“Double-engine government was negligent”: Rahul Gandhi slams NDA over Dalit girl’s death at PMCH
Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Sunday lashed out at the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, led by Nitish Kumar, over the death of a minor Dalit girl, alleging negligence in her treatment at the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH). In a post on social media website X, LoP Gandhi alleged that the “double-engine” government’s negligence led to the dalit girl’s death. “The brutality against a minor Dalit girl in Muzaffarpur and the 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 also in saving his life,” he said. The Congress leader further in his post assured that justice would be served to the victim’s family. “We will not sit quietly until the victim’s family gets justice. Strict action should be taken against the culprits and negligent officers,” the post read. Earlier on Sunday, several Congress workers held a protest demanding justice in the case. Speaking at the protest, Bihar Congress Chief Rajesh Ram said, “There are two aspects to this case. First, that she was raped. After the rape, there was a brutal attempt to murder her. And second, the government left no stone unturned in its negligence. Due to the delay in treatment, that girl is no longer alive. For this, the government is directly responsible for the failure of the healthcare system. Go see for yourself.” This comes after a minor girl from Muzaffarpur’s Kundli, who was brought to the PMCH four days after she was denied treatment by AIIMS, PATNA. The minor girl was a victim of rape, as per officials. However, PMCH Incharge Superintendent Abhijit Singh denied the claims made by the victim’s family on the delay of treatment and stated that the girl who was brought to PMCH in a severely injured condition had been given proper medical care. “When she was admitted here, we provided complete medical care from our side. The claims made by the family that there was a delay in treatment are baseless. We did everything we could. We consulted all the departments that needed to be involved and ensured she received treatment in the ICU as well,” he told ANI. Courtesy : The News Mill 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.
Dalit woman alleges sexual exploitation in Lucknow
Lucknow: A Dalit woman accused a man from Hardoi of sexually exploiting her under the pretext of marriage, filming obscene videos without consent and later blackmailing her. The accused also pressured the woman to convert to Christianity, threatening to circulate the videos when she demanded marriage. According to the victim, the incident dates back four years when she met the accused, Rakesh Kumar Pandey alias Avinash Pandey, at his mobile repair shop in Sarvodaya Nagar. Their acquaintance soon turned into an affair. She alleged that about three years ago, Rakesh took her to a relative’s house on the pretext of a birthday party, spiked her drink and sexually assaulted her while filming the act. Despite promising marriage, he kept delaying and eventually refused. When she insisted, he began to blackmail her with the videos and forcibly continued sexual exploitation. The woman said she severed all contact, but the harassment continued through calls from different numbers. Later, Rakesh allegedly revealed his Christian faith and demanded that the woman and her family convert. When she resisted, he sent her obscene videos and photos to friends and relatives and began demanding money and property. She also claimed to receive death threats. ACP Ghazipur (Indiranagar) Anindya Vikram Singh confirmed that a case was registered and efforts are underway to trace and detain the accused. 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.
