Why were Dr. Sequeira, who left Mumbai to serve tribal communities and Dalit activist Laxman Naik arrested? What do civil society groups say?
Doctor and community health worker Randall Sequeira and Dalit activist Laxman Naik were arrested on October 16th amid anti-bauxite mining protests in Odisha. New Delhi – Dr. Randall Sequeira and Dalit activist Laxman Naik, who provide health care to tribal communities in Odisha’s Kalahandi district, were arrested on the night of October 16th. Both are currently in judicial custody at the Rayagada sub-jail. Police have charged them with connection to a violent clash in April 2026. Police say Sequeira was inciting tribals against the government and Naik was misleading people, while human rights organizations and civil society groups have questioned the process and motive behind the arrests. On October 16th, around 10:45–11:00 pm, police arrived in two jeeps at Dr. Sequeira’s home in Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi, where Naik was also staying. According to the Orissa Post, police, acting on a tip-off, arrested the two men from their rented house on the night of October 16th. Several officers were in civilian clothes. Their mobile phones were snatched and they were taken to the Bhawanipatna Town Police Station. Their whereabouts were unknown to their families and lawyers from 6 a.m. until around 6:30 p.m. on October 17th. That evening, they were produced before the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate of Rayagada and remanded to judicial custody for 15 days. According to the police, the arrests were made in connection with Case No. 85/2026 of the Kashipur Police Station. The case relates to a violent clash that occurred on the night of April 6–7, 2026, in Kantamal (Kutamal) village in Rayagada district. Police entered the village in connection with a road project for Vedanta’s proposed Sijimali bauxite mine. Villagers alleged lathicharge and tear gas, while police claim protesters attacked them. According to the police, lathicharge and tear gas were used to disperse the crowd, injuring several people and police officers. The incident was related to a protest against the construction of an access road to the Sijimali bauxite reserve. Police say Dr. Sequeira and Laxman Nayak were not named in the original FIR, but their role emerged during the investigation. Dr. Sequeira and Laxman Nayak face charges of attempt to murder, rioting with a deadly weapon, robbery, and criminal intimidation with a threat to kill. A police officer also stated that a case has been registered under the attempt to murder, rioting, and the Arms Act. Human rights and tribal rights organizations have called the arrests wrong and illegal, demanding their release. The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), the Concerned Citizens Committee Odisha, the Medico Friends Circle, and other organizations have condemned the arrests. They allege that the arrests were made without a warrant or reason and are part of a conspiracy to suppress the protests against Sijimali bauxite mining. They say that dozens of cases have been filed in the area in the past three years, and hundreds of tribal and Dalit people have been jailed. According to a statement from the Medico Friends Circle, both were held overnight without a warrant, arrest memo, or reason, and were denied access to lawyers or family. According to the organization, neither was named in the original FIR, and Sequera already has anticipatory bail in another case. PUCL condemned the arrests. It says this is the latest in a series of arrests of Dalit and tribal leaders protesting against Vedanta’s mine in Sijimali. Activists claim that more than 100 Dalit and tribal people have been arrested and 43 cases filed since the protests began in 2023. Southwest Range DIG Akhileshwar Singh told PTI that the arrested people were not innocent. According to him, Dr. Sequera was inciting tribals against the government instead of providing medical services, and Naik was misleading people. He said that many doctors work in Kalahandi and Rayagada, but only Dr. Sequeira was arrested. Regarding the allegations of torture, he said that neither of them filed any such complaint with the magistrate in court. Another official said that the two were not named in the FIR, but their involvement came to light during subsequent investigations. According to RTFC, an organization based in Rayagada-Kalahandi, the Odisha High Court had previously quashed the district order prohibiting Sequeira from entering Rayagada. Sequeira’s mother, Nancy Sequeira, said that her son was fighting for the rights and dignity of tribals and she hopes for justice. The Sijimali hill region has been in dispute over bauxite mining since 2023. Local communities have been claiming to protect their rights to water, forest, and land. Background of the Sijimali Dispute In 2023, Odisha auctioned the Sijimali bauxite block, spread across Rayagada and Kalahandi, to Vedanta Limited. According to a report, the lease covers approximately 1,549 hectares and is expected to produce approximately 9 million tons of bauxite annually for 50 years. Villagers allege that the Gram Sabha’s consent was obtained through forged signatures. According to the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre, the resolutions from the alleged Gram Sabha meetings of December 8, 2023, were forged. A Worrying Trend of Criminalizing Democratic Protest Dr. Sequeira (39) was born in Karnataka and grew up in Mumbai. He completed his MBBS from St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru. He moved to Kalahandi in 2017. He organized health camps in remote tribal villages, treated pregnant women and malnourished children, and helped local students prepare for medical entrance exams. He was involved with the Medico Friend Circle and the Jan Swasthya Abhiyan. Laxman Nayak is a Dalit activist associated with the Maa Mati Mali Suraksha Manch and the Samajwadi Jan Parishad. He is also a martial arts trainer. The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) strongly condemned the arrests of Dr. Randall Sequeira and Laxman Nayak. The organization stated that these arrests should be seen in the context of the continued imprisonment of Lada Sikaka, president of the Niyamgiri Suraksha Samiti, and Lingaraj Azad, advisor to the Niyamgiri Suraksha Samiti and Maa Mati Mali Suraksha Manch. The detention of several activists associated with movements protecting tribal land and natural resources reflects a worrying trend of criminalizing democratic
Holiday on Valmiki Jayanti in UP: A Strategy to Strengthen Outreach to the Dalit Community Before 2027?
