PU launches admission helpline for transgender students
Chandigarh: Panjab University (PU) has launched a dedicated admission helpline for transgender students for the academic session 2026-27 to assist applicants during the admission process. The initiative has been introduced through the Permanent anti-discrimination cell for transgender students (PADCTS), functioning under the centre for human rights and duties. According to Dr Upneet Kaur Mangat, coordinator of PADCTS, the helpline will provide guidance and support to transgender applicants regarding admissions and related procedures. Applicants can seek assistance through helpline numbers 8437807999, 8437220625 and 9815064997, or via email at transgendercell@pu.ac.in. The PADCTS office is located at the Emerging Areas Building, Centre for Human Rights & Duties, Panjab University, Sector 14. The university currently provides one additional seat in each course for transgender students, a provision approved by the PU Syndicate in 2023 and implemented from the 2024-25 academic session. The provision applies across teaching departments, regional centres, constituent colleges and affiliated colleges. Admission-related guidelines for transgender students are available in the PU Handbook of Information (HBI-2026) on the university admission portal. 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
Bihar: 40-year-old homes in danger! Victims demolish families’ huts; victims approach police after assault
Nearly 50 Dalit families in Nauachak village, under the Barh police station area of Patna, have accused locals of demolishing their homes, assaulting them, and harassing them. The families, who have been living on government land for 40 years, have demanded protection, rehabilitation, and action against the culprits from the police. A case of harassment of Dalit families has emerged from Nauachak village, under the Ibrahimpur Panchayat area of Patna district’s Barh police station. Nearly 50 Dalit families, who have been living on government land for nearly four decades, have accused local locals of assaulting them, demolishing their homes, and continuously harassing them. The victims have demanded protection and action against the culprits from the police. The affected families say they have been living in huts on government land for years. Recently, some people damaged their homes and assaulted them when they protested. Following the incident, a large number of people reached the Barh police station demanding justice. They built their homes on government land. According to information, these families originally hail from the Diara region. Over time, displacement and land scarcity forced them to settle in the Nauachak area. Lacking private land, they built their homes on government land and have lived there for the past 40 years. However, the owners of the surrounding agricultural land have opposed these families’ residence there, leading to a long-standing dispute. Allegations of Home Demolition and Intimidation The victims allege that they are periodically pressured to remove them from the area. Their homes were damaged several times, and they were beaten up for protesting. They say that this time too, their huts were demolished, creating a housing crisis for many families. Waiting for Land Allotment for Years Local resident Dharamveer Manjhi said that administrative officials had previously assured them of government land, but no permanent arrangement has been made. They said they were not provided with land to live in, nor were they provided with basic amenities like electricity and water. Allegations of obstruction in filling soil Victim Tilka Devi stated that whenever she attempts to level the land by filling soil at her residence, some people remove the soil and take it away. She alleged that her house was demolished several times and she was beaten up when she protested. At present, the affected families have demanded security, permanent rehabilitation, and a fair investigation from the administration. The police have begun investigating the entire matter. Courtesy: Hindi News
In Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh, a Dalit youth was beaten to death after refusing to massage their feet at a liquor party. An accident was staged.
