Gujarat HC issues notice in plea to quash FIR over Dalit community’s boycott at temple ceremony
AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat High Court has issued a notice to the state govt and the sarpanch of Paldi village panchayat in Banaskantha district in response to a petition filed by 20 villagers booked under the SC/ST Atrocity Act on allegations of boycotting the Dalit community during a temple’s consecration ceremony. According to the case details, 20 accused persons, all belonging to the Rabari community, filed the petition requesting the HC to quash an FIR filed with Bhildi police station on May 9. The FIR was filed by the 55-year-old sarpanch of the village, complaining that during the consecration ceremony of Dudheshwar Mahadev temple between April 28 and 30 in Paldi village, people belonging to all the communities from Paldi and surrounding villages were invited. But the members of the scheduled castes were not invited. The sarpanch belongs to the SC community. “However, the accused persons, who were the organisers, did not invite the members of the scheduled caste, and our contribution was also not accepted. The complainant is a village sarpanch and is responsible for the village affairs, but the accused persons hatched a criminal conspiracy to discriminate against our caste and boycotted the complainant’s community. They insulted our community by practising untouchability,” the FIR reads. For a month-long delay in filing the complaint, the complainant stated in his FIR, “I did not complain earlier to see that the ceremony was not disturbed, but considering the sentiments of my caste members, I have come to lodge my complaint.” After a preliminary hearing, Justice Nirzar Desai passed an order on Tuesday that stated, “NOTICE to the respondents returnable on August 5, 2025. Learned Additional Public Prosecutor waives service of notice on behalf of respondent No.1 – State. Direct service to respondent No.2 through concerned Police Station is permitted.” 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.
T trying to break 50% quota cap, BJP a hindrance: Rahul
Hyderabad: Leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday called on all Congress MPs to inform citizens about Telangana’s caste survey and how the BJP was trying to “stall the state’s progress”. He said the Telangana govt was attempting to break free of the 50% cap on reservation, both in local bodies and in govt jobs and educational institutions. “Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy’s job is to use the data to transform the lives of the people of Telangana, and our job is to raise the issue in Parliament and help him push the idea of breaking the 50% reservation cap barrier,” Rahul said while speaking during Revanth’s presentation on the socio-economic survey at Indira Bhawan in New Delhi on Thursday. The PowerPoint presentation was attended by AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, MP Priyanka Gandhi, and many other top leaders of the Congress. Rahul said the Congress govt in Telangana had sent a note on the amendment to Parliament, both to the Govt of India and to the President of India. But, he alleged, the Centre was reluctant to take up the issue as if it would destroy BJP’s brand of politics. He also remarked that the national census and caste census being taken up by the Centre would not be a fair exercise as it would reveal the real situation of OBCs and Adivasis. The Congress leader also said his party had been correctly raising Dalit and Adivasi issues nationally for more than a decade. He felt many of his own leaders may not agree with him, but more needed to be done on voicing concerns of the OBCs. Rahul also praised Revanth for completing the caste survey in Telangana. “When I started to push the idea of a caste census, I thought it would be difficult for Revanth as CM, as his community (Reddy) might not appreciate it. I was observing carefully. Today, I told the expert committee that Revanth Reddy ji and other leaders exceeded my expectations. They not only did the caste census, but did it exceptionally well,” Rahul Gandhi said. He said they not only completed the survey, but also executed it in the right spirit, marking a milestone in social justice in the country. “The Telangana govt showed the country how the national caste census should be done. The census should not be conducted within closed rooms. Every section of society was taken into consideration, and every household was covered,” the Congress leader said. The Telangana govt has 21st century data which is powerful enough to target the needy in executing education and health policies. No other state in the country has that data, and for obvious reasons, the BJP may not like it, he 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.
