Moradabad: A Dalit woman was forced to convert at gunpoint; Muslim couple arrested following complaint
In Moradabad, a Dalit woman was held hostage by a Muslim couple, a cleric, and two unidentified accused and forced to convert. It is being reported that the accused husband had been harboring an evil eye on her for a long time. Police in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, have arrested a Muslim couple for allegedly forcibly converting a Dalit woman by holding her hostage. Acting swiftly on the victim’s complaint, the police filed a case against the main accused, a Muslim couple and a cleric, and arrested and sent them to jail. The cleric and two unidentified accused involved in the incident are being sought. The accused forced the woman to convert at gunpoint. The incident is reported to have occurred in the Majhola police station area. According to the FIR lodged, the victim, a resident of Prakash Nagar, had close and familial relations with the family of the accused, Sultan Salahuddin, and his wife, Mehnaz (Mehraj Begum), for the past three years. Both families celebrated all festivals together. The woman had no idea that Sultan Salahuddin had an evil eye on her. It is alleged that on February 6th, Mehraj Begum lured the victim to her home. As soon as she arrived, Sultan Salahuddin, his wife Mehnaz, a cleric, and two unidentified men took her hostage. The accused then held their licensed pistols to her head and, threatening to kill her, forced her to convert to Islam in front of the cleric. The victim told the police that after the conversion, she was put under intense pressure to marry. When the woman strongly protested, the cleric present at the scene declared the forced marriage illegal, calling it against Islam and Sharia. The main accused, Sultan Salahuddin, refused to budge and shouted, “I will keep her as my wife.” Police filed a case against the accused couple and the cleric under 10 sections. When she resisted, the accused used casteist slurs, abused her, and held her captive in their house for several days. The victim alleges that Sultan Salahuddin subjected her to obscene acts and molestation during her captivity. The victim, who somehow managed to escape, was threatened with death if she complained. It is reported that the accused, Sultan Salahuddin, has a criminal history and has previously been charged with attempted murder in Badaun district. Given the sensitivity and seriousness of the case, Moradabad police took immediate action. Police have filed a case against the accused couple, Sultan Salahuddin, Mehnaz, the cleric, and two unidentified individuals under 10 serious sections, including kidnapping, molestation, threats to kill, the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act (forced conversion), and the SC/ST Act. Both main accused arrested, search continues for the cleric and two other unidentified individuals. Providing information about the case, Moradabad SP City Kumar Ranvijay Singh said that yesterday (July 11), a complaint was received at Majhola police station from a woman living in Prakash Nagar. The victim alleges that an acquaintance, Sultan Salahuddin, and his wife invited her to their home, where she was abused, molested, illegally held captive, and forced to convert to Islam. Considering the seriousness of the matter, the police have immediately registered a case under relevant sections. The two main accused, Sultan Salahuddin and his wife Mehnaz, have been arrested and are being sent to jail. Teams have been formed to arrest the cleric and two other unidentified individuals involved in the incident; they will also be sent behind bars soon. Written By: Obaidur Rahman About the author Ubaidur Rahman is a senior and active TV journalist and ground reporter for ABP News. For the past 20 years, he has been covering political, criminal, wildlife, social, cultural, and investigative news in the Moradabad division of western Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Prior to ABP News, he worked at several prominent organizations. After a Bachelor of Science, he earned a Diploma in TV Journalism and Broadcasting and an Adeeb-e-Kamil from Jamia Urdu University, Aligarh. Courtesy: Hindi News
TN: After being sent to jail for a bike theft complaint three years ago, a Dalit woman journalist became the target of casteist hatred and police indifference.
