Questions raised over the arrest of Dr. Randall Siqueira and Dalit activist Laxman Nayak, who works for tribal communities,
Dr. Randall Siqueira is a physician and community health worker who has worked among tribal communities in the Kalahandi and Rayagada districts of Odisha. Laxman Nayak is a Dalit activist and is associated with the Maa Mati Mali Suraksha Manch and the Samajwadi Jan Parishad. Odisha. The arrest of social activist Dr. Randall Siqueira and Dalit activist Laxman Nayak is gaining momentum. Police detained them from Dr. Randall Siqueira’s Bhawanipatna home at around 10:45 pm on October 16th. After being detained overnight, they were taken to Rayagada, where they were produced before the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) at around 6:30 pm and then sent to the Rayagada sub-jail. Following their arrest, social organizations have launched a protest. An organization called Rozi Roti Adhikar Abhiyan has raised questions about the arrests. According to a press release issued by the organization, the arrests of the two are related to case number 85/2026 registered at the Kashipur police station in Rayagada district. This case relates to an incident that occurred in Kantamal village on the night of April 6th and 7th, 2026. During that incident, there were reports of lathicharge and use of tear gas against villagers. Villagers and police officers were also reported injured in the incident. The campaign claimed that the names of Dr. Randall and Laxman Nayak were not mentioned in the FIR. The organization also raised questions about the seizure of their mobile phones and the legal procedures followed during their detention. Demanding an impartial investigation into these aspects, the Rozi Roti Adhikar Abhiyan stated that the detention process should be in accordance with the law, and that the families and lawyers should be provided with timely information. Social activist and founder of Tribal Army, Hansraj Meena, also raised questions. According to him, the arrest of Dr. Randall Siqueira and Dalit activist Laxman Nayak, who served tribal communities in Odisha, is extremely worrying. The same doctor who has been treating tribal children for years is now in jail for raising his voice for tribal rights to water, forest, and land. Why is the government criminalizing those who protect tribal land and forests? Have the interests of mining companies become greater than the constitutional rights of tribals? Meena demanded the immediate release of Dr. Randall Siqueira and Laxman Nayak, a fair investigation, and the protection of tribal rights. Dr. Randall Siqueira is a physician and community health worker who has worked among tribal communities in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts of Odisha. Laxman Nayak is a Dalit activist and is associated with the Maa Mati Mali Suraksha Manch and the Samajwadi Jan Parishad. Both have been active in protests against mining projects and in struggles related to the rights of local communities. Siddhartha Gautam Courtesy: Hindi News
Karnataka CM orders probe after three Dalit ministers stopped at Mysuru Dasara
Mysuru: Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has ordered an inquiry into an incident in which three ministers were stopped by police personnel while proceeding to the Nandidhwaja Pooja at Mysuru Palace on Tuesday, October 20. The incident triggered a political controversy, with the Opposition BJP and JD(S) alleging that the ministers were disrespected because they belong to the Dalit community.Buy Maps Shivakumar directed Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh to identify those responsible for the incident and submit a report. “The officials acted high-handedly by restricting the ministers. I intervened immediately to facilitate their entry. Such irresponsibility cannot be tolerated. I have therefore ordered the Chief Secretary to conduct an inquiry and submit a report,” the Chief Minister said. Ministers stopped while proceeding to ritual The incident involved Ministers PM Narendraswamy, KS Basavantappa and Shivaraj Tangadagi, who were following the Chief Minister towards the venue of the Nandidhwaja Pooja at Mysuru Palace during the Dasara celebrations. Video footage of the incident shows a police officer stopping the three ministers as they attempted to proceed towards the venue. They were allowed to continue only after Shivakumar intervened and facilitated their entry.Book Local Tours The footage subsequently circulated on social media, drawing criticism from Opposition parties and raising questions about the security arrangements and treatment of elected representatives at the event. The Chief Minister’s decision to order an inquiry is expected to establish the circumstances in which the ministers were stopped and determine whether officials violated established procedures. BJP and JD(S) criticise incident The Opposition BJP and JD(S) strongly criticised the incident, alleging that the ministers had been subjected to disrespect because of their Dalit identity. The BJP also shared the video footage on social media. The episode prompted a political debate over whether the police action was a routine enforcement of security arrangements or an instance of inappropriate treatment of the ministers. Muzrai Minister KS Basavantappa said the ministers had not been informed of any protocol that restricted their movement during the ceremony. He questioned why they were stopped despite police personnel being aware of their positions in the government. “We would have known about any such protocol. There was no restriction on the ministers’ movements. I don’t know why we were stopped, despite the officers knowing that we were ministers,” Basavantappa said. He also demanded action against the officials involved in the incident. The inquiry ordered by Shivakumar will examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and the conduct of the personnel concerned. Parameshwara cautions against giving incident a caste angle Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara sought to play down the controversy, saying the police were carrying out their duties amid security and protocol arrangements for the Dasara event. He noted that although the ministers were initially stopped while the Chief Minister proceeded towards the venue, Shivakumar later returned and took them along. “Although the Ministers were initially stopped while the Chief Minister moved ahead, he later returned and took them along. The police were performing their duty. There is no need to create an unnecessary controversy over the matter,” Parameshwara said. He also objected to repeatedly identifying the three leaders as “Dalit Ministers”, questioning why their caste should be emphasised when referring to them in their official capacity. “Should every individual be identified by their caste? Are Ministers belonging to other communities referred to by their caste?” he asked. Parameshwara acknowledged that there could have been lapses in the handling of the situation but argued that the incident should not be turned into a major controversy. “I am not saying there were no lapses. Such mistakes can happen. But it is not appropriate to turn minor lapses into a major controversy,” he said. Inquiry to establish responsibility The incident has brought the conduct of security personnel at a major public ceremony under scrutiny, with differing views emerging within the ruling establishment and the Opposition over its significance. While Basavantappa has demanded action against the officials involved, Parameshwara has urged restraint and cautioned against interpreting the incident through a caste lens. The BJP and JD(S), meanwhile, have accused the authorities of disrespecting the ministers. Shivakumar’s directive to the Chief Secretary places the focus on the inquiry and its findings. The report is expected to clarify why the ministers were stopped, whether any protocol justified the action and who should be held accountable for any lapses. Courtesy : News Karnataka Note: This news is originally published on https:/newskarnataka.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Coimbatore Dalit student’s death: Two classmates arrested, parents continue sit-in demanding headmaster’s arrest
Akilan, a Class 11 student at the government-aided KK Naidu Higher Secondary School on Avinashi Road, was found dead at his home in Peelamedu on Wednesday. Akilan’s parents and relatives continued their sit-in protest at the Coimbatore District Collectorate for a second consecutive day on Friday. Synopsis: Two Class 11 students were arrested by Tamil Nadu police on Friday in connection with the death by suicide of a 15-year-old Scheduled Caste student in Coimbatore on Wednesday, 21 October, following alleged casteist abuse and harassment at school. The student’s class teacher was arrested on Thursday, while his parents and relatives continued their sit-in protest at the Coimbatore District Collectorate for a second consecutive day, demanding the arrest of the school headmaster. Tamil Nadu police arrested two Class 11 students on Friday, 23 October in connection with the death by suicide of a 15-year-old Scheduled Caste student in Coimbatore. The student’s family has accused his classmates, class teacher and the school headmaster of casteist abuse and harassment. Akilan, a Class 11 student at the government-aided KK Naidu Higher Secondary School on Avinashi Road, was found dead at his home in Peelamedu on Wednesday. Akilan, was found dead at his home at Peelamedu on Wednesday, 21 October. Akilan’s mother alleged that two of his classmates, class teacher Vijayakumar and headmaster Arunkumar, were responsible for her son’s death. The police arrested class teacher Vijayakumar on Thursday. Akilan’s parents and relatives continued their sit-in protest at the Coimbatore District Collectorate for a second consecutive day on Friday, demanding the arrest of the headmaster. In her police complaint, his mother, Kousalya, named two of his classmates, the class teacher Vijayakumar and headmaster Arunkumar as those responsible for her son’s death. According to the FIR registered at the Peelamedu police station, Vijayakumar asked students in the class who ate beef. When Akilan raised his hand, two classmates allegedly abused him with casteist slurs and assaulted him. The FIR also states that headmaster Arunkumar failed to act after Akilan’s family complained to him. The family alleges that caste-based discrimination and harassment drove the boy to his death. The case has been registered under provisions relating to abetment of suicide, voluntarily causing hurt and offences under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The Tamil Nadu State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes has sought a report from the Coimbatore City Police Commissioner on the student’s death. (Edited by Dese Gowda) Courtesy : TSF Note: This news is originally published on https:/thesouthfirst.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit youth brutalized in Raikot: Allegations of sexual violence and brutal torture, pain revealed; FIR filed 20 days later