When ‘Beta’ Becomes A Death Sentence: Unmasking The Caste Discrimination In India
The death of Nilesh Rathod will always serve as a stern reminder of the still persistent legacy of caste-based discrimination in India. A 20-year-old Dalit man named Nilesh Rathod died from injuries he got after being brutally attacked in Gujarat’s Amreli district for calling a shopkeeper’s son “beta” (son). This conveys the persistence of caste-based discrimination in India. In addition to highlighting the widespread impact of caste hierarchies, this incident raises concerns about the continuation of these stereotypes in future generations. About the incident Nilesh Rathod went to buy snacks at a neighbourhood store in Jarakhiya village on May 16, 2025. He called the shopkeeper’s son “beta” in a gesture of familiarity or perhaps just courtesy. This seemingly harmless and everyday term was met with violent outrage. Source: TNM Rathod allegedly suffered a stick attack from the shopkeeper, Chotha Khoda Bharwad, and the attack intensified as more people joined in, using sickles and sticks and hurling casteist slurs. Before an old man stepped in, Rathod and his friends were constantly chased and beaten. Rathod died from his injuries six days later, on May 22, 2025, even after being treated by doctors. Youth and caste: A disturbing continuity This incident screams that the idea that discrimination based on caste was a thing of the past and was only passed down by older generations. The active participation of younger generations in such violent acts hints that caste prejudices are still being promoted across generations. It demonstrates the fragile nature of caste dynamics and the deeply rooted insecurity people have about social hierarchies that a harmless word like “beta,” which is used as a word of affection by people of all ages and backgrounds, could be the source of such a violent reaction. When words become weapons Language, in India, is strongly entangled with social and caste hierarchies. Some languages to be spoken are considered to be superior to what other castes are speaking, which commonly reflects and reinforces social hierarchies. Here, a Dalit man using “beta” to address a person of higher caste was seen as a violation, a desecration of the existing social order. This incident clearly sheds light on how language, if passed through the prism of caste, can be the source of violence even where it’s not required, showing us the universal nature of caste hierarchy in everyday conversations. The role of silence: Political and social apathy After the incident, there was a deafening silence from political leaders and the mainstream media. The case only gained close attention after constant protests by activists like Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani, who demanded justice and compensation for the victim’s family. Such a delayed response, which is definitely not the first time, reflects broader societal apathy and ignorance towards caste-based violence, especially when the victims come from marginalised communities. The spotlight towards caste-based violence is determined according to each caste’s convenience. Justice delayed is justice denied Police responded to the incident by arresting eight people and detaining a minor. Source: India Today The accused were charged under the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including those relating to murder, rioting, unlawful assembly, and distressing hurt. While these legal measures are in the right direction, the efficacy of such actions is often downplayed by systemic delays and societal pressures that can strongly influence the process of justice. Not an isolated incident: Persistence of caste discrimination This tragic incident is not isolated in itself but a part of an even larger disturbing pattern of caste-based violence in India. From incidents like the Una flogging in 2016 to the lynching of Jagmael Singh in 2019, there have been numerous incidents where Dalits have faced brutal assaults for everyday harmless tasks due to the norms of caste. Such events present the stubborn and systemic nature of caste-based violence and discrimination in India. Caste-based discrimination remains deeply rooted in Indian society, surpassing age and generational boundaries. While the thought goes that younger generations today are protected from such evils and prejudices, recent incidents suggest something else. Several recent events highlight the involvement of young individuals in caste-based discrimination and violence. In Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, in May 2025, five schoolboys allegedly gang-raped a 12-year-old Dalit girl inside a school’s principal office. The boys reportedly gave her a spiked drink, filmed the assault, and threatened her to keep silent. All five were arrested following the incident. In Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, a Dalit groom’s wedding procession was attacked by upper-caste people who were enraged just by the use of a DJ and a chariot. The groom was allegedly pulled and pushed out of the chariot and the guests were assaulted and threatened to stop the procession before any more harm. In Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh, a newlywed Dalit couple was reportedly attacked by upper-caste people who forced the groom and the family to pass them by removing their slippers. When they refused to do so, they were assaulted. This incident did draw criticism from political leaders, highlighting the ongoing caste tensions but did not make any difference. While extensive, up-to-date statistics specifically focusing on youth involvement in caste-based discrimination are limited, broader data indicates the persistence of such biases. It was found by a Pew Research Centre survey in 2021 that a significantly large portion of the Indian population still admits the existence of caste-based discrimination and violence. And to note, members of the SC and ST were more prone to such discrimination against themselves. Reports from many human rights organisations and NGOs also consistently highlight that caste-based violence and discrimination still prevail largely across India, affecting all ages. These reports also highlight the need for systemic changes and the need to take measures to remove the presence of such deep-rooted beliefs and prejudices. The way forward: Education and empathy Addressing such strong, deep-rooted beliefs of caste-based prejudice, we need effective and multifaceted approaches. Source: ABC Firstly, education systems should incorporate detailed modules on caste history and social justice to promote empathy