The entire family, including her pregnant sister-in-law, was beaten up. The family alleges that the police deliberately withheld action despite video evidence. Villupuram – A 27-year-old Dalit woman journalist, who filed a theft complaint three years ago in V. Sithamur village in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, is now facing “punishment” for that very complaint. She has been a constant target of casteist hatred since two influential caste brothers were jailed. On June 22nd, her brother and entire family were fatally attacked, including her pregnant sister-in-law, who was beaten with slippers. Two weeks later, the main accused remain at large, and the Tamil Nadu police’s callousness is evident. What is the whole matter? In January 2023, two bikes were stolen from the journalist’s home. She filed a complaint and named two local youths, Raghu and Ambu. Police investigations revealed that the two brothers were habitual bike thieves. Fifteen bikes and two tractors were recovered from them. However, the journalist’s bike was not recovered. Both brothers were arrested and later released on bail. Since then, the brothers had been angry with the female reporter. They threatened her that she would pay the price for complaining against influential caste people. On June 22, a fight broke out between Ambu and an insurance agent in front of a shop outside the journalist’s house. The woman’s brother, Sanju (31), asked them to peacefully leave the shop. Ambu left, but returned a short time later with Raghu and other associates. The gang began hurling casteist abuses at Sanju and assaulting him. Hearing the noise, Sanju’s pregnant wife, his brother’s wife, and his mother (58) came out of the house. The accused men also hurled casteist abuses at the women and attacked them. Raghu hit the pregnant woman three times with a slipper and pushed her. The mother’s saree was torn. The accused openly threatened the family, “Whenever the journalist goes out for work, they will target her too.” The entire incident was captured on CCTV installed at home. On June 23, the victims filed a complaint at the Arakandanallur police station. Police charged the accused under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the Prevention of Women Harassment Act, and the BNS Act. However, two weeks later, Raghu, Ambu, and another key accused remain at large. Police have only arrested the fourth accused, Kumar. Police claim the accused are in Bengaluru, but their exact location is unknown. The family and activists allege that despite video evidence, the police are deliberately withholding action. Human rights activist V. Lalitha, who is providing legal assistance to the family, told TNIE that several villages (Vadakaraithalanur, Vasantha Krishnapuram, Veerapandi Pulikkal, Kadakkanur, etc.) under the Arakandanallur police station have witnessed cases of gang violence and murder against Dalits over the past decade, but none have resulted in convictions. Lalita says, “Immediate arrest is required under the SC/ST (PoA) Act. Excuses like ‘can’t be traced’ point to police complicity. This police station continues to fail in cases involving Dalits.” The victim, a female journalist, says, “My sister-in-law is in her second trimester of pregnancy and is experiencing severe pain. We are all scared, but I am not going to give up my job out of fear.” Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
Watch: Dalits protest over woman’s murder, police use force; SSP thrashes man inside police vehicle
MEERUT: Tension gripped the city on Wednesday as around a hundred members of the Dalit community clashed with police at the Commissionary Park while demanding justice for Lalita Gautam, a 20-year-old college student who was murdered nearly two months ago. Lalita, a BA final-year student, went missing on May 15 after leaving her home to take an exam. Her body was found the following day in a sugarcane field in Rohta area. Suspecting an investigation cover-up, protesters took to the streets, demanding that DM V K Singh and SSP Avinash Pandey personally meet them at the collectorate gate to accept their charter of demands. The demonstration took a volatile turn when SSP Pandey arrived with heavy police force to clear the protest venue, but the protesters rejected the administration’s offer of an alternative demonstration site. Police resorted to the use of batons to disperse the crowd. Five of the protesters were arrested. The situation turned volatile after a video emerged purportedly showing SSP Pandey thrashing one of the detained agitators, Ravi Gautam, inside a police vehicle. Moments after he was allegedly slapped inside a police prisoner van by Meerut SSP Avinash Pandey, Ravi Gautam allegedly attempted to end his life by trying to hang himself inside the vehicle. Someone can be heard shouting, “Kaptan saab, wo fanda baandh raha hai” (Sir, he is making a noose). Defending the police action, SSP Pandey said the primary suspect in the murder—who was in a relationship with