Rajasthan: ‘Justice’ Murdered in the Dangawas Dalit Massacre Case
On August 5, 2026, the Special SC/ST Court in Merta acquitted all 40 accused in the case, granting them the benefit of the doubt. The court concluded that the incident was proven and its perpetrators were unproven. This single sentence from the court encapsulates the entire tragedy of the Dangawas Dalit massacre. Bhanwar Meghvanshi explains.First, let’s understand what happened that day in Dangawas, a village in Nagaur district, Rajasthan. How the violence that began with a land dispute escalated into a Dalit massacre, and how the search for justice became a long struggle. Finally, a court verdict, delivered 11 years later, now appears to be a case of injustice.To simply describe the Dangawas Dalit massacre as a land dispute between two parties would be an injustice to the entire incident. If we piece together the events, a horrific story emerges, in which an old land dispute, caste dominance, administrative inaction, open threats, the controversial role of the illegal village panchayat, armed mobs, tractor crushes, firing, alleged sexual and physical violence against women, and subsequent attacks on victims in the hospital all appear interconnected. The most important question is: was what happened on May 14, 2015, a sudden communal clash or a serious consequence of already building tensions and threats?Dangawas is a village in the Merta City area of Nagaur district. According to the 2011 census, the village had 1,578 families and a total population of approximately 7,470. Dalits constituted approximately 16.59 percent of the population. There had been a long-standing dispute in the village over the occupation of Dalit land by non-Dalits and tenancy rights. The land dispute that later became the backdrop for the Dangavas massacre is 23 bighas and 5 biswas of land. This land has been in the name of the Dalit Meghwal family since its inception in government records. Later, a dispute arose over its alleged purchase, sale, transfer, and possession. According to the occupying Jat family, they had purchased the land, but it was only in the Dalits’ names on paper. Meanwhile, the Dalit family claims the land was mortgaged and was reclaimed after making a reasonable payment. However, the Jat family continued to illegally occupy it, leading the aggrieved Dalit family to approach the courts and the administration. Ultimately, proceedings before the Sub-Divisional Officer resulted in a decision in favor of the Dalit family, ordering the transfer of physical possession.This is where the story becomes more serious. While the land belonged to the Dalits on paper, the land was in the hands of another party. The law stated one thing, while the powers that be asserted another. This cannot be explained by a single incident; it is a series of events. For example, on April 20, 2015, there was mention of an attempt to cut down trees and build a pond on the disputed land. Subsequently, on April 21, an incident of attempted rape and assault of a Dalit widow was reported. When the police failed to register a case, the victim had to go to court. Subsequently, threats against Dalits escalated.On May 11, Dalits sought protection from the local administration. Dalit families living on the disputed land were receiving threats of eviction, and several local administration officials were aware of the dispute. That same day, members of the Jat community submitted a memorandum to the local administration, demanding the removal of Dalit families from the land and threatening to remove them themselves if action was not taken. The Dalit families again sought protection from the local administration, but the local administration remained silent.This suggests that signs of danger were present before the violence of May 14. On the morning of May 14, 2015, members of the Jat community convened an illegal panchayat in the village regarding the disputed land, where a large number of people gathered. From there, this frenzied mob, armed with weapons, arrived on tractors, motorcycles, and other vehicles at the disputed land, where Dalit families were present with their relatives.A mob of hundreds of people targeted and began killing Dalit men and women present there. The violent mob not only surrounded the Dalits and hurled caste-related slurs at them, but also attacked them with sticks, rods, axes, and other weapons. Their huts and houses were set on fire. Their vehicles were burned. But the most horrific part of the violence was tractor justice. Tractors were driven over Dalits. Many were hit by the tractors. Two Dalits, Ratnaram and Pokharram, died on the spot, and nearly a dozen others were seriously injured. Pancharam also succumbed to his injuries later. Ganeshram and Ganpatram died while undergoing treatment in the hospital. Thus, five Dalits were killed in the mob lynching of May 14, 2015.To simply call the Dangawas incident a “murder” would be to minimize its full scale. Among those injured, many had broken limbs and head injuries. Several parts of their bodies also bore serious wounds and other injuries. When I visited the Dangawas victims after the incident, they also alleged that, in addition to caste-based slurs, women were assaulted, their clothes torn, and attempts were made to sexually assault them. This means that the attack wasn’t just on their bodies; their dignity and self-respect were also deeply hurt.Another horrific chapter of the Dangawas Dalit massacre involves hospitals in Merta City and Ajmer. After the incident, the injured were taken to hospitals, but due to the police’s late arrival at the scene and the tense situation at the hospital, the mob targeted the injured at Merta Hospital. Most importantly, those who should have been protected in the hospital were forced to endure fear even there.The case of Rampal Goswami’s gunshot death also came to light amid the violence on May 14th. Rampal’s family alleged that he was forcibly taken away by the mob. He later died of gunshot wounds. The Dalit community was blamed for the murder. According to the case report, the deceased Goswami had gone to Dangavas as an emissary of an illegal village council of villagers to convene
