Rahul Gandhi calls on ‘Gen Z comrades’ to join mega rally in Kota, targets Centre over paper leaks and jobs
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to address a mega rally in Kota today, accusing the BJP government of “shattering millions of dreams” through paper leaks and exam mismanagement, even as a political row erupted over allegations that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s office tried to derail the event. Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot claimed on Tuesday that calls were being made from Birla’s office to Kota coaching centres and guest houses, warning them against allowing students to attend Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled interaction at Dussehra Maidan. Videos circulating on social media showed posters publicising Gandhi’s event being removed in Kota, triggering sharp reactions from the Congress. “LoP is visiting the constituency of the Lok Sabha Speaker and he should be welcomed. Instead, an atmosphere has been created where Birla ji himself is opposing the visit and wants to ensure no one attends the programme,” Gehlot said. “It does not befit the Speaker to create such circumstances that instill fear in the minds of educational institutions and ordinary people.” The BJP staged a counter-protest, with former minister Rajendra Rathore calling Gehlot’s allegations “extremely irresponsible and unfortunate.” Also read | Om Birla’s office tried to derail Rahul Gandhi’s Kota event, says Ashok GehlotOm Birla’s office tried to derail Rahul Gandhi’s Kota event, says Ashok Gehlot Congress: Youth face ‘two examinations’ Congress leader Pawan Khera asserted on Wednesday that Indian youth have to face “two examinations” — one at the examination center whose papers get leaked, and the other of “their patience, their courage, and their perseverance” for having to deal with dual struggles. “Our youth don’t face just one, but two examinations. One is the one that takes place in the examination center, whose papers get leaked. And the second is of their patience, their courage, and their perseverance,” Khera said in a post on X. He added that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress Party “will not remain silent on this injustice,” calling it “a major issue in our political agenda, because it is not just a question of the students, but of the entire society and the future of India. Nationwide movement to expand According to All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary K C Venugopal, the first phase of the “Chhatron Ki Goonj” campaign commences today from Kota and will continue with protests scheduled for Prayagraj, Patna and Delhi. According to the campaign website, rahulgandhi. in, “Chhatron Ki Goonj is a nationwide movement led by Rahul Gandhi, bringing together millions of students and young Indians whose hard work, dreams, and futures have been undermined by paper leaks, examination irregularities, and rising fees.” The site describes it as “a platform for young people to raise their voice, share their experiences, and demand accountability for repeated failures in India’s education system.” Rahul Gandhi’s message to students “My young and Gen Z comrades, one thing is clear in my mind, and you too should etch it in your heart: securing the future of every youth in India is the government’s responsibility. But responsibility and honesty — both are beyond the Modi government’s way of thinking,” Rahul Gandhi said in a social media post. He listed paper leaks, exam mismanagement, cancelled recruitments, skyrocketing fees, privatisation and scams as “tools” the government is using to destroy students’ futures. “Every paper leak, every canceled exam, every stalled recruitment – these aren’t just failures of the system, but blows struck against the dreams of millions,” he said. “I know you’re exhausted. You’re angry. But remember this – when the government refuses to listen, you have to raise your voice louder. That’s why I’m calling on all of you – June 17, Kota. Students’ Echo. Let’s come together and become a roar that can’t be ignored. Starting from Kota – then reaching every corner of the country,” he said. “This is a fight for your future. And I’m with you,” he added. NEET re-exam scheduled for June 21 The rally comes just days before the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21, from 2.00 pm to 5.15 pm. The National Testing Agency scheduled the retest following the cancellation of the May 3 exam due to paper leak controversies. The issue has also drawn attention to the temporary ban on Telegram imposed by the NTA ahead of the re-examination, which the agency said was necessary to prevent fraudsters from circulating fake question papers. 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
A deadly attack on a couple in Kurara: Violent men dragged the husband and allegedly assaulted the woman; police investigating.
