Chittorgarh Cops Under Scrutiny After Failing to Apply POCSO & SC/ST Act in Dalit Minor’s Abduction Case
Following media exposure of the case, the SC/ST Act provisions were hurriedly added on May 29. Chittorgarh- In a shocking display of negligence, the Nimbahera Kotwali Police in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, have come under scrutiny for their handling of a kidnapping case involving a 15-year-old Dalit minor girl. Despite the gravity of the crime, the police failed to invoke the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act (SC/ST Act) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act), registering the case solely under Section 137(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Following media exposure of the case, the SC/ST Act provisions were hurriedly added on May 29. However, in this entire matter, while the investigation and action should have been handled by an officer at the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) rank as per departmental rules, Nimbahera DySP Badrilal Rao was not even informed about the case. Child rights experts state that in cases involving minors, after recovery, the victim must be presented before the Child Welfare Committee to ensure a thorough investigation and appropriate action. On May 24, a Dalit woman residing in Bapu Basti filed a complaint at the Kotwali police station, stating that on May 23 around 3 PM, an accused from Bada Kasai Mohalla, Nimbhaheda, unlawfully entered her home and forcibly took away her 15-year-old minor daughter on a motorcycle. According to the woman, she was away for work in the neighborhood at the time, leaving her daughter and younger son alone at home. The son reported that the accused had forcefully abducted his sister. When the family went to the accused’s house to inquire about their daughter, the accused’s family responded by saying, “The girl will return, our son has taken her with him,” and threatened them against filing a police complaint. They also warned that if a complaint was lodged, something severe could happen to the minor. The Mooknayak spoke to the family, who revealed that the minor had previously known the accused but was no longer in contact. She had been living at her maternal grandparents’ home, while the accused’s residence was just eight to ten lanes away. The family suspects that multiple individuals may have been involved in the abduction. Despite several days passing since the complaint was filed, the Nimbhaheda Kotwali police have neither recovered the minor girl nor arrested the accused. Shockingly, in a serious case involving the abduction of a Dalit minor, the police failed to immediately invoke relevant sections of the SC/ST Act and the POCSO Act, indicating an attempt to downplay the gravity of the incident. Sources suggest that while the accused and the victim were previously acquainted, this does not diminish the severity of the crime. As per regulations, cases related to atrocities against Dalits must be investigated by an officer of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) rank. However, Kotwali Station House Officer (SHO) Ram Sumer Meena assigned the case to a sub-inspector-level officer and deliberately avoided adding SC/ST Act provisions to prevent the matter from reaching higher authorities. This reflects the police’s arbitrary and negligent approach. The minor’s mother expressed her anguish, saying, “My daughter’s entire life is at stake. The accused has full support from his family, and we fear he may commit a serious crime against her.” The victim’s family has pleaded for immediate action and the safe return of their daughter. While the Rajasthan government has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to delivering justice for Dalits and marginalized communities, the local police’s conduct in this case raises questions about these claims. The SHO’s handling of the matter not only casts doubt on police functioning but also exposes a biased and irresponsible attitude in sensitive cases Courtesy : Geetha Sunil Pillai, The Mooknayak Note: This news is originally published on https://themooknayak.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Casteist Abuse and Threats: Haryana Schoolboy Harassed, Police Delay FIR Despite Complaint
The delay in justice has left Jansu’s family in severe distress. Jansu has stopped attending school, fearing further harassment—a tragic blow to his education and mental well-being. Jind, Haryana- A shocking case of caste-based harassment has emerged from Christ Raja Convent School in Jind, where an 8th-grade Dalit student, Jansu Chauhan, faced prolonged abuse, threats, and intimidation from his classmate’s family—with alleged complicity from a school teacher. The incident, rooted in caste hatred, exposes the systemic failures of law enforcement and educational institutions in protecting marginalized students. The ordeal began with a minor argument between Jansu and his classmate Jivansh over a phone call. However, it escalated horrifically when Jivansh’s father, Vikas Sharma, and uncle, Deepak Sharma, called Jansu and subjected him to casteist slurs (“Chude, Chamaar, Bhangi”), death threats, and derogatory abuse. They allegedly threatened to strip his parents—a clear attempt to humiliate the family for their Valmiki (Dalit) identity. Jansu’s mother, a homemaker, revealed that this was not an isolated incident. In her police complaint filed on May 17, she stated that Vikas and Deepak had been harassing her son for three years, often waiting outside the school to intimidate him and record videos. She also accused a teacher, Hariom Koshish, of supporting the accused. Despite the severity of the complaint, Patiala Chowki Police Station in Jind failed to register an FIR immediately. It took eight days of relentless follow-up before Case No. 179 was finally filed on May 25, under Sections 296, 351(2), 3(5) BNS and Sections 3(1)(r) & 3(1)(s) of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 Shockingly, only Deepak Sharma was named in the FIR, while Vikas Sharma and teacher Hariom Koshish were excluded—despite being named in the complaint. The delay in justice has left Jansu’s family in severe distress. Jansu has stopped attending school, fearing further harassment—a tragic blow to his education and mental well-being. His mother’s struggle highlights how caste privilege manipulates police and legal systems, denying Dalit families timely justice. Currently, Deepak Sharma is in 14-day judicial remand, but activists demand action against all accused, including Vikas and the teacher. – Reported by Dr. Krishan Kumar, an expert on caste issues in Haryana. Courtesy : The Mooknayak Note: This news is originally published on https://themooknayak.