Telangana sets the tone for Social Justice 2.0, says Kharge
Hyderabad: Calling Telangana’s caste survey a ‘model for the nation,’ All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday declared that the Congress party’s renewed battle for Social Justice 2.0 has officially begun — and it starts in Telangana. In a politically charged remark, Kharge praised the Backward Classes reservation bill passed by the Telangana govt as a landmark move in advancing equity, empowerment, and representation for marginalised communities. He also mounted a sharp attack on the Centre, questioning its refusal to raise the reservation cap beyond 50%. “We demanded a nationwide caste census and the removal of the arbitrary 50% cap on reservations. This govt has agreed to a survey under massive public pressure, but still refuses to lift the cap,” Kharge said. “The scientific manner in which Telangana conducted its survey must be a role model for the entire nation,” he added. Kharge, who was closeted with chief minister A Revanth Reddy, Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal in Delhi to discuss the far-reaching implications of the Telangana caste survey, said: “Based on this groundbreaking socio-economic survey, our govt in Telangana has recommended 42% reservations for OBCs. This significant bill is now awaiting the assent of the President of India.” Sources said Kharge was given a detailed briefing on the methodology, findings, and the caste backwardness index, which forms the basis of the 42% BC reservation proposal in local bodies and educational institutions. According to party sources, Kharge also had an in-depth conversation with TPCC president B Mahesh Kumar Goud, who belongs to the BC community, to understand community-level nuances. Congress leaders have directed Telangana party functionaries to brief all MPs about the caste survey data to build a national momentum. Kharge highlighted glaring gaps in representation and opportunities for backward classes despite their demographic dominance. “Despite forming a vast majority of India’s population, these communities are glaringly absent from top corporate boards, the judiciary, bureaucracy, and premier institutions,” he said. “For instance, even today, there is a parliamentary answer which says that 80% OBC professor posts and 83% ST faculty posts remain vacant in Central universities,” he added. Congress leaders believe Telangana’s initiative will help pressure the Centre to act on longstanding demands for proportional representation and reservation reform. Meanwhile, CM Revanth took to social media to share that he met Priyanka Gandhi and briefed her on the BC reservation bill and the comprehensive caste survey carried out by the state. 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.
Rape of Dalit student of class 10 in Saharanpur: Heinous punishment given for losing 50 rupees in cricket match, 7 friends arrested
Rape of Dalit student of class 10 on cricket bet: Shameful act of 7 friends in Saharanpur. Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh: A heart-wrenching incident has come to light in Rampur Maniharan in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh. Here 7 friends together committed the crime of rape with a Dalit student of class 10 in the forest. The reason for this heinous crime was a cricket bet of just 50 rupees, which the victim student was unable to pay to his friends after losing. After this, the accused made an obscene video of him to blackmail him and kept sexually exploiting him for a month. Rape started with cricket bet According to media reports, this student, a resident of Rampur Maniharan, used to play cricket regularly with some youths of his locality. About a month ago, during a cricket match, he placed a bet of 50 rupees, but he lost the match. Unable to pay the money, he asked the accused for some time. But the accused took him to the forest on some pretext, beat him up, took off his clothes and raped him. During this, they also made an obscene video of him. Blackmailing and exploitation for a month The victim student told the police that in the forest, two accused held his hands and feet, one gagged his mouth, and two others raped him. During this, the rest of the youths recorded the video. After this, the accused started blackmailing him by threatening to make the video viral. The victim offered money, but the accused refused to take the money and kept calling him to the forest again and again and kept raping him. This continued for a month. Told the family about the incident, complained to the police The family got suspicious after seeing the change in the behavior of the victim student. He had started being scared and silent. When the family inquired lovingly, he told the whole incident while crying. The family members were shocked and they immediately went to Rampur Maniharan police station and filed a complaint against the accused. The police have registered a case against the seven accused under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (BNS), SC/ST Act, and POCSO Act. Along with this, the victim was also medically examined. Police action Saharanpur SP City Vyom Bindal said that a case has been registered on the basis of the complaint of the family members. The victim has been medically examined and an in-depth investigation of the case has been started. He assured that all the accused will be arrested soon. Social outrage and questions This incident has created outrage among the local people. People are demanding strict action against the accused. This case not only raises questions on law and order, but also highlights the issues of increasing insensitivity and caste oppression in the society. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy : Hindi News
Major injustice with Dalits in Bangalore University? Serious allegations of casteism against Vice Chancellor, CM orders investigation!
