Ernakulam pins high hopes on UDF’s ‘power cabinet’
With CM from dist, a stronger voice in policy making is expected KOCHI: As Kerala steps into a new political era under Chief Minister V D Satheesan, expectations are running especially high in Ernakulam district, the state’s commercial hub that now enjoys unprecedented representation in the cabinet. From the long-pending Angamaly bypass, additional ring roads and stronger road-rail connectivity to the development of emerging urban centres like Muvattupuzha, residents and industry leaders are hoping the new government will finally fast-track projects that have remained on paper for years. With the chief minister himself representing the district, along with ministers Roji M John, Anoop Jacob and V E Abdul Gafoor, Ernakulam expects a stronger voice in policy making and infrastructure planning. The demand for improved connectivity has once again taken centre stage. Civic groups and planners argue that Kochi can no longer sustain rising traffic pressure without large-scale interventions including new bypasses, ring roads and alternative urban corridors connecting nearby towns. “The government should design a strategy to reduce pressure on the city. Along with the Sabari Rail project, a 50 to 60-metre-wide road should also be developed,” said V J Kurian, former managing director of Cochin International Airport Limited. “If such a high-speed corridor becomes a reality, it could significantly reduce congestion in the city. This will particularly benefit people travelling from Erumely,” he said. Kurian also stressed that development should not remain confined to Kochi.“There should be equal focus on developing cities like Muvattupuzha. After the airport, the Kochi Metro was the only major project Ernakulam received, and even that is yet to be fully completed,” he said. According to him, the long-pending Kundannoor-Angamaly bypass must figure among the government’s top priorities. Industry leaders, meanwhile, have highlighted the need to create a more business-friendly ecosystem in Kochi. Vinodini Sukumar, president of the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the government must focus on youth-centric initiatives and startup support. “Kochi has a large youth population and the government should introduce startup training programmes and youth-oriented initiatives,” she said. There is a growing trend of entrepreneurs starting ventures here but registering them outside Kerala because of the lack of a conducive business environment in the city, she added. D Dhanuraj, chairman of the Centre for Public Policy Research, stressed the need to improve urban living standards. “From water supply to roads and electricity, Kochi deserves focused attention as it hosts major institutions including Cochin Shipyard,” he said. Social activist Ranjith Thampi echoed similar concerns. “Infrastructure continues to be one of Ernakulam’s biggest concerns. The district needs more ring roads and better connectivity,” he said. “Now, with a minister from Angamaly in place, people are once again hoping the Angamaly bypass project will finally become a reality. There is also a growing demand for a second bridge connecting mainland Kochi and Bolgatty, which has long been a dream for many residents,” he added. What District wants Early completion of Angamaly bypass More ring roads and smoother connectivity Development of Muvattupuzha and eastern belt Better climate for startups and business Upgraded roads, water and transport infrastructure Abhirami Anil 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
Stage overrun as massive crowd threatens to derail security protocol in Kerala
But for the Congress-led UDF, for whom the event marked a historic return to power after a decade, a restrained ceremony would have undermined the spirit of the occasion. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After the swearing-in ceremonies of the new governments in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, all eyes were on whether Kerala too would opt for a flamboyant, festival-like spectacle or stick to the sombre tradition usually associated with such occasions in the state. When the protocol wing of the general administration department got in touch with Lok Bhavan, the latter preferred to follow convention – seating on the dais only for the governor, the ministers being sworn in and the chief secretary. But for the Congress-led UDF, for whom the event marked a historic return to power after a decade, a restrained ceremony would have undermined the spirit of the occasion. Late on Sunday, Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan made a special request to Governor Rajendra Arlekar to permit additional dignitaries on the dais. “Though Satheesan initially preferred a simple ceremony, there was pressure from the AICC to ensure that Rahul Gandhi and other senior Congress leaders were accommodated on the stage,” said a source privy to the developments. “Since the governor did not want the new government’s tenure to begin on a sour note, he did not object to the chief minister’s request,” said a top official. The presence of nearly two dozen chairs in the front row and an almost equal number behind them offered an early indication of what was to come. However, matters soon spiralled beyond expectations. The swearing-in ceremony began nearly 15 minutes late after security personnel reportedly informed officials that the arrangements on the dais did not conform to the governor’s security protocol. Besides the dignitaries, members of their personal staff too remained standing behind the chairs, further crowding the stage. Governor Arlekar himself was seen navigating through nearly 60 people on the dais upon his arrival. “When the chief minister met the governor after the ceremony, he expressed regret over the way the arrangements had eventually unfolded. Even P K Kunhalikutty felt that the scale of the crowd frenzy had gone beyond expectations and resulted in a degree of chaos,” the official added. Sovi Vidyadharan 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