Unruly men in Lalitpur were rampaging, forcing a Dalit youth to massage their feet while drunk. When he refused, they beat him to death with belts and iron rods. Uttar Pradesh: A shocking and tragic incident has come to light in Lalitpur district. Three men brutally beat a 33-year-old Dalit youth to death. The sole reason for this horrific incident was that the victim had flatly refused to massage their feet while drinking. Fearing arrest after committing the murder, the accused hatched a heinous plot. They dumped the deceased’s body on the road to make it appear like a road accident. However, after a prompt and thorough police investigation, the horrific truth of the murder was revealed. According to Lalitpur’s Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Kalu Singh, Kotwali police received initial information about the incident on Sunday morning. Police were informed that a man was lying unconscious on the road behind Varni Jain College, located near Gurunanak Dharamshala. When police arrived at the scene and identified the man, they identified him as 33-year-old Rajkumar alias Chhannu, who belonged to the Scheduled Caste community. Police immediately rushed him to a local hospital, but doctors there declared him dead after examination. Upon further investigation, police discovered that a drinking party was taking place in the Civil Lines area on Saturday night. The party was held at the home of 38-year-old Samyak Rajnayak alias Rahi Jain, where Rajkumar was also present. 37-year-old Gajendra Narwariya alias Gajendra Singh Rajput and 25-year-old Gaurav Raikwar were also present. Police investigations have revealed that the three accused, who were intoxicated, pressured Rajkumar to massage their feet. When Rajkumar flatly refused, they became enraged. The three then attacked Rajkumar with a belt and an iron rod, resulting in his tragic death on the spot. The ASP stated that immediately after the murder, a failed attempt was made to make it look like an accident by throwing the body on the road. Acting swiftly, the police have arrested all three accused. Based on a complaint filed by the victim’s mother, they have registered a case of murder as well as under relevant sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. During rigorous interrogation, the arrested accused confessed to their horrific crime. The police have taken possession of the deceased’s body and sent it for post-mortem, and further legal proceedings in the case are being carried out with vigor. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Land grabs in Mahoba: Victim appeals to DM, alleges caste-related abuse
A case of alleged illegal land grab has come to light in Mahoba. Maheshchandra Ahirwar, a resident of Fatehpur Bajaria, has filed a petition with District Magistrate Gazal Bhardwaj alleging that some individuals have forcibly occupied his land in Khata No. 151. The victim also alleges that he was threatened and abused with caste-related abuses when he protested. According to Maheshchandra Ahirwar, his land is located in Khata No. 151 in Fatehpur Bajaria. He stated that he had gone to Delhi for his wife and children’s treatment. During his absence, the land was taken advantage of. The victim alleges that when he returned and protested the grab, the individuals involved and their supporters hurled caste-related abuses and threatened him. He says that as a result, he is unable to cultivate his own land. Maheshchandra Ahirwar has demanded that the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) investigate the matter, take legal action, and free the land from illegal occupation. The victim also stated that despite the complaint, no concrete action has been taken. He has appealed to higher authorities to intervene and provide justice. Mohammad Shariq Nawaz | Kabrai (Mahoba), Mahoba Courtesy: Hindi News
Will Sharad Pawar’s party, the NCP (SP), merge with the Congress? Supriya Sule and Rohit Pawar’s responses have fueled speculation.
New turmoil has erupted in Maharashtra politics. Speculation is now swirling in the state about whether Sharad Pawar’s party, the NCP (SP), will merge with the Congress. Supriya Sule and Rohit Pawar have also issued statements addressing these speculations. Speculation of the NCP (SP) merging with the Congress. Image Source: PTI There is a growing debate in Maharashtra politics these days about whether the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) could merge with the Congress. This issue has sparked political turmoil within both the Maha Vikas Aghadi and Mahayuti camps. This speculation was first fueled by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut. He said that regional parties that left the Congress to challenge the BJP should rejoin the Congress, and that Sharad Pawar should lead the process. Sanjay Raut said, “A strong Congress, a united Congress, should stand as a strong alternative within the country. Pawar Saheb should come forward (take the initiative) in this regard. Honorable Sharad Pawar ji, if he takes the lead and takes the initiative in this ideology or role that is being formed, this idea of coming together, then this idea will go a long way.” Question: Does this mean that the NCP will also join the Congress? Sanjay Raut said, “I am saying that the parties that have left the Congress ideology, for some reason, are already working on the Congress ideology. They are in the government, they are together in many streams, so if this idea comes together, then a big alternative (challenge) can be posed before the Modi government.” What did the Congress say? The Congress side did not completely dismiss this discussion either. Maharashtra Congress leader Nana Patole claimed that the idea of the NCP merging with the Congress is not new and that this proposal had been put forward before. Meanwhile, some