Allegations of violation of reservation policy, depriving SC-ST teachers of responsibilities and irregular transfers. Chief Minister sought report from Higher Education Secretary in 7 days. Bangalore: Several teachers and students of Bangalore University have made serious allegations of institutional caste discrimination and demanded the removal of Vice Chancellor Jayakar Shetty M. Taking the matter seriously, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed the Higher Education Secretary to investigate the allegations and submit a report within 7 days. The Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Teachers Association of the university wrote a letter to the Vice Chancellor on July 5, giving a detailed account of the allegations and demanding immediate rectification. The major allegations include transfer of professors from other universities without sanctioned posts, violation of reservation roster, depriving Scheduled Caste teachers of administrative responsibilities and allowances, and delay in appointments to reserved posts. On July 15, the university’s postgraduate and research students’ association also wrote to the chief minister, accusing the vice-chancellor of institutional casteism and demanding his removal. The SC/ST Teachers’ Association said, “We condemn these anti-Dalit actions of the university which hurt the dignity of Dalit teachers.” Objection to transfer without sanctioned posts The association says five professors were transferred to Bangalore University without sanctioned posts, affecting appointments and reservation system. “Such transfers affect the hiring capacity of the university and violate the reservation policy laid down by the Constitution,” said Prof. G. Krishnamurthy, president, SC/ST Teachers’ Association. State universities get a limited number of sanctioned posts department-wise. If a professor is transferred without a post, the number of vacancies in the university he is sent to decreases — thereby hampering appointments to reserved posts. The association said that none of the transferred professors belong to the Scheduled Castes or Tribes and it has not yet been decided under which roster they will be placed. Names of transferred professors: Prof. Basavaraj Benne (Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Ballari) Prof. Srinath B.S. (Mangalore University) Prof. Yerriswamy (Rani Chennamma University) Prof. K.S. Chandrasekhariah (Mangalore University) Prof. Ashwini K.N. (Karnataka State Akka Mahadevi Women’s University, Vijayapura) CM Siddaramaiah orders probe On July 11, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote a letter to Higher Education Secretary K.G. Jagadeesha asking him to investigate the matter and submit a report within 7 days. In the letter, the Chief Minister admitted that the professors were transferred “without posts” and none of them belong to the SC/ST category, which is a violation of the reservation policy. He also said that 67 professors have demanded the university to clarify the roster and seniority. Rules ignored in handing over charge too? The teachers have also alleged that when the Vice Chancellor went on leave, he did not hand over the charge to the senior-most Dean as per Section 16(1) of the Karnataka State University Act 2000. The Vice Chancellors of Davanagere University, Bengaluru City University and Kuvempu University followed this law and handed over the charge to the senior-most Dean during their leave. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy : Hindi News
Dalit labourer lost his life while saving children in Bathinda, government still silent – waiting for compensation!