Team Satheesan kicks off on a welfare note
Satheesan, who had sharply criticised the previous LDF government over its “poor handling” of the economy, also announced the cabinet’s decision to release a white paper on the state’s financial health. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid thunderous cheers from a teeming crowd and in the presence of a galaxy of VIPs, V D Satheesan was sworn in as Kerala’s 13th Chief Minister along with 20 cabinet colleagues at a glittering ceremony at Central Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, on Monday. True to his word, Satheesan wasted no time after assuming office, rolling out two major poll promises: free travel for women on KSRTC buses from June 15 and the launch of India’s first dedicated government department for senior citizens. In a major relief for striking ASHA workers, the government also announced a Rs 3,000 hike in their monthly honorarium. Satheesan, who had sharply criticised the previous LDF government over its “poor handling” of the economy, also announced the cabinet’s decision to release a white paper on the state’s financial health. Addressing a packed press conference after his cabinet’s first meeting, a composed Satheesan said he was fully aware of the enormity of the task ahead and made it clear that his administration was determined to break from rigid precedents. While the finer details of the free transit scheme are being worked out, Satheesan said the new elderly welfare department would, within two months, prepare a comprehensive road map inspired by global models such as Japan’s to ensure senior citizens can live with dignity. The chief minister said the government’s goal was to build a system that would make Kerala proudly stand out as a truly civilised society. Signalling immediate relief for grassroots health and welfare workers, the cabinet approved a first-phase `3,000 hike in the honorarium of ASHA workers, raising their monthly pay from Rs 9,000 to Rs 12,000, with the promise of a second-stage increase later. Satheesan said a final decision on their retirement benefits would be taken within a month. The government also announced a Rs 1,000 salary hike for anganwadi workers, helpers and cooks, as well as pre-primary teachers and nannies. On the fiscal front, Satheesan said the government would publish a white paper, prepared with the support of economic experts, to give people a clear picture of the state’s financial health. SIT will probe ‘police excesses’ during Nava Kerala Sadas: CM The administration will also chart its next course after receiving a detailed report on the economic impact of the fuel price hike, while simultaneously reviewing monsoon preparedness. In a major political and administrative move, Satheesan announced the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the alleged police excesses against Congress workers during the Nava Kerala Sadas in 2023. Declaring, “We will not forget anything,” he insisted the move was not driven by political vendetta. Justifying the decision, the chief minister accused the previous regime of inaction, pointing out that a court in Alappuzha had ordered a reinvestigation of the case but no steps were taken. “The SIT will reinvestigate the case,” he said. In another clear departure from the previous administration, Satheesan assured greater access for the media to the state secretariat, saying the additional restrictions imposed by the former government would be reviewed. Portfolio row pushes govt into first crisis T’Puram: Hours after assuming office, the V D Satheesan government is facing its first major test as the chief minister and the Congress leadership have failed to arrive at a consensus over allocation of portfolios to certain ministers. 1st cabinet meeting Major decisions Free travel for women in KSRTC buses from June 15 Dedicated department for senior citizens; expert study to be initiated soon Rs 3,000 hike in monthly honorarium of ASHA workers; decision on retirement benefits in one month Rs 1,000 hike for anganwadi workers and helpers, noon-meal workers, pre-primary teachers and helpers Special Investigation Team to probe attacks during Nava Kerala Sadas in 2023 White paper to be published on financial status of treasury Decision to reduce fuel price hike burden will be taken after fiscal impact analysis To monitor monsoon preparedeness Assembly Session Special assembly session to held on May 21; MLAs to be sworn-in on the day Senior leader G Sudhakaran to be pro tem speaker Speaker’s election on May 22 Governor’s policy declaration on May 29 First session of 16th Kerala Assembly from May 29 Budget most likely on June 5 New appointments Advocate General: Adv Jaju Babu (Senior High Court lawyer) Director General of Prosecution: Adv T Asaf Ali 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
Under pressure from youth booked for stalking and harassment, teen Dalit girl ends life in MP