Adivasi-Dalit groups to hold rights declaration, gathering for fresh push for justice in Muthanga case
Adivasi and Dalit organisations are demanding a comprehensive inquiry into the death of Yogi (Jogi), who was reportedly killed in police firing during the 2003 Muthanga land agitation and and the alleged human rights violations in connection with the stir Adivasi and Dalit organisations will intensify protests demanding a comprehensive inquiry into the death of Yogi (Jogi), who was reportedly killed in police firing during the 2003 Muthanga land agitation and the alleged human rights violations in connection with the stir. An Adivasi-Dalit gathering and Declaration of Rights will be held at Municipal Town Hall in Sulthan Bathery (Jogi Nagar) on Sunday (August 9) on the occasion of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. Bommi Amma of Cheeral, the oldest surviving participant in the Muthanga struggle, will inaugurate the gathering at 9 a.m. Sivan Yogi, son of Jogi, will preside over the event. 2003 Muthanga land struggle: two decades later, all accused who faced trial in constable murder case acquitted; Geethanandan, three others convicted in related offences Cultural procession The programme is being organised by the Muthanga Solidarity Committee, a collective of several organisations and individuals led by the Adivasi Gothra Mahasabha (AGMS) and the Ambedkarite Democratic Front (ADF). Participants in the Muthanga struggle will share their experiences at the meeting. A cultural procession will subsequently be taken out through the town, followed by a public meeting at Jogi Nagar (Town Hall) at 4 p.m. ADF State working chairperson K. Ambujakshan will inaugurate the public meeting, while AGMS general secretary P.G. Janardhanan will make the Declaration of Rights. The Muthanga land agitation has returned to the limelight after the Kalpetta Principal Sessions Court, on July 31, acquitted all the accused who stood trial, including social activist M. Geethanandan, in the case relating to the murder of police constable K.V. Vinod. However, the court convicted Geethanandan and three others on other charges related to the case and sentenced each to five years of rigorous imprisonment. In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the organisers said the programme was being held against the backdrop of nearly 25 years of struggles by indigenous communities for land, control over natural resources, self-governance and justice. They said that under the agreement reached following the historic Kudilketty Samaram in 2001, the government was bound to distribute between one and five acres of land to landless Adivasis. However, the failure to implement the agreement led to the Muthanga agitation, during which Adivasi families erected huts on their “ancestral land” inside the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary in Wayanad and launched a “peaceful” protest. The subsequent police firing on and attack against the protesters, allegedly carried out without negotiations or warning, shocked the conscience of the world, the organisers said. Jogi, who was killed in the firing, was yet to receive justice as no proper investigation had been conducted into his death, they said. The organisers also alleged that around 55 people, including an eight-month-old child, died later after being subjected to police atrocities. They further said that even a direction issued by the then National Human Rights Commission to conduct a comprehensive probe into the alleged human rights violations, including those against women and children, was not implemented. 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
Death threats to family in Soraon: Allegations of demolition of ancestral thatch, no action even after a week
Shyamlal, a Scheduled Caste resident of Abdalpur (Pakditar) village in the Soraon police station area, has alleged that his ancestral thatch was demolished, he was assaulted, and threatened with death. He has filed a complaint against the opposing party. The victim alleges that even after a week has passed, no action has been taken in the matter. According to Shyamlal, a thatched house covered with cement sheets is located on his ancestral plot number 608. He stated that a settlement was not reached during the hearing in the SC/ST court on July 12th. Subsequently, at around 1 a.m. on July 31st, six people from the neighborhood entered his house and began demolishing the thatch and breaking the cement sheets. When Shyamlal protested, it is alleged that the accused, armed with sticks, abused him and chased him with the intention of killing him. Shyamlal saved his life by running into his house. The victim also alleged that the next morning, when he went to lay bricks with his family, the same men returned and assaulted his daughter-in-law, Bachni Devi, and son, Kamlesh. The victim immediately called the police on 112. After the police arrived, the family was able to escape safely. The accused fled the scene, threatening life and property. Shyamlal alleges that after the incident, he filed several complaints with the Soraon police station and the Soraon Circle Officer. However, even after a week, neither the police arrived at the scene nor a case was registered. The victim has demanded immediate action and protection for his family. In this regard, Inspector-in-Charge Deendayal Singh stated that the matter will be investigated seriously. Whoever is found guilty in the investigation will be prosecuted as per the law. Shyam Babu Gupta | Mauaima (Prayagraj), Prayagraj (Allahabad) Courtesy: Hindi News
