Casteism in UP: Dalit youth beaten up for refusing to do electrical work, accused said, “Ch#%r, ni%$$! You won’t do our work? You have so much…”
Even after 4 days, the police have not arrested the accused. Gautam Buddha Nagar – There are continuous complaints about casteist incidents in Uttar Pradesh, in this episode, a Dalit youth was beaten up with casteist abuses in village Roshanpur of Dankaur police station area for refusing to do his work. Victim Rajesh Jatav, an electrical mechanic by profession, has alleged that Sagar Nagar, Anil Bidhuri (alias Balua) and Subodh Nagar of village Junedpur attacked him with kicks, punches and bricks for refusing to do electrical work. When Jatav complained about this to the police, his report was not taken and on the contrary, the police tried to hush up the matter, SC/ST Act has not been implemented in the case and allegations of police negligence are being made. According to Rajesh, on 27 June, Sagar and Anil came to his house and asked him to do some electrical work. When he refused due to lack of time, both of them attacked him using casteist abuses. They used words like “Chamar, Dhed, Neech! You won’t do our work? You have such a status?” and beat Rajesh till he fainted. Sagar’s uncle Subodh Nagar is also said to be involved in the attack. The victim’s wife Suman gave a complaint, but IO Upendra Kumar filed an FIR without recording the statement. Even after 4 days, the police did not arrest the accused. Suman told the media that Rajesh is in a critical condition in the hospital, but the police did not take any action for medical examination or help. The victim’s family alleges that the police is trying to suppress the case and settle the matter in collusion with the accused. Talking to The Mooknayak, Dalit rights activist Nidhi Singh said, “UP is turning into a torture chamber for Dalits. Just because a Dalit refused to work for free, an attempt was made to kill him. The role of the police is suspicious.” Nidhi further said, “SC/ST Act should be implemented immediately. Police inaction promotes anti-Dalit mentality.” Social activists have demanded immediate registration of cases against the accused under SC/ST Act, compensation and government job to the victim and action against negligent police officials. Courtesy: Geetha Sunil Pillai, Hindi News
Tamil Nadu: Body of Dalit labourer found hanging from tree, hands tied — still suicide? Questions raised on police theory!
Uproar over Dalit labourer’s suspicious death being called a suicide, questions raised on hanging with hands tied, Dalit organisations demand fair probe Tiruppur (Tamil Nadu): The Tamil Nadu police have been accused of covering up the suspicious death of a Dalit youth in Tiruppur district by calling it a suicide. The police have called the death of 42-year-old K. Murugan, a daily wage labourer, a suicide, but Dalit activists and political parties have raised questions — especially about how a person with his hands tied could commit suicide by hanging from a tree? Activists also allege that the police have made the case more suspicious by cremating the body quickly. According to a report by The News Minute, Murugan, who was a resident of Senakkalpalayam village, was found hanging from a neem tree on the morning of June 26 (Thursday). The land is reportedly owned by Palaniswami Gounder, for whom Murugan worked as a daily wage labourer. The police have registered a case of suicide under Section 194 of the Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS) and based the statement of Murugan’s wife Manimegalai, who reportedly denied any foul play. According to the FIR, Manimegalai told the police that Murugan was ill for a long time and was mentally disturbed due to his alcohol addiction. He was undergoing treatment for tuberculosis at the Christian Fellowship Hospital in Oddanchatram, but did not quit drinking despite doctors’ advice, which worsened his condition. The FIR states that on the night of June 25, Murugan suffered severe stomach pain and was rushed to the Dharapuram Government Hospital twice. The couple stayed at a relative’s house for the night, and the next morning Murugan said he was fine now and was going to work. A few hours later, Manimegalai received information that her husband was found hanging from a tree near the military colony. The Alangiyam police recovered the body, sent it for post-mortem and handed it over to the family for cremation the next day. However, Dalit organisations and activists have questioned the police claim. Mugilarasan, state principal secretary of Tamil Puligal Katchi, submitted a memorandum to the DSP, accusing Manimegalai of being pressured to change her statement. He claimed that both Murugan and his wife worked for the Gounder family and some locals and relatives were spreading false rumours about Murugan’s debt and illness to suppress the truth under caste pressure. The memorandum said, “There is clearly a mystery in this death. A man with his hands tied cannot climb a 20-feet high tree and commit suicide by tying a rope. If he had done so, the branch would have broken. We believe he was murdered and made to look like a suicide.” Siruthai Valluvan, zonal secretary of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), also questioned the police’s hurried cremation and concealment of evidence. “Even children will not believe that Murugan hanged himself with his hands tied. How can the police make such a claim? The Tamil Nadu government should compensate the victim’s family and ensure the safety of Dalits in the region,” Valluvan said. When contacted, the Alangiyam police denied any foul play. “When we recovered the body, the hands were not tied but the rope was just wrapped around the hands. The post-mortem report did not reveal any internal injuries or marks of strangulation,” a police officer said over the phone. The police have confirmed that the land where Murugan’s body was found belongs to Palaniswami Gounder–further fuelling suspicion. Courtesy : Rajan Chaudhary, Hindi News