Niwari, A Class 10 Dalit student committed suicide in Madhya Pradesh’s Niwari district on Sunday after she was allegedly pressured by a man against whom she had lodged a complaint of stalking and harassment a couple of days ago, a police official said. The 16-year-old girl hanged herself in her house in Siyakhas village, around 18 km from the district headquarters, Prithvipur police station house officer (SHO) Jitendra Singh Gurjar told PTI. “She had earlier complained against Abhishek Yadav, a youth from the same village, after he allegedly caught hold of the girl with malicious intent when she was returning home from a temple with her sister-in-law two days ago,” he said. Following her complaint, Yadav and three others were booked under provisions of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, he said. “The accused allegedly pressured the girl’s family to withdraw the case. Possibly due to fear and pressure, she took the extreme step. Yadav has been arrested,” Gurjar said. This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. Courtesy : The Print Note: This news is originally published on https:/theprint.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dispute at birthday party, case filed against 55 people: 10 people, including the president’s husband, accused of Dalit harassment in Deoria
Police have filed a case against 55 people, 20 of whom are named, in connection with a dispute that broke out during a birthday party in the Rampur Factory police station area of Deoria district. Police have filed a case against 10 people, including the Nagar Panchayat president’s husband, under sections of Dalit harassment, rioting, and assault. Based on a complaint from the other party, a case has also been filed against nearly three dozen people, including a former BJP Mandal president, SP leaders, and a ration dealer. The incident occurred on the night of May 14 in Rampur Factory town. A birthday celebration was underway at Pradeep Chauhan’s home when a dispute erupted over a broken bike indicator. This dispute soon escalated into a physical altercation. A video of the incident went viral on social media. Based on Pramod Paswan’s complaint, a case has been registered against the chairperson’s husband, Satish Verma, Rahul Verma, Raju Yadav, Guddu Verma, Vicky Jaiswal, Dinesh Verma, and Vishal Yadav, among others, for rioting, assault, and under the SC/ST Act. Police have filed a case based on both parties’ complaints and begun an investigation. Rampur Factory Police Station Officer Ashwani Pradhan stated that a case has been registered against 20 named and 55 unidentified individuals based on complaints from both parties regarding the fight that broke out over a broken bike indicator. He stated that the investigation is ongoing and the accused will be arrested soon. An FIR was also filed with the police by the Nagar Panchayat Chairperson’s husband, Satish Verma, based on the complaint from the other party. Several individuals, including SP leaders, were named in the complaint. SP leader Chandrabhushan Singh Yadav, Murali Yadav, former BJP Mandal President Deepak Jaiswal, ration dealer Irfanullah alias Sajju, Akil Nafees, Aftab Alam, Ladla, Budhan, Dheeraj Gupta, Pramod Paswan, and others. Based on this complaint, the police have registered a case under sections of intimidation, assault, and other charges. Furthermore, more than two dozen unidentified individuals have also been named as accused. Including the cases filed by both parties, approximately 50 people are now under police investigation. Tension prevails in the Rampur factory town following the incident. Police are constantly monitoring the area. On Saturday, women from one side reached the police station and created a ruckus. Following this, Circle Officer Sadar Sanjeev Kumar Reddy arrived at the scene and spoke with both parties and assessed the situation. A minor issue of a broken indicator turned into a major dispute. The most discussed topic among locals is that the entire dispute began simply because the bike’s indicator was broken. Both parties have acknowledged the broken indicator in their respective complaints. People say that the minor dispute could have been resolved through negotiations, but quickly escalated into violence, commotion, and litigation. Following the incident, this issue was the topic of discussion throughout the day in several villages within the Nagar Panchayat area, including Dumri, Sirsiya No. 1, Mahdeva, Kotwa Mod, Patanwa Pul, Madhopur, and Hirandapur. The case poses a challenge for the police, as both parties involve politically influential individuals. With names of both the ruling and opposition parties emerging, police are taking every step with caution. Given the tension in the area, extra vigilance is being maintained. The Chairperson’s husband, Satish Verma, has categorically denied the allegations against him. He stated that the opposition party filed the case as part of a conspiracy due to an election rivalry. Satish Verma claims that he is not visible in the viral video on social media, yet the case was filed under pressure. He has promised to send a letter to the Chief Minister demanding an impartial investigation into the matter. The other party alleges that casteist remarks were made and he was assaulted at the birthday celebration. Police say the investigation is being carried out based on the viral video, witnesses, and other evidence. Tensions remain between the two parties, and the police are closely monitoring the situation. Officials say further action will be taken based on the facts that emerge from the investigation. Anugrah Narayan Shahi | Deoria Courtesy: Hindi News
