Kerala HC denies anticipatory bail to man accused of deceiving Dalit woman for sex
The case relates to allegations that Udayan had agreed to marry a Dalit woman while suppressing the fact that he was already in a relationship with another woman and had a three-year-old child with her. The Kerala High Court has refused anticipatory bail to a 39-year-old man accused of concealing his existing relationship and three-year-old child before fixing his marriage with a Dalit woman, holding that the alleged conduct prima facie amounts to sexual intercourse by deceitful means under section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Justice A Badharudee, on September 28, dismissed the appeal filed by Udayan, the first accused in a case registered at Feroke police station in Kozhikode, and directed him to surrender before the investigating officer. The court said that if he failed to surrender, the investigating officer was at liberty to arrest him and proceed with the investigation. The case relates to allegations that Udayan had agreed to marry a Dalit woman while suppressing the fact that he was already in a relationship with another woman and had a three-year-old child from that relationship. According to the prosecution, a marriage-fixation ceremony was held at the woman’s house on July 6, 2025, after both families had agreed to the proposed marriage. The woman’s family allegedly spent around Rs 10 lakh for the ceremony, which was attended by about 1,000 people. After the marriage was fixed, the woman travelled to Wayanad expecting the marriage to take place and stayed at Almaj Residency. The prosecution alleged that Udayan compelled her to have sexual intercourse on the premise that they had already decided to marry. The prosecution also alleged that the sexual relationship took place after Udayan had concealed his existing relationship and the child born from it. Udayan’s counsel argued that section 318(4) of the BNS was not attracted as there was no delivery of property. It was also argued that section 69 would not apply because the provision, according to the defence, required a promise to marry followed by a subsequent withdrawal, whereas Udayan was still willing to marry the complainant. The defence further contended that the mere existence of another relationship and a child could not, by itself, establish the offences and section 18 of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act would therefore not apply. The prosecution opposed anticipatory bail, relying on the complainant’s statement and additional statement. It argued that suppressing a relationship in the nature of marriage and a child born from that relationship amounted to “deceitful means” within the meaning of section 69 of the BNS. The prosecution also submitted that custodial interrogation was necessary for a meaningful investigation, including recording the accused’s statement, effecting seizure and recovery of the clothes allegedly worn by him at the time of the incident, and conducting a potency examination. The High Court examined section 69 of the BNS, which criminalises sexual intercourse with a woman by deceitful means, where the act does not amount to rape, as well as sexual intercourse following a promise to marry made without an intention to fulfil it. The provision carries imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine. Its explanation states that “deceitful means” includes inducement relating to employment or promotion, or marrying by suppressing identity. The court said section 69 covers two distinct situations: sexual intercourse through deceitful means, and sexual intercourse following a promise to marry made without an intention to fulfil it. It held that the prosecution need only make out the alleged offences prima facie at this stage for the corresponding offence under Section 3(2)(va) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to be attracted. In this case, the court found that the materials indicated that the marriage had been fixed on the premise that Udayan was unmarried and had no other relationship in the nature of marriage. The court noted that he was aware of his existing relationship and the child born from it, yet concealed both from the woman and her family. The court held that the subsequent sexual intercourse, allegedly induced by the promise and premise of the proposed marriage while the earlier relationship was concealed, would prima facie fall within the first situation contemplated under section 69, sexual intercourse by deceitful means, even if the alleged act did not amount to rape. The High Court also accepted the investigating officer’s contention that custodial interrogation was necessary for the investigation. It observed that granting anticipatory bail in the circumstances could impede the investigation, particularly in relation to recording the accused’s statement and carrying out seizure, recovery and medical procedures. The court therefore held that the offences were prima facie made out and that the bar under Section 18 of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act applied. Consequently, Udayan was not entitled to anticipatory bail. Courtesy : TNM Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewsminute.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
UP: Dalit Woman, Husband Allegedly Attacked Days After She Filed Rape Case
Raebareli: A Dalit woman and her husband were allegedly attacked with sticks in Uttar Pradesh’s Raebareli district on Tuesday morning, days after the woman filed a rape case against a local man. Both were injured in the attack and have been admitted to a hospital. The victim’s family has alleged that some people attacked the couple with sticks and that the incident was linked to the rape case filed by the woman. Woman Alleges Rape After Land Dispute According to the woman, she had a land dispute with a man from the village. She had approached an influential person in the village seeking help in resolving the dispute. The woman alleged that she was given a substance that made her unconscious and that the man raped her. Following her complaint, a case was registered on the court’s orders, and the matter is currently under investigation. Couple Attacked After Case Was Filed The victim’s family alleged that the accused side had developed hostility towards them after the rape case was registered. On Tuesday morning, some people allegedly attacked the woman and her husband with sticks over the dispute. Both suffered injuries and were later admitted to a hospital. 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
A Dalit woman (VOA) was slapped, dragged by her hair, and thrown to the ground during a village council meeting in Telangana; an FIR was filed against the Congress leader under the SC/ST Act.