A Dalit family has been fatally attacked in Umraht village, under the Kurara police station area of Hamirpur. It is alleged that the violators entered the home, attacked the couple, and mistreated the woman. The woman’s husband was seriously injured in the incident. The victim has appealed to the Hamirpur Superintendent of Police for justice and protection. In a complaint letter to the Superintendent of Police, the victim, Keshkali, wife of Santram, stated that the incident occurred at around 12:15 a.m. on June 28, 2026. Keshkali was sleeping with her family in the veranda of their home when some villagers entered their home armed with sticks and illegal firearms. It is alleged that the attackers abused and attacked the couple. They brutally beat Keshkali’s husband, Santram, and dragged him about 100 feet from their home to Ramu’s house. Santram was also severely assaulted there, leaving him bleeding and seriously injured. The victim also accused the main accused of assault, snatching, and molestation. The complaint also states that the main accused is a criminal. A case against him under Section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code is already pending in court at the Kurara police station. The victims filed a written complaint at the Kurara police station on the night of the incident. Subsequently, the police arranged for their medical examinations at the Primary Health Center (PHC) Kurara. However, the victims allege that instead of taking strict action against the accused, the police charged both parties under sections of “disturbing the peace.” In a letter submitted to the Superintendent of Police, the victim stated that the police’s lax action has emboldened the perpetrators. The victim and her entire family face a serious threat to their lives and property. She has urged the Hamirpur Superintendent of Police to intervene in the matter and take strict legal action against all the accused. Dinesh Kumar | Patara, Hamirpur Courtesy: Hindi News
Madhya Pradesh: Dalits and tribals suffering from low compensation in the Ken-Betwa Link Project
Chura Ahirwar, former sarpanch of Palkonha village, explains, “The main problem with the project is low compensation. In the village, some are being given Rs. 30,000, some Rs. 50,000, and some Rs. 1 lakh for their houses. With such low compensation, people can’t even buy the stones for their houses.” Read this report The Ken-Betwa Link Project in Madhya Pradesh is a river linking project. The project was approved for implementation under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The project involves transferring water from the Ken River to the Betwa River. The project cost is estimated at Rs. 44,605 crore. The project is estimated to irrigate a total of 10.62 lakh hectares annually. Meanwhile, 2.3 million trees will be cut for the project. Approximately 1,913 families will be affected by the project, and approximately 9,000 hectares of land will be submerged. In such a situation, the people primarily affected by this project are Dalits and tribals. They also face the threat of displacement. The biggest challenge in the project is the need for adequate compensation. For years, affected people have been taking steps like submitting memorandums and protesting to secure adequate compensation. Last April, the demand for compensation for the affected people took the form of a widespread Panchtatva Satyagraha movement. This movement began on April 5, 2026, and lasted for approximately 12 days. The affected people participated in the Panchtatva Satyagraha by smearing mud on their bodies, lying on pyres, committing symbolic hangings, conducting Jal Satyagraha, fasting, and extinguishing their stoves. During this period, slogans such as “Our village – your arbitrariness will not be tolerated” were raised. Ultimately, the affected people threatened a massive movement and gave the administration time to reconsider the compensation issue. We visited the rural areas of Panna district to understand the pain of the people affected by this project. These areas include Palkonha, Kadwara, Naiguwan, etc. in the Bijawar tehsil of the district. First, we arrive in Palkonha. Near the main road in this village, we discuss compensation with some villagers. Madanlal Ahirwar (50), a Scheduled Caste member, tells us, “I have been paid 30,000 rupees in compensation for my two-story house. We filed an application complaining about the low compensation, but have received no response. Can 30,000 rupees even lay the foundation for a house today?” Nanni Bai Ahirwar (70) is left without adequate compensation. She says, “I have two rooms in my house, for which I have not received any compensation. Similarly, my elder son’s house has not received compensation. Everything we have is at stake in this project. How will we manage our lives if we don’t receive adequate compensation?” Further into the village, near a platform, we meet Rammu Ahirwar (65) and Chura Ahirwar (48). In conversation, Rammu says, “My house cost around 10 lakh rupees. But I only received 4.5 lakh rupees in compensation. With that, we can’t rebuild our house like before.” He further adds, “Due to the lack of compensation, villagers are unable to go to cities like Indore, Bhopal, Delhi, and Mumbai for livelihood. Those who received little or no compensation are unable to build their own houses or get their sons and daughters married.” Chura Ahirwar, the former village sarpanch, adds, “The main problem with the project is the low compensation. Some in the village are being given 30 thousand rupees for a house, some 50 thousand