Dalit hamlet attacked, houses set on fire after 20-year-old youth’s murder in Bihar
The SSP described the situation at the village as tense but under control. We are keeping a close vigil on the situation after the youth’s murder. The deceased and the suspects belonged to two different castes. PATNA: Tension is running high at a village in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district following the murder of a 20-year-old youth late on Saturday. The deceased, Navneet Kumar, a resident of Mohammadpur Khaje village under Karja police station limits, was attacked with a knife when he had gone to a local fair with his friend, Subhash Kumar. As the body of the deceased reached his native village after post-mortem, local residents attacked a neaby Dalit hamlet as one of the suspects belonged to the village. The attackers not only thrashed the inhabitants but also set several houses on fire. The suspects involved in Navneet’s killing were stated to be residents of Partapur village. Residents alleged that the attackers also opened fire in the air to terrorise them. Police, however, did not confirm the firing during the attack at Partapur village. Ganesh Ram, a resident of Partapur village, said that the deceased Navneet had an altercation with the son of Gajendra Ram, who is involved in an illicit liquor trade. “More than 50 people attacked the Dalit hamlet in retaliation of the murder,” he said. He confirmed that at least six houses belonging to Scheduled Caste were set on fire by the attackers. Inhabitants somehow managed to escape to save their lives, he told the police. According to Ganesh Ram, fire tenders rushed to the village to douse the flames. By the time, fire tenders reached the village, houses were badly damaged, he revealed. Senior SP, Kantesh Kumar Mishra, SP, rural, Rajesh Singh Prabhakar and City SP, Mohibullah Ansari later took stock of the situation. “Additional armed police force has been deployed at the village to ward off any untoward incident,” SSP Mishra said. The SSP described the situation at the village as tense but under control. “We are keeping a close vigil on the situation after the youth’s murder. The deceased and the suspects belonged to two different castes,” he added. He warned of stern action against those violating the law. “Local police station house officer has been asked to initiate action against the offenders,” he told the media. A police team led by SDPO, Saraiya, Abhijit Kaur is camping at the village. Ramashankar 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
Shah to visit Punjab on Oct 20; to meet families of anti-drug activist, Dalit suicide victim
Chandigarh: Union home minister Amit Shah will visit Punjab on Oct 20 to meet the families of victims and activists linked to the state’s drug crisis, escalating pressure on the governing Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ahead of 2027 state assembly elections. Shah announced the visit on X. “The AAP govt has left no stone unturned in pushing Punjab into the quagmire of drugs, as a result of which countless families have had to lose their children. I will meet the families of those individuals who, under the patronage of the AAP govt, have recently had to sacrifice their lives for raising their voices against the smugglers peddling white powder, on Tuesday (Oct 20) in Mansa, Sangrur, and Gurdaspur…” he wrote in a post in Punjabi. In Mansa, he will meet the family of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota, who was shot dead on Oct 13 following an altercation with a chemist over the alleged illegal sale of synthetic drugs. Protesters in Mansa have refused to perform Jhota’s final rites, demanding a CBI investigation. The main accused, Ashwani Kumar, has been arrested. In Sangrur, Shah is scheduled to meet relatives of Gulzar Singh of Toor Banjara village, who died by suicide last month after alleging harassment for confronting officials over local drug sales. He is also scheduled to meet the family of Bikramjit Singh who was killed in Mari Panwan, Batala, Gurdaspur, on Oct 15, allegedly over drug matter. Shah promised the Centre would “selectively put the drug smugglers behind bars and will ensure the entire country, including Punjab, is freed from this black trade of drugs”. This will be Shah’s second visit in less than a month and comes four days after the MHA sought “a comprehensive factual report” from Punjab govt regarding the murder of Jhota. The same day, the MHA also sought reports from the Punjab govt on Gulzar Singh’s death and Bikramjit Singh’s killing. Police have denied any drug angle in Bikramjit’s death. During his previous visit on Sept 30, Shah had declared to make Punjab drug free by the end of Dec 2029 if the BJP was voted to power in the state. A senior Punjab govt functionary told TOI that arrangements were being made for advanced teams of officials, including CRPF, for Mansa, Sangrur and Batala. Shah, as per a party functionary, is scheduled to land in Bathinda on Oct 20. BJP functionary and former Union minister of state Ravneet Singh Bittu told TOI that Jhota’s father Bhim Singh had been continuously “expressing faith in Amit Shah ji”. Bittu said, “Punjab election is in Feb and it is for the people to decide then. But, today the people of Punjab need to extend support to Amit Shah. In wrestling, the only powerful wrestler who can defeat Bhagwant Mann is Amit Shah. He has the power to defeat Bhagwant Mann. We should get our problem (of drugs) resolved by expressing faith in him (Shah) by rising above party lines.” Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
