Case of attempted rape of Dalit woman: Accused sentenced to 5 years imprisonment and fined Rs 51,000 in Sant Kabir Nagar
The court has pronounced its verdict in the case of attempted rape of a Dalit woman in Sant Kabir Nagar. ADJ and Special Judge SCST Act Bhupendra Rai has sentenced the accused Manish Pal to 5 years imprisonment. The case is of Kotwali Khalilabad police station area. On 14 February 2015, the victim was sleeping in the room with her three-year-old son. At around three in the morning, the accused Manish Pal entered the room. He tried to rape the victim by pressing her mouth. On hearing the victim’s voice, her brother-in-law, mother-in-law and father-in-law woke up. The accused started running, but everyone recognized him in the light of the electricity. The police registered a case of attempted rape and SCST Act in the matter. 8 witnesses were presented in the court on behalf of the prosecution. All of them confirmed the incident. The court has also imposed a fine of Rs 51,000 on the accused. Half of the fine amount will be given to the victim. If the accused does not pay the fine, he will have to serve an additional sentence of 5 months. However, the court acquitted the accused of the charges under the SC/ST Act. Digant Shrivastava Courtesy: Hindi News
Another case against Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil for stalking, harassing women on social media; Kerala CM Vijayan says ‘deeply criminal’
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Crime Branch on Wednesday registered a case against Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil on various charges, including stalking and harassing women on social media. The development came hours after chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan strongly reacted to the sexual misconduct allegations against the legislator and said all possible legal steps would be taken on them. Earlier, Vijayan told a news conference that those affected need not hesitate to file complaints and full protection would be provided to them. He also questioned the shocking nature of the alleged remarks, including reported statements that a pregnant woman “would not take much time to be killed”, calling it “deeply criminal and unacceptable”. Case filed on DGP’s directive The case was registered on the directive of state police chief Ravada A Chandrasekhar under Sections 78 (stalking) and 351 (criminal intimidation) of Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS), along with Section 120(O) of the Kerala Police Act that pertains to harassment through repeated or unwanted communication.Section 78 of the BNS defines stalking as following a woman without consent, monitoring her electronic communications, or repeatedly approaching her despite resistance. The offence carries imprisonment of up to three years for the first instance and up to five years for repeat offences. Section 351 covers criminal intimidation, including threats to cause harm to body, reputation or property and is punishable with up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine or both. The Kerala Police Act provision applies to nuisance caused through calls, messages or electronic communication. Crime Branch Thiruvananthapuram range DSP C Binukumar is in charge of the investigation, a police statement said. The allegations against Mamkootathil had gained traction after audio recordings surfaced in which he was purportedly heard issuing even death threats. Police had initially sought legal opinion on the allegations as there were no complainants, but proceeded to register a suo motu case following the CM’s remarks. They had not acted on a petition filed by a high court lawyer at the Ernakulam Central police station seeking an investigation into allegations that the legislator had forced a woman to undergo abortion, citing the absence of details about the alleged victim or the location of the incident. Though the affected parties had not come forward with complaints, the state police chief had received petitions demanding action against the legislator. Mamkootathil had quit as Youth Congress state president after a young actor accused “a young leader” of a prominent political party of misbehaviour, triggering protests by BJP and CPM. Subsequently, several women and a transgender person came forward with similar allegations. Congress later suspended the MLA from the party’s primary membership but resisted calls for his resignation 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.