rupees, and some 1 lakh rupees for a house. With such low compensation, people can’t even buy the stones for their houses.” After talking with the villagers of Palkonha, we head to Naiguwan village. We reach Naiguwan in about 30 minutes by bike. In this village, we meet some villagers near a banyan tree. Shakuntala Saur (40), a tribal woman, earns her living by working as a laborer. Sadly, she explains, “The government provides over 1 lakh rupees under the housing scheme. However, the compensation for our house is only 60,000 rupees. Just imagine, is this justice done to us? Who can build a house with this much? It can’t even build a proper toilet and bathroom.” As soon as Shakuntala finishes her sentence, Andu Saur (52) adds, “Our two-story house falls in the submergence zone of the project, and we haven’t received any compensation yet. When we complain to the officials about compensation, they say it will come…it will come. But we don’t know when it will come.” Then, we speak with Bihari Saur (55) about the project’s problems. He says, “The reason we haven’t received adequate compensation under this project is because of the lack of a proper survey. The officials didn’t conduct the compensation survey door-to-door, but instead gathered villagers together in one place. This has led to irregularities in the compensation.” After learning about the compensation issue in Palkonha village, we headed towards Kadwara village. We reached Kadwara by bike in about 40 minutes. In this village, we chatted with some villagers near a public water tap. Hakka Ahirwar (40 years old), a Scheduled Caste, says, “Our family, Bablu, Chandu, and I, three brothers, rely on 11 acres of agricultural land for our livelihood. This was acquired for the project. We received compensation of Rs. 5 lakh per acre for this land. However, when we go to buy land, we get Rs. 10-12 lakh per acre. Consequently, we are unable to purchase land. This is the problem faced by the farmers whose land is submerged in the project.” He further says, “We have only had the skill of farming for generations. The government hasn’t given us any other skills, nor has it provided any employment. Meanwhile, the government is paying 5 lakh rupees per acre as compensation for the land. At the same time, it’s deducting 5 lakh rupees from the residential plot being given to us. Is this fair?” Divya Ahirwar (60 years old) explains, “We received 2 lakh rupees in compensation for our two-story house. I spent 40 thousand rupees seven years ago to get a borewell installed in
Main accused arrested in Dalit youth’s death case: Died during treatment after assault, search for others intensified
Police have arrested Saurabh, the main accused, in the case of the death of Dalit youth Shyamveer Pratap Singh alias Sonu during treatment in Ujaramau village of Rajepur police station area in Farrukhabad. Following his arrest, the accused was produced in court and sent to jail in judicial custody. According to police, Shyamveer Pratap Singh was seriously injured in a fight on the night of June 18th due to an old rivalry. Family members allege that the accused assaulted him using casteist slurs. The injured youth was first referred to CHC Rajepur, then to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and later to Hallet Hospital in Kanpur, where he died during treatment. Section 105 added after death A case was registered under relevant sections at the Rajepur police station based on the complaint of the deceased’s brother. Following the young man’s death, Section 105 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was added to the case. Given the seriousness of the matter, a special police team was formed under the direction of Station House Officer Nagendra Singh. Based on continuous raids and technical evidence, police, led by Sub-Inspector Ashutosh Singh, arrested the main accused, Saurabh. Police stated that no culprit will be spared. Station House Officer Nagendra Singh stated that a thorough investigation into the case is ongoing. Based on the available evidence, strict legal action will be taken against all the accused, and no one will be spared. Sundram Singh | Amritpur Courtesy: Hindi News
BJP vs Rahul on SIR: BJP Says DK Is Backing SIR, Questions Rahul’s ‘Vote Chori’ Charge
The Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision in Karnataka has sparked a fierce political war, exposing a sharp contradiction within the Congress party. Nationally, Rahul Gandhi aggressively opposes the drive, framing it as an unconstitutional tool for “voter theft” aimed at deleting minority and marginalized voters. However, the Congress-led Karnataka government, driven by CM D.K. Shivakumar, is actively executing the enumeration on the ground. The BJP has seized on this divergence, accusing Congress of blatant hypocrisy. BJP leaders argue that Shivakumar’s mobilization of 59,000 Booth Level Officers completely invalidates Gandhi’s national conspiracy narrative. Tension has intensified over Shivakumar’s heavy-handed execution, where he warned citizens that failing to verify their names could cost them vital state welfare rations. Ultimately, this friction highlights the widening gap between national opposition rhetoric and the practical realities of state governance. 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
Arun Yadav urges Rahul Gandhi to step in as Digvijaya Singh-Jitu Patwari row exposes MP Congress rift