SC/ST employees on strike at AIIMS Rishikesh: Bhim Army chief makes this demand regarding disregard of reservation rules in promotions
Chandrashekhar Azad writes letter to JP Nadda New Delhi – Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad has written to Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda, alleging serious disregard of reservation rules in the promotion of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe employees at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh. In the letter, he has demanded a review of the flawed DPC order issued on October 10, the holding of a review DPC, and accountability of the concerned officials. According to the letter, SC/ST employees working at AIIMS Rishikesh have complained about the blatant disregard of reservation rules, previous instructions of the Ministry, the ‘Own Merit’ principle, and the reservation roster in the promotion process. The employees have objected to the DPC order of October 10. On October 11th, they submitted a letter of dissent, but since the administration has not taken any positive action, the employees have been on a peaceful strike under the banner of the All SC/ST Employees Welfare Association since October 12th. Azad stated that on October 13th, he spoke to the employees via video conferencing and assured them of the protection of their constitutional rights. He stated that this type of strike by employees at a medical institution of national importance is an administrative failure and is impacting health services. Azad had previously intervened in the matter. On December 16th, 2025, he submitted a representation to the Parliamentary Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Following this, the Lok Sabha Secretariat, through Office Memorandum No. 8 (2)/SCTC/2026 (dated January 22nd), directed the Ministry of Health and AIIMS Rishikesh to investigate the complaints and submit a report by January 30th, 2026. According to the employees, the Ministry also issued directives in this regard on March 10, but it is unclear what action the AIIMS administration has taken on them. The employees have also raised this issue with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST). Azad requested the Minister to direct the concerned officials to ensure action on the following points: An impartial review of the October 10 DPC order should be conducted based on applicable rules and available records. The action taken by AIIMS Rishikesh and the status of compliance with the Ministry’s March 10 directives should be clarified and a compliance report should be sought. A review of the previous DPC and reservation roster should be conducted, as required, in accordance with DoPT guidelines. The correct application of the ‘Own Merit’ principle regarding reservation in promotions should be ensured, and its criteria and records should be examined. The complaints, responses, instructions, and compliance reports (ATRs) submitted before the Parliamentary Committee, NCSC, and NCST should be reviewed. The impact of relevant judicial orders and pending court cases should be examined before issuing the DPC order. The role of the current Director, Deputy Director, AO, and JAO in denying reservation in promotions despite clear instructions from the Ministry, alleged irregularities in the October 10 DPC, and secret joinings should be investigated. The role and responsibilities of the Liaison Officer in the reservation roster and DPC process should also be reviewed. The competent authority should provide a written, reasoned, and timely decision on the dissent representations submitted by employees on October 11. An immediate formal meeting should be held between the AIIMS administration and authorized representatives of the Association. A clear timeline should be set for resolving the matter, and the employees and the Association should be informed in writing of the action taken. Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad stated in the letter that, given the seriousness of this issue, necessary instructions should be issued to the concerned officials to ensure a fair and timely resolution of the current dispute, including the complaints raised earlier, and to ensure the protection of the constitutional and service rights of SC/ST employees. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