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
25 Years Ago, This Student Changed His University — But No One Gave Him Credit
In the year 2000, Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) Gorakhpur University held its annual Youth Parliament competition. Among the participants was Vikram Harijan, then a final-year BA student and a Dalit, who was selected to play the role of the Leader of the Ruling Party. The topic assigned to him was the Women’s Reservation Bill. .Today, Dr. Vikram Harijan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medieval and Modern History at Allahabad University. But back then, during the heated Youth Parliament session, Vikram raised a sharp, forward-thinking point: while the university debated women’s rights and representation, its own application forms and ID cards carried only the father’s name, leaving no space for the mother’s name. This issue sparked attention, and soon after, the university administration implemented changes to include mothers’ names on all forms and identity cards — a significant reform for the time. However, years later, as national debates around women’s issues resurfaced, Vikram claims the credit for this change was quietly shifted. According to him, then-Vice Chancellor Prof. Radhe Mohan Mishra began publicly taking sole credit for the reform, erasing the role played by Vikram and his original intervention. Vikram has shared with The Mooknayak several newspaper clippings from that time where his name was omitted, despite being the catalyst for the reform. In the Hindustan newspaper, many years later, the discussion on the women’s reservation bill that day was mentioned. But Vikram Harijan’s name was missing.Photo courtesy – by special arrangement Recalling the event from 25 years ago, Vikram says, “During my speech, I held up the university’s ID card and showed it to everyone. I said, ‘Today we’re discussing the Women’s Reservation Bill, but right here in our university, we don’t even have the option to include a mother’s name on official documents.’” The point resonated deeply among those present. Vikram remembers that after the session, Vice Chancellor Mishra acknowledged the issue, saying, “Women’s caste changes after marriage — there’s nothing I can do about that. But from today, the mother’s name will be included on all university forms and ID cards.” In the years that followed, however, Vikram noticed his name fading from the media coverage. Instead, the Vice Chancellor was credited as the sole reformer. Today, Vikram still expresses disappointment over this erasure, calling it “discrimination.” Reflecting on his student days, Dr. Vikram says, “I was naturally inclined towards debates, speeches, and writing competitions. I learned about the Youth Parliament and wanted to participate, but it wasn’t easy for me. After several attempts, and with the help of Prof. Ankur Gupta and Prof. Harsh Sinha, I finally made it in. I was chosen to lead the discussion on the Women’s Reservation Bill.” He vividly remembers quoting the legendary poet Sahir Ludhianvi during his speech: “Mardon ne banai jo rasmen, usko haq ka farman kaha, aurat ke jinda jalne ko, kurbani aur balidan kaha.” He spoke passionately about women’s rights and highlighted the university’s own shortcomings. “The next day, on February 11, all the newspapers covered the issue,” Vikram recalls. Fast forward to the present, Vikram says he felt overlooked again when Prime Minister Modi’s government passed the Women’s Reservation Bill in Parliament. “On that occasion, Hindustan newspaper ran a feature story. They quoted Ankur Sir and Harsh Sinha Sir, but there was no mention of the point I had raised in the Youth Parliament. The article simply quoted the Vice Chancellor saying that mothers’ names would now be included in university records. Photos of several people were published, but I was mentioned only in passing — just that I’m now an Assistant Professor at Allahabad University.” Courtesy : Rajan Chaudhary, The Mooknayak Note: This news is originally published on https://themooknayak.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Anger grows in Bihar after rape-murder of minor Dalit girl