the victim—had already been booked, arrested and jailed, though he was released on bail later. “Following his release, external elements allegedly attempted to instigate the victim’s family by offering inducements such as money and firearms licence,” SSP Pandey said. “Ravi Gautam is a Noida resident with a prior criminal record” and he was instigating the local community from the outside. Cases would be registered against anyone attempting to give the tragedy a political or communal colour,” said Pandey. Protesters refuted the police narrative. Sushil Gautam, representing the demonstrators, accused the authorities of high-handedness against a peaceful gathering. Meanwhile, the eldevelopment took a political turn when SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav tweeted criticising the State BJP government. “The police are breaking records of injustice under the BJP government. The attack and lathi-charge by the administration on the victim’s family and others who raised their voice seeking justice for Lalita Gautam, a daughter of the Dalit community in Meerut, is highly condemnable. When the state leadership itself publicly sets an example of being insensitive towards the mother of a deceased girl, it is futile to expect any better from the police.” Heavy police deployment remains in the area as local organisations demand accountability for both the murder investigation and the subsequent police action. 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
House not found even after High Court order: Dalit widow makes serious allegations against accountant, son appeals to Chief Minister
Sitapati, a Dalit, disabled, and elderly widow, is unable to regain possession of her land despite a High Court order. She alleges that the administration is re-encroaching on the land she had been granted possession of. She is running around officials seeking justice. Sitapati, a resident of Poore Bhatta Majra Azadpur in Tiloi tehsil, has alleged in a petition to the District Magistrate that the regional accountant, Akhand Pratap Singh, without informing her, staked a stake in plot number 2309 in favor of a person named Naseem. When she protested, the accountant allegedly behaved rudely, threw away documents, and threatened her. The woman also alleges that a demand of 10,000 rupees was made in this matter. The victim’s son, Devi Prasad, alleges that when she showed the accountant the Honorable High Court order and other revenue records, the accountant allegedly tore the documents and threw them away. Devi Prasad claims that the accountant said, “I keep the High Court in my pocket.” The family has demanded an impartial investigation into these allegations. Sitapati says she is financially weak and has been constantly running around officials to seek justice, but has received no relief so far. She has appealed to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the District Magistrate of Amethi, and the Revenue Department to conduct an impartial investigation into the entire matter, take strict action against those found guilty, ensure the safety of her land, and provide speedy justice. When contacted, regional accountant Akhand Pratap Singh stated that he had no knowledge of the matter. Anand Kumar Trivedi | Tiloi Courtesy: Hindi News
Independent probe sought for custodial death of Dalit woman in AP
Mala Gangamma died on May 31 after suffering torture in the hands of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to probe the disappearance of her son, Veerendra, in November 2024. Andhra Pradesh: Human Rights Forum (HRF) and the Indian Federation of Trade Unions (IFTU) have demanded an independent enquiry over the alleged custodial death of a 40-year-old Dalit woman in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district in May this year. Mala Gangamma died on May 31 after suffering torture in the hands of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to probe the disappearance of her son, Veerendra, in November 2024. The Dalit woman had approached the Andhra Pradesh High Court seeking justice. The SIT was made on the directions of the court. It was headed by then Guntur Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) K Supraja. According to HRF and IFTU, Gangamma was allegedly tortured and forcefully confessed that she and her partner, Malla Durgayya, murdered her son, as he reportedly opposed their relationship. HRF and IFTU stated that the couple were subjected to third-degree torture, leading to Gangamma’s death, while Durgayya continues to battle for his life at the Kurnool Government Hospital. They questioned why Gangamma’s burial was conducted in the presence of 20 to 30 police personnel, and why Durgayya’s relatives were disallowed from meeting him in the hospital. Apart from an independent, impartial examination, the organisations have demanded a fresh post-mortem examination of Gangamma’s body, and the registration of criminal cases, including murder charges and relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, against police personnel found responsible. Courtesy : TSD Note: This news is originally published on https:/thesiasatdaily.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