Lakhimpur Kheri: Dalit Woman Found Dead, Family Alleges Rape and Murder; 12 Police Teams Deployed
12-Year-Old Dalit Girl Allegedly Gang Raped by Five Juveniles in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur A pall of grief and anger has descended over the Neemgaon police station area of Lakhimpur Kheri district in Uttar Pradesh following the suspicious death of a young Dalit woman. Her distraught family has leveled serious allegations, claiming she was raped and then murdered by strangulation. They further alleged that her body was dragged after the killing. Police have launched a large-scale investigation, though they have stated that these allegations remain unconfirmed until the postmortem report and forensic findings are complete. Family’s Anguish and Allegations The father of the deceased woman has spoken out about the brutality he believes his daughter suffered. He said that simply looking at the condition of the crime scene gives a clear indication of the seriousness of the incident. “The way things were at the spot, one can understand what happened to my daughter,” he expressed, his voice heavy with grief. However, he has not yet named any specific individual as a suspect. Police are considering all possible angles as the investigation unfolds. Massive Police Operation Underway Upon receiving information about the incident, a police team immediately rushed to the location and conducted a thorough inspection of the crime scene. A forensic team was also called in to gather scientific evidence. According to police, several items including the deceased woman’s sickle were recovered from the spot. Investigators are now meticulously scanning footage from CCTV cameras installed in the surrounding areas.The scale of the police response is significant. Neemgaon Station House Officer Praveer Kumar Gautam and Circle Officer Mitauli Yadavendra Yadav confirmed that over a dozen police teams have been formed to crack the case. These include SWAT teams, the Local Intelligence Unit, and police station-level squads, all working on different aspects of the investigation. Teams under the leadership of the Mitauli Inspector are also gathering information on the activities of suspects. Forensic and Technical Evidence Key to Probe Police officials emphasized that they are making progress. “We are receiving important clues and are getting closer to solving the case. Efforts are being made to reveal the truth very soon,” said a senior officer. Raids are being conducted continuously to locate and detain suspects, and several people have already been questioned. Despite the swift police mobilization, the final truth behind the young woman’s death remains shrouded. Authorities have made it clear that the exact cause of death and the identification of the perpetrators will depend entirely on the postmortem report, the forensic evidence collected from the scene, and the technical data still being analyzed. 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
HC seeks compliance report from TN on rehabilitation scheme for transgenders
Madurai: Madras high court has directed Tamil Nadu chief secretary to file a compliance report to an order passed by the court directing the state to formulate a comprehensive rehabilitation scheme for transgender persons at the taluk level. In April, the court observed that members of the transgender community continue to face entrenched social stigma, resulting in deprivation of basic dignity and meaningful livelihood opportunities. Hence, the court directed the state to formulate a comprehensive rehabilitation scheme, ensuring avenues for self employment and sustainable livelihood and restoring dignity and ensuring meaningful inclusion of transgender persons in society along with necessary welfare schemes tailored to their specific needs. The court directed the chief secretary to coordinate with all relevant departments to ensure effective and time-bound implementation of the aforesaid measures. The court passed the order while hearing the anticipatory bail petition filed by a YouTuber, V Sarathkumar, who is to have published a video on digital media concerning an incident of self-immolation by a transgender within the precincts of Srivilliputhur Town police station in Virudhunagar district. When the case was listed before the court for reporting compliance, Justice K K Ramakrishnan took note of a status report filed by the state where there was no compliance of the directions issued by the court. Hence, the judge gave the direction to the chief secretary. 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
Three arrested in linked cases involving Dalit woman in Kollur