After the death of Dalit labourer Raj Kumar Singh in an explosion, the family has appealed to the government for financial assistance for livelihood and children’s education. Bathinda, Punjab – The family of a Dalit man who died in a plane crash and explosion on May 7 in Bathinda has formally demanded compensation from the government. This accident took place during the recent India-Pakistan conflict. Paramjit Kaur, wife of Raj Kumar Singh (38), submitted an application to the Naib Tehsildar of Goniana last week, demanding financial assistance for the maintenance of the family and education of the children. Singh, who was a resident of Kothe Natha Singh Wale, Mehma Sawai village, was a farm labourer. He was present in the fields on the day of the accident when a military aircraft crashed in the fields near Akaliya Kalan village. While Singh and his son Jagmeet Singh (15) were helping villagers douse the fire, another blast occurred in which they were seriously injured. They were referred first to the government hospital in Goniana Mandi and then to Bathinda for treatment. As their condition deteriorated, they were taken to AIIMS, Bathinda, where they died four days later. The first death in the accident was Govind Kumar (32), a resident of Haryana who had come to work as a farm labourer. He was among those who reached the spot immediately after the incident and was caught in the blast. Paramjit Kaur wrote in her application that the family’s livelihood was entirely dependent on labour and they have no other support after her husband’s death. Both her children—Jagmeet Singh and Gagandeep Kaur (14)—are studying in school and have no financial support. The incident has been confirmed in the general diary report filed by the local police on May 11. According to the statement of Singh’s younger brother Virwal, Raj Kumar stayed in the field that night and reached the spot with the villagers after the plane crash. Both he and his son were injured during the explosion. According to the police report, the explosion was an accident, no conspiracy or criminal intent has been found. The family has refused to take any legal action against anyone. Based on the statement of Singh’s brother, the police have initiated action under Section 194 (investigation of death) of the Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS). The deceased Govind Kumar is survived by his wife Mamta and two children—daughter Pari and son Prashant. He was the youngest of four siblings and lost his parents in his teens. Recently, he had come to Bathinda with his cousin and friends and was working as a wheat sack loader in a local mandi. All these workers were staying in a temporary shelter built in a field. Govind Kumar’s family has also demanded financial compensation from the Bathinda district administration. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Opposed molestation… and was killed! Dalit farmer gets justice after 17 years
In 2008, Dalit farmer Saheb Singh was beaten to death in Mainpuri district of Uttar Pradesh. Now the SC/ST court has held the main accused guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment and a fine of Rs 30,000. Mainpuri (Agra): After nearly 17 years, a special SC/ST court in Mainpuri on Wednesday convicted the main accused Anand Kumar (48) in the murder case of Dalit farmer Saheb Singh and sentenced him to life imprisonment. The court has also imposed a fine of Rs 30,000 on him. According to the police, on 22 December 2008, Saheb Singh and his son Ashok were returning from the field in Gangsi village of Mainpuri, when they were attacked by neighbor Anand Kumar, his father Munnalal Rai and uncle Hari Prakash with sticks and heavy objects. Both were seriously injured in the attack. Saheb Singh died during treatment. Additional District Government Counsel (ADGC) MP Singh said that Saheb Singh had complained against the neighbour’s son Anand Kumar for molesting his daughter-in-law. Tension had increased between the two families over this matter, which became the reason for this violent attack. According to the complaint of Saheb Singh’s wife, the accused had also used caste-related abuses and provoked others. The police had filed a charge sheet in this case under section 302 (murder) of IPC and sections of SC/ST Act. Accused Munnalal and Hari Prakash have died during the trial. The court held the main accused Anand Kumar guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment and also imposed a fine of Rs 30,000. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy : Hindi News
Uttar Pradesh Shocker: 13-Year-Old Dalit Girl Allegedly Gang-Raped By 3 Known Accused In Lucknow’s Hazratganj; Police Launch Probe