The Dalit vote bank has long played a decisive role in Uttar Pradesh politics. With the 2027 Assembly elections in sight, the BJP is also eyeing this major social segment. The Yogi government’s major decision regarding Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti is considered significant from a political perspective ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh. With the announcement of a public holiday today, the government will celebrate Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti in all 75 districts. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will attend a program organized in Kanpur on this occasion. Focus on the Dalit Community The Dalit vote bank has long played a decisive role in Uttar Pradesh politics. With the 2027 Assembly elections in sight, the BJP is also eyeing this major social segment. The statewide celebrations of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti can be seen as an attempt to strengthen socio-cultural ties among the Dalit community. The Special Significance of Valmiki Jayanti Maharishi Valmiki holds a special place in Indian tradition, and his birth anniversary holds special significance among the Valmiki community. Therefore, organizing events in all 75 districts of the state, and the Chief Minister personally attending the events, reflects the government’s priority. All Eyes on Dalit Voters Winning Dalit voters will be crucial for all major political parties in the 2027 elections. While the BJP may seek to expand its reach through social representation and cultural events, the SP is relying on its PDA alliance, and the BSP on its traditional Dalit base. Tough Competition in the 2027 Elections Ahead of the 2027 elections, all major parties are competing to woo Dalit voters: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): Attempts to unite Dalits under a broader Hindu identity and development agenda through cultural events, development of the Valmiki Circuit/Bithoor, and social harmony. Samajwadi Party (SP): Under its PDA (Backward, Dalit, Minority) alliance, it is engaged in organizing the Dalit community on the issue of social justice and representation. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP): The BSP is continuously emphasizing cadre camps and organizational expansion at the grassroots level to keep its traditional Dalit core vote bank united and prevent it from shifting. Congress: The Congress is also trying to reconnect with Dalits and underprivileged communities through programs in the districts on the occasion of birth anniversaries of great personalities. Pankaj Chaturvedi | Edited By: Prashant Kumar Singh Pankaj Chaturvedi has over a decade of experience in journalism. He has been covering national and Uttar Pradesh politics. His journalistic journey began with Amar Ujala and Punjab Kesari in Delhi. Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit Youth in Kerala Alleges Police Assault During Theft Probe
The family of a Dalit youth in Peringalam, Poonjar, in Kerala’s Kottayam district, has accused the Erattupetta police of assaulting him during questioning in connection with a suspected cable theft. The youth, identified as Abhilash, is undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kottayam. According to a report by The Hindu, Abhilash was taken from his home by a police team on Friday morning, October 23, as part of an investigation into the theft of electricity wires. His brother, Vineesh, alleged that police personnel assaulted Abhilash at their home and later inside a vehicle while taking him to the Erattupetta police station. He claimed that the personnel slapped him and hit him on his legs and head. Vineesh also alleged that the police team did not identify themselves when they arrived at the house and used abusive language while taking his brother away. He has filed a complaint with Pala Deputy Superintendent of Police T.M. Varghese. Youth Taken to Hospital After Release Scheduled Caste promoter Jishnu Thankachan said Abhilash was released after his statement was recorded at the police station. However, the youth reportedly complained of weakness and a headache after returning. He was initially taken to Pala General Hospital and later shifted to the Government Medical College Hospital in Kottayam for further treatment. Thankachan said he would submit a report on the incident to the Scheduled Castes Development Department. Police Deny Custodial Assault Allegations Deputy Superintendent of Police T.M. Varghese denied the allegations of custodial assault and said Abhilash had been summoned to record his statement in connection with the suspected theft of Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) wires. The police were investigating the theft of electricity wires following a landslip in the Poonjar area last month. Abhilash was questioned because he was believed to have information about those allegedly involved in the theft, the officer said. According to Varghese, a four-member police team visited Abhilash’s house on Friday and found him heavily intoxicated. The team initially took him in a private vehicle before shifting him to a police jeep. “He was taken to a hospital for a medical examination before being brought to the police station,” Varghese said. The officer added that the police recorded Abhilash’s statement and called the Scheduled Caste promoter to the station. Abhilash and the promoter were allowed to go out for lunch before returning to complete the statement. Abhilash was later sent home with the promoter, he said. Varghese maintained that investigators had not established Abhilash’s involvement in the theft and that further investigation was needed to determine whether he had any role in the offence. Abhilash works as a casual labourer for a KSEB contractor. The allegations of assault have not been independently established. Courtesy : TOP Note: This news is originally published on https:/theobserverpost.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
After 42 years, a temple chariot passed through a Dalit settlement in Tamil Nadu; a minister flagged off a trial run in Kanchipuram.