Yadav’s post came a day after reports of infighting surfaced during the Madhya Pradesh Congress Political Affairs Committee (PAC) meeting at the party headquarters in Bhopal. BHOPAL: Former Madhya Pradesh Congress president and ex-Union minister Arun Yadav has urged Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and the party’s central leadership to intervene to strengthen organisational unity in the state unit. “Honorable Shri Rahul Gandhi, the BJP and its government are grappling with internal conflicts, failures, and other problems in Madhya Pradesh. Even in this period, the truly loyal workers of the Congress party organization (in MP) are struggling ideologically. During such times, certain individuals are making futile attempts to break the morale of those workers under a contrived conspiracy; there is no doubt in this. “It is only by combining the enthusiasm of the youth and the wisdom of the party’s experienced leaders that we can confront the fascist ideology. In such a situation, if responsible people try to exploit their personal grievances and animosity at the expense of the party’s workers, it will not be timely. Kindly intervene through the central leadership to prevent the morale of the struggling workers from breaking and graciously strengthen the organizational unity,” Yadav posted on X on Wednesday. Yadav’s post came a day after reports of infighting surfaced during the Madhya Pradesh Congress Political Affairs Committee (PAC) meeting at the party headquarters in Bhopal. Former minister Sajjan Singh Verma, MLA Arif Masood and former MLA Pravin Pathak reportedly criticised senior Congress leader and former chief minister Digvijaya Singh for contradicting state Congress president Jitu Patwari’s stand on allegations relating to the allotment of land worth Rs 500 crore to a trust in Ujjain by the Mohan Yadav government. In a related development, Madhya Pradesh Congress general secretary Nidhi Chaturvedi, daughter of former MP Satyavrat Chaturvedi, launched a sharp attack on Digvijaya Singh in a social media post. “When will Congress be freed from ‘Naagpash’ of Digvijaya Singh. His (Singh’s) restlessness, anger, and indecorous conduct are nothing but a highly inappropriate, distressing, and condemnable step taken out of ‘attachment to his son.’ In his ambition to seat his son, Jaivardhan Singh, in the position of state party president, he has forgotten what party discipline means,” she wrote. The controversy stems from a June 24 press conference in New Delhi, where Patwari and Congress media department chairman Pawan Khera cited a national daily’s investigation into land purchases by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, his relatives and associated real estate firms in Ujjain. Patwari had also alleged that government land worth Rs 500 crore in Ujjain had been allotted to the Veer Bharat Nyas for a token amount of Re 1. “Its trustee is Shriram Tiwari, who is the Chief Minister’s cultural advisor. On what basis was such expensive land given to this trust?” he had asked. Days later, Digvijaya Singh publicly disputed the allegation while speaking to reporters in Ujjain and later in Barwani. “It is being alleged that land worth Rs 500 crore has been rendered to a private trust for Rs 1 only. But I’ve all relevant papers with me, which establish that the concerned land hasn’t been given to any private trust, instead the concerned trust is a government trust. I don’t speak on any issue without proper research… There isn’t a dearth of dalals (brokers), who make false accusations and then earn money,” Singh had said. His remarks, seen as contradicting the state unit’s allegations, were repeatedly highlighted by the BJP to target Patwari while praising Singh’s stand. The reported differences triggered resentment among several Congress leaders during Tuesday’s PAC meeting, prompting Digvijaya Singh and Patwari to jointly address the media later in the day. “Entire Congress party in MP is united in the fight against corruption of Dr Mohan Yadav government. All complaints related to land deals by the state’s CM and his family are being probed at our level. We all will unitedly fight a definite battle on the issue,” the two leaders said. Seeking to end speculation over differences, Digvijaya Singh added: “Confusion is being spread about differences between me and state party chief Jitu Patwari. He (Patwari) is like my son. I’ve spent more than half a century in the Congress party. I can never use the word Dalal for any leader of the party, including the state party chief. I used the word Dalal for a journalist, whose name is Bhupendra Dalal.” With the reports of infighting dominating television coverage, the Madhya Pradesh Congress on Wednesday questioned why electronic media channels had not given similar prominence to the allegations over the chief minister’s land deals. “Instead of covering issues of burning public importance, efforts are being made to divert the public attention to other issues,” the party said. The state Congress has also announced a three-day Maun Satyagraha (silent protest). In an official statement, state Congress general secretary (organisation) Dr Sanjay Kamle said that, barring authorised press conferences and briefings, no Congress leader in the state would participate in television debates or give soundbites to TV channels during the next three days. 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
Kerala Governor clears Seshadrinathan’s posting as new state election commissioner