Dalit organizations strongly condemned the incident and demanded strict action against Amarnath Goud. MRPS leader Manda Krishna Madiga strongly condemned the incident and called for a massive road blockade at the Chintapalli mandal headquarters. Nalgonda: A shameful incident of a Dalit woman being publicly assaulted during a village council meeting on October 2nd occurred in PK Mallepally village, Chintapalli mandal, Nalgonda district, Telangana. Local Congress leader Amarnath Goud (Kappula Amarnath) assaulted, mistreated, and verbally abused the woman during a dispute over women’s savings group funds on the village panchayat office premises. The victim, Ganipalli Madhavi (30), wife of Abbaiah, belongs to the Scheduled Caste (Madiga) community. She had been working as the village’s Village Organization Assistant (VOA) for the past eight years and was removed from the position four months earlier. On the day of the incident, she was participating in a discussion with women from the Samabhavana Sangham (women’s savings group). Amarnath Gaud also arrived at the Gram Sabha and began an argument with Madhavi over an old rivalry and the savings group’s funds. He used casteist slurs, slapped Madhavi, dragged her by her hair, threw her to the ground, and kicked and punched her. This all happened near the Gram Panchayat office in the presence of villagers, which escalated tensions at the scene. The victim recounted her ordeal to the police, saying, “Amarnath asked, ‘Who are you? Why have you come to the Gram Sabha? We removed you. What’s the point of coming here? Why have you come?” She continued, “They slapped me, dragged me by my hair, threw me to the ground, and trampled me. They humiliated me in front of so many people. They’ve been harassing me for three months. They targeted me because I asked for money. No one provided justice. They’re mentally harassing me, pushing me to suicide. I have two young children. Whatever they did, it was completely malicious.” Madhavi filed a complaint at the Chintapalli police station around 6 p.m. that same day. Police registered an FIR under Crime No. 172/2026. It includes sections 74, 115(2), and 352 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), as well as sections 3(1)(r), 3(1)(s), and 3(2)(va) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 2015. Police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. Videos of the incident are going viral on social media. Dalit organizations strongly condemned the incident and demanded strict action against Amarnath Goud. Madiga Reservation Protest Committee (MRPS) leader Manda Krishna Madiga strongly condemned the incident and called for a massive road blockade at the Chintapalli divisional headquarters. The protesters staged a sit-in on the road, completely halting vehicular traffic in the divisional headquarters. They demanded the immediate arrest of the accused and justice for the victim. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy; Hindi News
Uproar over Dalit woman’s roadside delivery amid untouchability allegations
Rani Vanvasi, a 20-year-old pregnant woman gave birth on the roadside outside government district hospital in Bhadohi on September 29, after she was allegedly denied admission for delivery; the victim’s family also alleged that hospital staff failed to provide timely treatment and did not admit her. Uproar escalated on Friday (October 2, 2026) after a video went viral showing a Dalit woman who was allegedly denied admission at the government hospital in Bhadohi district during labour pain and forced to deliver outside the hospital in public. While the victim’s family and Opposition parties alleged untouchability, claiming feudal elements are running the government in Uttar Pradesh, the authorities said disciplinary action has been taken against personnel found guilty of partial negligence. “The family categorically alleged that hospital staff failed to provide timely treatment and did not admit due to her caste affiliation, this is so sad and inhuman that even after 79 years of independence, untouchability and discrimination prevails in government system, forcing a Dalit woman to give birth on the roadside, outside a government hospital. The feudal elements within the administrative system are emboldened by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. The fight of the Samajwadi Party (SP) for justice, equality is against such tendencies,” said Sunil Singh Yadav ‘Sajan’, the SP spokesperson. “The incident is a cruel, evil act, which is unacceptable in a civilised society,” said Ajay Kumar Lallu, a senior U.P. Congress leader. In the matter, Rani Vanvasi, a 20-year-old pregnant woman gave birth on the roadside outside government district hospital in Bhadohi on September 29, after she was allegedly denied admission for delivery. The victim’s family also alleged that hospital staff failed to provide timely treatment and did not admit her. Ms. Vanvasi eventually went into labour near the hospital gate while she and her family were leaving. Women accompanying her used saris or a sheet to provide privacy as she delivered the baby beside the road. “The victim had a hemoglobin level of around five grams per deciliter, indicating severe anemia. She was referred to a higher-level facility in Mirzapur but in the meantime the pain started. Upon learning of the incident, I immediately arrived at the scene and provided appropriate medical assistance. Currently, both the infant and mother are completely healthy and recovering at the district hospital. Disciplinary action has also been taken against personnel found guilty of partial negligence. The remaining statements were found to be untrue,” said the Chief Medical Officer of the Hospital. Mayank Kumar 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