According to family members, the youth had been suffering from pain since around October 5th. Initially, the family considered it normal physical pain. The youth did not disclose anything in the initial days due to fear of threats. When the pain became unbearable, he narrated his ordeal to his family. A serious case of alleged sexual violence and brutal torture of a 19-year-old Dalit youth has come to light in Raikot. It is alleged that the youth was taken away on the pretext of a job and given drugs. He was then raped. The accused then tortured him by inserting a wooden object into his genitals. Police registered a case against Nanak Singh and an unidentified person on October 23rd, although the incident is said to have occurred around October 5th. According to family members, the youth had been suffering from pain since around October 5th. Initially, the family considered it normal physical pain. The youth did not disclose anything in the initial days due to fear of threats. When the pain became unbearable, he narrated his ordeal to his family. The family then took him to the Government Hospital in Raikot for treatment. The victim’s mother has appealed to the police for justice. Questions are being raised about the delay in police action in this case. According to police officials, the medical-legal report (MLR) related to the case was received on October 13th. Police stated that the victim was not in a position to give a statement at that time. A case was subsequently registered on October 23rd. Surjeet Singh, SHO of City Raikot Police Station, stated that a case has been registered against Nanak Singh and an unidentified person under sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway for both. Published by: Nivedita Courtesy: Hindi News
Modi is PM because of Congress’ contribution to democracy, says Karnataka CM Shivakumar
Shivakumar’s comments came in response to Modi’s allegation that the Congress had spent years making repeated attempts to establish Rahul Gandhi as its prominent national leader. BENGALURU: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday asserted that the Congress played a pivotal role in establishing democracy in India, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi owes his position to the party’s contributions to the country’s democratic system. Shivakumar’s comments came in response to Modi’s allegation that the Congress had spent years making repeated attempts to establish Rahul Gandhi as its prominent national leader. “Congress has a long history. Even the PM knows that without Congress this country wouldn’t have seen democracy. This is a party which has given democracy. If at all he (Modi) is the PM today, it is due to the Congress Party’s contribution to India’s leadership and democracy,” Shivakumar told reporters. “One should not forget the root. If you forget the root, you will not get the fruit,” he said. Modi on Thursday had hit out at the opposition Congress, saying that while the world was searching for a “new order”, some people were dreaming of “disorder” in India. In a direct attack on the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, Modi had said the Congress made more failed attempts to launch its leader than India made rocket launches from Sriharikota in a year. Responding to the BJP’s criticism of Rahul Gandhi’s repeated foreign trips, and its allegation that he returned from them and tried to destabilise the government, Shivakumar said the Congress leader was invited abroad by political leaders, business leaders and universities. “He is a leader. Many foreign political leaders, business leaders and universities request him. He is a leader whom the entire world is looking at,” he said. 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
Congress launches year-long campaign marking Dalit temple-entry centenary
Bhubaneswar: Congress on Thursday announced a year-long nationwide campaign to commemorate 100 years of the Dalit temple-entry movement, with meetings, seminars and public outreach programmes planned across major cities and pilgrimage centres ahead of a mega gathering in Tirupati in Oct 2027. Addressing a media meet at Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) office here, former Union minister and senior Congress leader Chinta Mohan said the centenary observances would begin around Oct 13 this year and continue till Oct 13, 2027. The campaign aims to highlight the struggle against untouchability. According to Mohan, programmes would be organised in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Bengaluru and Chennai, besides pilgrimage centres including Srisailam and locations in Kerala. He said leaders from different political parties, legal experts, intellectuals and social activists would be invited to participate in the events. Mohan attributed the Dalit temple-entry movement to the efforts of Mahatma Gandhi and Congress, and recounted an incident involving a Dalit man, Murugan, at Tiruchanur temple near Tirupati nearly a century ago. He claimed that the episode eventually led to a campaign against untouchability and facilitated temple entry for Dalits. He said the year-long programme would culminate in a large public meeting in Tirupati in Oct 2027 to mark the centenary of the movement. Mohan also announced that Oct 13 would be observed annually as Dalit Rights Day. Alleging that Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and minorities were yet to secure full political, economic and social equality, the Congress leader accused the BJP-led govt of undermining Dalit rights. Earlier, Mohan was felicitated at the OPCC headquarters by state Congress members. 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