After a gap of 42 years, a temple chariot passed through a Dalit settlement in Puthagaram village near Walajabad in Tamil Nadu’s Kanchipuram district on Sunday during a trial run conducted under the district administration’s direction. Chennai: After a gap of 42 years, a temple chariot passed through a Dalit settlement in Tamil Nadu’s Kanchipuram district. This historic event occurred during a trial run conducted under the district administration’s direction in Puthagaram village, located near Walajabad. The Rath Yatra was carried out to the Arulmigu Sri Muthu Kolakki Amman Temple in Puthagaram village. Residents of the colony had long demanded that the temple chariot be taken through their settlement, while a section of residents had been protesting. This time, when the Rath Yatra passed through the Dalit settlement, there were protests, but due to the strictness of the police and administration, the Rath Yatra was completed peacefully. The Madras High Court heard a petition filed by Pasarai Selvaraj regarding this dispute. The Madras High Court ordered that the temple chariot should pass through the Dalit settlement. Despite this court order, the Rath Yatra could not be held for a long time. The Yatra was halted even after the Madras High Court’s order. Members of the Dalit community of Puthagaram village had demanded that the chariot of the ‘Arulmigu Sri Muthu Kolakki Amman Temple’ pass through their settlement. However, some people reportedly opposed this demand, leading to a dispute over the chariot’s route. Responding to a petition filed by Pasarai Selvaraj, the Madras High Court ordered that the temple chariot should pass through the Dalit settlement. Despite this court order, the Rath Yatra could not be held for a long time. The procession was carried out with a heavy police presence. As per the district administration’s instructions, the chariot’s trial run began on Sunday. Minister for Non-Resident Tamil Welfare Thennarasu and Forest Minister Ranjith Kumar initiated the trial run by pulling the chariot’s rope. Tight security arrangements were put in place throughout the village, led by District Superintendent of Police (SP) Arvindhan. Over 200 police personnel, including four DSPs, two ASPs, and 10 inspectors, were deployed. Amid police protection, the chariot passed through various parts of the village and reached the temple. As the chariot entered the Dalit settlement after 42 years, residents offered prayers, performed Deeparadhana (worship of lamps), and celebrated by pulling the chariot’s rope amid the beats of Chenda Melam (traditional musical instrument) and drums. Curated by: Shashi Mishra About the Author Shashi Pandey Mishra is the Principal Digital Content Producer at Navbharat Times Online. She covers news in Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Kerala, and Goa, as well as the Northeast. She has over 18 years of experience in print, electronic, and digital journalism, serving in various roles as a reporter and on the desk. Shashi Pandey Mishra joined Navbharat Times Online in September 2017. Courtesy: Hindi News
Telangana has become Rahul’s ATM: KTR
Hyderabad: BRS working president KT Rama Rao on Sunday accused Rahul Gandhi of turning a blind eye to Telangana’s problems despite making 420 promises to voters, alleging that chief minister A Revanth Reddy was running the state as an ATM for the Congress leader. Speaking at Telangana Bhavan during the induction of Khairatabad minority leader Jibran Shareef into BRS, KTR alleged that Congress failed to fulfil its election promises even after 1,000 days. He accused Rahul Gandhi of remaining silent on corruption and irregularities in the state despite touring other parts of the country. KTR said Rahul Gandhi had promised implementation of six guarantees within 100 days, 13 declarations and 420 assurances during the campaign. He questioned why the Congress leader was not visiting Telangana to answer voters on the status of these promises. Recalling Rahul Gandhi’s interaction with unemployed youth at a tea stall in Ashok Nagar before elections, KTR asked what had happened to Congress’ promise of providing two lakh jobs in the first year of its govt. Thousands of unemployed youth were still waiting for jobs, he alleged. Minority welfare and farmers’ promises questionedKTR also questioned Congress over its minority welfare commitments, including a promise to allocate Rs 4,000 crore for minority welfare. He asked why govt had not increased Aasara pensions from Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000 and why its promise to provide farmers Rs 15,000 per acre, against Rs 10,000 under the previous BRS govt, had not been fully implemented. Accusing the Revanth Reddy administration of being intolerant of criticism, KTR said people questioning govt were facing abuse and threats of cases instead of receiving answers. He alleged that several controversies involving land transactions and business deals linked to the chief minister’s family had raised questions about transparency. KTR made claims concerning a five-acre land parcel, reportedly worth around Rs 200 crore but transferred to Revanth Reddy’s younger brother for Rs 7 crore. He also sought