AP: Human Rights organisation demands inquiry into custodial death of Dalit woman
A fact-finding team of HRF and IFTU has demanded an independent probe, alleging that police tortured Mala Gangamma to coerce a confession over her suspected role in her son’s disappearance. Human rights organisation Human Rights Forum (HRF) and the Indian Federation of Trade Unions (IFTU) have demanded an independent judicial inquiry into the death of 40-year-old Dalit woman Mala Gangamma in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district, alleging that she died due to custodial torture by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the disappearance of her son, Veerendra. According to the organisations, Gangamma was allegedly tortured to force a confession over her suspected role in her son’s mysterious disappearance. In a joint statement, HRF and IFTU said a three-member fact-finding team comprising HRF state vice-president UG Srinivasulu, HRF Kurnool district president K Urukundappa and IFTU district representative Narasanna visited Badinehal village, met Gangamma’s family members and local residents, and interacted with Kowthalam police before arriving at its findings. Veerendra went missing in November 2024. Gangamma later approached the Andhra Pradesh High Court, which directed the constitution of a Special Investigation Team headed by then Guntur Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) K Supraja to investigate the case. According to the organisations, the SIT concluded that Gangamma had conspired with her partner, Malla Durgayya, to murder Veerendra, who had allegedly opposed their relationship. HRF and IFTU alleged that the SIT subjected Gangamma and Durgayya to severe custodial torture to force them to disclose the location where Veerendra’s body had been buried. Gangamma died on May 31. They claimed Gangamma died as a result of the alleged torture, while Durgayya is undergoing treatment at Kurnool Government Hospital. The organisations questioned the manner in which the investigation was conducted, alleging that the SIT relied on coercive methods. They also raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding Gangamma’s death, including her transfer to KIMS Hospital in Kurnool, the conduct of the post-mortem examination, and whether all injuries on her body were properly documented. HRF and IFTU further questioned the haste with which Gangamma’s funeral was conducted. According to them, her body was buried in her native village of Badinehal on June 1 in the presence of 20 to 30 police personnel. The organisations also disputed the police’s claim that Durgayya’s injuries were caused by a motorcycle accident, alleging that his relatives were denied access to him while he was hospitalised. While maintaining that those responsible for Veerendra’s murder should face prosecution if found guilty through due process, HRF and IFTU said custodial torture and violations of legal procedure could not be justified under any circumstances. The organisations have demanded an independent judicial or other impartial inquiry into the incident, a fresh post-mortem examination of Gangamma’s body, and the registration of criminal cases including murder charges and relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against police personnel found responsible. 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
Punjab CM Announces Rs 4,500 Financial Support To Dalit Women, Rs 3,000 For Other Categories
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced the launch of the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, aimed at empowering women economically. Marking a historic step towards women’s economic empowerment, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that the countdown for the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna has begun, with the first installment of three months’ Satkar Rashi set to be credited directly into the bank accounts of eligible women on July 1. Under the scheme, Dalit mothers and sisters will receive ₹4,500, while women from all other categories will get ₹3,000. During a Lok Milni programme after inaugurating various development works in Village Chanarthal Kalan of Fatehgarh Sahib constituency, CM Bhagwant Mann said the initiative reflects the AAP Government’s commitment to ensuring dignity, financial security, and social empowerment for women, adding that the assistance will continue uninterrupted as long as the AAP Government remains in Punjab. Addressing the Lok Milni in Fatehgarh Sahib, Mann stated, “After nine days, on July 1, women beneficiaries above the age of 18 years will receive notifications on their mobile phones informing them about the financial assistance being credited to their accounts. Women belonging to the general category will receive ₹1,000 per month while