A Dalit priest from Rajasthan writes to Mohan Bhagwat: “You are against caste discrimination, but RSS volunteers…”
Priest Vishnu Kumar alleges that some local workers of the organization, which preaches harmony and Hindu unity, are adopting a casteist attitude and conspiring to usurp his ancestral temple. Bhilwara – Amidst Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat’s continued advocacy for “one temple, one well, one crematorium” and social harmony, a shocking incident has emerged from Rajasthan’s Bhilwara district. A Dalit priest has alleged that local RSS workers are conspiring to usurp his ancestral temple and attacked him with casteist slurs. The victim has personally written a letter to the Sarsanghchalak, requesting his intervention. Vishnu Kumar, a resident of Barana village in Asind tehsil, stated in his letter that he is the priest of the “Shri Khakul Dev Ji” temple, which was established by his ancestors approximately 400 years ago. According to Vishnu Kumar, liquor businessman Sampat Jat, an active RSS volunteer, has been fomenting trouble against him since 2023. It is alleged that on August 14, 2025, several RSS workers and villagers, led by Sampat Jat, entered the temple premises. Vishnu Kumar alleges, “They attacked us, beat us, and used casteist slurs. They forcibly placed a donation box in the temple and declared that Dalit priests would no longer be allowed to work there.” His father, Shravan Lal, and other family members were also beaten in the incident. Due to the local BJP MLA Jabar Singh’s full support for these anti-Dalit RSS volunteers, no action was taken. Later, when Scheduled Caste organizations raised their voices, a police investigation was conducted. Even after the police investigation substantiated the allegations, the accused of Dalit harassment were not arrested and were allowed to roam freely. Ultimately, the accused obtained a stay on their arrest from the Rajasthan High Court and are now harassing us again. Priest Vishnu Kumar The victim reported that after the attack, local RSS workers intensified their efforts to take over the temple by forming a trust. Vishnu Kumar expressed concern that, despite the absence of a single Muslim family in the village, a mahapanchayat was held against the Dalits in the name of “Sakala Hindu Samaj.” He directly questioned the Sarsanghchalak, saying, “You talk about harmony at the top, but your workers are doing the opposite.” Vishnu Kumar urged the RSS chief to stop the workers from snatching the temple from the Dalit priest and to urge the BJP government to return the temple to them. Vishnu Kumar also accused the administration of inaction. He stated that despite a case being registered under the SC/ST Act and the allegations being proven during the investigation, the accused were not arrested. Instead, the accused have obtained a stay on arrest from the High Court and are now harassing them again. The letter stated, “Using the pretext of a dispute created by casteist RSS volunteers, the BJP government in Rajasthan, with the help of BJP MLA Jabar Singh and the administration, has seized the Shri Khakul Dev Temple, our ancestrally built and private temple, from us Dalit priests by placing it under the Tehsildar’s control. Now, neither the police station, nor the Tehsildar, nor the administration, nor the court, nor the BJP government listens to us. Now, when we go to the temple and worship, this same RSS volunteer, Sampat Jat, and his entire group, file false complaints against us.” The priest also complained about the arbitrary actions of the local police station’s CI. In his letter, priest Vishnu Kumar wrote, “I, Vishnu Kumar, currently a priest who considers myself a member of the Hindu community and performs puja at the Shri Khakul Dev Ji temple according to Hindu customs, have approached members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) from Arshid to Bhilwara, expressing my pain. I told them that your educated volunteers are usurping the temple from me, a Dalit priest. However, no one listened. Therefore, I am compelled to write this letter to you. You speak for the entire Hindu community and advocate harmony. You are against caste discrimination, and the RSS is running a campaign for one well, one crematorium, one temple. However, the RSS volunteers have usurped my own temple from me, a Dalit priest, and now they want to implicate me and my family in false cases, send us to jail, and even kill us. Your volunteers are behaving in the exact opposite way to what you are saying above. I humbly request you to stop terrorizing me in the name of the “total Hindu community,” and to stop the volunteers from Do not take the temple away from me, the Dalit priest, and ask the BJP government in Rajasthan to remove the receiver from the temple and hand it back to us Dalits, and allow police and legal action against the accused volunteers so that we can live as Hindus.” Caste Violence in Rajasthan The Dalit community in Rajasthan has long been the victim of social boycott, temple entry bans, and violent attacks. As of July 2025, the Rajasthan Police’s monthly report recorded 3,651 cases of atrocities against Dalits, including 44 murders and 325 rapes. The Meghvanshi community in the Asind region is particularly vulnerable to harassment, and the lack of effective action by the administration is further exacerbating this. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
Tamil Nadu: This Dalit comedian spoke out against NEET, now the same Rajmohan is in charge of the education department!
