‘No problem when boys do it but PM Modi gets ‘cultural shock’ if girls use cuss words’: Rahul Gandhi in Pune
PUNE: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday hit out at what he described as a patriarchal mindset, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi was “culturally shocked” when girls used cuss words during a protest, while having no objection to boys using similar language. Addressing a gathering of thousands of women and girl students at AISSMS College ground as part of the Congress’ ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ campaign, Gandhi said the fight was against a system that gives men greater freedom while placing restrictions on women. He referred to a video of Modi that he said was released after a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar. “The Prime Minister was culturally shocked when girls protesting at Jantar Mantar used cuss words, but had no problem with boys using the same words,” Gandhi said. “Our fight is against such a mindset. We do not want a country which gives all the freedom to men, while women continue to live in a controlled environment. We will work together to end the patriarchal system in India,” he said. ‘Woman belongs to nobody except herself’ Gandhi also invoked the Manusmriti while speaking about women’s independence and said women should not be defined by their relationship with men. “Manusmriti mentions that a woman must never be independent. Such words should never be used to describe a woman. The woman belongs to nobody except herself,” he said. He said women continued to face restrictions through violence, disrespect and curbs on their movements. Sharing statistics with the audience, Gandhi claimed that 99% of sexual violence cases in the country go unreported. He said society uses different methods to control women, including violence, disrespect and imposing restrictions on their timings. ‘Paper leaks affect women differently’ Gandhi also spoke about the impact of examination paper leaks on women, saying they faced additional pressure because of family expectations around marriage. Sharayu Chopade, one of the students who interacted with him, spoke about being dejected after the recent FDA inspector examination paper leak in Pune. “It was quite heartbreaking,” she said, appealing to Gandhi to look into the issue. Responding to her, Gandhi said paper leaks could have a different impact on men and women. “While men have more time in hand to reappear for the exam, women have a deadline for the same as the family may force them to marry,” he said. Another participant, Suchitra Pagi from Palghar, spoke about facing sexual harassment by three men from a neighbouring village. She said villagers opposed her when she lodged a police complaint, while her family supported her education and enabled her to pursue higher studies in Pune. Rahul interacts with women on stage The Pune event was the fourth edition of the Congress’ ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ student outreach programme, following editions in Kota, Dehradun and Prayagraj. Gandhi invited women and girl students on stage to share their experiences of sexual harassment, challenges in pursuing education and problems linked to examination paper leaks. Bhojpuri satirist Neha Rahod also performed satirical songs targeting patriarchy and the government. She said she faced an FIR after presenting issues women face through her songs. “I also have been receiving a lot of abuse for the last many years,” Gandhi responded. 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
1 lakh candidates to compete for 629 AEE posts in AP
Of the total 629 posts, APTRANSCO accounts for 200, APEPDCL for 135, APSPDCL for 134, APGENCO for 100, and APCPDCL for 60. VIJAYAWADA: In a major employment drive across AP’s power generation, transmission, and distribution sectors, APTRANSCO, APGENCO, APSPDCL, APEPDCL, and APCPDCL, are conducting a common recruitment examination for 629 Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) positions. Almost 1,05,566 candidates registered till July 20. Of the total 629 posts, APTRANSCO accounts for 200, APEPDCL for 135, APSPDCL for 134, APGENCO for 100, and APCPDCL for 60. Selected candidates will earn a consolidated pay of Rs 75,000 per month during a two-year probation before shifting to regular pay scales. The CBT runs from August 23 to 27, across 94 centres (81 in AP and 13 outside). Hall tickets on apvidyutrecruitment.apcfss.in. The schedule starts on August 23 with Civil Engineering, followed by Mechanical Engineering on August 24. Telecom/Electronics on August 25, while Electrical Engineering on August 26 and 27. 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
‘Hypnotised’ Mumbai airhostess gave Rs 200 ‘dakshina’ after rape by ‘transgender’: Cops