Illegal occupation of a Dalit woman’s plot in Mainpuri: Allegations against powerful people, no action despite complaint; pleads with the Superintendent of Police for help
A Dalit woman in Bewar, Mainpuri, has demanded action from the Superintendent of Police, alleging that her plot has been forcibly occupied and construction has been carried out. The woman says that despite repeated complaints, her complaint has not been heard. Now, she has also appealed to the authorities for the safety of her family. Meena Devi, wife of Rajendra Kumar, a resident of Etawah Road, Bewar, submitted a complaint to the Superintendent of Police, stating that she owns a plot. She alleges that Rajnesh Mishra, his wife Bima, Anubhav Dubey, and Vaibhav Mishra forcibly occupied the plot and began construction there. According to the woman, she complained several times to the Bewar police station, but no action was taken. Victim Rajendra Singh says that he subsequently filed a complaint with the Superintendent of Police. After receiving no relief, he submitted a petition to Cabinet Minister Jaiveer Singh. According to the woman, the minister wrote to the District Magistrate requesting action, but the matter was not heard. In her complaint, the woman alleges that she was turned away on the pretext that the matter pertains to the Bhogaon Assembly constituency. Meena Devi alleges in her complaint that due to political pressure, officials and police were called to refrain from taking action regarding her plot. She also alleged that she was told that the encroachers were relatives of the MLA and that no action should be taken against them. Husband Rajendra Singh, citing his financial situation, stated that his five daughters are marriageable. Amidst financial difficulties, the encroachment on the plot has further exacerbated the family’s difficulties. It is alleged that the encroachers are powerful and cunning, leaving the family terrified. Victim Rajendra Singh has alleged that he and his family have been threatened with death and subjected to caste-based abuse. The victim has demanded that the authorities free the plot from encroachment and ensure the safety of his family. Abhishek Jain | Mainpuri Courtesy: Hindi News
Karnataka: Most deleted voters tribals, minorities, Dalits and women, reveals SIR audit
The SIR Opposition Coalition demanded that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resign, the SIR process be halted and deleted voters be restored to the rolls. BENGALURU: An SIR audit report released by the SIR Opposition Coalition in Bengaluru on Wednesday, alleged that nomadic and tribal communities, minorities, Dalits, extremely backward communities and women accounted for a disproportionately high number of voters deleted from the electoral rolls or served notices during the SIR process. Speaking at the report release programme at Shasakara Bhavan, Eddelu Karnataka office-bearer Noor Sridhar said field verification had shown that constituencies with a high concentration of minorities, Dalits and tribal communities had witnessed higher deletions. He alleged that several voters had been wrongly categorised as shifted, absent or deceased, and questioned the requirement of linking every voter to the 2002 electoral roll. Retired Supreme Court judge Gopal Gowda questioned the legal basis for the exercise, and alleged that the SIR process was being used to exclude sections of voters. Actor Prakash Raj, director B Suresh, Karnataka Sahitya Akademi chairman Prof LN Mukundaraj, former minister Kimmane Rathnakar and activists were among those present. The coalition demanded that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resign, the SIR process be halted and deleted voters be restored to the rolls. It also sought a constitutional mechanism for appointing election commissioners and a scientific, voter-friendly method of electoral-roll revision. It urged the Union government to initiate removal proceedings against Gyanesh Kumar and sought an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the SIR exercise. It also demanded repolling in Bihar and West Bengal. The coalition urged the Karnataka government to convene a special session to discuss alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise, and pass a resolution rejecting the process and rolls generated through it. It sought a social audit to identify voters wrongly deleted and a campaign to restore them to the electoral rolls, and demanded that SIR rolls not be used for any election until all eligible voters are restored. 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
Allegations of demolition of a Dalit woman’s hut and throwing away of her belongings: Despite numerous complaints, no action was taken, now a petition has been filed at the Tehsil Day.