The appointment came despite stiff opposition from KPCC general secretary P M Niyas and a section of Congress leaders, as well as the Youth League, the IUML’s youth wing. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Governor Rajendra Arlekar has approved the cabinet’s proposal to appoint N Seshadrinathan as the new State Election Commissioner. The official notification was issued on Wednesday. Speaking to TNIE, Seshadrinathan expressed happiness over the appointment and said he would assume charge at the earliest. Seshadrinathan has served as Principal District and Sessions Judge in Kavaratti, as CBI Court judge in Ernakulam, and in several other judicial positions. Following his retirement, he has been serving as a judge at the Irinjalakkuda Family Court. The appointment came despite stiff opposition from KPCC general secretary P M Niyas and a section of Congress leaders, as well as the Youth League, the IUML’s youth wing. They had questioned Seshadrinathan’s alleged past links with the CPM and the Sangh Parivar. Niyas had sought the intervention of Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, KPCC president Sunny Joseph and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, urging them to intervene. However, as he failed to garner enough support, the cabinet went ahead with the appointment. Seshadrinathan’s name was proposed by Local Self Government Minister K M Shaji, the Indian Union Muslim League’s representative in the cabinet. League sources said the decision had triggered differences of opinion within the party, with one section backing Shaji while another opposed the appointment. The decision has also led to discontent within the Youth League. However, those backing Shaji maintained that the allegations against Seshadrinathan remained unsubstantiated and had surfaced only after another aspirant for the post missed out. Meanwhile, the League’s stand has raised eyebrows among sections of the Muslim community. “We cannot dismiss suspicions of an understanding between a section of League leaders and the Sangh Parivar. Everyone knows how the Enforcement Directorate failed to pursue the AR Nagar Cooperative Bank scam after the Income Tax raid unearthed huge quantities of unaccounted money in 2021. Had there been a proper investigation, the League might have had different ministers in this government,” a leader of a Muslim community organisation told TNIE on condition of anonymity. 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
Groom Dragged Off Mare As Wedding Procession Sparks OBC Caste Clash
A wedding celebration in Gujarat’s Patan district turned violent after a 21-year-old groom was allegedly dragged off a mare and assaulted during his wedding procession. Unlike many past incidents involving upper caste and Dalit communities, this case involves two Other Backward Class (OBC) communities—the Patni (Devipujak) community and the Thakor community. Police have registered a case against five accused based on the complaint, while rights activists say the incident highlights how social hierarchy and caste-based discrimination can exist even within communities that fall under the same reservation category. Wedding Procession Began Peacefully According to the FIR, the groom, identified as Kaushik Patni, had earlier completed a pre-wedding procession in Patan city before returning to his native village, Hajipur, where another traditional wedding procession was organised. Family members said the procession initially passed through the Thakor locality after the groom briefly got down from the mare near a temple, following local customs. Once the procession reached the Patni locality, Kaushik mounted the mare again to continue the celebrations. Groom Allegedly Pulled Off Mare Police said the violence broke out at around 9:30 pm when Ramuji Thakor allegedly entered the procession, grabbed the groom by his suit, dragged him off the mare, and tore his clothes. The incident triggered chaos as family members and relatives rushed to intervene. Family Members Also Assaulted The FIR states that Sanjayji Thakor and Mehulji Thakor allegedly assaulted the groom’s uncle, Prakash Patni. When women from the family, including Nita Patni and the groom’s mother Kamu Patni, tried to stop the assault, they too were allegedly attacked. The complaint further alleges that Rahulji Thakor and Kaushikji Thakor joined the assault, used caste-based slurs against members of the Patni community, and objected to the wedding procession passing through the area. Threat Over Future Wedding Processions According to the complaint, the accused allegedly warned the family of serious consequences if anyone from the Patni community rode a mare during wedding processions in the future. The groom also reported losing a gold chain during the scuffle. Police Register Case Patan police have registered an FIR under relevant provisions related to assault, criminal intimidation, rioting, and the use of caste-based slurs. An investigation into the incident is underway. Experts Say Incident Reflects Social Hierarchies Beyond Traditional Divides Human rights activist Kaushik Parmar said the incident demonstrates that caste- or community-based assertions of social superiority are not limited to the traditional upper caste-Dalit divide. He said the Patan incident, involving two OBC communities, shows that informal social hierarchies continue to exist despite constitutional guarantees of equality. The episode has once again brought attention to caste-related tensions during wedding processions in Gujarat, with the latest case highlighting that such conflicts can also arise within communities belonging to the same social category. Courtesy : VOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/vibesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Odisha: Mob lynches Dalit man, family accuses police of assault