MUMBAI: Powai police arrested Anil Shinde, 28, from Kalwa within four hours after an FIR was registered at 11 pm on Tuesday in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a 25-year-old airhostess at a Powai flat. Shinde allegedly posed as a transgender person and entered the building through gate number two after being stopped by a security guard at gate number one. Police said Shinde approached the airhostess on the pretext of curing her husband’s illness and warding off the evil eye. He allegedly took her to a bedroom and sexually assaulted her before she raised an alarm. He fled after collecting Rs 200 from the airhostess and Rs 100 from an 85-year-old man who owned the flat as dakshina. Ironically, police said, Shinde earned only Rs 300 from the two residents but spent Rs 1,200 on an autorickshaw that he hired from Kalwa to travel to Powai and return home after the alleged offence. Shinde first approached the building through gate number one around 12.15 pm but was stopped by the security guard. He then allegedly bypassed the security arrangements and entered through gate number two around 12.20 pm.“Warnings have been circulated asking people not to allow any stranger to enter the house. Luckily, in this case, the two women were not harmed or attacked. So far, no criminal history has been found against Shinde,” said a police officer from Powai police station. After entering the building, Shinde knocked on the doors of several flats on an upper floor before the 85-year-old resident on the ground floor opened the door. Police said Shinde gained the senior citizen’s trust by chanting mantras and claiming that he could ward off the evil eye, which he said was causing illness. The elderly man then introduced Shinde to the airhostess, who has been staying as a paying guest in the flat for the past six months. Shinde allegedly told her that he could help cure her husband, who is currently hospitalised with dengue after travelling to Mumbai from Varanasi, where he works, earlier this week. “He frequently visits his wife. Shinde took the airhostess to the bedroom and sexually assaulted her before she raised her voice after realising that something was wrong. The senior citizen was completely unaware of the incident. Before leaving, Shinde asked both of them for dakshina, and they gave him Rs 200 and Rs 100 respectively,” said a police officer. After the airhostess approached Powai police and registered a complaint at 11 pm, DCP Datta Nalawade supervised a team led by senior inspector AS Sawant, inspector Sushant Bandgar, sub-inspectors Ramchandra Pinjarkar and Sandeep Patil, and other police personnel. Police first traced the autorickshaw driver after identifying the vehicle through CCTV footage. The driver then led the police to Kharegaon slum in Kalwa, where he had dropped Shinde. Police said Shinde had travelled nearly 40 km in the same autorickshaw — from Kalwa to Powai and back — after allegedly committing the offence. Fearing police action, he also stopped begging for the day and returned home. “Shinde paid Rs 1,200 to hire an autorickshaw for the nearly 40-km journey from Kalwa to Powai and back after committing the offence. In total, he earned only Rs 300 from his dubious dealings before fleeing home. He is not a transgender person but an impostor who roams around the city to beg. Depending on his travel plans, he hires a rickshaw. He earns around Rs 1,000 a day by begging,” said sub-inspector and investigating officer Ramchandra Pinjarkar. Shinde was booked for rape and criminal intimidation and remained in police custody until August 24, police said. He was arrested within four hours of the FIR being registered on Tuesday night. 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
Myna becomes first transgender appointee in Karnataka agri varsity
Mandya: University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Mandya, has appointed a transgender person as an assistant at its Krishi Vigyan Kendra, becoming the first agricultural university in Karnataka to do so, officials said. Myna was selected for the post through the prescribed recruitment process. A mechanical engineering graduate from BTL Institute of Technology and Management, Bengaluru, Myna passed out in 2015 with 71.7% marks. UAS Mandya vice-chancellor KC Narayanaswamy said the selection was based solely on merit, education and ability. He said the appointment would inspire transgender youth to pursue higher education, seek employment and become self-reliant. Expressing happiness over the appointment, Myna said securing a government job through education, hard work, self-confidence and perseverance had been a long-cherished dream. Agricultural universities are currently located in Bengaluru, Dharwad, Raichur, Mandya and Shivamogga. 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
“I wasn’t even allowed to touch a brick…”: Dalit BJP MLA alleges untouchability at Kakori’s Sheetla Temple, SP attacks party