Congress leaders have stressed the need for opposition unity. Nana Patole said that this understanding has now also developed among regional parties in various states. Whether it’s Mamata Banerjee, Sharad Pawar, or other parties representing secular politics, everyone feels they must join forces with the Congress to save the country. This process has already begun. What did the NCP (Sharad Pawar) say? On the other hand, the NCP (Sharad Pawar) has currently ruled out any formal merger proposal. Party leaders have stated that no such discussions have officially taken place, although statements by Rohit Pawar and Supriya Sule indicate that all options are open to consideration regarding opposition unity. Regarding the suggestion of the NCP merging with the Congress, Supriya Sule said, “Sanjay Raut ji is like an elder brother to me; he has made a good suggestion. I don’t know if it will happen or not.” Meanwhile, Rohit Pawar said, “It will happen when it happens. It may or may not happen. But first, it’s essential that all opposition parties come together and stand firmly against the Modi government.” What did CM Fadnavis say? Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sarcastically stated that regional parties will not merge with the Congress like a “sinking ship.” He claimed that even if opposition parties unite, it will not impact the BJP’s expansion; instead, it will gain political space. Speculation intensifies in Maharashtra politics Overall, no official decision or announcement has been made regarding the merger of the Congress and NCP (Sharad Pawar). However, Sanjay Raut’s suggestion, positive signals from Congress leaders, and reactions from Rohit Pawar and Supriya Sule have further fueled speculation on this issue in Maharashtra politics. Reported By: Sachin Chaudhary, Edited By: Subhash Kumar Courtesy: Hindi News
Haryana: 32-year-old Dalit youth brutally murdered, head severed from body; police investigating
A heartbreaking murder has come to light in Rohtak. A young man has been beheaded and his body severed. Murder of Dalit Youth in Rohtak Rohtak: A case of the brutal murder of a Dalit youth has come to light in Rohtak, Haryana. The youth has been identified as Neeraj of Ismaila village. He was 32 years old. The incident has created a stir in the area. A Dalit youth was brutally murdered in Ismaila village, under the jurisdiction of Sampla police station in Rohtak. The youth’s head was severed from his body. No information has yet been released about the murderer. All that has been known is that someone slit his neck with a sharp-edged weapon. The youth’s body was found in the village water tank this morning. The deceased’s name was Neeraj, and he was only 32 years old. Police and FSL teams arrived at the scene to investigate. The deceased’s body was taken into custody and sent to Rohtak PGI for post-mortem. The police have registered a murder case and initiated an investigation. This incident has created a sensation in the area and created an atmosphere of fear among the people. The visuals of the incident are so terrifying that even a normal person would be shaken by them. Even the police team arriving at the scene was stunned. This incident was carried out with extreme brutality. The case is under investigation, and people say that the perpetrator of such a crime should be severely punished. At present, no information has been obtained about the accused, but the police are conducting a continuous search operation. So far, no update has been received regarding the motive behind the murder or any enmity with the deceased. Discussions are ongoing in the surrounding area, and people are hoping for justice from the police. People believe that the police will soon uncover the truth behind this brutal murder and reveal the truth to the public. It remains to be seen how long it takes the police to solve this case. Currently, this incident has sparked anger among the Dalit community. Written By: Rituraj Tripathi Report by Sunil Kumar Courtesy: Hindi News
UP Father Held for Killing Daughter at Police Station Over Marriage to Dalit Man
The incident occurred after the daughter reaffirmed her decision to remain with her Dalit husband A 19-year-old woman was fatally stabbed inside the Badausa police station in Banda district, Uttar Pradesh, on 14 June. The incident occurred shortly after she reaffirmed her decision to remain with her Dalit husband, whom she had married against her family’s wishes. The accused, her father, was immediately apprehended by police at the scene. The victim was transported to a medical facility but succumbed to her injuries during treatment. As reported by The Indian Express, the woman, identified as Shivani Chauhan, had left her home on 18 May with Lalit Verma, a neighbour, and married him in Madhya Pradesh. Her family filed a complaint after her departure, leading police to trace and recover her. She was brought to the police station for legal formalities, including recording her statement. During the proceedings, Shivani reiterated her wish to stay with her husband, stating she had left home voluntarily. Coverage revealed that her family was present at the police station for counselling when her father, Satya Kumar Chauhan, allegedly attacked her with a knife. Police personnel intervened and overpowered him, but Shivani had already sustained critical injuries. Courtesy : The Quint Note: This news is originally published on https:/thequint.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit Man Beaten to Death in UP’s Lalitpur After Refusing to Massage Coworkers’ Feet During Drinking Party