Chandrashekhar Azad vs. Akash Anand in UP: Who will support Dalit voters? BSP to hold a flurry of rallies starting October 28th
Uttar Pradesh has approximately 22% Dalit voters. The battle for Dalit voters in the state has become Azad Samaj Party vs. BSP. Akash Anand will begin his election rallies from October 28th, and Chandrashekhar Azad will begin his election rallies from October 18th. In response to the Azad Samaj Party’s proposed rallies, the BSP has also released its schedule. The BSP has fielded Akash Anand against Chandrashekhar Azad. Chandrashekhar Azad presents himself as a prominent Dalit leader in UP. Ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in UP, the battle for Dalit politics has now become Chandrashekhar Azad vs. Akash Anand. Dalit voters are at the center of the political battle between the Azad Samaj Party and the BSP. Both parties’ politics revolve around Dalits. Mayawati has fielded Akash Anand against Chandrashekhar. Akash Anand faces the challenge of regaining the BSP’s lost base, while Chandrashekhar faces the challenge of political expansion. The most important question now is who will Dalit voters support in the upcoming state assembly elections. Akash Anand to Hold a Series of Rallies Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has made full preparations to field her nephew and party’s national convener, Akash Anand, in the electoral fray. A rally for Akash is scheduled for October 28th in Anupshahr, Bulandshahr. Following this, meetings are also scheduled in Saharanpur, Ayodhya, Agra, and Kanpur divisions. Through these rallies, the party will announce potential candidates and attempt to recapture its lost support base. Major Challenges Facing Akash Political analyst Vinod Shukla explains that Akash Anand faces more than just the challenge of holding election rallies. He must also demonstrate how active the BSP organization is at the booth level, how connected old workers are, and what the party is doing to bring its traditional supporters back to the polling booths. The campaign, which begins on October 28th, is crucial in this regard. After Anupshahr, meetings are scheduled in Nakur, Saharanpur, on November 2nd, Bikapur, Ayodhya, on November 20th, Agra, on November 22nd, and Bilhaur, Kanpur, on November 29th. Akash Anand’s programs have also been scheduled in Punjab and Uttarakhand. Assembly elections are due in these two states, along with Uttar Pradesh. Chandrashekhar’s path is not easy. Chandrashekhar Azad’s political career is rooted in Dalit rights, the Constitution, voices against social discrimination, and grassroots movements. After establishing his identity through the Bhim Army, he formed the Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) and won the Nagina seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. His victory demonstrated that there are political parties for Dalits in Uttar Pradesh beyond the BSP. According to political analysts, winning one Lok Sabha seat does not necessarily sway Dalit voters across the state. Chandrashekhar’s programs are scheduled for Amroha on October 18, Aligarh on October 19, and Muzaffarnagar, Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Ghazipur from October 24 to 28. Chandrashekhar did not win due to the Dalit equation. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Chandrashekhar Azad won the Nagina seat. Chandrashekhar received 512,552 votes, defeating BJP’s Om Kumar by 151,473 votes. BSP candidate Surendra Pal Singh received 13,272 votes. Political analysts say that Muslim voters voted for Chandrashekhar to defeat the BJP, which is why he won. The Dalit equation played no role in his victory. Will the Dalit vote be divided? Vinod Shukla says that Dalit voters in Uttar Pradesh have long been the BSP’s core support base and traditional vote bank. Azad’s victory in Nagina certainly saw a decline in the BSP’s old electoral base, but this result is specific to a specific Lok Sabha constituency. Therefore, this cannot be seen as a permanent shift in Dalit votes across Uttar Pradesh. He stated that Dalit voters will remain with the BSP. The likelihood of them switching to Azad is very low. There are approximately 22 percent Dalit voters in Uttar Pradesh, which is the BSP’s traditional vote bank. The role of Akash Anand and Chandrashekhar Azad will be in the spotlight for the 2027 UP Assembly elections regarding the support of Dalit voters. The BSP faces the challenge of re-establishing its old political base and organization. Chandrashekhar Azad faces the challenge of converting his victory in Nagina into a widespread electoral presence. Manoj Mishra Courtesy: Hindi News
Protest in Mandya over Kumaraswamy’s ‘anti-Dalit’ remark on Kharge
Congress workers and Dalit groups staged a protest in Mandya against Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy’s remarks targeting Home Minister Priyank Kharge. They blocked a highway, calling Kumaraswamy ‘anti-Dalit’ and threatening a statewide agitation. Congress, Dalit groups protest in Mandya Congress workers, along with Dalit and progressive organisations, staged a protest in Mandya condemning Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy for remarks against Home Minister Priyank Kharge. The protest was held at Sanjaya Circle in Mandya. Protesters blocked the old Bengaluru-Mysuru highway and formed a human chain to express their outrage. They raised slogans holding posters of Kumaraswamy. “It is not right for a responsible Union Minister to speak like this. Learn how leaders from a big family should maintain dignity. You are anti-Dalit; it is not right to personally abuse a Dalit Home Minister,” protesters said. Kumaraswamy’s sharp attack on Priyank Kharge Earlier, Kumaraswamy launched a sharp attack on Priyank Kharge over the alleged defamatory sting operation linked to former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, challenging the state government to summon and interrogate him directly instead of detaining Janata Dal (Secular) workers. “Does the Home Ministry belong to your father? Your father has not given you this department. It is not your father’s. If you are a Home Minister, work like one. Issue me a notice if you want, if you have guts,” Kumaraswamy said, taking a direct swipe at Kharge. The Union Minister also criticised Kharge’s conduct since taking charge as Home Minister and urged him to exercise restraint in his public statements. “Priyank Kharge should control his tongue. He should mind his words. It is not necessary to advise me how to behave in public. For the last three to four months, I am watching how he is behaving after becoming Home Minister. Continuously, he is attacking. First he should control his tongue and his attitude; then he can advise anybody,” he said. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Courtesy : Asia Net News Note: This news is originally published on https:/asianetnews.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit Man Beaten to Death In Sitapur, Family Alleges Caste Abuse
Dalit man Manoj Gautam was beaten to death in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, in front of his 10-year-old daughter. A Dalit man, Manoj Gautam, was beaten to death in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, allegedly amid casteist slurs and long-standing family rivalry. Four of the six accused have been arrested. The Bhim Army–Azad Samaj Party is supporting the victim’s family and demanding a fair, transparent probe. Will justice be ensured for the family? A 35-year-old Dalit man named Manoj Gautam was beaten to death in Sitapur district, Uttar Pradesh, on the evening of 17 October 2026. The incident occurred near Ludhaura village under the jurisdiction of Kamlapur police station while Gautam was returning home from a local market with his 10-year-old daughter. He was intercepted and assaulted by a group of men. Gautam was taken to a community health centre in Kasmanda, where he was declared dead on arrival. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation. According to Maktoob Media, Gautam’s family alleged that casteist slurs were used during the attack. Police cited a long-standing family rivalry as the suspected motive. Four of the six accused have been arrested, including Shubham Singh, Dhirendra Singh, and Narendra Singh. The First Information Report (FIR) was filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. As reported by undefined, preliminary investigations suggest the murder was linked to a long-standing dispute between two families. Police confirmed that Gautam had previously filed a case against the accused under the SC/ST Act. The two sides were reportedly involved in a verbal altercation a day before the incident. Four police teams have been formed to apprehend the remaining accused, and the investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the killing. Coverage revealed that a video showing Gautam’s grieving wife and children beside his body circulated widely on social media, drawing public attention to the case. Superintendent of Police Ankur Agarwal stated that the investigation is being conducted under the relevant legal provisions, and efforts are underway to ensure all accused are brought to justice. Police sources indicated during the investigation that Gautam’s prior complaint under the SC/ST Act is being examined as part of the motive. The authorities are also reviewing the events leading up to the assault, including the reported altercation on the previous day. The police have not released further details about the ongoing investigation or the status of the remaining suspects. “Our demand is that all the accused be arrested immediately, a fair investigation be conducted in the case, and strict legal action be ensured against the guilty,” said Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Azad, as quoted in the coverage. Further details highlighted that the Bhim Army–Azad Samaj Party (Kanshiram) has been supporting the victim’s family since the incident. The organisation reiterated its commitment to securing justice for the family and called for a fair and transparent investigation. Community members and activists have condemned the killing as the case drew attention to issues of caste-based violence and the need for effective legal action. The police have assured that all aspects, including the allegations of casteist abuse and the history of rivalry, are being thoroughly investigated. “The local team of the Bhim Army–Azad Samaj Party (Kanshiram) had been standing with the victim’s family since the incident, and reiterated the organisation’s commitment to securing justice for them,” the coverage stated. Legal proceedings are ongoing, and authorities have stated that updates will be provided as the investigation progresses as new information emerges. The case remains under close scrutiny from both law enforcement and civil society groups. Courtesy : The Quint Note: This news is originally published on https:/thequint.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede: Several feared dead; PM Modi, Amit Shah, Rahul Gandhi, Mamata express grief
NEW DELHI: At least 35 people were injured and 10 were feared dead after a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday, with heavy rain and a rush of visitors triggering chaos near the exit gate. Prime minister Modi, home minister Amit Shah and former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock and grief over the incident. The incident took place at around 7.40 pm at the Sarada Park (Chorbagan) Durga Puja pandal, where a surge of visitors near the exit gate reportedly triggered panic as rain continued to fall. According to a senior police officer who spoke to PTI, people waiting outside the pandal rushed forward amid the rain, causing some to fall on the road. At least 35 people were taken to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital (MCH), while at least 25 were reported to be in serious condition, the officer said. Kolkata Police said all the injured had been rescued and taken to the hospital. Reinforcements, fire brigade personnel, disaster management teams, ambulances and medical staff were sent to the spot. The pandal was subsequently closed to visitors. “Details are awaited,” police said in a statement, adding that a helpline had been set up at the Lalbazar Control Room. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was deeply distressed by the stampede in Kolkata, in a post on X, the Prime minister’s office wrote, “The stampede in Kolkata is extremely distressing. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected” Home minister Amit Shah also wrote in a ‘X’ post, “I have just received the extremely distressing news of multiple casualties after the stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal. I have spoken with chief minister Suvendu Adhikari about this matter. I pray for the peace of the souls of those who have lost their lives in this tragic accident and extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. The administration is making arrangements for the best possible medical treatment for the injured”. Shah also said he would cancel all his scheduled programmes in West Bengal on Sunday to visit the injured in hospital. In a post on X, All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) supremo Mamata Banerjee said, “Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the stampede at the Chore Bagan Puja Pandal. I pray to Maa Durga for the speedy recovery of all those injured and for strength and courage for their families during this difficult time.” Governor RN Ravi also expressed his grief in a statement issued by Lok Bhavan. “I am deeply heartbroken by the tragic stampede incident at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, resulting in the loss of many precious lives. In this hour of grief, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured.” Chief hinister Suvendu Adhikari and chief secretary Manoj Agarwal visited the hospital, while health minister Saradwat Mukherjee and other senior officials also reached the hospital to check on the injured. The cause of the incident and the circumstances surrounding the reported casualties were yet to be officially established. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul Gandhi to join Goy Rakhonn Yatra in Margao today
Margao: Senior Congress functionary Rahul Gandhi will join the culmination of the Goy Rakhonn Yatra in Margao on Sunday, as the party’s campaign “to protect Goa’s land, identity and people’s rights” reaches Navelim and Margao. According to a statement issued by Congress on Saturday, the yatra will arrive near Daivadnya Bhavan, Calconda, Margao, at 3pm. It will proceed from Perpetual Succour Ground and Lohia Maidan before moving to Dr Rajendra Prasad Stadium (MCC ground), where it will culminate in a public meeting. Gandhi’s participation in the yatra was cancelled at the last moment on two earlier occasions. The latest cancellation came earlier this week, when he was scheduled to join it in Cuncolim. Several senior national functionaries, including chief ministers, took part in the 27-day-long yatra. Congress said the yatra, which began in Panaji on Sept 22, received overwhelming support from the people. 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
Sold RS seat to ‘Mumbai bizman’: Yogi targets Akhilesh for ‘ignoring backward, Dalit candidates’
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath’s remarks came in the context of SP nominating senior Reliance Industries executive Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani to RS in the election this month. Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has accused the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party (SP) of selling a Rajya Sabha seat to a wealthy businessman while sidelining its “PDA” or “pichhda (backward), Dalit, alpsankhyak (minorities)” plank. Yogi’s remarks came in the context of Yadav nominating senior Reliance Industries executive Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani to the Rajya Sabha in the election held earlier this month, where the SP won two seats unopposed. Nathwani, one of the two SP winners, is also considered close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. His father Parimal Nathwani is an Independent Rajya Sabha MP from Jharkhand. The latter had won the seat in April this year after defeating Congress candidate Pranav Jha. Addressing a teachers’ conference in Varanasi Wednesday, Yogi questioned the SP’s commitment to PDA, asking, “Those who kept raising slogans about PDA… where did that PDA go when it came to Rajya Sabha tickets?” “We have been saying from day one that PDA in the Samajwadi Party stands for ‘parivar development authority’ or, at best, ‘Paraya Dhan Apna’,” the chief minister said. Yogi said the SP leader fielded his uncle Ram Gopal Yadav from one of the seats it won, although he could have chosen a Yadav leader from Kashi, Ghazipur or Ballia for one seat. “For the second seat, they could have nominated a Dalit or someone else, or even a Muslim from their traditional vote bank. But they did not do so. Instead, they sold the seat to a wealthy businessman from Mumbai. Both ‘parivar development authority’ and ‘paraya dhan apna’ have been proved right,” he alleged. Yogi targets SP over recruitment row The chief minister also attacked the erstwhile SP government over alleged irregularities in recruitment, accusing it of compromising the future of young people. He referred to the appointment of Anil Yadav as chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission during the SP’s tenure in 2013—the appointment was set aside by the Allahabad High Court in 2015 amid questions over his selection—and claimed he was not qualified for the post. He further alleged that a candidate who had secured third division in high school, intermediate and graduation had topped the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission examinations under the previous government. “What kind of anarchy and hooliganism was this? The future of young people was being played with. Meanwhile, riots, unrest and mafia elements dominated the state,” Yogi alleged. SP’s Rajya Sabha wins The remarks come after 10 Rajya Sabha members from Uttar Pradesh were elected unopposed on October 9. The BJP secured eight seats, while the SP won two. The SP’s elected candidates were senior party leader and national general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav and businessman Nathwani. Within a few days of filing nomination, Nathwani’s social media post praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi had triggered unease within the party, with some leaders questioning how they would defend the candidature amid the SP’s opposition to the BJP and Modi. Nathwani, a Gujarat-based businessman associated with the Reliance Group, posted a lengthy message on X (formerly Twitter) on 9 October, congratulating Modi on completing 25 years in public office. He also shared a video highlighting Modi’s political journey from Gujarat chief minister to Prime Minister. Prashant Srivastava Edited by Sunanda Ranjan Courtesy : The Print Note: This news is originally published on https:/theprint.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
“Until the guilty are behind bars, the struggle will intensify”: AIISCA warns ahead of IIT Bombay’s internal report