Alleging that a Dalit MLA was not allowed to touch a brick during the puja at Lucknow’s Sheetla Temple, the Samajwadi Party strongly questioned the BJP’s slogan “If we divide, we will be cut.” Lucknow: A major political controversy has erupted in the Kakori area of Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh. Jai Devi Kaushal, BJP MLA from Malihabad, has made serious allegations of caste discrimination against her during the groundbreaking ceremony held for the renovation of the Sheetla Temple. Discrimination and Identity Relations The MLA, who belongs to the Pasi Dalit community, says she was denied the respect and authority a public representative deserves during this sacred ritual. Expressing her anguish, she said the priest didn’t allow her to touch even a brick or apply roli (red roli). The MLA directly attributed this discrimination to her being a Dalit. She also claims she was made to stand continuously during the puja. They were not even allowed to perform tasks commonly performed in Hindu rituals, such as lighting incense sticks or breaking coconuts. The entire incident occurred around 11 a.m. on Wednesday morning. The MLA had arrived at the temple with several local BJP leaders. Jai Devi explained that she had played a key role in securing government funding for the temple’s renovation. It was through her efforts that nearly one crore rupees were approved for the Sheetla Temple’s renovation. Jai Devi, wife of the late Kaushal Kishore, a former Union Minister and two-time MP, expressed disappointment, saying that despite having been elected MLA from this constituency twice, she had done a great deal for the area and its people, yet she faced such caste discrimination. She also reported that on the same day, she visited another temple in Malihabad, where the rituals were performed normally. According to the MLA, she had visited the Sheetla Devi Temple several times in the past, but had never experienced such mistreatment. The matter gained momentum when the MLA’s son, Vikas Kishore, shared a post on social media about the alleged incident. In his post, he clearly stated that priest Shailendra Bajpai was performing the puja and Ramakant Gupta was chanting the mantras. It is noteworthy that the Tourism Department approved this renovation project only after the MLA’s persistent efforts. Following the controversy, Azad Samaj Party District President Ajay Bharti reached the temple on Thursday with several of his workers and protested vehemently against the alleged caste discrimination. People and Society On the other hand, the temple administration has completely rejected all these allegations. According to media reports, temple manager Ramakant Gupta has refuted the MLA’s claims. He clarified that the temple is always open to people from all sections and castes of society. The Samajwadi Party has also launched a strong attack on the ruling BJP over this matter. The SP says that this treatment of a Dalit MLA exposes the caste discrimination prevalent under the state government’s rule. Rambabu Sudarshan, National General Secretary of the Samajwadi Party’s Baba Saheb Ambedkar Vahini, termed the entire incident as extremely unfortunate. The SP leader sarcastically stated that such an incident in the state capital, nine years after the BJP government’s rule, reveals the true picture of casteism in Uttar Pradesh. He stated that the allegations were not made by any opposition party, but by the BJP’s own sitting Dalit MLA. Sudarshan also stated that if this had happened to an MLA from any other party, the BJP’s troll army would have already labeled it politically motivated. He stated that this incident is not just the suffering of a sitting Dalit MLA, but rather hurts the sentiments of millions of Dalits in the state and the country. The SP leader also sharply criticized the BJP and RSS’s slogan “If we divide, we will be slaughtered.” He questioned whether the BJP intends to unite Hindus in this manner. Sudarshan sternly questioned whether such incidents raise the question whether the BJP even considers Dalits to be Hindus. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit girl murdered and her body thrown into a well in Karnataka; father suspects rape
Raichur. The body of a Dalit girl was recovered from a well in Hokrani village, Sirwar taluk, Raichur, Karnataka, last Thursday. It is suspected that she was raped and then murdered. Police have arrested three accused in the case, while one remains at large. The body of the young woman, who had gone to defecate in the open, was found the next day on the steps of a village well. According to the complaint filed by the young woman’s father, the woman was raped and murdered. Gundya and Mahantesh, 22, Veeresh, 23, and Mundaragi Basavaraj are accused of the crime. A case has been registered against them. Circle Police Inspector M. Shashikant stated that three of the men have been detained and sent to judicial custody. The deceased has been identified as a 22-year-old woman from Hokrani village. According to the family, the young woman had gone to relieve herself last Wednesday evening but did not return. After an extensive search, the family found her body in a well on Thursday morning. Police were informed. Upon receiving the news, Sirwar police arrived at the scene and began investigating. Police say they suspect the attackers killed her and threw her body into the well. A case has been registered at the police station. Last month, in July, a shocking murder case emerged from Dharwad, Karnataka. A 45-year-old anesthesiologist was murdered in his apartment. His 8-year-old son was also stabbed and found injured at the scene. The doctor was identified as Dr. Kiran Honnwar, an anesthesiologist at Chirayu Hospital. Dharwad police arrested the doctor’s wife in connection with the case. Police reported that Dr. Priyanka, an ophthalmologist, was also taken into custody. Following the incident, his injured son was admitted to a private hospital. Digvijay Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit family beaten up in Mainpuri, alleges caste discrimination: Police accused of failing to take action, accepting bribes; complaint to SP