Byndoor: Kollur police have arrested three people in connection with two separate but related cases involving alleged caste-based abuse of a Dalit woman and a subsequent assault on a youth in Bellala village. The incidents reportedly occurred on Thursday, August 6, within the limits of Kollur police station. Police have registered separate cases based on complaints from both sides and are investigating the allegations. Youth arrested under SC/ST Act In the first case, police arrested Sanath Kundapur following a complaint filed by a Dalit woman. According to the complaint, Sanath allegedly approached the woman near her residence and behaved in a manner that outraged her modesty. She also alleged that he verbally abused her using casteist slurs. Based on the complaint, Kollur police registered a case under provisions of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and arrested Sanath in connection with the allegations. Police are examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident and recording statements as part of the investigation. Counter-case filed after alleged assault Meanwhile, a counter-case was registered following a complaint filed by Sanath Kundapur. In his complaint, Sanath alleged that after the earlier incident, members of the woman’s family tied him up, assaulted him and attempted to kill him. Acting on his complaint, police registered a separate case under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including the section relating to attempt to murder. Following the complaint, police arrested two people identified as Ram Kumar and Nandish Kumar in connection with the alleged assault. The arrests have resulted in three people being taken into custody in the two connected cases. Police investigate both complaints Police are now investigating the allegations made by both parties to establish the sequence of events and determine the circumstances that led to the two incidents. The cases involve serious allegations on both sides, including offences under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and an alleged attempt to murder. Investigators are expected to examine witness statements and other available evidence before taking further action. Police have stated that the investigation into both cases is currently underway. Officials are also working to identify and apprehend any other people allegedly involved in the incidents. Police said remaining accused persons, if their involvement is established during the investigation, will be apprehended in accordance with the law. Investigation underway The linked cases have drawn attention because of the serious allegations made by both sides. While the first complaint concerns alleged caste-based abuse and behaviour against a Dalit woman, the counter-complaint alleges that the accused in the first case was subsequently assaulted and subjected to an alleged attempt on his life. Police are treating the two complaints separately while examining whether and how the incidents are connected. Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses. Authorities have not yet disclosed additional information regarding the condition of those involved or the specific circumstances surrounding the alleged assault. The Kollur police are continuing their investigation and are expected to take further legal action based on the evidence gathered. 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
Health officials wash hands off Dalit girl’s life with Rs 2L
Private hospitals in Pebbair “settling” deaths due to alleged medical negligence Wanaparthy: Recent incidents of deaths resulting from alleged medical complications and negligence at private hospitals in Pebbair have caused public alarm. Allegations are surfacing that settlements regarding the deaths are being negotiated over the bodies in the presence of intermediaries to prevent the matter from becoming public and/or legal. Recounting a horrifying incident that occurred on September 28, 2025, locals informed that a young girl, who visited a private corporate hospital in the municipality with stomach pain, died following a medical complication. This incident occurred near the Subhash Chandra Bose Crossroads. Ramudu and Shirisha, a couple from the Dalit colony in Govardhanagiri village (Veepanagandla mandal), brought their five-year-old daughter, Ramya, to the hospital after she suddenly complained of stomach pain. Without conducting any tests, the doctor allegedly administered two injections; upon noticing foam coming from the child’s mouth, he took an X-ray and administered two more injections. As her condition deteriorated, the doctor advised the parents to take her to Mahbubnagar and sent her there in a private ambulance. However, doctors at the Mahbubnagar hospital examined the child and declared her dead. Alleging that the girl died due to the doctor’s negligence, family members and relatives staged a protest at the hospital. The price of a Dalit girl’s life settled by the hospital was Rs 2 lakhs. When questioned, DMHO Sainath Reddy said, “The medical officer conducted ground-level inspections and submitted a report to the Deputy DMHO who in turn also inspected the hospital. However, the submission of the report was delayed because he fell ill (fever). As there are holidays from tomorrow through Monday, the report is expected to reach me on Tuesday. I will take action once the report is received.” Meanwhile, many such incidents are being revealed by locals, such as the one on July 7 involving Sabera Begum (35) of Etigadda Sagapuram village, who came for delivery of twins after 16 years of marriage but was instead sent to the grave. Doctors had allegedly applied sutures without removing the placenta, which the family says attributed to the complication of her uterus. Residents of the municipality and district are criticising the situation, questioning whether anything can be done when medical officials appear to place a monetary value on human lives. They lament that officials, who ought to ensure such incidents don’t recur, are merely settling for paperwork instead of taking concrete action to prevent future occurrences Courtesy : THI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehansindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Cabinet fiasco pushes Congress into a tailspin
