took the 15-year-old out of her house at a village in Pilibhit district on the pretext of answering nature’s call and asked her to stand guard. Vipin, then 18, was already waiting in a sugarcane field. “He dragged the girl deep inside the field and raped her,” the court was told. The matter came to light when the girl later confided in her mother. Based on a written complaint filed by her father, police initially registered an FIR under IPC section 354 (assault or criminal force to outrage a woman’s modesty), along with relevant provisions of the Pocso and SC/ST Acts. Public prosecutor Anil Kumar Sharma told TOI, “The girl did not disclose the rape at the time of filing the written complaint for the sake of protecting her dignity. However, after her medical examination confirmed the crime, police added section 376 (rape) to the FIR, and she also asserted it during her court statement under CrPC section 164.” Police filed a chargesheet on April 3, 2021, after collecting evidence and witness statements. Both Vipin and Kaushalya Devi were arrested the day after the incident but were later released on bail. The judge further ruled that if the convicts failed to pay the fines, Vipin’s sentence will be extended by six months and Devi’s by three months. The court also ordered that the fine amount be given to the girl, and directed the district legal services authority to provide her additional financial assistance under Rule 7 of the Pocso Act, Sharma said. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit Men ‘Beaten’ Over Temple Entry In Rajasthan’s Churu
The incident, which occurred at Sadasar village on Sunday, led to protests outside the local police station. Jaipur : A group of Dalit men was allegedly assaulted for attempting to enter a temple during a religious procession at a village in Rajasthan’s Churu district, police said on Monday. The incident, which occurred at Sadasar village on Sunday, led to protests outside the local police station on Monday. According to an FIR lodged by Kanaram Meghwal, the incident took place on Sunday evening during a religious procession held after the conclusion of a ‘Bhagwat Katha’. The ‘shobhayatra’ (procession) was taken out from the recital venue to a nearby temple, and when Meghwal and a few others were entering the shrine for ‘darshan’, they were stopped by some villages, including Surdas Swami, Shankarlal, Himmat Kumar and Anil, the FIR said. The complainant alleged that the accused prevented them from entering the temple for being Dalits, and assaulted them. DSP Satyanarayan Godara said there was a rush at the entrance of the temple and Meghwal and others were asked to wait when an argument broke out between the two groups. “A case has been registered against four persons who are absconding. A search is on to trace them,” the DSP said. Courtesy : NDTV Note: This news is originally published on https:/ndtv.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit families in Erode stage protest seeking patta
Urging the District Administration to allot 250 acres of land to Dalit families in Mathur village, Anthiyur taluk, as promised three decades ago, residents staged a protest at the Collectorate here on Wednesday (September 24, 2025). Led by S. Karuppaiah, State president of the Dalit Liberation Movement – Tamil Nadu, the families said the State government, in 1956, had earmarked over 1,000 acres for Dalit families in the western districts. However, they claimed that many of the beneficiaries were later evicted, and the land was encroached upon by other communities. According to them, large portions of land that were originally meant for Arunthathiyar and Paraiyar families in Gobichettipalayam and Anthiyur taluks have been occupied by individuals from other communities. They pointed out that the land in Mathur village remains under government control and is classified as forest land. Hence, they demanded to allot it to Dalit families in the village. Later, officials held talks with the protesters. The Hindu Bureau 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
Govt plans scheme for free entrance exam coaching for Dalit students
New Delhi: Delhi govt is planning to launch a welfare scheme to provide IAS, JEE, medical and other competitive examination coaching for free to Dalit students. The scheme is expected to be similar to the previous AAP govt’s Dalit scholarship initiative, which has become non-operational due to allegations of irregularities. Two officials familiar with the development said BJP govt wanted to provide structured academic support to Dalit students, many of whom couldn’t afford crucial private coaching. “The educational support for Dalit students has been a longstanding demand of Dalit organisations and student groups. They have been urging authorities to ensure that talented students are not denied opportunities due to a lack of financial resources,” said one of them. “Minister Ravinder Indraj has asked the department to prepare a comprehensive scheme and submit it for consideration. The work will begin shortly,” he added. In 2017, AAP govt launched Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana to provide free coaching to economically disadvantaged SC students for various competitive and entrance exams. It subsequently became non-functional due to alleged financial irregularities and non-payment to coaching institutes. The anti-corruption branch is investigating the allegations. The SC/ST/OBC/minorities welfare department will prepare the scheme, which is likely to cover tuition fees at empanelled coaching institutes and may also include stipends to help students sustain themselves during the preparation. Officials said all details were still at the planning stage. The department will seek inputs from the finance and law departments. “The scheme is expected to include stricter monitoring mechanisms to make it foolproof and ensure that it serves its intended purpose with higher transparency and accountability. A formal announcement is likely soon,” the official 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
3 transgender persons booked for obscene dance at Navi Mumbai traffic signal