On Saturday, the victim was referred to the Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH) in a critical condition, but the administration refused to admit her. The Opposition parties in Bihar on Monday came down heavily on the Nitish Kumar government over the brutal rape and murder of a minor Dalit girl in Muzaffarpur district on May 26. They accused the chief minister of criminal negligence. The 9-year-old Dalit girl from Kudhni area of Muzaffarpur district was brutally raped on May 26. The accused also tried to slit her throat. She was admitted to the Sri Krishna Medical College, Muzaffarpur. On Saturday, the victim was referred to the Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH) in a critical condition, but the administration refused to admit her. She was left struggling in an ambulance for more than four hours. Bihar Congress leaders managed to get her admitted to the maternity ward of PMCH after a five-hour struggle. But she succumbed to injuries on Sunday. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi said, “The brutality with a minor Dalit girl in Muzaffarpur and the subsequent negligence in treatment is extremely shameful. If she had received timely treatment, her life could have been saved. But the double engine government showed extreme negligence in saving her life, let alone providing security.” He added, “We will not sit quietly until the victim’s family gets justice. Strict action should be taken against the culprits and negligent officers.” Congress workers also staged a protest against the state government and burnt the effigy of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Health Minister Mangal Pandey in Patna late on Sunday. Bihar Pradesh Youth Congress organized a march in Patna on Monday to highlight the government’s apathy towards Dalits and backwards. Reacting to the horrifying incident, Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav said the double engine government has failed in the state. “The CM never discusses these issues. I do not know whether he is even aware of this incident or not. The CM and both the deputy CMs are busy with political programmes,” he said. CPI (ML) State Secretary K Kunal expressed deep anger over the barbaric sexual violence against the Dalit girl and her death due to gross negligence in treatment. He said, “This incident is a symbol of the deteriorating law and order situation in Bihar. It also raises serious questions on the poor health system of the state.” AICC Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru said the death of Kudhni rape victim has shown the gruesome face of the state government. He said under the Nitish-BJP government, Dalits and backward classes will neither get security and treatment nor justice. “Has it become a crime to be born a Dalit, extremely backward or backward in Bihar?” he asked. Courtesy : The Statesman Note: This news is originally published on https://thestatesman.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Jagan To Visit Family Of Dalit Youth ‘Thrashed’ By Tenali Police, TDP MLA Alleges ‘Heinous Mindset’
YSRCP leader Jagan Mohan Reddy will visit Tenali on June 3 to meet the family of a Dalit Youth. The incident, involving the public beating of three men by police, sparked outrage after a video surfaced. Amaravati, (PTI) YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy will visit Tenali in Guntur district on June 3 and will meet one of the families of the three men who were publicly thrashed on the road by the police recently. Half a dozen policemen in Tenali made three men–John Victor, Karimullah and Rakesh–sit on the road and beat them with batons, a YSRCP release said on Monday. A video of the incident went viral, bringing widespread condemnation against Tenali police for assaulting the minorities. In the video, a policeman is seen kicking one of the victims, while another policeman stamps on a victim’s thighs. The incident occurred on April 25 and came to light after a video surfaced on May 26. Two of the victims are from the Dalit community, while one belonged to a minority community. The three men were accused of attacking a police constable after being confronted over marijuana possession. “Reddy will visit Tenali on June 3, to meet the family of one of the three young victims from Dalit and minority communities who were brutally assaulted by police personnel,” the release said. Expressing deep anguish over this atrocity involving police, the opposition leader described the incident as an inhuman act that has shaken the conscience of the state. Recently, YSRCP Tirupati MP Maddila Gurumoorthy met the chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), V Ramasubramanian, and the Chairperson of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), Kishor Makwana, in New Delhi to submit formal complaints over the Tenali police atrocity. “He (Gurumoorthy) urged immediate action against the police personnel involved in the brutal assault on Dalit and minority youths in Tenali, Guntur district, which occurred in broad daylight on a public road,” the release said. In his complaint, the Tirupati MP alleged systemic misuse of the police system by the TDP-led NDA government to target YSRCP leaders and marginalised communities, particularly Dalits, BCs and tribals. Meanwhile, Tenali Sub-Divisional Police Officer B Janardhan told PTI that an enquiry officer has been appointed by Guntur District Superintendent of Police S Satish to look into the atrocity case. Reacting to Reddy’s planned visit to Tenali, TDP leader and Madakasira MLA MS Raju ridiculed that a person (Jagan) who had worked as the CM is going to comfort “marijuana gangs, rowdy sheeters and anti-social elements”. “This reflects the criminal nature and heinous mindset of Jagan,” said Raju addressing a press conference. (This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.) Courtesy : ABP News Live Note: This news is originally published on https://abpnewslive.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Congress raps Nitish government over rape and murder of nine-year-old Dalit girl in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur
On Monday, Congress workers took out a protest march from the party headquarters with posters and banners, demanding justice for the girl who died on Sunday morning. PATNA: The Opposition Congress has vowed to continue its agitation over the rape and murder of a nine-year-old Dalit girl in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur until justice is delivered to her family. On Monday, Congress workers took out a protest march from the party headquarters at Sadaquat Ashram with posters and banners, demanding justice for ‘Bihar’s Dalit girl’ who died on Sunday morning. However, they were stopped by police from marching towards CM Nitish Kumar’s residence. A minor scuffle ensued between police and protesters. Some leaders were also taken into custody and detained for a while. However, the protesters reiterated their resolve to fight for justice for the victim’s family. They got support from Congress MP Rahul Gandhi who wrote on X, “The brutality against a minor Dalit girl in Muzaffarpur and subsequent negligence in her treatment is extremely shameful. If she had received timely treatment, her life could have been saved. But the ‘double-engine’ government was negligent not only in providing security but in saving her life.” Demanding justice for the victim, Rahul further wrote, “We will not sit quietly until the victim’s family gets justice. Strict action should be taken against the culprit and negligent officers.” He called the death of the rape victim a case of systematic apathy and medical negligence. The Congress women’s cell is also busy chalking out a strategy to corner the NDA government over women’s safety. Women cell leaders attacked Bihar CM Nitish Kumar for his failure to ensure safety and security to women, who they said were being subjected to sexual assault at frequent intervals across the state. Meanwhile, a group of people torched the house of the accused and demanded stern action against him for his heinous act. They described the accused identified as Rohit Sahni, a resident of the same village the victim belonged to, as a ‘a psycho rapist’ who had committed such an offence for the second time. Vidyasagar, superintendent of police (SP), Muzaffarpur (Rural), said the chargesheet against the accused would be submitted in the court within 15 days and the case listed for speedy trial. SSP Sushil Kumar said that the victim was known to the accused. “He was immediately arrested and produced in the court, which remanded him in judicial custody,” he added. The incident occurred on May 26. The accused lured her by providing her chocolates, took her to a nearby maize field and sexually assaulted her. He also attempted to kill her on the spot by stabbing her with a knife around her chest and neck 20 times, causing multiple injuries. The rape victim was rushed to Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital in Muzaffarpur from where she was referred to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) on Saturday. In the PMCH premises, she had to wait for more than four hours in an ambulance before finally getting a bed. The victim’s family alleged that the girl was admitted to PMCH after the intervention of some Congress leaders who reached the hospital and talked to senior officials. The deceased’s uncle alleged that they were made to wait for two hours with the minor, but the hospital administration didn’t admit her. Her uncle said that if the girl had been admitted to PMCH on time, her life could have been saved. According to police, there were slash wounds on the girl’s throat and chest. The accused tried to kill her by slitting her throat. “Her vocal cords were damaged, and she was unable to speak,” an investigating officer Aditi Kumari said. Courtesy : Ramashankar, TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https://thenewindianexpress.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Muzaffarpur horror: NCW steps in; Opposition steps up attack after minor girl’s rape-murder – 10 points
NEW DELHI: The death of a 9-year-old Dalit girl after a brutal rape in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur has triggered outrage across the country. As allegations of medical negligence and administrative failure emerge, here are 10 things to know about the case that has prompted interventions from the NHRC, NCW, and national leaders: Brutal assault on a 9-year-old girl in Muzaffarpur On May 26, the minor girl was allegedly lured with chocolate near her aunt’s house and taken to a maize field where she was raped and physically assaulted. She sustained serious neck and internal injuries. Referred to Patna after initial treatment She was first admitted to Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur. Due to her critical condition, she was referred to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) on May 30.3. Left in an ambulance for hours at PMCH According to her uncle, the child was kept waiting for 2-3 hours inside an ambulance outside PMCH before being admitted. Despite her condition, proper care was allegedly delayed, and the family claims she was only admitted after they raised a ruckus. Allegations of negligence and overmedication The family alleged that doctors gave the child sedatives through the night, and she died the next morning. They also claimed they had to spend Rs 25,000 at the government hospital. NHRC issues notices, calls it a violation of human rights The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognisance and issued notices to the chief secretary and DGP of Bihar, calling the incident a serious human rights violation. A detailed report has been sought within two weeks. NCW demands immediate action, cites ‘systemic failures’ National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar also took suo motu cognisance, demanding a probe into the role of the hospital authorities and police, and calling the delay in treatment “gross negligence.” RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav slams government for inaction RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav accused the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government of prioritising elections over justice. He said the CM and Deputy CMs haven’t even acknowledged the case, calling the law and order situation in Bihar “criminal disorder.” Rahul Gandhi blames ‘double-engine’ government Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi posted on X that the girl’s life could’ve been saved with timely medical care. He blamed the NDA’s negligence and vowed to fight until the family receives justice. Government promises Rs 4 lakh ex gratia, fast-track trial Bihar minister Kedar Gupta announced a Rs 4 lakh compensation, promised a chargesheet within 10 days, and said the government would seek a death sentence for the accused within two months. Accused is a repeat offender According to media reports cited by the NHRC, the same accused had previously raped another 12-year-old girl and tried to kill her. The delay in action raises questions about policing and prevention mechanisms. 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.