If govt can agree to truce with Pak, why not with Naxals: TPCC chief
Hyderabad: Telangana Congress president B Mahesh Kumar Goud on Sunday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah launched ‘Operation Kagar’ (Operation Black Forest) to hand over the mineral wealth of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand to the corporates, under the pretext of eliminating Naxalites. He also criticised the Modi govt for not accepting the offer of talks made by the Maoists. “It is unfortunate that the central govt, under pressure from US President Donald Trump, agreed to a ceasefire and hold talks with Pakistan, which is sponsoring terrorism, but not agreeing to talks with our own citizens (Maoists). Congress’ ideology is non-violence, and it will not support any kind of violence, including that done by the Maoists,” he said, speaking at a round table meeting convened by Left parties, human rights, and civil society organisations at Sundarayya Vignana Kendram. All the secular and democratic forces, including Congress, should condemn the killing of Naxalites by the govt in ‘Operation Kagar’, even after the Maoists expressed willingness to hold talks, he said. Just because they (BJP) have power, “the govt violence” on the pretext of ‘Operation Kagar’ cannot be supported. Since coming to power, the BJP govt has been dismantling constitutional institutions, he added. “When someone is ready for talks, they should be held. The BJP plays politics in the name of religion and gods. There are instances when talks were held during the time of even Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. Not accepting talks reveals their fascist ideology. They have been toppling democratically elected govts in various states. Only a few people are able to oppose them, and one of them is the Gandhi family,” Mahesh Goud said. The TPCC chief narrated an ancecdote when Rahul Gandhi, Meenakshi Natarajan, chief minister A Revanth Reddy, and deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka and he were going in a car to attend Bharat Summit in Hyderabad on April 26. “Meenakshi said security forces surrounded Karregutta as part of ‘Operation Kagar’, but expressed concern that there were civilians there too. Then Rahul Gandhi said that you can eliminate individuals and even a group of people but not their cause. Subsequently, CM Revanth said he would speak to representatives of all parties in this regard. The Gandhi family even pardoned the killers of Rajiv Gandhi, as the Congress firmly believes in non-violence,” he said. Telangana Congress leadership would discuss and take a decision soon on the support sought by the Left parties and organisations against ‘Operation Kagar’. 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.
Rahul Gandhi to visit Haryana Congress office this week to finalise district units
Chandigarh: With Lok Sabha leader of opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expected to visit Haryana on Wednesday, functionaries of the event to be attend by him have started to get anxious, as there is talk of the party announcing its state functionaries. If all goes as planned, with a view to finalising the district units of Haryana, Rahul is reaching the office of the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) on Wednesday. He is expected to be accompanied by AICC in-charge and co-incharges for Haryana, and 21 observers appointed by AICC last month to finalise district executives. Senior leaders of the state who are expected to attend the event include former CM Bhupinder Hooda, HPCC chief Udai Bhan, former Union minister Selja, and Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Surjewala could join as AICC general secretaries, and Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda could join as AICC member of the working committee. Enquiries made from the HPCC office confirmed the presence of Bhan and Bhupinder Hooda. Both leaders will arrive in Chandigarh on Tuesday and will return to Delhi after meetings on Wednesday night. “We are totally clueless about the agenda as well as the list of invitees. Since observers are expected to join the meeting, we are hopeful of the finalisation of names of district units as per feedback from observers. Rest, there is no intimation to MPs or MLAs as elected representatives,” said one MP from Haryana. For 11 years, the issue of forming the executive at the district level is hanging fire due to infighting between Hooda and his rivals within the party. All this began during the tenure of former MP Ashok Tanwar as HPCC president and continues till now. Various lists of proposed district executives prepared during the tenure of Selja and Udai Bhan were lying unused in AICC headquarters. As a result, Haryana Congress contested two general elections and three assembly elections without any executive in place. It was not just the district executive; even the Congress high command has not yet cleared the name of the CLP leader despite the party being the major opposition party with 37 MLAs. 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.