TN Dalit Student Dies by Suicide After Caste Taunts at School; Teacher Arrested
SC and ST Commission seeks report; family alleges caste-based abuse by classmates and a teacher and demands accountability COIMBATORE — A Dalit Class 11 student has died by suicide in Coimbatore after allegedly facing caste-based harassment at school, prompting police to arrest a teacher, register a case against the headmaster and two classmates, and launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. The student, identified as A Akilan, was found dead at his home in the Peelamedu area on Wednesday, after returning to school following the Puja holidays. His family alleges that repeated caste-based taunts and harassment left him distressed. According to the complaint filed by his mother, Kousalya Devi, Akilan had faced discrimination from classmates, who allegedly mocked him over his caste and eating habits. The complaint also names class teacher Vijayakumar and headmaster Arunkumar. The family alleges that Vijayakumar asked students in the classroom who ate beef. After Akilan reportedly indicated that he did, two classmates allegedly subjected him to casteist abuse and physical assault. His parents further allege that the headmaster failed to act adequately after they raised concerns about the treatment their son was experiencing. The Peelamedu police have registered a case against the teacher, headmaster and two students under provisions relating to abetment of suicide, voluntarily causing hurt and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Vijayakumar has been arrested, while the headmaster and the two students have also been named in the case. The allegations against them remain subject to investigation. Family Wants Accountability The Tamil Nadu State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes has sought a report from the Coimbatore City Police Commissioner on the student’s death and the allegations of caste-based harassment. The commission took up the matter on Thursday, according to reports. The Child Welfare Committee is also conducting an inquiry into the circumstances of the death, while police continue to examine the allegations and the school’s response to the family’s complaints. Akilan’s parents and relatives protested outside the Peelamedu police station, demanding a thorough investigation and action against those they hold responsible. They also called for the headmaster to be arrested, alleging that the school authorities had failed to respond appropriately to their concerns. Akilan’s father, Ashok Kumar, said the family wanted justice for their son and alleged that the teacher and school management were responsible for what had happened. He also said Akilan had aspired to become a lawyer. According to the family’s complaint, Akilan had previously been reluctant to attend school and had told his mother that other students were unwilling to speak to him because of his caste. Reports also indicate that his parents had approached the school management over the alleged harassment. Police are investigating whether the alleged discrimination and the school’s handling of the complaints contributed to the student’s death. No final findings have been announced, and the allegations against the teacher, headmaster and students have not been established in court. The case has renewed concerns about caste-based discrimination in educational institutions and the responsibility of school authorities to respond promptly to complaints of harassment, particularly when students’ safety and well-being may be at risk. Courtesy : Clarion Note: This news is originally published on https:/clarion.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Caste survey open for corrections, govt will rectify errors: Revanth
Hyderabad: The state govt is willing to correct any anomalies in the Socio-Economic, Education, Employment, Political and Caste (SEEEPC) Survey-2024 and ensure social justice for all communities, chief minister A Revanth Reddy said on Thursday, inviting caste associations that dispute the survey findings to submit data supporting their population claims. He announced that the govt would reconstitute a cabinet sub-committee to examine the issue and the cabinet will discuss the issue in the next meeting. “Elders and caste associations of Gouds, Mudirajs, Gangaputra, Yadavs and even Padmashalis have made claims over their population figures and contradicted the SEEEPC survey. The state govt has an open mind on this. Our intention is not to reduce the number of castes. Even my community (Reddy) people have doubts about the 25 lakh figure. We can rectify any anomalies or mistakes in population and include in the caste census, and social justice will be delivered to all castes,” Revanth said. The chief minister said the govt would seek reports from officials and consult legal experts before taking a final view on the matter. He added that the long-pending demand for reclassification of the Mudiraj community from the BC-D category to BC-A could not be considered so far because of the lack of accurate population data and that the reconstituted sub-committee would also examine the issue. Addressing the birth anniversary celebrations of Pandaga Sayanna Mudiraj, Revanth said the govt had earlier constituted a cabinet sub-committee headed by minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy and would now expand it by including ministers such as Ponnam Prabhakar and Vakiti Srihari. He also announced that statues of Doddi Komaraiah and Pandaga Sayanna would be installed on Tank Bund. Seeking to reassure Backward Class communities, the