Impact of the news: Case of discrimination against Dalit woman and girl in Pratibha Sthali Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, State Scheduled Caste Commission sought report
The Commission took cognizance after the news of ‘The Mooknayak’, sought report in 15 days. Bhopal. The case of caste discrimination against a single mother and her daughter of Scheduled Caste category in Pratibha Sthali Gyanodya Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh has forced the Madhya Pradesh State Scheduled Caste Commission to take strict action. Taking cognizance of this serious matter, the Commission has sought an investigation report from the Assistant Commissioner, Tribal Affairs Department, Jabalpur within 15 days. It has also been directed that if the Right to Education Act 2009 or Article 21 (A) of the Constitution has been violated by the school, then necessary legal action should be taken against the culprits. This matter came to light when last year ‘The Mooknayak’ published a detailed report on this subject. The report said that Sunita Arya, a Scheduled Caste community resident of Jabalpur, had applied to Pratibha Sthali Vidyalaya to get her daughter admitted in Class 4. But the school administration not only refused to admit her, but also treated her in an insulting manner using casteist words. She was discriminated against only because she is a Dalit and her daughter was born in a live-in relationship and is biologically Jain (general). Sunita Arya alleges that the school administration looked at her negatively on the basis of her caste identity and used words like ‘Ahirwar’, ‘Chamar’ during the conversation. Apart from this, the school administration also raised the question about the family status of the girl, as Sunita Arya is a single mother. Sunita had also attached a DNA test report with her application, which proves that the girl is the biological child of her and her partner Manish Jain and there should be no doubt about any kind of identity. Despite this, the school did not admit the girl. Talking to The Muknayak representative, Sunita Arya says that she had applied for admission of her daughter in class 4 in Pratibha Sthali Vidyalaya, Jabalpur. But the school administration rejected her application saying that the family status of the girl is not clear. Sunita says that she even got a DNA report, which proves that the girl is the child of her and Manish Jain, who belongs to the Jain community. Still she was insulted on the basis of caste. The school people called her by derogatory words like ‘Ahirwar’ and ‘Chamar’. Sunita alleges that the school administration treated her in a discriminatory manner and mentally harassed her. She also told that casteist language was also used in the conversation on WhatsApp by the school management, copies of which she has submitted to the Scheduled Caste Commission. Sunita says that being a mother, she wanted her daughter to study in a good school, but she was treated unfairly due to caste and daughter being born during living. Allegation of mental harassment, evidence submitted to the commission Sunita has claimed in the application submitted to the commission that she was mentally harassed and treated in a discriminatory manner by the school management. She has also submitted screenshots of WhatsApp conversations with the school and other documents to the commission, which mention caste-based behavior and insensitive comments made by the school. Apart from this, Sunita Arya has also rejected the preliminary investigation report of this case and in the counter-claim sent to the commission, she has said that facts have been hidden in the investigation and conclusions have been drawn in a fabricated manner. Commission’s strictness: Looking at the seriousness of the matter, the commission has clarified in this case that if the reply is not received within the stipulated time limit (15 days), then it will take suo motu cognizance and take action using the powers conferred on it like a civil court. Secretary of the State Scheduled Caste Commission, Seema Soni, said that the commission is looking into the matter as a violation of the fundamental rights of the Constitution and if the faults are proved, action can be taken against the school management under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. What is the legal provision? Right to Education Act, 2009 Gives the right to free and compulsory education to all children between 6 and 14 years. Article 21 (A) of the Indian Constitution Provides the fundamental right to primary education to every child. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 Provides strict punishment for discriminating or insulting any Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe person on the basis of caste. Courtesy: Ankit Pachauri, Hindi News
Impact of the news: Case of discrimination against Dalit woman and girl in Pratibha Sthali Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, State Scheduled Caste Commission sought report
Odisha: NHRC takes suo motu cognisance after 2 Dalits get assaulted over cattle smuggling
2 SC persons were beaten up, forced to eat grass & drink drain water, on suspicion of illegally smuggling cattle in Ganjam district of Odisha, on 26 June. New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India on Wednesday took suo motu cognizance of a media report revealing that two persons belonging to the Scheduled Caste were beaten up, forced to eat grass and drink drain water, on suspicion of illegally smuggling cattle by some people belonging to other community, in Ganjam district of Odisha, on June 26, 2025, as per an official release. Reportedly, their mobile phones were snatched, and their heads were also forcibly tonsured. The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights. Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Odisha, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks. The report is expected to include the action taken against the perpetrators and compensation, if any, provided to the victims. Meanwhile, in Telangana, High Court advocate Rama Rao filed a complaint with NHRC regarding the blast at the Sigachi Industries Limited pharmaceutical factory in Pashamylaram Industrial Area, which occurred on Monday. The complaint alleges that the incident, which resulted in several worker fatalities and injuries, was caused by the company’s failure to follow safety protocols and negligence on the part of management. According to the complaint, “Several workers have been killed after a suspected reactor explosion caused a fire in a chemical factory in Telangana. As per officials, the incident took place at the Sigachi Chemical Industry in Pashamylaram on Monday. As many as 108 workers were at the factory at the time of the blast, which could be heard about five km away. The explosion triggered a huge fire, and 15 fire engines were used to douse the flames. According to eye-witnesses, such was the impact of the explosion that workers were tossed in the air and fell several meters away.” “As the bodies of some victims were blown to pieces or charred beyond recognition, disaster occasioned due to failure in following the safety protocols, negligence on part of management, post disaster response of authorities was slow, indicating their unpreparedness, fire fighters had to reach the place from Secunderabad which is nearly 40 km away, necessary case may be directed to registered against Chidambarnathan Shanmuganathan, Dhanalakshmi Guntaka, Amit Raj Sinha, Sarveswar Reddy Sanivarapu, Vivek Kumar, Subbarami Oruganti Reddy, Rabindra Prasad Sinha, and Bindu Vinodhan (Directors/Management of Sigachi) for an offence of culpable homicide not amounting to Murder, direct the management to pay a sum of Rs 25,00,000 as compensation in case of deceased alongside a sum of Rs 10,00,000 for injured and disabled, investigations may be directed to be carried out with specific reference to cause of blast, safety audits may be conducted in all establishments throughout the industrial areas of Telangana for preventing any repetition,” the complaint further said. This report is auto-generated from ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. Courtesy : The Print Note: This news is originally published on https:/theprint.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
NHRC Issues Notice To Odisha Chief Secy, DGP Over ‘Atrocities’ Against 2 Dalit Men
New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to Chief Secretary and DGP of Odisha in connection with the alleged torture of two persons, belonging to the Scheduled Caste, on suspicion of illegal cattle smuggling in Ganjam district. Taking suo motu cognisance of a media report over the incident, the rights panel noted that, if true, the incident raises grave concerns about human rights violations. “…were beaten up, forced to eat grass and drink drain water, on suspicion of illegally smuggling cattle by some people belonging to another community, in Ganjam district of Odisha, on June 26. Reportedly, their mobile phones were snatched and their heads were also forcibly tonsured,” it said. The Odisha government has been asked to submit a detailed report in two weeks. “The report is expected to include the action taken against the perpetrators and compensation, if any, provided to the victims,” it added. Police have so far arrested 12 people, including the prime accused 20-year-old Rajesh Samal of Jahada village, in connection with the incident. According to the FIR, a mob intercepted Bulu Nayak (52) and Babul Nayak (43) of Singipur at Kharigumma under Dharakote police limits when they were transporting a cow and two calves to their village on a cargo auto-rickshaw as part of dowry arrangement of a family’s marriage ceremony. Accusing them of transporting the cattle illegally, the group snatched their mobile phones and cash and demanded Rs 30,000 to release the animals. When the men expressed their inability to pay, the miscreants tied their limbs, thrashed them, partially shaved their heads at a local salon, forced them to crawl for nearly two km to Jahada village with grass clamped between their teeth and had them drink sewage water. Courtesy : Odisha Bytes Note: This news is originally published on https:/odishabytes.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Kaithal News: The case of police brutality with a woman has gained momentum, Dalit society demanded strict action from SP
Kaithal (Jaipal Rasoolpur): The case of alleged brutality by the police with a woman named Mamta in Siwan village of Kaithal district of Haryana has gained momentum. Regarding this matter, representatives of Dalit social organizations and Sarva Karamchari Sangh reached the Mini Secretariat of Kaithal on Tuesday and raised slogans against the police administration. The protesters demanded justice for the victim and strict action against the guilty policemen. What is the whole matter? Recently, a case of alleged assault by the police on a woman named Mamta in Siwan village came to light. The family members allege that the police brutalized Mamta, after which they demanded action against the concerned policemen. In view of the seriousness of this matter, the police administration has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT). DSP Headquarters Birbhan said that the SIT is investigating the matter thoroughly. Demonstration and sloganeering at Mini Secretariat Representatives of Dalit social organizations and Sarva Karamchari Sangh reached Mini Secretariat and raised slogans against the police administration. The protesters strongly condemned the alleged brutality with Mamta and questioned the working style of the police. They said that the police administration has failed to provide justice to the victim. Meeting with SP, delegation expressed displeasure After sloganeering, a delegation of protesters met Kaithal SP Aastha Modi. After the meeting, the delegation expressed its displeasure while talking to the media. The members of the delegation said, “We are not at all satisfied with the