Accused arrested for assaulting Dalit woman: Dispute over solar light pole, sent to jail under SC-ST Act
A dispute broke out over installing a solar light pole on a government road in Makhdoompur village of Hazratnagar Garhi area of Sambhal. During this, a Dalit woman was injured. Police have arrested one accused and sent him to jail. The incident took place on Saturday. There was a fight between Jaivendra son of Lalu Singh and Talib son of Tasleem over installing a solar light pole on a government road. Both sides had sticks. During this, the woman was attacked with a sickle. On the complaint of the victim Pooja Valmiki, the police have registered a case against four people. The accused Jareef s/o Farzand Ali, Jaanesar s/o Jareef, Talib s/o Tasleem and Rabia s/o Tasleem have been booked under sections 115(2), 352, 352(3), 118(1), 76 of the IPC and 3(2)(va) of the SC/ST Act. Inspector Anuj Tomar said the injured woman has been sent for medical examination. One of the accused was arrested and produced in court. The court has sent him to jail. A case is already going on in the court regarding the dispute over the government road. Sunny Gupta, Courtesy : Hindi News
‘Kerala Congress MLA Messaged Me On Telegram, Asked For Sex’: Trans Woman
Speaking to NDTV, Ms Vishnu said she first met Rahul Mamkootathil during campaigning for the June 2022 Thrikkakara by-election that the ruling Left Democratic Front’s Uma Thomas won. Kerala transgender activist Avanthika Vishnu – who said Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil sexually harassed her and demanded she submit to his rape fantasy – told NDTV she was initially hesitant about coming forward with the allegations because of his political standing. She had earlier said she flagged her concerns to the Congress but no action was taken. She said she only stepped up after other women, including Malayalam actor Rini George made similar accusations. Ms George, however, did not name the Congress leader; she only said a ‘youth leader of a prominent political party’ had been sending her objectionable messages and invited her to a five-star hotel meet. Mr Mamkootathil has denied all allegations that Ms George was talking about him, but earlier today he stepped down as President of the Congress’ Kerala youth wing and demanded those accusing him – Ms George, Ms Vishnu, and others – make their case in a court of law. Speaking to NDTV, Ms Vishnu said she first met Rahul Mamkootathil during campaigning for the June 2022 Thrikkakara by-election that the ruling Left Democratic Front’s Uma Thomas won. “After the Kerala by-election he messaged me on Facebook to say ‘hi’ and we had a casual conversation. After that he messaged me on Telegram and asked for sex. He wanted to meet in Bengaluru or Hyderabad to play out rape fantasies,” she told NDTV. Asked about waiting for three years before speaking out, Avanthika Vishnu said some of her close friends knew of the harassment but she had hesitated to speak out because “he is a famous MLA in Kerala”. She also said that now that she had, she faces cyber harassment. Ms Vishnu said she had been encouraged to speak after other women also accused him. “I’m afraid he will use his power to destroy evidence… afraid it will come down to my word versus his and he is a famous politician,” she said, appealing for emotional and legal support, for her and for the trans community, from the government, police, and society at large. On Thursday Rini George made similar allegations. “I came in contact with the politician through social media. His inappropriate behaviour began three years ago, when I first received objectionable messages from him,” she said, claiming the political leader in question even offered to book a room at a five-star hotel for her ‘visit’. She accused senior leaders of the concerned party of ignoring her complaints and said the young leader continued to receive prominent positions within the party despite her warnings. Mr Mamkootathil, meanwhile, has denied all charges. He has not yet reacted to allegations from Avanthika Vishnu but, with regard to the earlier claim, said “I challenge the person who complained against me to prove the case in court. No concrete complaint has been filed.” “The actress is my friend, and I don’t believe the person she mentioned was me. She is my good friend and will remain so. I believe that I have not done anything against the law or the Constitution of the country until now,” he added. Asked about an audio clip released by a Malayalam news channel alleging he forced a third woman to terminate a pregnancy, he replied it is not difficult to create such clips today. Reported by:Vasudha Venugopal Courtesy : NDTV Note: This news is originally published on https:/ndtv.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Safai Karmi dies of electrocution in Chennai: Angry community says- Such an incident every month, how long will Dalit women have to sacrifice?