Put Chutney Rajmohan is Tamil Nadu’s School Education Minister These days, a name is being discussed in Tamil Nadu politics, one who neither comes from a traditional political family nor rose to power directly through film stardom. This name is Rajmohan Arumugam, known throughout Tamil Nadu as “Put Chutney Rajmohan.” Today, he is the Minister of School Education in the Tamil Nadu government, but his journey is quite interesting and inspiring. Rajmohan began his career in a television speaking competition, then became a household name on YouTube for his sharp satire and straightforward discussion of social issues. He acted in Tamil films, directed web series, served as a mentor on stand-up comedy platforms, and finally became an MLA by winning the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections from the Egmore constituency on a Tamil Nadu Vettiri Kazhagam (TVK) ticket. His victory wasn’t solely due to his popularity, but also to the video he made years ago, “Who Killed Anitha?” This video sparked a debate across Tamil Nadu on the education system, the NEET exam, and government negligence, echoes of which still resonate today. Now that he has become the Deputy Education Minister himself, the public expects him to implement the issues he raised on YouTube at the government level. Let’s explore in detail who Rajmohan Arumugam is, his early life, what the Put Chutney channel is, why the Anitha video became so influential, his work in films and web series, and how he ultimately won the 2026 election and made his way to the position of Deputy Education Minister. Rajamohan Arumugam was born and raised in Chennai. His father’s name is RP Arumugam. Chennai has a long-standing tradition of “Pattimandram,” where televised debate competitions are held during festivals. This tradition also influenced Rajmohan, who developed an interest in public speaking from a young age. As he grew older, he developed a keen interest in media and communication alongside his formal education. In 2010, he earned a Diploma in Business Management from IIT Chennai, and then a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Madurai Kamaraj University in 2018. This means he combines technical experience from a prestigious institution with formal media education. This combination later helped him become a prolific content creator. His rise to public recognition began with Star Vijay’s reality show “Tamil Pechu Engal Moochu,” a speaking and oratory competition. The show tested his command of the Tamil language, his reasoning, and his persuasive skills, and Rajmohan won its second season between 2008 and 2009. This victory established him as a brilliant speaker throughout Tamil Nadu. He then began regularly participating in traditional Pattimandram programs, especially those televised during religious festivals. This period served as a training ground for Rajmohan, where he learned the art of public speaking, debating, and convincing audiences. ‘Put Chutney’ changed the course of his life, laying the foundation for his political journey. The real breakthrough came when Rajmohan joined the YouTube channel ‘Put Chutney’. Put Chutney is a Tamil-language YouTube channel known for its political satire and social commentary. Rajmohan became the channel’s director and primary face, and under his leadership, Put Chutney became one of Tamil Nadu’s most-viewed digital platforms. The channel’s hallmark was its discussion of political and social issues in a way that made the common man understand them in a humorous way, yet at the same time maintained a sharp edge. Rajmohan’s style was remarkably fearless. He spoke openly on issues that people would typically either remain silent or dismiss lightly. His historic video which changed everything came on this channel. It was 2017, and there was an atmosphere of outrage in Tamil Nadu over the NEET exam. NEET, a national-level entrance exam made mandatory for admission to medical colleges, was facing strong opposition in Tamil Nadu because it was harming students from rural and government schools. Meanwhile, Anitha, a medical aspirant, committed suicide in protest against NEET. This sent shockwaves through the state. Rajmohan made a video about this incident, titled “Who Killed Anitha?” This video wasn’t just a video; it was a question. In it, Rajmohan targeted political power, highlighted the growing inequalities in the education system, and asked society to what extent we were collectively responsible for this girl’s death. The video quickly spread like wildfire. Millions of people watched and shared it, reigniting the debate over NEET. At that point, Rajmohan was no longer just a YouTuber; he emerged as a voice that directly questioned the powers that be. This video laid the foundation for his political journey. After this incident, Rajmohan’s influence grew. In 2018, he created content on sensitive issues like the Cauvery water dispute and spoke directly about the political turmoil between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. That same year, Telugu actor Vijay Deverakonda also appeared on his channel for a promotional video promoting the political film “NOTA.” Rajmohan launched another YouTube channel, “Tamil Vanakkam,” specifically targeted at college students, presenting discussions on social issues in a simple manner. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck and schools and colleges were closed, Rajmohan launched a new channel focused solely on students whose studies had been affected. This reflects his vision and sensitivity, as he didn’t stop at just making videos but instead adapted to every need. Alongside his digital journey, Rajmohan also entered the Tamil film industry. He appeared in several notable films in supporting roles, including “Thaana Serndha Koottam,” “Velaiilla Pattadhari 2,” also known as VIP 2, “Natpe Thunai,” “Ispade Rajavum Idhayaraniyum,” and “Nenjamundu Neramaiyundu Odu Raja.” While these weren’t major roles, they strengthened his screen presence and established him in the film industry. In 2023, he directed the film “Baba Black Sheep,” a project he had been developing for a long time. This marked his directorial debut. In 2022, he starred in the web series “Fall,” and also made his presence felt in the OTT space. He also appeared as a judge and mentor on the Amazon Prime Video show “Comicstaan Semma Comedy Pa.” The show was the Tamil version of the
Humanity Shamed in Kanpur: Dalit Teen Stripped, Beaten, Forced to Lick Spit on Shoes
An incident that shames humanity in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, involved bullies brutally punishing a thirsty Dalit teen for touching water, even breaking his father’s ribs when he tried to intervene. Lucknow: A horrific and shameful incident has come to light in Kanpur district of Uttar Pradesh. Four men, allegedly from the upper caste, stripped and brutally beat a 16-year-old Dalit teen after a dispute over touching a bucket of water. The attackers’ brutality didn’t stop there; they not only broke the boy’s arm but also forced him to lick spit on their shoes. This inhumane incident in Kanpur came to light on Sunday, just a day after another video went viral on social media. In this viral video, a young man from the backward caste in Chandauli district was seen being forced to lick spit at gunpoint. According to a Telegraph India report, the Kanpur incident occurred on May 2nd in Jhakra Sambharpur village. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the victim’s father said that while trying to intervene, the attackers also attacked him and broke his ribs. The victim’s father, a farmer by profession, narrated his ordeal, saying that someone had informed him that his son was tied up by some people. When he ran to the scene to rescue him, the accused also beat him severely. He said that he was released only after other villagers intervened. The victim, a teenager, said that he was working in the fields and was very thirsty. When he noticed a bucket full of water near a public hand pump in front of Sanjay Rajput’s house. According to the boy, as soon as he went there and took a mug of water, Sanjay, his brother Deepak, and their friends Sagar Kumar and Patiya Kumar came running. The accused immediately snatched the mug from his hand, stripped him naked, and brutally beat him for about half an hour. The teenager further stated that when his father came to his rescue, he was also kicked and punched. Both father and son repeatedly apologized, but the attackers refused to stop beating them. Sanjay then spat on his shoes and forced the teenager to lick it. They also forced the boy to drink water from his shoes. Following this brutal attack, the injured father and son were hospitalized for three days. The boy stated that only two days ago, he mustered the courage to contact the police. Manoj Kumar Singh, Assistant Police Commissioner of Panki area in Kanpur district, described the entire incident as a “scuffle between some people.” He informed that a case has been registered against four people under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the matter is being thoroughly investigated before further action is taken. According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, Uttar Pradesh tops the country in cases of atrocities against Dalits. According to these data, 15,130 such cases were registered in the state in 2023 and 14,642 in 2024. On the other hand, in a viral video purportedly from the Chandauli incident, a young man in his twenties can be clearly seen pointing a pistol at a man. The accused spits on the ground and threatens the victim to lick it. Chandauli Superintendent of Police Akash Patel confirmed that the incident occurred approximately nine or ten months ago in Bhagatpur village. Briefing reporters on Saturday, he stated that a case of assault has been registered against Anshu Singh at the Jamalpur police station. He has been summoned and asked to apologize, and legal action is being taken against him. Although only one attacker is visible in the video, voices coming from behind indicate the presence of at least two more accomplices. One of these individuals was likely recording the video. The victim from Chandauli claims that the attackers are real estate agents and well-known criminals. He alleged that all three of them are residents of his village, Bhagatpur, and that they attacked him simply for fun. The video was posted online to spread terror in the area. He also stated in his complaint that the police detained only Anshu on Saturday, and he was released on bail from the police station shortly afterward. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit teen brutally beaten by caste Hindu men for touching water at public handpump in Kanpur
Four upper-caste Hindu men allegedly assaulted and humiliated a 16-year-old Dalit boy in Kanpur after he touched a bucket of water at a public handpump, with the teenager alleging that the accused fractured his arm and forced him to lick spit from their shoes. The incident was reported from Jhakhra-Sambharpur village under the Sachendi Police Station area in Kanpur on May 2, when the 16-year-old Dalit boy, son of a farm labourer, allegedly faced assault after touching a bucket kept near a public handpump while attempting to drink water after working in agricultural fields. The bucket reportedly belonged to upper-caste villagers. According to The Telegraph, the boy said, “When I walked over and took a mugful of water, Sanjay Rajput, his brother Deepak, and their associates Sagar Kumar and Patiya Kumar came running and snatched the mug off my hands.” He alleged that the accused abused him with casteist slurs and accused him of polluting the water source because he was a Dalit. He said he was beaten for nearly half an hour. “They kicked and punched my father too when he came to rescue me. We kept apologising, but they wouldn’t stop beating us. Then Sanjay spit on his shoes and forced me to lick it. They also poured water into my shoes and made me drink it,” he said. The assault allegedly left him with a fractured arm. When the boy’s father attempted to intervene, he was also allegedly assaulted and suffered injuries, including a fractured rib. The accused also allegedly sprinkled Ganga water around the handpump area to “purify” the place after he touched the bucket. The family initially hesitated to approach the authorities due to fear and pressure within the village. Villagers later gathered at the spot after hearing the commotion and cries during the assault, following which the accused allegedly fled. The alleged atrocity came to wider public attention on Sunday, a day after a video purportedly showing a backward-caste youth being forced to lick spit at gunpoint in Chandauli district began circulating on social media. Police later registered an FIR under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act along with other charges. Sanjay Rajput was taken into custody, while efforts were underway to arrest the remaining accused. Manoj Kumar Singh, assistant commissioner of police for the Panki area of Kanpur district, described the incident as a “fight between some people”. Police Commissionerate Kanpur Nagar, in a statement posted on X, said, “On 02 May 2026, a dispute arose between two parties in the village of Jhakra under the jurisdiction of Sachendi Police Station over the issue of dumping garbage and using the toilet in the field, which later escalated into a physical altercation.” “During the investigation, the allegations mentioned in the FIR regarding forcing him to lick spit and making him drink water from a shoe have not been confirmed. The case has essentially been found to be a mutual dispute and physical altercation between the two parties,” the statement further said. Police said the boy sustained injuries and underwent a medical examination, following which a case was registered under relevant sections and the SC/ST Act. Action is being taken against the remaining accused, and the investigation is being conducted by Assistant Police Commissioner of Panki Manoj Kumar Singh. Reacting to the incident, the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee alleged that “casteist thugs thriving under the patronage of those in power” had brutally assaulted the Dalit father and son. The party further alleged that the incident reflected the spread of “Manuvaad” under the rule of the BJP and RSS, calling the assault “a direct attack on Babasaheb’s Constitution, equality and humanity.” Avinash Pande, General Secretary of the Indian National Congress, said the incident was “deeply shocking” and raised “serious questions about the core spirit of our democracy and Constitution.” Pande said that if humiliation, violence and oppression continued in the name of caste even today, it reflected the