BJP targets Rahul ahead of his June 6 Nalanda Visit
Patna: In an election year where political parties are vying to position themselves as champions of social justice, BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal on Sunday criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s upcoming visit to Bihar. Gandhi is scheduled to address an extremely backward classes (EBC) conference in Nalanda on June 6. Jaiswal claimed that PM Narendra Modi has visited Bihar nearly 50 times since 2014, when he was declared the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate. In contrast, he accused Gandhi of engaging with the state only during elections. “Since his bachpan (childhood) to the age of 55, Rahul comes out of his AC chamber only when there is an election in the state,” Jaiswal said. Bihar is set to go to the polls in Oct-Nov this year. “Rahul first came to Bihar in Jan to propagate the British divide and rule policy. He should tell how many times he has visited Bihar from childhood to the age of 55. If a PM can make time for Bihar, why can’t he?” Jaiswal asked. The BJP leader alleged that the Congress MP’s interest in Bihar is opportunistic. “The Congress MP is coming when his boat has already sunk in Bihar. Where was he for five years? People of Bihar like PM Modi and CM Nitish,” he said. Ahead of the PM’s two-day visit to the state on May 29 and May 30, deputy CM Samrat Choudhary had said that it marked Modi’s 50th visit to Bihar. In contrast, Rahul’s June 6 appearance will be his fifth visit to the state this year. The PM, by comparison, has made three visits to Bihar in 2025. Union minister and BJP MP from Begusarai, Giriraj Singh, also took aim at the Congress on Sunday, accusing party president Mallikarjun Kharge of echoing Pakistan’s rhetoric. Singh criticised Kharge for demanding proof of Operation Sindoor, a cross-border military action following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which 26 tourists were killed. “He is speaking the language of Pakistan,” Singh said. 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.
Rahul visiting Anvar was a mistake: Satheesan
Kochi: Opposition leader V D Satheesan said that Youth Congress state president Rahul Mamkootathil’s visit to P V Anvar was not with the knowledge of the UDF or Congress leadership. The UDF decided not to engage in further discussions with him and officially informed Anvar of their decision, Satheesan told reporters in Kochi on Sunday. Despite being asked to support the UDF candidate, Anvar repeated his previous stance, resulting in the UDF closing the door. “No one was tasked with negotiating with Anvar, and Mamkootathil’s visit to him was a mistake. The UDF meeting decided to close the door on discussions, and there will be no further talks. Filing nomination is Anvar’s choice. In Nilambur, it’s between the UDF and LDF. The UDF will evaluate the govt’s nine-year performance. People are fed up with this govt. The secret alliance of the CPM with the BJP will also be discussed,” Satheesan said. UDF in Nilambur is stronger than it was in Thrikkakara, Puthuppally and Palakkad, the opposition leader said. In the 2021 polls, even during the LDF wave, the victory margin here was only 2,700. Extensive preparations have been made, and the results will be seen in Nilambur. “The UDF is so strong that it won’t yield to any pressure. UDF is an alliance formed by eminent leaders. No decision will be made to tarnish UDF’s pride. This is not my personal opinion but a unified decision of the UDF, and I was tasked with conveying it. I am prepared to face any criticism for this. There will be no response to any attacks. Aryadan Shoukath will win by a large margin,” he added. Satheesan alleged that there is a secret alliance between CPM and BJP to defeat Congress in Nilambur. He said the state govt raising no complaints regarding the collapse of the national highway could be seen as proof of this alliance. “In Nilambur, CPM and BJP have reportedly formed an agreement to defeat the UDF. This is why BJP initially decided not to field a candidate. However, they have now fielded a candidate to escape allegations against their leadership. BJP has promised the CPM that their candidate can split the UDF votes. But no UDF vote will go to either the CPM or BJP. UDF is facing the election politically and is organisationally strong,” he added. Despite widespread damage to the national highway and massive corruption worth billions of rupees, Kerala govt has not complained against the central govt, Satheesan said. The CPM, which once accused the UDF govt regarding the Palarivattom bridge, is now silent about the national highway collapse due to fear, he said. 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.