Scheduled Caste women will receive ₹1,500 per month.” “The money will be transferred directly into their bank accounts without any middlemen. Women who are already receiving social security pensions will also be eligible under the scheme. Nearly 97% women in Punjab are expected to benefit from this initiative and the Punjab Government has made a budgetary provision of ₹9,300 crore for it.” The Chief Minister stated, “This financial assistance may not make women rich, but it will certainly give them dignity, self-respect and confidence. Women deserve the highest respect because they are the source of life itself. The blessings of mothers and sisters help overcome every challenge in the world. Strengthening women’s financial autonomy is essential for improving household welfare, promoting gender equity and enhancing women’s participation in social and economic decision-making. When women become financially empowered, families prosper and society moves forward.” Speaking on another issue, CM Mann said, “The Punjab Government will not allow any genuine vote to be deleted during the ongoing SIR exercise by the Election Commission of India. I want to caution the people that the BJP may try to misuse the SIR process to delete valid votes, as has happened in other poll-bound states. However, we are fully vigilant and will not allow the nefarious designs of the saffron party to succeed. Every genuine voter in Punjab will be protected.” The Chief Minister said, “My predecessors never met the common people. They used to come out of their luxurious homes only after checking the temperature. On the other hand, I remain available to the people round the clock. Public service is not an occasional activity for me, it is my responsibility.” Taking a swipe at previous governments, the Chief Minister said, “These leaders built huge palaces by amassing enormous wealth through misuse of their official positions. The walls of those palatial residences were high and their gates remained closed to ordinary people. They remained inaccessible to the masses and ultimately the people showed them the door. When leaders stop listening to people, people eventually stop listening to those leaders.” “The people of Punjab have repeatedly rejected those who looted them turn by turn. These leaders fooled the people for a very long time, but Punjabis are now wise enough not to be swayed by their misleading propaganda. These arrogant politicians always took the people of Punjab for granted and ultimately paid the political price for it. Today, they are baffled because people are not responding to them. Their entire agenda revolves around the welfare of their own families rather than the welfare of the people,” said CM Mann. Continuing his attack on previous rulers, the Chief Minister said, “These leaders studied in convent schools in the hills and remained completely disconnected from ground realities. They were unaware about the money, properties and even the buses they owned. During their regimes, they exploited people by illegally seeking shares in successful ventures across the state. Such practices pushed Punjab backwards. These leaders ruined the state and their hands were drenched with the blood of Punjab’s youth.” Highlighting the progress achieved by the present government, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Punjab’s development has been put back on track. The Punjab Government is accelerating the pace of development with every passing day. We have filled a gap of nearly seventy years and are making concerted efforts to build a Rangla Punjab.” “The AAP Government is perhaps the first government in the country that is implementing the People’s Manifesto in its true spirit. Every genuine demand raised by the people is being translated into action. We do not make promises merely for elections. We fulfil them once entrusted with responsibility,” he added. Taking on the Akali Dal leadership, Mann said, “Sukhbir Singh Badal is not aware of the ground realities of Punjab because throughout his life he has lived in a secure environment surrounded by luxuries and opulence. He wants to attain political power in Punjab, but he is not even aware of the basic topography of the state.” “Leaving everything aside, the former Deputy Chief Minister cannot even differentiate between the basic crops grown in Punjab. He has very little understanding of the issues concerning ordinary people. Someone who does not understand Punjab cannot provide leadership to Punjab,” said Punjab Chief Minister. The Chief Minister further said, “The sins committed by these leaders are unpardonable. The people of Punjab can never forgive them for their long saga of misdeeds. Those memories remain fresh in the minds of the people even today.” “These are opportunist leaders who change their colours and their stance like a chameleon according to their convenience and political interests. They patronised gangsters in Punjab and infused drugs into the veins of the youth by shielding drug smugglers.