explanations for business activities linked to the chief minister’s family, including an alleged Rs 1,000 crore deal involving another brother. Congress cannot take on BJP, says KTR KTR accused BJP-led Union govt of creating divisions among people, while alleging that Congress was exploiting people in Telangana. He said Congress alone lacked political strength to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and counter communal politics. He also criticised the use of central investigative agencies such as ED, CBI and income tax department against opposition leaders, alleging that cases and arrests were being used to intimidate political opponents. Recalling BRS rule, KTR said Hyderabad had faced power cuts and water shortages before Telangana’s formation, while K Chandrasekhar Rao’s govt worked to improve electricity supply, drinking water and infrastructure. He claimed BRS had maintained communal harmony and promoted Hyderabad’s composite culture during its decade in power. KCR will return as CM in 2028 Predicting a return to power, KTR said public dissatisfaction with the Congress govt was growing among farmers, poor people and unemployed youth. He said BRS would continue to question misuse of power and promised that K Chandrasekhar Rao would become chief minister again in 2028. 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
‘BJP, RSS plan to seize AIADMK’s space, prep actor to launch party’
Tagore alleged the BJP tried to control EPS, woo TTV Dhinakaran and project former state BJP chief K Annamalai in a new political role. MADURAI: TNCC president and Virudhunagar MP Manickam Tagore on Sunday said BJP and RSS were pursuing multiple strategies to capture AIADMK’s political space and were preparing an actor to launch a party. Speaking to reporters in Madurai, Tagore said BJP had attempted to bring AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami under its control and was now trying to draw AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran towards it. He also alleged that BJP was attempting to project former state BJP president K Annamalai in a new political role. Tagore said the alliance between the Congress and the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, would remain strong for a long time, as both parties shared a commitment to secularism and social justice. The Congress’s dream was to restore Kamaraj rule in Tamil Nadu. “There is nothing new in what minister Rajesh Kumar said. Every political party has its own aspirations, and the Congress’s dream is to establish Kamaraj rule again. A serious attempt was made in 1989, but similar efforts have not been made since,” he said. Describing the Congress-TVK partnership as a relationship built on mutual respect, he said the bond between Vijay and Rahul Gandhi was genuinely brotherly. The Congress is part of the government and the party hopes to increase its strength and receive due recognition, he added. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘200 seats our right’: Hoardings stir buzz amid Congress-SP talks
Lucknow: Amid negotiations between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party over seat-sharing for the 2027 UP polls, hoardings reading “200 seat haq hai hamara, UP ko hai Rahul Gandhi par bharosa” appeared in the state capital on Sunday, triggering a buzz in political circles.The posters, seen at locations including Gomti Nagar, carried photographs of Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, UP Congress chief Aradhana Mishra, state in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam and working president Imran Masood. BJP leaders took a jibe at the INDIA bloc soon after. “Had it been up to us, we wouldn’t have given them more than 25 seats!” BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said when asked to comment. Leaders from both parties later alleged that the BJP was trying to sabotage their alliance. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of putting up fake posters to create differences within the INDIA bloc. “The alliance has given the BJP a stomach ache. They are so terrified that they are putting up fake posters,” he wrote on social media. Yadav also demanded action against municipal officials for allegedly allowing the hoardings to be displayed without payment of the prescribed fees. “If fees were paid, a receipt would have to be issued, which would reveal the identity of the conspirator and lead to their arrest,” he said. Congress’s UP in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam also alleged that the BJP was behind the campaign. “This is nothing but mischief by the BJP, which has not only put up these hoardings but is also propagating them,” he said. Meanwhile, Congress Legislature Party leader Aradhana Mishra said those behind the posters were intimidated by the alliance’s strength. “Those who hide behind posters and indulge in childish antics are intimidated by the strength of INDIA. This is not a partnership for power, but a resolve to fight together for the Constitution and democracy,” she said. The controversy comes as the Congress seeks a substantial share of seats in the 403-member Assembly. Gautam recently said the party had submitted an initial list of 175 to 200 constituencies where it believed it could make an impact. 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