persistence of caste-based discrimination in society. He demanded an impartial investigation, strict action against the accused, and protection and justice for the affected family. “The Constitution grants dignity and equal rights to all — no form of caste-based oppression can be tolerated,” he said. Vinay Ratan Singh, National President of the Bhim Army Bharat Ekta Mission, said the attack was “a shameful assault on humanity” and evidence that “even today, Dalit society is not considered equal human beings.” Singh demanded the immediate arrest of all the accused, invocation of stringent provisions under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and compensation, security, and medical treatment for the victim’s family. The incident has also drawn attention to the wider pattern of caste-based violence in Uttar Pradesh. According to the National Crime Records Bureau data, the state recorded the highest number of atrocities against Dalits, with 15,130 cases registered in 2023 and 14,642 in 2024. Courtesy : Maktoob Media Note: This news is originally published on https:/maktoobmedia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
PHOTO ESSAY: A symbolic marriage ritual and beauty pageant brings India’s trans community together
KOOVAGAM, India (AP) — Under stage lights, hundreds of transgender women adjusted their sarees, tucked flowers into their hair, and waited to be called onstage. One by one, they waved to cheering crowds and struck poses at one of India’s largest gatherings for the transgender community. Held each year in Koovagam village in southern India’s Tamil Nadu, the annual Koovagam festival brings faith and beauty together. By day, transgender women gather at a temple to honor a Hindu deity through rituals rooted in mythology and grief. By night, they celebrate glamour, identity, and joy as they take part in a vibrant beauty pageant. The festival centers on the Hindu legend of Aravan, a warrior from the Hindu epic Mahabharata who agreed to sacrifice himself before battle but wished to marry first. According to the story, the Hindu god Krishna transformed into a female form to wed Aravan. Many transgender women in India see the tale as a rare sacred recognition of gender fluidity, and each year reenact the marriage during the festival. The celebration, which drew hundreds of transgender women last month, has become both a sacred pilgrimage and a powerful expression of identity in a country where many transgender people still face discrimination, violence and exclusion. It also unfolded under a cloud of anxiety for the transgender community. Many attendees arrived amid growing concern over a controversial national bill that activists warn could erode hard-won rights for India’s transgender community by requiring medical-board approval for legal gender recognition. For many participants, the festival was deeply spiritual. Shanshi, who goes by just one name, has been attending the festival for five years and described Aravan as “God for all transgender people.” “When we gather here, it is for one reason — to worship Lord Aravan by getting married to him,” she said, after a Hindu priest tied a sacred thread around her neck, symbolically marrying her to the deity. Others spoke of violence and hardship beyond the festival grounds. Nazariya Kutty, 28, said she was forced out of her family home as a teenager and later survived domestic abuse and sexual assault in a marriage she hoped would bring stability. She rebuilt her life through delivery jobs before reopening her travel business. Now back at Koovagam with friends, she said the rituals give her strength. “I am waiting to be the bride of Lord Aravan,” Kutty said. “I have faith he will restore whatever I have lost.” Amid the festival’s spiritual fervor, the atmosphere remained celebratory. The village of Koovagam also transformed into a vibrant beauty pageant, where glamour and community took center stage. Backstage at this year’s beauty pageant, contestants in shimmering sarees shared mirrors and makeup brushes before stepping onto the stage as music echoed through the village. For 24-year-old Surya Kutty, winning the Miss Koovagam crown marked a personal turning point after years of returning to the festival with close friends. “This win has given me the confidence to participate in national and international events,” she said. Beyond the pageantry and rituals, many attendees described the gathering as a rare space of belonging for a community that continues to face barriers to jobs, housing and healthcare across India. Surya said the festival creates a rare sense of belonging. “Here we meet other transgender people and feel loved and cared by everyone,” she said. “These are special days meant exclusively for us.” By MAHESH KUMAR and SHEIKH SAALIQ — Associated Press Courtesy : WRAL News Note: This news is originally published on https:/wralnews.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights