Dalit Journalist Alleges Custodial Torture and Illegal Demolition in Uttarakhand, Police Deny Charges
A Dalit journalist from Bazpur in Udham Singh Nagar district has accused local police of custodial torture, caste-based abuse, and illegal demolition of his property, claims that police officials have strongly denied.Photo journalism course Vimal Bharti, also known as Goldy Nirbhik, a resident of Keshowala village, said he has worked as an independent journalist for over 13 years, reporting on alleged administrative irregularities. He told reporters that the trouble began after he published a report on November 11 questioning repeated postings of certain police officials at Bazpur police station. “I had written to the President of India, the Union Home Ministry, the Uttarakhand CM, the governor, and the DGP on November 12, fearing a false case might be filed against me,” Bharti said. He alleged that the very next day, a police team accompanied by PWD assistant engineer Neha Sharma and a JCB machine arrived at his house and demolished a structure, citing encroachment. “I asked for time to remove it myself, but was denied. While I recorded the demolition on my phone, police snatched it and took me into custody like a terrorist,” he claimed. Bharti said the police registered a case against him under Sections 132, 221, and 351(2) of the BNS, 2023, based on the complaint by the PWD official. He further alleged that he was detained without notice under Section 41A and later taken to the Bannakhera outpost lock-up. Speaking about his experience in custody, Bharti said, “I was beaten, stripped, abused with casteist slurs, forced to drink water from a shoe, and made to give my mobile and email passwords. They accessed my professional accounts and deleted my work.” He added that he filed complaints with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, the National Human Rights Commission, and senior state authorities on December 15, and later moved the High Court on December 25. He claims notices were issued in January 2026, but no action has been taken so far. Bazpur Circle Officer Vibhav Saini, however, strongly denied the allegations. “These claims appear to be an attempt to pressure the police. The FIR was lodged based on a written complaint by the PWD assistant engineer. Police were present only to maintain law and order during the official demolition drive. At no point did the police exceed their legal authority. All procedures were followed,” he said. Saini added that the investigation has now been transferred to officers from another district to ensure transparency. 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
In a 1st, transgender to be face of Haridwar’s cleanliness drive
Haridwar: In a “first-of-its-kind initiative” in Uttarakhand, the Haridwar Municipal Corporation on Wednesday appointed a transgender woman, Sonia Bua, as the brand ambassador of its citywide cleanliness drive, a move officials said was aimed at promoting inclusivity while strengthening public participation in sanitation campaigns. Municipal authorities said that “the appointment of the 57-year-old social activist was intended to convey that transgenders are an integral part of society and that individuals contributing positively to the community should be recognised, irrespective of their gender identity”. As brand ambassador, Sonia will take part in awareness campaigns, public outreach programmes and community events to encourage residents to keep the holy city clean. Municipal commissioner Nandan Kumar, while handing over the appointment letter to Sonia, said cleanliness should be seen as a shared social responsibility rather than just a govt campaign. He added that the municipal corporation plans to involve other transgender groups in Haridwar in cleanliness awareness programmes in the coming months. “The participation of the transgender community will send a strong and positive message to society and will give fresh momentum to the cleanliness drive. Their social circle is wide and influential, which will help us reach more people and make residents aware about the importance of cleanliness,” the commissioner said. A resident of the Bahadrabad area of Haridwar, Sonia moved to the city at the age of 20. Speaking to TOI, she said, “Life as a transgender person is difficult as we are often abandoned by society and even by our families. My initial years, too, were very tough. Now that the municipal corporation has entrusted me with this responsibility, I will perform my role with full honesty.” She added that she would spread messages on cleanliness at religious and social functions where transgender groups traditionally go to offer blessings. Welcoming the decision, social activist Ratan Mani Dobhal, said, “The move would help both the cleanliness campaign and social acceptance. It is a good initiative and will definitely help in spreading awareness in society. Making Sonia the brand ambassador will also increase acceptance of transgender persons.” 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