A 13 year old dalit girl was allegedly gang raped by three people in Lucknow’s Hazratganj area on Monday night. The crime came to light when the victim’s elder sister noticed injuries and bloodstains on her clothes Tuesday morning and coaxed her to reveal the ordeal. Lucknow: A 13 year old dalit girl was allegedly gang raped by three people in Lucknow’s Hazratganj area on Monday night. The crime came to light when the victim’s elder sister noticed injuries and bloodstains on her clothes Tuesday morning and coaxed her to reveal the ordeal. Police said the accused, known to the family, lured the girl from her home while her relatives slept. The victim was abandoned near her residence after the assault. CCTV footage from the area reportedly shows the suspects, and mobile tower data is being analyzed. “The victim identified the perpetrators. We’re verifying evidence before arrests,” said ACP Hazratganj Vikas Jaiswal. The girl is currently unable to provide a detailed statement. Courtesy : TFPJ Note: This news is originally published on https://thefreepressjournal.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Man gets life term for killing Dalit farmer who objected to daughter-in-law’s harassment
Agra: Nearly 17 years after a Dalit farmer was beaten to death in Mainpuri for objecting to the harassment of his daughter-in-law, a local SC/ST court on Wednesday sentenced the prime accused to life imprisonment. Police said the victim, Saheb Singh, had raised a complaint against his neighbour’s son, Anand Kumar (now 48), for allegedly stopping his daughter-in-law on the way — an act that led to tensions between the two families. Additional district govt counsel (ADGC) MP Singh said the killing took place on Dec 22, 2008, in Mainpuri’s Gangsi village, when Saheb Singh, who was in his late 40s at the time of the incident, and his son Ashok were returning home from their fields. They were attacked with heavy objects by three men. Both sustained serious injuries, and Saheb later died during treatment. In her police complaint, Saheb’s wife alleged that Anand, his father Munnalal Rai (then 50) and his uncle Hari Prakash (then 52) thrashed her husband and son. Munnalal also hurled casteist slurs and incited others. The attackers allegedly used whips and sticks to beat them. Police registered a case under IPC section 302 (murder) and relevant provisions of the SC/ST Act. A chargesheet was filed soon after the arrests. While Munnalal and Hari Prakash died during the trial, Anand Kumar was convicted and sent to jail on Wednesday. The court also imposed a fine of ₹30,000 on him. 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.
Kejriwal seized Rahul Gandhi’s ‘baraat ke ghode’ statement, took a jibe at him in Gujarat rally
Arvind Kejriwal has strongly attacked Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s baraat ke ghode statement. Kejriwal took a jibe at Rahul Gandhi in Gujarat rally and said that all the baraat ke ghodes in Congress are only baraat ke ghodes. New Delhi: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi had made a big statement on 3 June 2025 in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, in which he said that now the time has come to separate the race horses and the wedding horses. At the same time, now Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal has taunted him in a meeting in Gujarat. Arvind Kejriwal said that according to Rahul Gandhi, there are some race horses and some wedding horses in his party. But I want to say that all in Congress are wedding horses and all in AAP are long race horses. What did Rahul Gandhi say? In fact, while addressing his workers in Bhopal, Rahul Gandhi had said that there are many such workers in the party who work for the party with full strength. While there are many workers who are now tired of the race. In such a situation, now the time has come that the race horses and the wedding horses will have to be separated. Rahul Gandhi further said that I used to say earlier that there are two types of horses but now I believe that there are not two but three types of horses. One is a race horse, one is a wedding horse and the third is a lame horse. Now the time has come to separate the lame horse. If such workers harass the other horses i.e. workers, then action will be taken against them. Congress became arrogant in 1985: Arvind Kejriwal Arvind Kejriwal said that in 1985, Congress got majority in Gujarat, but in 2 years, it became arrogant and opened fire on the farmers, 10 farmers were killed there. After that, Congress could never return to Gujarat. Now BJP also has the same arrogance. With the martyrdom of Ashok Chaudhary ji, the countdown of BJP has started. The oppression on cattle rearers will not be tolerated anymore. If the government will raise the lathi again, then first of all it will have to use it on us. We will fight till our last breath for the rights of cattle rearers and farmers. PM goes abroad to get contract for Adani: Kejriwal Arvind Kejriwal said that PM goes abroad to get contract for Adani, but when a farmer of Gujarat asks for bonus, he is beaten with sticks. This is not a government of the poor, but of industrialists and the rich. Curated by: Sanjeev Kumar About the author Sanjeev Kumar is a resident of Begusarai, Bihar. He has studied journalism from West Bengal University. He has more than 5 years of experience in digital media. He covers local to national and current affairs. Before joining Navbharat Times, he has worked in institutions like Jagran New Media, One India and Amar Ujala. Courtesy: Hindi News