Police said a 33-year-old Dalit man was allegedly beaten to death by three co-workers in Lalitpur district, Uttar Pradesh, after he refused to massage their feet while they were drinking. The victim has been identified as Rajkumar alias Chhannu, a Scheduled Caste man. According to police, the accused allegedly attacked him with a belt and an iron rod and then dumped his body on the roadside to make the death appear like a road accident. The incident came to light on Sunday morning when police received information about an unconscious man lying behind Varni Jain College near Gurunanak Dharamshala in Lalitpur. Lalitpur Additional Superintendent of Police Kalu Singh said Rajkumar was taken to a hospital where doctors declared him dead. “The man was identified as Rajkumar alias Chhannu (33), a Scheduled Caste man. He was taken to a hospital where doctors declared him dead,” Singh said. Attack during a liquor party During the investigation, police learned that Rajkumar had attended a liquor party at the home of one of the accused, Samyak Rajnayak alias Rahi Jain, in the Civil Lines area on Saturday night. Two other associates—Gajendra Narwariya alias Gajendra Singh Rajput and Gaurav Raikwar—were also present at the meeting. According to police, the three accused, under the influence of alcohol, allegedly asked Rajkumar to massage their feet. Additional Superintendent of Police Kalu Singh said, “When he refused, the three men attacked him with a belt and an iron rod, killing him on the spot.” Police said the accused later dumped Rajkumar’s body on the road to make the death appear like a traffic accident. Accused arrested, murder case registered Police have arrested all three accused in connection with the case. Officials said they allegedly confessed to the crime during interrogation. Based on a complaint from Rajkumar’s mother, police registered a case under murder charges as well as relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Police said, “The accused have been arrested and legal action is underway.” The victim’s body has been sent for post-mortem examination, while investigators continue to collect evidence in the case. 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
Rahul Gandhi to launch youth outreach in Prayagraj against paper leaks
Lucknow: Congress MP and the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will visit Prayagraj on July 10 as part of the party’s nationwide campaign against paper leaks, irregularities in examinations and rising unemployment.The programme in Prayagraj is among the first-phase events announced by the Congress to highlight what it described as a growing crisis confronting India’s youth. According to AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, the campaign seeks to bring together students, job aspirants, youth organisations, educators and those affected by examination scandals and recruitment irregularities. The Prayagraj convention will be held between similar outreach events scheduled in Kota on June 17, Patna on July 11, and Delhi on July 14. The party plans extensive mobilisation through the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Youth Congress and local organisational units. Outreach activities will include campus visits, interactions at coaching centres, universities and schools, as well as digital campaigns aimed at engaging students and job aspirants. Rahul Gandhi is likely to reiterate demands including decentralisation of NEET, abolition of examination fee, stringent action against those involved in paper leak rackets and greater accountability in the education system. The party has also sought a comprehensive discussion in Parliament on issues affecting students and unemployed youth. While the visit is centred around youth-related concerns, it also carries political significance as Uttar Pradesh gears up for Assembly elections. Gandhi has maintained a steady presence in the state over the past several months. Between Jan 20 and 21, the Rae Bareli MP visited his parliamentary constituency and addressed an MGNREGA Chaupal. He was again in Uttar Pradesh on March 13 to participate in a ‘Samvidhan Sammelan’ in Lucknow, where he paid tribute to Dalit leader Kanshi Ram on his birth anniversary. Most recently, on May 19 and 20, Gandhi visited Rae Bareli and Amethi, where he inaugurated development projects, addressed public meetings, interacted with women and party workers, and laid the groundwork for the Congress’ “Mission UP” campaign ahead of the Assembly polls. 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
Will Modi take up sailor deaths with Trump, asks Congress
NEW DELHI: Leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi Sunday called PM Narendra Modi an “obedient servant” of foreign forces that kill Indians. Congress asked whether the PM would raise the killing of Indian seafarers and the “threatening language” of secretary of state Marco Rubio with the Indian the foreign minister in his upcoming meeting in Paris with US President Donald Trump. Tagging a video of workers and the captain of MT Celestial ship, Rahul said, “Just days after three Indian sailors were killed in American attacks, there is neither regret nor apology. On the contrary, the US continues to issue orders. A sovereign nation would never tolerate such language. But our ‘compromised PM’? Silent. He listens like an obedient servant and complies with the orders.” Congress said India should put off the upcoming visit of US trade representatives in view of the killings of seafarers and Rubio’s “threatening language” with Jaishankar. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge slammed the PM for his “silence” over the killings. “And you have the audacity to sugarcoat it with the ‘Vishwaguru’ narrative. India used to be a ‘Vishwaguru’ when it maintained its strategic autonomy and followed the policy of non-alignment. The world listened to us when all previous govts followed this consistent policy of not surrendering,” he said. 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