SC panel issues notice to Telangana govt after IAS officer asks Dalit Gurukul students to clean their toilets
Varshini sparked controversy after instructing principals to assign cleaning tasks—such as tidying hostel rooms and toilets, to students at social welfare schools. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) on Sunday issued notices to the Telangana chief secretary and the state’s director general of police, seeking an action-taken report within 15 days over alleged derogatory remarks made by IAS officer Dr V S Alagu Varshini against Scheduled Caste students in Gurukul schools. Varshini, Secretary of the Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TGSWREIS), sparked controversy after an audio clip went viral last week. In the recording, she is heard instructing principals to assign cleaning tasks—such as tidying hostel rooms and toilets, to students at social welfare schools. The directive triggered sharp criticism from several quarters, with opposition leaders accusing the officer of caste-based discrimination and insensitivity. Former TGSWREIS secretary and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader Dr R S Praveen Kumar condemned the remarks and questioned whether similar duties were expected of the chief minister’s own children. He demanded Varshini’s immediate removal, accusing her of targeting Dalit students. “These orders are outrageous and reflect a regressive mindset. She is even threatening parents who raise concerns,” Praveen Kumar posted on X. BRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha also criticised the state government, sharing the audio clip on social media. She claimed that during the previous BRS regime, each welfare school was granted Rs 40,000 per month to hire cleaning staff—funding that has allegedly been discontinued by the Congress-led government from May this year. Kavitha alleged that assistant caretaker posts in 240 schools had also been scrapped, pushing students into roles such as wardens and kitchen helpers. “Now the officer is forcing children to clean toilets. This violates child rights and undermines the very purpose of Gurukul institutions, which were created to protect marginalised students from caste and class biases, ” she wrote. Defending her remarks, Varshini said her intent was to instil self-reliance among students from extremely poor backgrounds. “Why can’t they clean their own toilets? This is part of growing up,” she said in the audio. “I cannot provide luxury. Once they leave school, they must be able to manage on their own.” In another audio shared with the media, Varshini appealed for her words not to be taken out of context or politicised. She rejected allegations of a staff shortage and argued that students helping with daily chores is a part of holistic development. The NCSC has taken cognisance of the issue amid rising public outcry and political backlash, as the debate deepens over the balance between discipline and dignity in residential welfare schools. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https://thenewindianexpress.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Deputy commissioner assures thorough probe into Dalit youth’s death
Mandya: Deputy commissioner Kumara on Monday said a thorough investigation would be conducted regarding the death of Dalit youth Jayakumar from Katteraghatta village in KR Pet Taluk on May 17, and strict action will be taken against those found guilty. Speaking at the district-level awareness and oversight committee meeting held at the DC’s office, regarding the implementation of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015, and the 2016 rules, he said the act to prevent atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is in force and that people are being made aware of it. Evidence collected from the incident was sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory. An inquiry is also underway into why a complaint was not registered against the suspect a day before the incident. “No one is above the law, and appropriate legal action will be taken once the report is received,” he said. The district administration visited the location and planned to provide benefits to the deceased’s wife and children within the scope of the law. A compensation of Rs 8.3 lakh was sanctioned, of which Rs 4.2 lakh was given via cheque. The remaining amount will be disbursed after the charge sheet is filed. Additionally, Rs 5,000 per month will be provided as a pension. The family owns 1 acre and 20 guntas in the deceased’s name, and steps will be taken to update the land records and repair their house. Under the Ganga Kalyana scheme, a borewell will be drilled. The deceased is survived by two children. If their mother wishes, arrangements will be made to provide them free education under the special case category in either a nearby residential school or a reputed institution, he said. Superintendent of police Mallikarjun Baladandi said the charge sheet must be filed within 60 days of the FIR. Based on the evidence obtained during the investigation, the charge sheet will be filed, and legal action will be initiated against the guilty. 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.
Family matters in Bihar’s Dalit politics—Manjhis to Paswans, how kin are rising up the ladder
Months before polls, Nitish govt appointed Chirag Paswan’s brother-in-law Mrinal Paswan as chairperson of Scheduled Caste Commission, and Jitan Ram Manjhi’s son-in-law as chairperson. New Delhi: The Nitish Kumar government’s decision to appoint the relatives of Union ministers Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi to top posts in the Bihar Scheduled Caste Commission months before elections has fuelled debate around “dynastic politics” in parties led by Dalit leaders in the state. Chirag Paswan’s brother-in-law Mrinal Paswan has been appointed chairperson of the commission, while Jitan Ram Manjhi’s son-in-law Devendra Manjhi has been made its vice chairperson. Opposition RJD criticised the appointments, saying these were made with an eye on the assembly elections due later this year. Former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi’s family now has seven members in politics, competing with the Lalu Prasad Yadav family’s dominance in the state. Manjhi, who comes from the Mahadalit musahar community, contested the Lok Sabha polls from the Gaya seat in 1991, 2014, 2019 and 2024. He won only the 2024 polls. He is currently the oldest minister in the Modi cabinet, holding charge of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Ministry. The Manjhi family Manjhi’s son Santosh Kumar Suman is the national president of their party Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM). He is a minister in the Nitish cabinet, holding the Minor Water Resources portfolio. He was a minister in Nitish Kumar’s 2020 cabinet too when he held the Minor Irrigation and SC/ST Welfare portfolios. Suman’s wife Deepa Manjhi won the byelection from Imamganj assembly constituency in November 2024 as Jitan Ram Manjhi vacated the seat after his election to Lok Sabha. Deepa Manjhi’s mother Jyoti Devi is also an MLA from the party. She represents the Barachatti assembly constituency. Devendra Manjhi, who has been made the vice-chairperson of the SC Commission, has been HAM general secretary and unsuccessfully contested the assembly election in 2020 from Makhdumpur. Jitan Ram Manjhi has two sons and five daughters. His younger son Pravin Suman is also in politics. Manjhi’s elder daughter Sunaina has contested a deputy mayoral election in 2022. Devendra Manjhi first came in news in 2014 when Jitan Ram Manjhi, as the chief minister of Bihar, appointed him as his personal assistant, and another relative, Satendra Kumar, a clerk. The BJP, then in the opposition, criticised Manjhi, citing a general administration department’s order of 23 May 2000 that no minister can appoint a relative as PA. Manji defended the appointment, saying Devendra has been his PA since 2006. But as the controversy erupted, Devendra resigned. When ThePrint spoke to him after his appointment at the SC Commission, Devendra Manjhi said, “When a doctor’s son becomes a doctor, nobody asks questions.” He said he is an engineer and has been working among people for the last 25 years, despite being the son-in-law of an MP and former chief minister. “Today, after spending so much time among people, I have been appointed as vice-chairperson to work among Dalits. What is wrong with it?” He said the HAM fought the 2015 elections in alliance with the RJD and the JD(U), and the party was given 21 seats to contest. “But I did not get the ticket then and contested as an Independent. Nobody asked why Manjhi’s son-in-law did not get a ticket. My appointment is not dynastic politics.” Courtesy : Shanker Arnimesh, 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.