action of the police. Kaithal SP is trying to save her employees. When the victim woman recognizes the policemen who assaulted her, then why has a case been registered against unknown people? Warning of dharna-demonstration and siege of Chief Minister’s residence The delegation clearly warned that if the victim does not get justice in the next three-four days, then they will hold a dharna-demonstration on a large scale. Along with this, they also talked about gheroing the Chief Minister’s residence. The protesters demanded that strict action be taken against the guilty policemen immediately and a fair investigation of the case be ensured. Police administration’s stance Although the police administration has started the process of investigating the case by talking about the formation of SIT, the protesters believe that this action is not enough. The victim and her family have not yet received a satisfactory answer, due to which anger is increasing among social organizations. The Mamta episode has given rise to a big controversy at the social and administrative level in Kaithal. Dalit social organizations and local people are now eyeing the next action of the police administration. If this matter is not settled in time, then this movement can become more violent. What steps are taken by the police administration and the government in this matter will be clear in the coming days. At present, the demand for justice to the victim is gaining momentum. Courtesy: Hindi News
Maharashtra: Three members of upper-caste family booked over casteist abuse against Dalit man outside temple
Three members of an upper-caste Hindu family in Maharashtra’s Malwani, near Malad West, have been booked for hurling casteist slurs at a Dalit man and verbally abusing him outside a local temple. The incident, which occurred on June 28, took place at the Omkareshwar Mahadev temple, where the 45-year-old complainant, a plumber by profession, had gone to assist in putting up a no-parking board. According to the FIR, the confrontation began when the complainant, accompanied by the temple trust president Mithilesh Singh, was installing the signboard, and Sonu Upadhyay, a local resident, objected and began abusing the complainant, using caste-based slurs and questioning his presence at the temple due to his lower caste background. The FIR further states that Sonu’s parents, Omkarnath and Parvati Upadhyay, joined in the abuse. The complainant alleged that the family’s hostility stemmed from the fact that a Dalit family had performed the opening-day puja when the temple was inaugurated four years ago. He described the abuse as a continuation of the caste-based discrimination he has faced from the Upadhyay family. “Such a casteist and discriminatory act is shameful. We are in the 21st century. Four years ago, when the temple was being constructed, people from all communities and religions came together and worked for it. Since a Harijan family performed puja on the opening day of the temple, the Upadhyay family has been upset over this,” the complainant said. Mithilesh Singh, president of the Omkareshwar Mahadev temple foundation, said the complainant had long been offering voluntary service at the temple. “The Upadhyay family has been misbehaving with him for a long time, and they abused him when we were putting up a no-parking board,” he added. However, Omkarnath Upadhyay denied the allegations, stating that the argument was about a parking issue and no casteist language was used. He claimed to possess video evidence to prove their innocence and said they would cooperate with the police. The trio has been booked under relevant provisions of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) and the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Courtesy : Maktoob Media Note: This news is originally published on https:/maktoobmedia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Dalit profs at BU allege discrimination
Ten Dalit professors of Bangalore University alleged that they were discriminated against by only being given in-charge duties in administrative work. While they point out that they were given administrative responsibilities in addition to their academic work, in recent times, it has been restricted to just in-charge work, and are deprived of earned leave. In case their cases are not heard, the professors have threatened to relieve themselves from the administrative work. | TNN Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
‘Yogi creates fear-free environ for Dalits ’
Lucknow: In a strong endorsement of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s governance, MLC and former chairman of the UP scheduled caste finance and development corporation, Lalji Prasad Nirmal, met the CM at his official residence on Wednesday to express gratitude for creating a fear-free environment for Dalits and marginalised communities in the state. Nirmal praised the Yogi govt’s zero-tolerance policy against land mafias, stating that no goon or criminal now dares to usurp the land of Dalits or the underprivileged. “Incidents of Dalit oppression are a thing of the past. Under Yogi ji’s leadership, UP has taken a decisive turn towards building an egalitarian society,” he said. Highlighting the inclusive approach of the state administration, Nirmal said under Yogi’s leadership, Dalits and backward communities have been appointed to key departments such as health, family welfare, and irrigation — often without any recommendation or political backing. He commended the govt for naming Kannauj medical college and the new polytechnic institute in Pratapgarh after BR Ambedkar, calling it a tribute to the legacy of the Dalit icon. He also highlighted the decision to name Ayodhya International Airport after Maharishi Valmiki, reflecting the govt’s respect for both Dalit and Hindu cultural symbols. During the meeting, Nirmal also briefed the CM on the progress of the world-class Ambedkar Memorial being constructed in Lucknow. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.