If you are seen in the village, we will rape you… Recording of threats by bullies goes viral, Dalit couple wandering for justice
Shravasti Hindi News: A shocking case has come to light from Shravasti. Where some bullies of the village have forced a Dalit woman and her husband to leave the village. Let’s know the whole matter… Shravasti Latest News/Santosh Kumar: A shocking social media recording is going viral from Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh, in which it is alleged that some bullies of the village even told the victim that if she is seen in the village, she will be raped. After this incident, there was a stir in the area. Where is the case from? Actually, this case is being told of Bhamepara village of Ikouna police station area of the district. Where a Dalit woman and her husband have been forced to leave the village by some bullies of the village itself. The victim alleges that the bullies had threatened them and driven them out of the village about six months ago and even now they are constantly talking obscenely on the phone and threatening to kill them. According to the Dalit couple, after being thrown out of the village, they had to spend many days wandering in the fields. Currently, they are taking shelter at a relative’s house away from the village. The woman said that she is being threatened by three people of the village. It is alleged that the bullies even said that if they are seen in the village, they will be raped and killed. Recording of obscene talk goes viral The victim has given a written complaint to the police in this regard and pleaded for justice. The woman also has a recording of the threats made on the phone, which is now going viral on social media. The police has taken the matter seriously and started investigation and is questioning the concerned persons after reaching the village. Officials say that strict action will be taken against the culprits and the safety of the victim’s family will be ensured. Courtesy : Hindi News
Bihar court sentences two persons to death for rape-murder of 8-yr-old Dalit girl
Madhubani (Bihar), May 31 (PTI) A court in Bihar’s Madhubani district on Saturday sentenced two persons to death after convicting them for the rape and murder of an eight-year-old Dalit girl. Special judge for SC/ST cases and Additional District and Sessions Judge, Syed Mohammad Fazlul Bari, also slapped a fine of Rs 1.2 lakh each on the two convicts — Sushil Kumar Rai and Om Prakash Jha. The case pertains to the incident that took place on June 22, 2023 in Jaynagar police station area. Speaking to reporters after the verdict, special public prosecutor Sapan Kumar Singh, said, “It was a ‘rarest of the rare’ case and the prosecution urged the court to award the death penalty. Defense counsel argued in favour of the accused, but the court upheld the prosecution’s demand for the death sentence to both accused.” Narrating the incident, he said, “The deceased’s family members were not at home. The accused lured the girl to Jaynagar market. Then they took her to a room in Koshi Colony, where they raped her. When the girl tried to raise an alarm, the accused strangled her to death. The very next day, police arrested the accused and recovered the girl’s body.” Family members of the accused refused to interact with the media. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI) Courtesy : The Week Note: This news is originally published on https://theweek.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Attack on Dalit girl’s wedding in marriage hall, case filed against 24 people
Ballia (UP), (Language) In Rasra area of Ballia district, people present there were attacked in protest against organizing the wedding ceremony of a Dalit girl in a baraat ghar. Two people were seriously injured in this incident and a case has been filed against 24 people in this connection. Police sources told on Sunday, citing the report filed, that Raghavendra Gautam, a resident of Mission Road, Rasra town of Rasra Kotwali area, has told in the filed case that on May 30, his sister’s wedding was taking place in a marriage hall in the town. According to the complaint, after the baraat arrived, at around 10:30 pm, people named Aman Sahni, Deepak Sahni, Rahul and Akhilesh of Mallah Toli came with sticks, rods and pipes along with 15-20 unknown people and started abusing, and also said that how are you getting married in a marriage hall despite being from Dalit caste. Sources said that according to Gautam, after this the attackers attacked the people present in the wedding ceremony. Ajay Kumar and Manan Kant were seriously injured in this incident. Sources said that in this connection, on the complaint of Raghvendra Gautam, a case has been registered on Saturday against 24 people including Aman Sahni, Deepak Sahni, Rahul and Akhilesh and 20 unidentified people under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Atrocities Prevention Act. Courtesy in-charge Vipin Singh said that the police is investigating the matter. No arrest has been made so far. Bhasha Editor Salim Netrapal Vaibhav This news has been taken by ‘auto-feed’ from ‘Bhasha’ news agency. ThePrint is not responsible for its content. Courtesy : Hindi News