Despite Congress’s claims of rolling out the guarantee schemes in the state to empower women and its stand on the women’s reservation issue, Shivakumar’s cabinet is without a woman minister. Little over two months after the Congress central leaders patted themselves on their own backs for effecting a smooth leadership change in Karnataka, the party now faces intense internal turmoil after the cabinet expansion. Strategic miscalculations have left many of its lawmakers discontented, forcing the party to consider corrective measures. The party has landed itself in such a predicament that any quick-fix solution could be worse than the problem. The party’s top leadership deliberated on the ministry expansion for long, and held several rounds of consultations with Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and former CM Siddaramaiah. Perhaps, after sifting through several lists, it was decided to induct 20 legislators into the ministry. However, only 19 took oath. The plan to induct new faces appears to be in sync with party leader Rahul Gandhi’s broader roadmap of a transition within the party. The plan and its execution seemed wobbly from the start. The list was changed hours before the oath-taking ceremony. Despite Congress’s claims of rolling out the guarantee schemes in the state to empower women and its stand on the women’s reservation issue, Shivakumar’s cabinet is without a woman minister. Many districts are without representation. Even North Karnataka legislators from the Kuruba and minority communities have been left out. Two ministers from the Kuruba community are from South Karnataka. Of the four ministers from the minority community — three Muslims and one Christian — three are from Bengaluru City and one from coastal Karnataka. Siddaramaiah’s conspicuous absence at the ministers’ oath-taking ceremony at Lok Bhavan exposed the fault lines in the party. It also gave a subtle yet clear indication of how the Congress’s internal politics is likely to play out in the days ahead. The Congress workers’ protests at several places in the state, including outside the party head office in Bengaluru, mass resignations by local leaders in districts, and an outpouring of anger by several legislators, have all put the party in hot water. The CM’s initial remarks that “resignations (of those threatening to quit) will be accepted within a few minutes” showed that the party had again failed to read the situation. It was only when things appeared to be getting out of hand – the growing number of disgruntled legislators, and them planning a future course of action – that the CM, State Congress president BK Hariprasad and AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala plunged into damage-control mode. During their meetings with the disgruntled MLAs, the leaders are said to have admitted to mistakes being committed and that they would shortly take corrective measures, while the aspirants made it clear that they would settle for nothing less than a cabinet berth. As of now, only one cabinet berth is vacant. It is unclear what corrective measures the party would take at this stage. There is a buzz that a few ministers may be asked to resign to make way for some of those excluded. Some leaders may be accommodated in party positions and some in boards and corporations to assuage their feelings. By all means, the party has found itself in a catch-22 situation. No minister is happy to resign, and such a move will amount to the party admitting that it has erred. The impression that local leaders can compel the high command to change its decision will further vitiate the situation. Also, B Nagendra’s induction has caused a degree of unease within the party. As Scheduled Tribes Welfare Minister in Siddaramaiah’s cabinet, he had resigned in June 2024 after multi-crore financial irregularities in the state-owned Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Limited surfaced. A case had been registered against him, and he was also arrested. While the CM defended the decision, a three-term Congress MLA questioned what the yardstick was for inducting leaders into the cabinet, as those who went to jail and those who allegedly worked against the party have been made ministers. Nagendra’s induction has also handed a potent issue to the opposition during the upcoming legislative session from August 13. The Congress, downplaying the developments, has taken to oft-repeated remarks that a party with nearly 140 legislators is bound to face such turbulence, as only a limited number of leaders can be accommodated in the cabinet. However, if the ruling party continues to be pulled into a whirlwind of internal politics, it will do no good for its plans for the 2028 assembly polls or for the state administration. The challenge is to overcome party politics and deliver good governance. Unlike Siddaramaiah’s cabinet, the current team at the helm of affairs lacks the luxury of time; their performance would be tested in corporation polls in the Greater Bengaluru Authority and local bodies polls, provided they are held, and in the 2028 assembly polls. For now, the CM faces another immediate challenge, that of allocating portfolios to the new ministers, and preparing his new team for the legislative session starting next week. Ramu Patil 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