A Dalit family in the Elao police station area of Mainpuri has alleged caste discrimination, assault, and death threats. The victim’s family has also accused the local police of failing to register a complaint, accepting bribes, and illegally detaining their son. They have demanded a fair investigation and legal action from the Superintendent of Police. Sarvesh Kumar, a resident of village Dhova, stated in a petition to the Superintendent of Police that he belongs to the Scheduled Caste Dhanuk community. According to him, on July 29, 2026, at around 8 pm, a Gama Devi puja was being held in the village. A dispute arose over the offering of puja materials in the havan. Sarvesh Kumar alleges that some villagers objected to his caste and said that members of the Dhanuk community would not participate in the puja. According to the victim, as the dispute escalated, the named accused assaulted him and his family members with sticks, kicks, and punches. Sarvesh Kumar suffered a fracture in his left hand, while his wife Saroj and sons Ramu and Dhirendra were also injured. Other villagers intervened and saved the family. Sarvesh Kumar alleged that when he went to file a report at the Elao police station after the incident, the police refused to listen to his complaint. The application also accuses a sub-inspector of taking five thousand rupees and later detaining his son, Deepu, in the police station. The victim’s family says that this police behavior has emboldened the village’s bullies and is forcing their family to leave the village. They have demanded that the Superintendent of Police investigate the entire matter, file a case, and take strict legal action against the culprits. The situation will become clearer once the police’s side of the story is revealed. Mukesh Kumar | Mainpuri Courtesy : Hindi News
Dalit PhD scholar protests outside Kerala University, alleges caste bias, harassment and forced cleaning work
Protesting with her mother since 14 August, Shashi alleges she was made to do cleaning and clerical work and faced casteist remarks after receiving a research fellowship. New Delhi: Anagha Shashi, a Dalit PhD scholar in the Department of Environmental Science at Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University in Kerala, has alleged caste and gender discrimination. Shashi, who joined the university in March 2024, said that despite completing her PhD coursework more than a year ago, she has not been able to begin her research work. She alleged delays in the submission of her annual progress report and the university’s failure to convene her Doctoral Committee. According to Maktoob, Shashi said the delays have also put her fellowship from the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment at risk. ‘Forced into cleaning toilets’, made to do clerical work Shashi and her mother have been protesting outside the university since the night of 14 August, demanding action over what she has described as caste and gender discrimination that has become a hindrance to her prospects. During her time at the university, Shashi also alleged that she was made to perform cleaning and clerical work at the department. She claimed that she was made to stand in the corridor on several occasions. According to Shashi, her research guide, Arun Babu, once told her: “If there is no chair, stand in the corridor.” Shashi further alleged that Babu and faculty member Jaini Varghese asked her to wash and arrange laboratory equipment and organise old records. On weekends, when there was no laboratory assistant, she claimed she would dust and arrange materials in the department. She also alleged that, despite repeated complaints, her concerns were dismissed. According to Shashi, Babu told her that he was not responsible for providing her with research ideas or academic assistance. “I did not come to your house and ask you to come here for a PhD. If you want to do a PhD, you must obey what I say; otherwise, go somewhere else, go to IGNOU,” Shashi alleged Babu told her. She further claimed that he pressured her to discontinue her PhD, citing the quality of her work. Allegations of casteist remarks, threats over fellowship Shashi alleged that the situation worsened after she received the fellowship, with casteist remarks allegedly being made about her talent and credibility. “She got the grant because of caste, swallowing the whole grant herself,” Shashi was told. She further claimed that she was threatened with the cancellation of her fellowship. One of Shashi’s friends who liked one of her social media posts received a disciplinary memo, according to her account. After repeatedly raising her concerns since August 2025 and exchanging messages with the university administration on WhatsApp, Shashi formally registered a complaint about a year later, according to the report. Shashi’s mother, while talking to Maktoob, said, “We are not financially well at all. We took loans to educate her. The professor’s words gave my daughter a lot of distress because she knew that I cannot pay such a huge amount,” Ambika said. Ambika also said that the harassment had severely affected her daughter’s mental well-being to a point that Shashi attempted suicide. Manisha Mondal (Edited by Maryam Hassan) Courtesy : The Print Note: This news is originally published on https:/theprint.