The Tamil Nadu government has announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to the bereaved family, along with guaranteed employment for one family member at GCC. Chennai – A sample of the dangerous conditions under which sanitation workers have to work in the city came to light recently. In a heart-wrenching incident, R. Varalakshmi, a 30-year-old conservancy worker of the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), died of electrocution early Saturday morning in Kannagi Nagar. Varalakshmi lived in a rehabilitation colony in South Chennai, which mainly houses the Dalit community. Varalakshmi, who is survived by her husband and two young children, was on her way to begin her morning cleaning duty when she accidentally stepped into stagnant rainwater that was covered by a broken electrical power cable. The incident, which occurred amid heavy rains in parts of Tamil Nadu, has once again highlighted how waterlogging in low-lying areas like Kannagi Nagar, a slum area known for inadequate infrastructure and flood susceptibility, is marred by administrative negligence. Eyewitnesses said a broken cable, possibly damaged by torrential rains, was carelessly left on the flooded road, killing a sanitation worker. Varalakshmi, who had been employed as a contracted sanitation worker for several years, collapsed after coming in contact with the live wire and was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was declared dead on arrival. Local residents and activists attributed her death to administrative negligence, including lack of timely maintenance by the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) and GCC’s negligence in preventing recurring problems in flood-prone slums. The incident could have been avoided had Tangedco fulfilled its responsibility, a community organiser in Kannagi Nagar said. Following the incident, users on social media platforms have been expressing their outrage over the systemic neglect towards the safety of workers. This is the fifth electric shock-related death in Chennai in the last seven weeks, four of which occurred during the recent rains, raising concerns over the city’s preparedness for monsoon challenges, said Dalit rights activist and author Shalin Maria Lawrence. Varalakshmi’s family has demanded accountability and compensation. The DMK-led Tamil Nadu government has announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to the bereaved family, as well as guaranteed employment for a family member at GCC. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed condolences through a statement, directing officials to investigate the incident and expedite infrastructure improvements in vulnerable neighbourhoods. Critics from labour rights groups, however, argue that such reactive measures are inadequate, demanding mandatory safety equipment, mechanised cleaning tools and strict enforcement of protocols to protect sanitation workers who are mainly from marginalised Dalit communities. The GCC has launched an inquiry into the cable break, blaming it on weather conditions, but has not commented on wider safety lapses. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy : Hindi News
After Rini Ann George, Transgender Woman Alleges Youth Congress Leader Rahul Mamkootathil Of Sexual Assault Attempt And Obscene Messages
Avantika disclosed to the media that she had been receiving sexually explicit messages and calls from Rahul Mamkootathil for an extended period, and she reported these incidents to the BJP Palakkad district president. She stated, “Rahul is a sexual predator and told me to rape him.” After Rini Anna George, Transgender Woman Alleges Youth Congress Leader Rahul Mamkootathil Of Sexual Assault Attempt Rahul Mamkootathil, once a rising star in Kerala politics, resigned as Youth Congress president amid allegations of sending obscene messages. As he stepped down, further accusations of sexual assault and inappropriate communications surfaced. In a separate incident, Avantika, a transgender woman, accused Rahul of being a sexual predator, alleging he made offensive remarks. Avantika revealed to the media that she has been receiving sexually perverted messages and phone calls from Rahul for a long time and that she has told these things to the BJP Palakkad district president. Avantika said, “Rahul is a sexual pervert and he told me to rape him”. Actress Rini Ann George accused Youth Congress leader Rahul of sending obscene messages and misbehaving with her despite warnings, saying he had a careless attitude. Around the same time, phone recordings surfaced suggesting a young woman was forced to have an abortion, and police also received a complaint against Rahul. Following this, Rahul resigned as Youth Congress state president, though he denied the allegations, claiming no one had formally complained against him. Later, BJP leader and social activist Avantika, a trans woman, also came forward with accusations. She said she met Rahul during the Thrikkakara by-election, and though they first became friends on social media, he soon began making inappropriate remarks about sexual frustration and even mentioned rape. Avantika added that Rahul told her he could only meet outside Kerala in cities like Bengaluru or Hyderabad, and she had already informed some Congress leaders and friends about his behavior. Avantika said she had not revealed these matters earlier because she feared for her life, being a public servant and MLA. She explained that she chose to speak out only after actress Rini Ann George made her allegations public. According to Avantika, Rahul even called her on the same day, worried that she might expose him. She added that Rahul usually sends messages on Telegram that disappear after being read once, making it impossible to take screenshots, and this is how he destroys evidence. Written By : Lakshmi Ranjith Edited By : Lakshmi Ranjith Courtesy : News 24 Note: This news is originally published on https:/news24.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Lucknow: Advocate Parmanand Gupta sentenced to life imprisonment – 29 fake cases registered using Dalit woman’s identity
A special court in Lucknow sentenced advocate Parmanand Gupta to life imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5.10 lakh, he had registered fake cases by misusing the identity of a Dalit woman. Uttar Pradesh: A special court in Lucknow has sentenced advocate Parmanand Gupta to life imprisonment and also imposed a fine of Rs 5.10 lakh on him. The court found Gupta guilty of misusing the identity of a Dalit woman to register dozens of fake cases against his opponents. According to media reports, while delivering the verdict on Tuesday, Special Judge (SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act) Vivekanand Sharan Tripathi held Gupta guilty of conspiracy and misuse of law. The court found that Gupta had registered several fake cases in the name of Pooja Rawat, a Dalit woman, to target his rival Arvind Yadav and his family. Special Public Prosecutor Arvind Mishra said that Gupta had registered at least 18 cases in his name and 11 cases in the name of Rawat. Most of these were registered against Yadav and his family. These false cases included serious allegations like rape and molestation. The whole matter came to light when questions were raised on the complaints during the hearing in the Allahabad High Court. After this, reports were sought from the concerned police stations. Finally, the High Court ordered a CBI inquiry into the matter on 5 March 2025. The investigation revealed that Gupta used Rawat’s Dalit identity to trap the Yadav family. But the investigation made it clear that Rawat was not present at the spot at the time of the alleged incidents and the house she was claiming to rent was actually under construction by the Yadav family. Later on 4 August 2025, Rawat himself applied to the court and told that he was trapped by Gupta and his wife Sangeeta, who runs a beauty parlor. Rawat worked as an assistant in that parlor. He admitted in the court that he was forced to give false statements of sexual abuse before the magistrate under pressure. After this, the court granted him conditional pardon. The court said in its verdict that Gupta knowingly conspired for serious charges, which could have resulted in life imprisonment. Therefore, he should get severe punishment. While pronouncing the sentence, the court gave Gupta life imprisonment and ordered that a copy of the verdict be sent to the Uttar Pradesh Bar Council, so that “such a criminal lawyer Parmanand Gupta cannot enter the court premises and cannot practice, so that the dignity of the judiciary is maintained.” Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy : Hindi News
AI now eyeing FIRs of rape and SC/ST cases: Lucknow court’s masterstroke to expose those who make false complaints for compensation!
The special court in its decision regarding fake cases gave necessary instructions to Lucknow Police Commissioner and District Magistrate, relief amount will be given to the victim only after the charge sheet is sent Lucknow- The Special Court for SC/ST Act cases in the capital of Uttar Pradesh has given strict instructions to Lucknow Police, expressing deep concern over the increasing number of fake cases related to atrocities and rape. The court said that in such cases, the old FIRs of those who repeatedly complain should be mandatorily mentioned, so that fake complaints can be curbed. This decision came in the case of lawyer Parmanand Gupta, who had filed a false gangrape case using a Scheduled Caste student Pooja Rawat to implicate two innocent brothers in his wife’s property dispute. The court sentenced Gupta to life imprisonment, as well as advised the police and district administration to use AI tools to deal with fake cases. This decision was pronounced by Special Judge Vivekanand Sharan Tripathi on August 19, 2025, which indicates a tough stand on the misuse of protective laws. The SC/ST Act was made for the benefit of such sections of the society in this country, who suffer from atrocities on the basis of caste by persons of non-SC/ST caste. The purpose of this Act was also to punish the oppressors who commit atrocities against such Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe sections, so that atrocities against SC/ST in the society end and social harmony increases. Special Court, SC/ST Act Court’s concern: Fake FIRs threaten the justice system The court in its decision expressed serious concern over the flood of fake cases related to SC/ST Act and rape. The judge said that false complaints in such cases not only harass the innocent but also undermine the credibility of the real victims. In the judgment, the court said, “The SC/ST Act was made for the benefit of such sections of society in this country, which suffer from atrocities by non-SC/ST caste people on the basis of caste. The purpose of this Act was also to punish the perpetrators of atrocities against such SC/ST classes, so that atrocities against SC/ST in the society end and social harmony increases and the dignity of the person mentioned in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, brotherhood among all the people of India and unity and integrity of the nation can be ensured.” “On the other hand, when criminals like Parmanand Gupta start misusing this Act, then the members of non-SC/ST class, such as backward and upper castes, develop animosity against SC/ST caste people of the society that they are being implicated in false cases without any basis. In a way, this misuse of the Act in the long run, harms the dignity of the person mentioned in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, brotherhood among all the people of India and unity and integrity of the nation. It also harms the mutual brotherhood and the unity and integrity of the nation. Therefore, this court is of the view that there is no need to show any mercy towards such criminals. If drops of sour substances are not stopped from falling in the ocean full of milk, then those drops will spoil and destroy the milk of the entire ocean. Similarly, if an advocate like Parmanand Gupta is not stopped from entering and practicing in the courts by this court, the Hon’ble High Court and the Hon’ble Supreme Court and the Bar Council of India and the Bar Council of UP for committing rape, gang rape and misuse of SC/ST Act, then the public’s faith in the Indian judiciary will be seriously shaken.” Mention of old complaints is mandatory In the decision, the Lucknow Police Commissioner was directed that in the FIR of a person or woman who repeatedly complains of rape, gang rape or under the SC/ST Act, their previous complaints should be mentioned compulsorily. The court said that it should be written as a comment in the FIR that how many times the complainant has lodged such FIRs or given applications in the IGRS portal / police station. This information should also be given when information is sought from the police in cases of FIRs being lodged through the court under Section 173 (4) BNSS. The court advised to use Artificial Intelligence Tools (AI Tools) so that fake cases can be easily identified. These instructions have been given to prevent fake FIRs and save the innocent. Curb on relief amount: Order to stop compensation in fake cases The court directed the District Magistrate, Lucknow to immediately withdraw any relief amount given to Pooja Rawat in Crime No. 40/2025. The judgment said that the relief amount under SC / ST Rules 1995 (10% to 25% at FIR level and 50% on charge sheet) should now be given only on receipt of charge sheet in lump sum, and not on mere registration of FIR. The court said: “The precious money and hard earned money of the taxpayers should be given as compensation to the miscreants who file false FIRs. The provisions of the relief amount made in the schedule Annexure-1 have been given in a graded and phased manner, when a prima facie case is made out, so that on giving a lump sum amount to a person of Scheduled Caste/Tribe, the victim of SC/ST Act may not become a victim of any other crime or violence by the accused who committed atrocities because of the relief amount. Therefore, using the powers prescribed under section 15A (7) of SC/ST Act, the District Magistrate, Lucknow is directed that the relief amount which is made available to the victim on filing of First Information Report for relief amount under SC/ST Atrocities Prevention Rules 1995, respectively (from 10 percent to 25 percent) and 50 percent at the stage of sending the charge sheet, all that amount should be given in lump sum, at the time of filing the charge sheet. This should be provided at the stage of sending the
UP News: Suspicious death of Dalit girl in Ghaziabad; kidnapping and gangrape allegations
23-year-old deaf-mute Dalit girl commits suicide after alleged kidnapping and gangrape in Ghaziabad district’s Loni; two accused arrested by police. Uttar Pradesh: A 23-year-old deaf-mute Dalit girl, who was allegedly kidnapped and gangraped in Ghaziabad district, was found hanging at her home in a village in Loni police station area. Police have also confirmed this. According to the police, the girl was allegedly kidnapped by three accused on August 18 and later sexually assaulted. After the incident, she was admitted to the hospital for treatment. The girl returned home on Wednesday night and was later found hanging from the fan in her room, police said. According to preliminary information, she may have committed suicide. The girl’s father, who makes a living by selling carpets, lodged an FIR at the Loni police station alleging that his daughter was gangraped. DCP (rural) Surendranath Tiwari confirmed the FIR and said a special team has been formed to arrest the accused. So far, two of the three accused—Rohit (23) and Bhola (45)—have been arrested. The search for the third accused is on. As the body was taken for post-mortem, several Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) workers gathered at the local police station and protested demanding justice. Police officials spoke to the protesters and assured them of arresting all the culprits soon. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy : Hindi News
Dalit girl from Gorakhpur who came to Lucknow to study, used her caste as a weapon: Know who is lawyer Parmanand Gupta who gets false cases registered as if it is a hospital OPD!