‘Why Prayagraj, not Jharkhand?’ Posters target Rahul ahead of visit
Prayagraj: A poster war erupted in Prayagraj on Saturday ahead of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s visit, with posters targeting him over issues concerning students in Jharkhand and his stand on NEET appearing at several locations across the city. The identity of those behind the posters remained unclear, but their appearance pushed up the political temperature ahead of Gandhi’s scheduled ‘Chattron Ki Goonj’ programme. However, the posters were later removed from several locations by his supporters. Among the posters displayed were slogans such as “Kab aaoge mere Rahul, tumhein Jharkhand bulata hai” (When will you come, Rahul? Jharkhand is calling you), “Jo bhaag kar Prayagraj aaye, woh Jharkhand jaane se kyun ghabraye?” (Why is one who ran to Prayagraj afraid of going to Jharkhand?) and “Jab Jharkhand ke chhatra nyay maang rahe hain, Rahul Prayagraj drama karne kyun aaye?” (When students in Jharkhand are demanding justice, why has Rahul come to Prayagraj for a drama?). Another poster targeted Gandhi over the NEET issue, carrying the slogan: “NEET par hypocrisy ki bhi seema hoti hai, Prayagraj wow… Jharkhand chhee.” The posters questioned Gandhi’s political position on student-related issues, NEET and his decision to visit Prayagraj. None of the posters carried the name of any political party, organisation or individual. As a result, it could not be immediately established who had put them up. No person or organisation had claimed responsibility for the posters till Saturday afternoon. The posters surfaced as Congress workers put up their own hoardings and banners across prominent city routes to welcome Gandhi and promote his ‘Students Ki Goonj’ programme at KP College Ground. The programme is scheduled to focus on issues including NEET, alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, paper leaks, unemployment, and concerns of students and youth. Meanwhile, Congress workers have made extensive preparations for Gandhi’s visit, during which he is scheduled to interact with students and young people. With the rival posters appearing just hours before the event, the political contest surrounding the visit has acquired an added edge. 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
Case of Dalit boy beaten for drinking water from a bottle: Police issues notice to teacher, Human Rights Commission also seeks response
An FIR has been registered against a teacher under various sections of the SC/ST Act, including the SC/ST Act, for allegedly assaulting a Dalit student and making casteist remarks at a government school in Ukawal village, Shivpuri. The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance and sought a detailed report from the Madhya Pradesh government and police within two weeks. A case of alleged assault on a Dalit student at school has come to light in Kolaras, Shivpuri district. The teacher is accused of assaulting and using casteist slurs against the 8-year-old fourth-grade student at the government primary school in Ukawal village. Following the complaint, the police have registered an FIR against the accused teacher under sections of the BNS and the SC/ST Act and have initiated an investigation. The police have issued a notice to the accused teacher. The National Human Rights Commission has also taken cognizance of the matter and requested a report. The incident dates back to July 27th. An 8-year-old Dalit student, studying in the fourth grade at the Government Primary School in Ukawal village, Kolaras tehsil, has been allegedly assaulted. Family members allege that the child was thirsty and drank from the teacher’s water bottle. Angered by this, the teacher beat him with a stick. According to family members, the child returned home crying and informed the family about the entire incident at school. Following this, the family filed a police complaint. Based on the complaint, the Lukwasa police station has registered a case against the accused teacher, Lokesh Sharma. The FIR includes relevant sections of the BNS Act, as well as sections of the SC/ST Act. Following the registration of the case, the police have initiated an investigation. According to Kolaras Police Station Officer Puneet Vajpayee, a notice has been issued to the accused teacher. Police say the investigation is ongoing and further action will be taken based on the facts and evidence that emerge. Only after the police investigation will it be clear what actually happened at the school. Meanwhile, the alleged assault and casteist remarks against a minor student have raised questions about the safety of children in government schools and the conduct of teachers. NHRC seeks report from Madhya Pradesh government and police The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the matter. The Commission stated that if the claims made in media reports are true, this constitutes a serious human rights violation. The Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh and the Superintendent of Police of Shivpuri, seeking a detailed report within two weeks. The report should also include details of the legal relief provided to the victim and the action taken in the case. Published by: Dinesh Sharma Courtesy: Hindi News