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
DSS takes out protest rally in Kalaburagi condemning ‘purification’ ritual at Mallikarjun Kharge’s venue in Uttarakhand
The protest was part of a State-wide agitation organised by the DSS at all district headquarters, condemning the alleged purification rituals Dalit Sangharsha Samiti State convener D.G. Sagar leading a protest rally in Kalaburagi on Friday, condemning the alleged purification rituals conducted at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, after AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a public meeting there. Dalit Sangharsha Samiti State convener D.G. Sagar leading a protest rally in Kalaburagi on Friday, condemning the alleged purification rituals conducted at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, after AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a public meeting there. | Photo Credit: ARUN KULKARNI Strongly condemning the alleged purification ritual conducted at the Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, following a rally addressed by AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, the Dalit Sangharsha Samiti (DSS) State convener D.G. Sagar led a protest march in Kalaburagi city on Friday. The protest was part of a State-wide agitation organised by the DSS at all district headquarters, condemning the alleged purification rituals. Dr. Sagar, along with DSS members carrying blue flags and photographs of Mr. Kharge, marched from Jagat Circle to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, raising slogans against the incident. Addressing the protesters, Dr. Sagar said the reported purification of the venue after Mr. Kharge’s visit was an affront to the dignity of the Dalit community and exposed the persistence of caste discrimination. “Purifying a public place after a Dalit leader addresses a gathering is not merely an insult to Mallikarjun Kharge; it is an insult to the entire Dalit community and a reflection of the deep-rooted caste discrimination that continues to exist in society,” he said. He said the incident showed that constitutional values of equality and social justice had not yet fully permeated society. “The Constitution has abolished untouchability and guarantees equality, but such incidents reveal that the mindset of untouchability is still alive. No place becomes impure because a Dalit leader or any member of a marginalised community visits it,” Dr. Sagar said. He urged the authorities and political leaders to condemn such practices and to take steps to ensure that incidents of caste-based discrimination do not recur. “Those who believe that a place needs to be purified after the visit of a Dalit leader must first purify their own minds of caste prejudice,” he said. The DSS members demanded stringent action against those responsible for the alleged ritual and urged the government to create greater awareness about constitutional values and the need to eradicate caste discrimination. The Hindu Bureau Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Student groups clash at COEP hostel over Rahul Gandhi’s Pune interaction
Pune: In a late-night development, two student groups clashed at the College of Engineering Pune Technological University hostel, prompting police to reach the spot and control the situation. NSUI representatives alleged that girl students were threatened, confined and beaten by members of the ABVP for supporting Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s upcoming interaction with students, ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’, scheduled to be held in the city on Saturday. ABVP members, however, alleged that NSUI representatives were forcing students to attend Rahul’s programme and had assaulted girl students. Speaking to the media at the spot, Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar said, “Two girl students were threatened and beaten by ABVP for supporting Rahul Gandhi’s programme. They are trying to stifle freedom of expression. We want action against those responsible. Even the police beat up the assembled students. If the police do not take action against the guilty, we will stage a sit-in protest,” Wadettiwar said. As night progressed, students and representatives from both organisations started arriving in large numbers while the police tried to disperse the crowd. 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