chief minister said the Congress govt is committed to their political empowerment and adequate representation. “It is my responsibility to ensure the Mudiraj community is made a partner in the govt,” he said. Shifting to national politics, Revanth described the next general election as crucial for the country and appealed for support to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He said the interests of the country’s Bahujan communities would be better protected if Rahul Gandhi becomes Prime Minister. He said the administration is strengthening the existing welfare programmes. “We are already doubling the welfare initiatives undertaken by the previous govt and building Indiramma houses in every village. The welfare schemes launched by NTR, Chandrababu Naidu, YSR and KCR are being continued,” he claimed. He said that while NTR had introduced Rs 2-a-kg rice, the present govt is supplying fine rice to 3.48 crore beneficiaries. Revanth said the govt had also taken steps to strengthen Telangana’s distinct identity, including officially adopting a state song after the formation of Telangana. 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
UP: Four convicted in Dalit woman’s murder case sentenced to life imprisonment
Kaushambi, A court in Kaushambi district of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday convicted four accused and sentenced them to life imprisonment in the 2009 kidnapping and murder of a Dalit woman. The court also imposed a fine of ₹1.31 lakh on each of the accused. Additional District Government Advocate (Criminal) Pankaj Sonkar said that the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge and Special Judge (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act) Amit Malviya delivered the verdict after considering the prosecution’s arguments, witness statements, and evidence. He said that the accused have been identified as Arvesh Tiwari, Sarvesh Tiwari, Ramkant Dubey, and Shivkant Dubey. The court sentenced all four to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹1.31 lakh each. According to Sonkar, on October 7, 2009, the father of a woman named Kunti Devi filed a complaint at the Sarai Akil police station, alleging that the four accused lured his daughter away and later murdered her. Based on the complaint, the police registered a case under sections 363 (kidnapping), 364 (kidnapping with intent to murder), 368 (wrongful confinement or wrongful confinement of a person abducted), 302 (murder), 120B (criminal conspiracy), and 34 (acts done with common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). A case was also registered against the accused under Section 3(2)(5) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. According to the prosecution, the police filed a charge sheet against the accused after completing the investigation. The prosecution said that after considering the available evidence and the arguments of the prosecution, the court convicted all four accused and sentenced them. Courtesy: Hindi News
UP Elections 2027: BSP eyes Dalit strongholds, Mayawati and Akash to hold rapid public meetings in these districts
Mayawati will hold public meetings in assembly constituencies in districts with a large Scheduled Caste population. The aunt and nephew are particularly focused on Western Uttar Pradesh. Mayawati to hold rapid public meetings with Akash Anand Neha Shukla, Lucknow: Mayawati has fully entered the electoral fray for the 2027 UP elections. This time, Mayawati will be holding public meetings with her nephew Akash. For this, Mayawati is first targeting Dalit strongholds. Mayawati will hold public meetings in assembly constituencies in districts with a high Scheduled Caste (SC) population. The aunt and nephew are particularly focused on Western Uttar Pradesh. The campaign will begin on October 28th in Bulandshahr district. Following this, she is scheduled to hold public meetings in Agra, Saharanpur, Kanpur Nagar, and Ayodhya districts. During the first phase of his campaign, which began in August, Akash Anand visited several assembly constituencies in western Uttar Pradesh, including Sadabad in Hathras and Jewar in Gautam Buddha Nagar. BSP Strong in Western UP The BSP has traditionally been considered strong in western Uttar Pradesh, where Dalit voters have a significant presence. Jatav, Khatik, and Valmiki voters, in particular, constitute a decisive majority in several assembly constituencies in western Uttar Pradesh. Akash has also focused on these areas. Bulandshahr: According to the 2011 census, approximately 19.8% of the total population here belongs to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community. BSP chief Mayawati’s own caste, the Jatav community, is the largest group. Agra: The district has a total of nine assembly seats, of which two seats, Agra Cantt and Agra Reserved, are reserved for SCs. Furthermore, Etmadpur, Fatehabad, Agra North, and Agra South also have a significant Dalit voter base. Saharanpur: Over 22% of the population here belongs to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community. It should be noted that the BSP won the Saharanpur seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Dalits have always been the BSP’s core voter base, with the Jatavs considered among Mayawati’s staunchest supporters. Edited by: Pawan Nautiyal About the Author Pawan Nautiyal works as a consultant writer for the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand sections of the Navbharat Times. He has over 14 years of extensive journalistic experience in print, electronic, and digital media. Courtesy: Hindi News