Navi Mumbai: Nerul police booked three miscreant transgenders for performing an obscene dance after stopping vehicles at a traffic signal under the Nerul flyover on the Sion-Panvel highway on Tuesday morning. Nerul police said that the accused transgender persons were detained and escorted to the police station, where an FIR was registered against them under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) section 296 for performing obscene acts in public places or singing/reciting obscene songs, ballads, or words in or near public places, if done to the annoyance of others, along with Section 3(5) for common intention. The accused were released after being served notice under Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) section 35(3), directing them to appear for questioning whenever summoned for inquiry. A police officer said that yet another offence under the Maharashtra Police Act was registered against four other transgender persons a couple of days ago for creating a nuisance at a traffic signal in Nerul. Legal action is being taken after several verbal complaints against the transgender persons deliberately blocking the way of vehicles for seeking alms and causing inconvenience and annoyance to motorists. 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 will stand by its word, says Revanth
Hyderabad: The extended meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) in Patna on Wednesday adopted resolutions promising ‘10 Guarantees’ to the people of Bihar, on the lines of Telangana’s ‘Six Guarantees’. According to the sources, the CWC’s ‘10 Guarantees’ to the people of Bihar are similar to the Telangana and Karnataka models, where guarantees (poll promises) were given, following which the party secured power in the two states. During his address at the CWC meeting, chief minister A Revanth Reddy explained about the caste survey conducted in Telangana as per the promise made by Rahul Gandhi. Revanth reportedly assured the people of Bihar that every promise and guarantee made by Rahul Gandhi will be implemented in Bihar too, if the Congress is voted to power. Revanth also explained about two bills passed in the Telangana assembly, one extending 42% reservations to the BCs, and another removing the 50% cap on total reservations in local bodies. He alleged that these bills are pending with the President of India, with the BJP intentionally stopping their approval. The CWC meeting praised the Congress govt’s efforts to promote social justice through the caste survey, 42% BC quota, SC categorisation and the implementation of all promises made by Rahul Gandhi. Revanth, at the CWC meeting, called upon the party leaders to lead the party to victory in Bihar under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi. TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud’s speech at the CWC meeting highlighted the Congress govt’s social justice initiatives. “The caste survey and BC quota Bills passed by the Congress govt have become a role model for the country, in tune with Rahul Gandhi’s fight for OBCs and other sections with the slogan ‘jitni aabadi, unti hissedari’,” he said. He credited the Congress’ success in Telangana to Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo yatra’ and Sonia Gandhi’s six guarantees. In Sept 2023, the Congress had convened an extended CWC meeting in Hyderabad, followed by a massive public meeting at Tukkuguda on the city outskirts. Sonia Gandhi unveiled the party’s six guarantees at the public meeting, and the party leadership believes it was this guarantee model that led Congress to victory in Telangana. Deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka, ministers N Uttam Kumar Reddy and Damodar Rajanarasimha, CWC special invitee Vamshi Chand Reddy and AICC in charge Meenakshi Natarajan also attended the meeting in Patna. 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
SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav calls for nationwide PDA unity to empower the marginalized
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday emphasized that unity among backward classes, Dalits, and minorities is crucial to gain political power and protect the Constitution. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday emphasized that unity among backward classes, Dalits, and minorities is crucial to gain political power and protect the Constitution. In a statement shared on his WhatsApp channel, Yadav, underlined that the Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak (PDA) movement is about empowering those who have historically faced exploitation and oppression. Yadav described PDA as a unity born out of a shared consciousness and collective feeling against the exploitation and oppression of marginalized communities. “PDA is basically the name of that unity born out of consciousness and common feeling against the exploitation, oppression, and neglect of ‘backward, Dalit, and minority’,” he said. The PDA movement aims to bring together people from every class who stand for humanity and are against injustice. The PDA movement, born in Uttar Pradesh, has now become a beacon of hope for the oppressed and marginalized communities nationwide. The movement’s slogan, “Jo Peeedit Woh PDA” (Those who are oppressed are PDA), resonates with people from all walks of life who have faced historical neglect and exploitation. The PDA movement seeks to promote inclusive governance, ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens to thrive.The movement champions the causes of social justice and equitable development, aiming to counter attempts to undermine reservation policies. Yadav also advocates for a caste census to ensure fair representation and allocation of resources based on demographic realities. The PDA movement is not just about politics; it’s about empowering the marginalized communities to stand up against injustice. As Yadav said, “Let’s unite to save the Constitution, protect reservations, and build a new, prosperous tomorrow for all.” The movement’s slogan, “PDA ka parcham poore desh mein lahraayenge, hum apni PDA sarkar banayenge” (We will hoist the PDA flag across the country and form a PDA government), reflects its determination to bring about change. Courtesy : The Statesman Note: This news is originally published on https:/thestatesman.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Punjab SC Commission seeks report from SSP Jalandhar in Jaitewali case
Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], September 23 (ANI): The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has sought a report from the SSP Jalandhar in the case involving abusive remarks against Sant Krishna Nath Chaheru and the Dalit community of Village Jaitewali, near Jalandhar, on Tuesday. Speaking on this matter, a spokesperson for the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission stated that the matter came to the attention of the Commission’s Chairman, S Jasvir Singh Garhi, through a newspaper report. Hence, taking suo motu notice of the matter, the Chairman directed the SSP Jalandhar to submit a report through the concerned Deputy Superintendent of Police by September 25. Meanwhile, the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, took steps to uplift education for Scheduled Caste students, said Cabinet Minister Baljit Kaur during a press conference at Punjab Bhawan. During the press conference, she stated that the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities has implemented major initiatives to ensure that students from marginalised communities receive opportunities to excel in higher education and professional careers. While discussing the new Overseas Scholarship Scheme, Baljit Kaur stated that Scheduled Caste students and children of landless agricultural labourers can now pursue studies at the world’s top 500 universities with full financial support from the Punjab Government. This scheme covers visa, airfare, tuition fees, a maintenance allowance of Rs 13.17 lakh per annum, a contingency allowance of Rs 1.35 lakh, and medical insurance. She also announced the launch of a two-month PCS Crash Course for SC, BC, and minority students at the Ambedkar Institute in Mohali, designed to prepare them for the civil services. She also mentioned that applications are being accepted offline and via email between September 17 and 26, and forty candidates will be selected through an entrance test on September 30. (ANI) Courtesy : ANI News Note: This news is originally published on https:/aninews.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
HRF demands Collector-led probe into Kaikaluru Dalit attack case
The Human Rights Forum (HRF) has demanded a comprehensive probe, under the leadership of the District Collector, into the Kaikaluru Dalit attack case. A three-member team from the HRF visited Danagudem near Kaikaluru, where a Dalit, P. Ajay, was allegedly attacked with a knife by members of Kapu community. The team learnt that the incident took place on September 5 during the Ganesh idol immersion celebrations, when Ajay, who was on his way to a ration shop on a two-wheeler, honked to alert the revellers. Enraged at this, the revellers, belonging to another community, reportedly attacked Ajay. Casteist slurs were reportedly hurled at his mother and sisters, who tried to help him. They were also reportedly dragged by their hair and beaten up. Despite being present there, the police personnel could not do anything, the activists wrote in a statement issued on Tuesday. HRF condemned the silence of the State government on this subject, and demanded stern action against all the accused. They also demanded a Collector-led probe in the incident and action under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against officials for threatening the complainant with a rowdy sheet. Ajay is undergoing treatment at the government hospital in Eluru. HRF activists A. Ravi, Md. Iqbal and Mutyala Srinivasa Rao were part of the fact-finding team. The Hindu Bureau 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
Govt builds houses for 10 Dalit families in Temkemaiung
Bhojpur. A Dalit family of Temkemaiyung Rural Municipality-9 has got a new house. As many as 10 Dalit families, who were living in tents due to financial constraints, have been provided houses under the Janata Awas Programme. Devi Charan Darnal, a local, said that it has become easier after the government reconstructed the house at a time when people have been living a difficult life due to lack of money for rebuilding their houses. He said that he was very happy to get a house after spending years with a tarpaulin in the tent. “We had been living under tents for generations as we could not construct our houses due to poverty”, he said, adding, “It was difficult to survive in the rainy and cold season.” It has become easier for us after the house was built. ’ Phulmaya Bishwakarma, a local, said that it has become easier to run their daily lives as the state has constructed their houses at a time when they have been living in open sky and sheds. “With the construction of the house, our daily lives have changed,” he said, adding, “Life was very difficult due to poverty.” It was not possible to build a house. Due to lack of a good source of income, they have to work as daily wages. Life has become easier after the government built houses. I’m very happy to be home. ’ Bishwakarma said that although most of the children used to fall ill every day due to cold due to lack of home, such problem has now come to an end. The government has identified the homeless Dalit families who are economically weak. According to ward chair Nabharaj Mangpahang, the houses were constructed with the budget received from Urban Development and Building Division Office, Dhankuta. Each family invested Rs 336,000 to construct the houses, said ward chair Mangpahang. “10 Dalit families have got new houses from the state level”, ward chair Mangpahang said. We had recommended the construction of houses for those who are financially weak. ’ He said that after the completion of the construction of these houses, the budget has not been received yet for the other three poor families after completing the necessary process. Courtesy : Lagani News Note: This news is originally published on https:/laganinews.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rightsC