Strongers have vandalized and encroached upon a Dalit woman’s land. Despite numerous complaints, the administration took no action. Following this, the woman submitted a written complaint at the Tehsil Day, demanding action. Anita, a resident of Dhurpur in Simaria village, under the Thathiya police station area, submitted a written petition to officials at the Tirwa Tehsil Day on Saturday. The woman alleges that plot numbers 1376 and 1378 are registered with the Gram Panchayat. Anita stated that the powerful, in collusion with revenue department officials and employees, demolished her hut and kiosk and threw her belongings onto the road. The woman also alleges that the powerful have registered the land in plot number 1377, but with the help of the revenue department, she is being treated unfairly. The woman submitted several petitions to the police and revenue department for action, but no action has been taken. On Saturday, under the leadership of Blue Revolution Bahujan Ekta Organization’s State Secretary Arvind Jatav and District President Karan Kumar, they submitted a written complaint at the Tehsil Day. Regional accountant Ramdas stated that legal action was taken in the presence of a joint team of the Naib Tehsildar and police. Tirwa Sub-District Magistrate Vaishali stated that the matter will be investigated and action will be taken. Bhairav Dutt | Umarda (Kannauj), Kannauj Courtesy: Hindi News
Six police officers suspended in Firozabad after a pregnant Dalit woman died during police action
The death of a 28-year-old pregnant Dalit woman in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, has led to serious allegations against the police. The family alleges that during a scuffle with police who had arrived to take her husband for questioning in a theft case, the woman was pushed or kicked in the stomach, causing her health to deteriorate. Six police officers have been suspended in connection with the case. According to a report in Maktoob Media, the incident occurred in Labhaua village, under the jurisdiction of the Shikohabad police station. According to Gaurav Kumar, the husband of the deceased, Anjali Verma, a police team led by Sub-Inspector Dharampal Singh arrived at their home around 11:45 pm on Sunday night. The police had come to arrest Gaurav in connection with a theft at a local grocery store. According to the family, Anjali, who was approximately eight and a half months pregnant, resisted the arrest of her husband. The family alleges that during this time, the police officers pushed or kicked Anjali in the stomach, causing her to fall. The police then took Gaurav with them. Following the incident, Anjali’s condition deteriorated and she was taken to the government hospital in Shikohabad. On Monday morning, she gave birth to a son, but her condition worsened after delivery. She was taken to a private hospital in Firozabad, where doctors declared him dead. The newborn’s condition was also reported to be critical and he was referred to Agra for further treatment. Following the incident, protests erupted in the village, with villagers demanding action against the police officers. Based on a preliminary investigation, Firozabad Superintendent of Police Aditya Langhe suspended six police officers: Sub-Inspectors Dharampal Singh and Satyapal Singh, Head Constables Mohan Singh and Arvind Kumar, and Constables Bhavtosh Kumar and Kuldeep Kumar. The responsibility for conducting an impartial investigation into the matter has been assigned to Shikohabad’s Additional Superintendent of Police and IPS officer Jaibind Kumar Gupta. However, the police have denied the allegations of assaulting the woman. According to the official statement from Firozabad police, Gaurav was brought to the police station on the evening of September 13th for questioning in connection with case number 724/2026 and was released to his family the following morning after questioning. Police say Anjali was taken to the hospital by her family for delivery, where she died during delivery. Police also stated that the post-mortem revealed no external injury marks. Political leaders have also demanded action in the case. Samajwadi Party National General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Ramji Lal Suman, after meeting the victim’s family, staged a protest at the Shikohabad police station, demanding a murder case against the allegedly responsible policemen and a fair investigation. Azad Samaj Party chief and MP Chandrashekhar Azad also demanded an investigation into the case, legal action against those found guilty, and financial assistance to the family. Courtesy: Hindi News
Pregnant Dalit woman dies after alleged police assault in India
Anjali’s death after alleged police assault exposes vulnerability facing Dalit women at intersection of caste hierarchy, gender and state power NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — A 28-year-old pregnant Dalit woman died after her family says a police officer kicked her in the abdomen during a late-night operation to detain her husband in northern India, triggering protests and demands for action against officers involved. Anjali was at her home in Labhaua village in Uttar Pradesh’s Firozabad district when police arrived around 11:45 p.m. Sunday to take her husband, Gaurav, into custody in connection with a theft case. Her family alleges that when she pleaded with officers not to take him away, Sub-Inspector Dharmpal Singh kicked her in the abdomen, causing her to fall. Police took Gaurav, 32, into custody while Anjali’s condition subsequently deteriorated. She was taken to a hospital in Shikohabad, where she gave birth to a boy Monday morning. Her health worsened after delivery, and she was transferred to a private hospital in Firozabad, where doctors declared her dead. Her newborn son was reported to be in critical condition and was referred to a hospital in Agra for further treatment. Anjali belonged to India’s Dalit community, historically treated as “untouchable” and relegated to the bottom of the Hindu caste hierarchy. Dalit women remain particularly vulnerable to violence and discrimination because caste and gender inequalities often overlap, while rights campaigners have long raised concerns over barriers marginalized communities face when seeking protection and accountability from state institutions. India abolished the practice of untouchability under its Constitution and has specific laws intended to protect Dalits and other historically oppressed castes from discrimination and violence. But caste remains deeply embedded in parts of Indian society, with Dalits continuing to report violence, humiliation, segregation and other forms of discrimination despite those legal protections. Anjali’s death sparked protests by villagers outside Shikohabad police station. Her family said Gaurav was released from custody after police were informed that his wife had died. Firozabad Superintendent of Police Aditya Langhe subsequently suspended six police personnel for negligence. Those suspended include Sub-Inspectors Dharmpal Singh and Satyapal Singh, Head Constables Mohan Singh and Arvind Kumar and Constables Bhavtosh Kumar and Kuldeep Kumar. Anjali underwent a post-mortem examination late Monday. Her last rites were performed later that night amid heavy police deployment. Her death also drew demands for an investigation from politicians representing constituencies where caste discrimination and Dalit rights are prominent concerns. Samajwadi Party national general secretary and lawmaker Ramjilal Suman visited Anjali’s family Tuesday before staging a sit-in with party workers at Shikohabad police station. He demanded an impartial investigation and strict action against anyone found responsible. Azad Samaj Party chief Chandrashekhar Azad, a prominent Dalit political leader, also called for a fair investigation and action against police personnel found responsible. Courtesy : Muslim Network TV Note: This news is originally published on https:/muslimnetwork.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Woman minister in Karnataka cabinet soon says, Randeep Surjewala
Surjewala pointed to previous governments, saying that during the JDS-BJP coalition government, then CM Kumaraswamy had himself held the Women and Child Development portfolio. BENGALURU: AICC General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka Randeep Singh Surjewala on Wednesday said the Congress leadership would soon resolve the issue of inducting a woman minister in the Karnataka cabinet, which currently has no woman representative despite the DK Shivakumar government completing 100 days in office. Hitting back at Union minister HD Kumaraswamy who had jibed the Congress on this issue, he said, “I just want to remind those making a noise that they never had a Women and Child Development minister for a full tenure.” Surjewala told reporters that he was to blame for the controversy. “This is not Delhi’s fault. It is the fault of the General Secretary, AICC in-charge of Karnataka, who could not decide on account of certain political exigencies. We have many (aspirants)… so very soon we will sort out the issue after consulting with the Chief Minister, our PCC president who is very keen and hounds me every day on this, as also ex-CM (Siddaramaiah) and other state leaders,” he stated, adding that LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has also taken the lack of a woman minister very seriously. Surjewala pointed to previous governments, saying that during the JDS-BJP coalition government, then CM Kumaraswamy had himself held the Women and Child Development portfolio. Surjewala said the Congress government was committed to implementing the socio-economic and educational survey report in Karnataka, but would not take any step that violated court directions, as the matter is currently sub judice. He said social justice remained the party’s core commitment and was shared by Siddaramaiah, CM Shivakumar and party workers. The party would seek the court’s guidance on implementing the report at the earliest. Responding to BJP leaders’ criticism of the government’s stance on singing specific stanzas of Vande Mataram, Surjewala argued that those raising objections were unaware of the historical context and the freedom movement. He recounted that Vande Mataram was first sung at an Indian National Congress session in 1896, and formally adopted as the national song in 1930. He stated that leaders such as Dr BR Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had agreed on adopting two stanzas on the guidance of Rabindranath Tagore in the Constituent Assembly, which was accepted across the board. The Karnataka government will strictly adhere to Government of India protocols during visits by the President, Governor or Prime Minister, while otherwise respecting the traditions framed by Tagore and the Constituent Assembly, he added. GAYATRI SHANTEGOWDA HANDS RESUME TO SIDDU Bengaluru: The political drama surrounding Congress MLC Gayatri Shantegowda’s stalled entry into the Karnataka cabinet came to a head on Wednesday with the legislator personally approaching former chief minister Siddaramaiah. Multiple sources have pointed to Siddaramaiah as the driving force behind the exclusion, despite the Congress high command having reportedly cleared her name. On Wednesday, Gayatri handed Siddaramaiah a document. When he asked what it was, she reportedly told him it was her resume, which is seen as her continued claim to a cabinet berth. She also spoke to AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal at the Congress office, after KPCC president B K Hariprasad introduced her to him. The apparent contradiction — a leader cleared by the party’s central leadership still having to lobby for the post she was promised — has fuelled criticism that state-level factional politics are overriding decisions made at the national level. 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