The police, who arrested two persons in connection with the lynching, rejected the allegation that Nayak was assaulted after the force rescued him. Bhubaneswar: A Dalit man was allegedly beaten to death by a mob, suspecting him of being involved in a theft case in Odisha’s Khurda district, police said on Tuesday, June 30. The family members of the deceased also accused the police of assaulting Tofan Nayak (32) after rescuing him from the mob attack and taking the injured man home instead of a hospital. The police, who arrested two persons in connection with the lynching, rejected the allegation that Nayak was assaulted after the force rescued him. The incident took place at Khanat village under Banpur police station area at about 4 pm on Sunday, June 28, where the villagers allegedly tied Nayak to an electric pole and physically assaulted him by several people. He was rescued by the police at about 6 pm and handed over to his family two hours later. The family took him to a hospital. Nayak died on Monday, June 29, during treatment at Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar. Earlier, he was admitted to Banpur Community Health Centre (CHC). The cause of death will be ascertained after post-mortem examination, the police said. Also ReadRapido driver beaten to death over Rs 8k, family left devastated Police reject allegations, CCTV footage to be examined Meanwhile, based on a preliminary investigation, the Odisha Police headquarters rejected the allegation of custodial violence by Banapur Police. “The allegation is not supported by the available materials at this stage. The Zimmanama (handing over) executed by the parents, their statement before the CHC Banapur doctor, photographs of Tofan with family members at the time of release, and available CCTV footage of the police station are being examined,” the police said in a statement. Banapaur Police Station inspector in-charge Jayprakash Parida said, “One can verify the CCTV footage of Nayak being brought to the police station. He was made to sit outside the police station and never taken to the lock-up. There was no assault on him in police custody. He was healthy when being handed over to the family, though intoxicated.” Two accused arrested The police have meanwhile arrested Pabitra Rout (51) and Sarat Kumar Swain (60), both residents of Khanat village under Banapur police station. Khurda Superintendent of Police Parmar Smit Parshottamdas said a detailed investigation into the incident is underway, and further action will be taken after the postmortem report is received. The police have registered a case of murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Scheduled Caste Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act based on the complaint lodged by Nayak’s wife, Sasmita. She alleged that her husband was beaten up by people at Khanta village as well as by the personnel at the police station. Bhikari Nayak, the father of the deceased, held the police responsible for the death of his son. “The police rescued him from the village where my son was being beaten up. It was the duty of the police to refer him to a hospital instead of forcing us to take my injured son home,” he said. Nayak’s mother Sachala demanded a high-level inquiry and strict action against both police personnel and villagers involved in the assault. The incident came in less than two weeks after a mob attack on two NGO workers, including a woman in Rayagada district. This is also the second mob lynching incident in Khurda district where a GRP constable was beaten to death at Balianta on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar on May 7. Courtesy : TSD Note: This news is originally published on https:/thesiasatdaily.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit groups plan statewide programme to mark 10 years of Una flogging atrocity in Gujarat
Ahmedabad: Dalit leaders, social activists, and representatives of various organisations met at the Shahibaug Circuit House on Sunday to finalise plans for a statewide programme marking the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Una flogging atrocity on July 11. Those present included Vadgam MLA Jignesh Mevani, Gujarat Congress SC cell chairperson Hitendra Pithadiya, social activists Dhruv Kalapi, Kamlesh Kataria, Subodh Parmar, Dikshit Parmar, and representatives of families affected by the atrocity. Attendees discussed the 2016 atrocity as a turning point for national discourse on caste discrimination, human dignity, and constitutional rights. Speakers also expressed concern over continuing incidents of atrocities, discrimination and social exclusion faced by Dalits, and stressed the need to uphold the constitutional values of equality, liberty, justice and dignity, stated a release by the group convened by activist Kanti Parmar. The leaders resolved that all future campaigns would remain peaceful, democratic and within the framework of the Constitution inspired by the ideals of Dr B R Ambedkar. Parmar said that a statewide programme will be organised on July 11 to commemorate the anniversary, with participation from Dalit organisations, youth, women, social activists and citizens committed to constitutional values. Organisers said the event would seek to highlight issues of social justice, protection of human rights, support for victims of atrocities and the promotion of equality and fraternity. They also appealed to people across Gujarat to participate in large numbers. Four Dalit youths were flogged in Una for skinning a dead cow by gau rakshaks on July 11, 2016. 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