Rahul to launch Punjab Cong poll campaign from Sangrur on Nov 4
Chandigarh: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to visit Sangrur on Nov 4 to launch the party’s poll campaign for the 2027 Punjab assembly elections, state Congress chief Pargat Singh announced on Sunday. Ahead of the visit, AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal and Punjab in charge Sachin Pilot arrived in Mohali to oversee preparations and review electoral strategy. Venugopal, welcomed by senior state leaders including Partap Singh Bajwa and Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, expressed confidence in a Congress victory. Gandhi’s planned rally comes as the governing Aam Aadmi Party faces criticism over the state’s drug crisis and recent related deaths, which included the broad daylight murder of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota in Mansa and death by suicide of Dalit labourer Gulzar Singh in Sangrur district. Pargat Singh told the media that Punjab Congress had been “exempted” from the Nov 1 INDIA bloc ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan being held in protest against the CEC Gyanesh Kumar over preparations for Rahul’s rally and meetings. “The visit will provide fresh direction and momentum to the party’s election campaign from the heartland of Malwa, while sending a clear message to party leaders and workers to be fully prepared for Mission 2027,” Pargat Singh 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
SC asks Delhi govt to justify gender-wise teacher recruitment, inclusion of transgender candidates
New Delhi [India], The Supreme Court has sought an explanation from the Delhi government on the legal basis for the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) issuing separate vacancy notifications for male and female teachers, and asked how transgender persons would be accommodated in public employment. A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran, by an order of October 16, framed six questions in petitions filed by Jane Kaushik and Praveen Singh, directing the government to file affidavits within 15 days. “The issue before us pertains to the non-inclusion of third gender in the notifications for vacancies issued by the respondent State,” the bench stated in the order. The apex court asked the government to identify the recruitment rules governing DSSSB notifications and clarify whether any constitutional provision, statute or service rule requires teaching vacancies to be advertised separately by gender. If no such requirement exists, the State must explain the rationale for the classification. The bench also asked whether the respondents propose to include transgender candidates in DSSSB vacancy notifications and, if so, how they intend to facilitate their inclusion in public employment. In Singh’s petition, concerning age relaxation for transgender candidates, the top court questioned why the Delhi High Court had not considered exercising its powers under Rule 12 of the Delhi High Court Establishment (Appointment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 1972, to grant relaxation in view of the “socio-economic discrimination” faced by the community. The apex court will hear the case on November 19. In April, the Supreme Court had observed that the advisory committee constituted to examine systemic issues concerning transgender rights did not have adjudicatory powers. It had also prima facie questioned the Delhi High Court’s decision to direct Kaushik to approach the committee instead of deciding her petition. Courtesy : India’s News.Net Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia’snews.net/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalits attending the Durga idol immersion procession were attacked; a case has been filed against six.
Ballia (UP), Four people were injured when a group of Dalits attending the Durga idol immersion procession allegedly attacked them in the Gadwar police station area of Ballia district in Uttar Pradesh. Police gave this information on Saturday. Deputy Superintendent of Police Satish Sharma said that a named case was registered against six people on Friday under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. According to the police, a case has been filed against Subhash Rajbhar, Mukesh Rajbhar, Pradeep, Abhay, Prince, and Saurabh at the Gadwar police station based on a complaint by Bikaau Prasad. According to the FIR, the incident occurred on October 21 near Daai Sthan in the Gadwar police station area when the Durga idol immersion procession was passing by. According to the complaint, the accused allegedly arrived armed with sticks and other weapons and assaulted Pappu Kumar and Pankaj Kumar using casteist slurs. The complaint states that when Harinder and Ajit tried to intervene, the accused also assaulted them. All four were injured in the incident. It is alleged that the attackers threatened to kill the victims and fled. The Deputy Superintendent of Police stated that the matter is under investigation. Courtesy: Hindi News