IIT Bombay has updated its anti-discrimination guidelines, stating that asking classmates about their caste, admission category, or entrance exam rank is inappropriate. Mumbai—Following the death of Sahil Wakode, protests are intensifying from the IIT Bombay campus to Azad Maidan. Deepali Salve, Maharashtra General Secretary of the All India Independent Scheduled Castes Association (AIISCA) and Director of the SRC, issued a stern warning ahead of the release of the institute’s internal report. She stated that if Professor Suryanarayan Dulla is not permanently expelled from the institute, they will protest on campus and that Director Professor Shirish Kedare will be held responsible for whatever happens next. Meanwhile, Sahil’s parents have been on a hunger strike at Azad Maidan for several days, and AIISCA has called for a protest there on October 16. Salve said that it is better to choose the path of rebellion than to succumb to injustice. According to him, this fight for justice for Sahil Wakode is no longer just a case, but a declaration of standing against oppression. He said, “This struggle will intensify until the perpetrators are put behind bars.” Regarding IIT Bombay’s internal report, Salve said it was forthcoming and that he believed it would be in favor of Professor Dulla. Addressing the institute directly, he said that if Professor Dulla was not permanently expelled, they would storm the campus and hold Director Kedare responsible for “whatever happens.” Sahil’s parents have been on a hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai for several days. A six-member delegation was allowed to meet with Kedare regarding the death of student Sahil Wakode and the allegations against Dulla. However, activists said the director did not provide any clarity regarding the ongoing investigation nor did he assure immediate action against the professor. Protest organizers alleged that more than 30 protesters were detained, assaulted, and taken to the Powai police station before being released. They warned that they would return to campus if Dula was not suspended. The protesters alleged that students were dragged onto the road and excessive force was used. AIISCA has appealed to all civil society organizations, Ambedkarites, community members, political parties, activists, and justice-minded citizens to show solidarity with them. The protest will take place at Azad Maidan on October 16th, starting at 10:30 am. Its slogan is “Justice for Sahil.” The Ambedkar Periyar Phule Study Circle (APPSC) protested the incident that occurred on October 14th. The group also alleged that the administration opened the gate for the police and kept it closed for others. According to it, the administration has taken no action toward the students who have been on strike for 27 days, and has done nothing to conduct a fair investigation into the Sahil case, instead spreading “fake news” and promoting a “media trial.” The APPSC condemned the “coalition” between the administration and the Powai police and demanded that all voices be heard and that there be dialogue with the protesting students. New Guidelines: What the Institute Said According to a Hindustan Times report, IIT Bombay has updated its anti-discrimination guidelines, stating that asking classmates about their caste, admission category, or entrance exam rank is inappropriate. An email sent by the Dean of Student Affairs’ office stated that asking about caste, admission category, or entrance exam rank, even out of curiosity, can create prejudice and negatively impact students. The institute urged students, faculty, and staff to avoid conversations that reveal someone’s caste or background and to build friendships based on shared interests. According to the email, while the question may seem innocent to the person asking it and may be motivated by mere curiosity, such a question can often have an adverse impact on another student. Sharing abusive, hateful, casteist, or gender-biased messages, as well as content that depicts prejudice based on religion or sexual orientation, is also prohibited. The institute reiterated its commitment to implementing the reservation policy “in letter and spirit” and warned of strict punishment for violations. Statements Recorded So Far in the Police Investigation According to the Hindustan Times, the Crime Branch has so far recorded statements from approximately 70 people, including Director Kedare, Professor Dulla, several students, and the deceased’s girlfriend and classmate. Police have gained access to the deceased’s phone, tablet, and laptop, but the iPhone has not yet been unlocked and is in the forensic laboratory in Kalina. Police have also sought documents from the institute, such as mark sheets, written complaints, and, if any, apologies. Prof. Dulla is named in a police FIR alleging abetment to suicide on the grounds of caste discrimination, and has been sent on leave to allow a fair investigation. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News