Lucknow’s special court awards life imprisonment to lawyer who got more than 30 false cases of SC/ST and rape registered Lucknow- If there is a mastermind for those who misuse the law, it is lawyer Parmanand Gupta! He ran a series of false cases as easily as if someone is getting medicine by getting a prescription in a hospital OPD. We are not saying this, but a Lucknow court has mentioned this in its 94-page order. In a historic verdict, the special court for SC/ST Act cases has sentenced lawyer Parmanand Gupta to life imprisonment, who had registered a fake gangrape and SC/ST atrocities case against two innocent brothers, Arvind Yadav and Awadhesh Yadav. In the trial, it was proved that Gupta got 11 false cases of gang rape and SC/ST Act registered against a 21-year-old Dalit student, Pooja Rawat, who had come to Lucknow to study, by using her caste and documents as a weapon, while Gupta himself filed 18 cases as a lawyer. To meet the expenses of her studies, Pooja came to work in Gupta’s wife Sangeeta’s beauty parlor, and Gupta obtained her identity documents in the name of getting them corrected and later lured her with money and made her join the scheme. All the false cases were filed by Gupta to gain financial benefits and settle personal scores. This shocking scheme was exposed and now the court has sentenced this sick minded lawyer to life imprisonment. This case arose from a property dispute related to Gupta’s wife Sangeeta Gupta, which shows that vulnerable women of Scheduled Castes are being used as weapons in false complaints to extort money and harass rivals. Gupta appeared as Pooja Rawat’s lawyer and instigated her to file a false FIR. On August 19, 2025, Special Judge Vivekanand Sharan Tripathi sentenced advocate Parmanand Gupta to life imprisonment after finding him guilty under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (BNS) and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The special public prosecutor requested the court to consider a total of 29 cases as Parmanand Gupta’s criminal history and said that no advocate gets so many cases registered in his personal name. “Convicted Parmanand Gupta used to get cases registered himself against SC/ST persons against whom SC/ST cases could not be registered or against non-SC persons in respect of whom he thought that his work would be done by merely threatening with a small case, as if he was running the OPD of a hospital. Where there was a serious case, in which a lot of property was involved and where simple threats to the opponent did not work, he used Pooja Rawat to get the cases registered by threatening with SC/ST rape and gang rape cases. It was similar to when a person cannot be treated in the OPD, then he should be sent to the ICU for serious treatment.” The court explained in its order that Gupta misused his professional position and used Pooja Rawat, a 21-year-old SC student from Gorakhpur, who had come to Lucknow for studies, as a weapon for his revenge. Puja, who worked as an assistant at Sangeeta Gupta’s beauty parlour, was lured into the scheme by Gupta by taking her Aadhaar card, caste certificate and other documents on the pretext of correction. They then used these to file false complaints, including this case, where Puja alleged that the Yadav brothers gangraped her at a house in Vibhuti Khand, Lucknow on July 24, 2024. The FIR, filed under crime number 40/2025, registered offences under sections 64, 74, 115(2), 316(2), 324(4), 333, 351(3), 352 BNS, 66D IT Act, and 3(2)(5) SC/ST Act, claiming that pornographic videos were made and threats were issued. An investigation by Assistant Superintendent of Police Radha Raman Singh revealed that the entire story was fabricated. Location data retrieved from mobile CDRs and call records revealed that Puja was nowhere near the alleged crime scene, an under-construction house owned by the Yadavs, in the period from March 1 to July 24, 2024. Medical examination revealed no signs of assault, and Puja refused an internal examination, later admitting to being under pressure from Gupta. Local witnesses confirmed that Puja was never seen as a tenant, and the property was in the possession of the Yadavs for years, where construction was underway. The investigation also revealed that Gupta’s wife had a civil suit (Case No. 747/2024) pending on Khasra No. 351L, which was adjacent to the Yadavs’ Khasra No. 76, and that the false rape allegation was a pressure ploy to settle the land dispute. Puja exposes Gupta’s criminal conspiracy The turning point in the case came when Puja Rawat, on realising her mistake, applied to become a witness under Sections 343 and 344 BNS on August 4, 2025. Pardon was granted on the condition that she state the truth, and Puja revealed in court that Gupta and his wife took advantage of her weakness. She said Gupta used her Scheduled Caste status to file several false complaints against his enemies, promising her a share of compensation from the government’s SC/ST relief schemes. Puja said in her chief testimony, “Parmanand Gupta, advocate, took my Aadhaar card, photo, income certificate, caste certificate, residence proof and PAN card on the pretext of correction. Using these, he registered a case in my name without my knowledge.” She said Gupta prepared her statements for the magistrate and the police, under which she had to claim gang rape. Puja’s cross-examination further exposed the conspiracy. She admitted that after the FIR, she received an interim relief of Rs 75,000 from the government, but Gupta kept all the money. “He said if I give a statement as per his instructions, I will get the money, but he kept everything,” she said. An attempt to intimidate the court by Gupta through video conferencing, in which he demanded to change Puja’s lawyer, was rejected to prevent molestation. The court referred to Puja’s crucial testimony: “I am a BA second year student and came to Lucknow