Dalit woman assaulted in Faridpur, accused of casteist remarks: Case filed against three named accused under serious sections
A case of assault, indecency, and casteist remarks against a Dalit woman has come to light in Chathiya Phase village, under the Fatehganj East police station area of Bareilly. Based on the victim’s complaint, police have registered a case against three named accused under serious sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the SC/ST Act and have initiated an investigation. According to information, Pinky, wife of Sudhir Kumar, a resident of Chathiya Phase village, was having foundation work done near her house on June 22nd. It is alleged that neighbors Kallu Singh, Satyabhan Singh alias Chhote Lala, and Omveer arrived and began abusing her. When the woman protested, the accused allegedly attacked her with a sharp weapon, injuring her head. In her complaint, the victim, Pinky, alleged that the accused insulted her with casteist remarks, tore her clothes, and threatened to kill her. After the incident, the woman immediately went to the police station and filed a complaint. The police have registered a case under sections 352, 115(2), 118(1), 74, 76, and 351(3) of the IPC, as well as sections 3(1)(d), 3(1)(dh), and 3(2)(va) of the SC/ST Act. Station in-charge Rajkumar Singh stated that a case has been registered. The case will be investigated by the Circle Officer (CO), Faridpur. He assured that further legal action will be taken based on the facts revealed in the investigation. Uttam Shankhdhar | Bhagwanpur Kundan (Faridpur), Bareilly Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit woman’s house bulldozed: Administration accused of taking action without notice, woman demands investigation
Mala Devi, a Dalit woman in Chhidi village of Prayagraj’s Bara tehsil area, has leveled serious allegations against the tehsil administration. She alleges that the administration bulldozed her house without notice. Mala Devi, calling this action illegal and unconstitutional, has demanded an impartial investigation and action against the culprits. According to Mala Devi, her family had been living in a makeshift house built on Arazi number 1014 for generations. This land is registered as barren land. She claims that her family had been living in this house for years. The woman alleges that after a complaint from the village head, the tehsil administration arrived at the scene with police force, bulldozers, and some local residents. Her house was subsequently demolished. Mala Devi stated that the administration did not provide her with any prior notice nor did they provide her with an opportunity to present her side of the story. They allege that their house was demolished without following any legal procedures, leaving their entire family homeless. Mala Devi filed her complaint at the Sampoorna Samadhan Diwas held on June 20th, pleading for justice. She says no effective action was taken on this complaint, and a bulldozer was used to demolish her house shortly thereafter. The victim and her family have demanded an impartial investigation of the entire matter from the district administration and the government. They have also stated that if rules were violated in the action, legal action should be taken against the responsible officials and those involved. The family has also demanded adequate compensation and rehabilitation. At present, the administrative authorities have not officially released their statement on this matter. Only after receiving their response will it become clear under what circumstances this action was taken. Shivam Verma | Bara Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit woman’s land illegally occupied, construction demolished: Casteist slurs and death threats for protesting in Shahabad
A Dalit woman in Shahpur Dev village, Shahabad tehsil of Rampur, has alleged illegal occupation and demolition of a construction on her purchased land. The woman says that some villagers occupied her land and, when she protested, used casteist slurs and threatened to kill her. The victim has filed a complaint with the authorities and demanded strict action against the accused. Demand for action against the accused Complainant Kranti, a resident of Shahpur Dev, stated that she purchased 0.0162 hectares of land in plot number 408 from Sonia of the village on May 11, 2026. After the sale deed, the seller handed over possession of the land to her. Kranti constructed the foundation and boundary wall on her purchased land. After this, she went to Chandigarh (Punjab) to work as a laborer. Some time later, she received information that some villagers had broken the foundation and boundary of her land and taken possession of it. The accused behaved rudely When Kranti returned home and questioned these people, they claimed the land as theirs and admitted to the occupation. It is alleged that when she protested, the accused behaved rudely with her, used casteist slurs, and threatened to kill her. Family terrified after the incident The victim stated that her family has been terrified since this incident. They have demanded the administration free the land from illegal occupation and take strict legal action against the accused. In this regard, Sub-District Magistrate Ashutosh Kumar stated that upon receiving the complaint, the matter will be investigated and necessary action will be taken. Vishal Kumar Joshi | Shahbad, Rampur Courtesy: Hindi News