Great Nicobar project faces fresh questions on ecology, tribal consent and feasibility: Jairam Ramesh
Congress party general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh says the press note, issued three days after Rahul Gandhi’s April 28 visit to Great Nicobar, is part of ‘damage control’ The Congress on Sunday questioned the Centre’s response on the Great Nicobar Island Development Project, saying the Government’s clarification, issued after the recent visit of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, does not address the serious concerns raised over ecology, tribal rights, environmental clearances and financial viability. Senior Congress leader and party general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh said the press note, issued three days after Rahul Gandhi’s April 28 visit to Great Nicobar, was part of “damage control” and ignored detailed objections already submitted to the Environment Ministry in 2024. He said the issues raised related to the ecological sensitivity of the island, legality of approvals and the economic assumptions behind the project. “The Government’s press note does not address any of the serious concerns that have been raised,” Ramesh said. The Great Nicobar Island Development Project includes a transshipment port, airport, township and tourism infrastructure in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Ramesh said the claim that only 1.82 per cent of island land is being used was misleading as it ignored the ecological value of Great Nicobar as a distinct and fragile ecosystem. He said nearly 50 new species of birds, reptiles, crabs and other fauna had been recorded from the island in recent years, underlining its biodiversity. On Galathea Bay, the proposed site of the port, Ramesh said it fell under Coastal Regulation Zone-1A where such construction is not permitted. He said the area had over 20,000 coral colonies and was a major nesting site of the endangered Giant Leatherback turtle. He also questioned the environmental clearance process, alleging conflict of interest involving institutions such as the Wildlife Institute of India and the Zoological Survey of India, which were part of the clearance process and later involved in monitoring roles. Ramesh said compensatory afforestation proposed in Haryana could not replace forest loss in Nicobar. “A forest ecosystem cannot be substituted by plantation in a completely different ecological zone,” he said. He pointed to inconsistent official figures on tree felling, saying estimates had ranged from 8.52 lakh to 9.64 lakh and now 7.11 lakh trees. He said this raised questions over the accuracy of baseline assessments, adding that ANIIDCO had also invited tenders for enumeration and felling, indicating the absence of a final verified count. On tribal rights, Ramesh said the Nicobarese community withdrew consent in 2022, alleging they were pressured during the clearance process. He also raised concerns over the Shompen tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group, saying there is no clarity on how informed consent was obtained. He said Forest Rights Act procedures were completed in less than 20 days and without mandatory tribal representation, raising concerns over legality. On financial viability, Ramesh said projections of 10 million passengers annually at the proposed airport appeared unrealistic compared to Port Blair’s current traffic of around 1.8 million. He also referred to internal Government discussions that have flagged concerns over the viability of the transshipment port, which would need to compete with established regional hubs without a strong industrial base. Ramesh said key documents related to the project, including environmental management plans and committee reports, had not been made public. He also cited concerns raised by former Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash, who said security requirements should not be linked to the development project. Ramesh said security considerations should not be used to restrict scrutiny of a project with major ecological and social implications in one of India’s most sensitive island regions. Article_Author Shekhar Singh Courtesy : The Tribune Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetribune.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Obscenity against Dalit girl in Kannauj: Accused sentenced to 5 years in prison, fined ₹10,000 under the POCSO Act
The court has sentenced the accused to 5 years in prison for sexually assaulting a Dalit girl in Kannauj district. A fine of ₹10,000 has also been imposed on the accused, which will be given to the victim as compensation. This incident occurred in Rooppur village, under the jurisdiction of the Saurikh police station. On September 10, 2020, Pappu Sharma, a resident of the village, lured a Dalit girl to his home. The accused stripped naked in front of the girl and sexually assaulted her. When the girl screamed, her mother arrived and managed to rescue him. When she protested, the accused also abused her mother. Subsequently, the victim’s mother filed a complaint against Pappu Sharma at the Saurikh police station under sections of the POCSO and SC/ST Acts. During the court hearing, accused Pappu Sharma defended himself, saying that he had not stripped naked in front of the girl, but that his towel had come loose. Government advocate Brijesh Shukla stated that based on the evidence and witness statements, Special Judge Ram Gopal Singh sentenced Pappu Sharma to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of 10,000 rupees. However, due to lack of evidence, he was acquitted under the SC/ST Act. Vikas Awasthi | Kannauj Courtesy : Hindi News
In Morena, goons brutally beat a Dalit laborer, accused of making him wear a garland of shoes and parade him half-naked.
Goons in Morena a Dalit was allegedly abducted from a tractor-trolley, beaten with sticks, and paraded half-naked while wearing a garland of shoes. Police took action. Morena: The land of Chambal, once associated with tales of rebellion, is once again in the headlines, but this time it’s for violence. The Civil Lines police station area of Morena witnessed a brutal assault by goons that has raised many questions. A Dalit e-rickshaw driver, who was returning to his village on Saturday evening after picking up passengers for his livelihood, was kidnapped in a film-like manner on National Highway 44. He was then taken to Janakpur village, where he was not only beaten, but also made to wear a garland of shoes and paraded half-naked through the village. Bullies block e-rickshaw driver’s path 40-year-old Mohanlal (name changed), a resident of Jatawar village in the Civil Lines police station area, supports his family by driving an e-rickshaw along with his daily wages. As usual, on Saturday evening, he was returning to his village after picking up passengers from the bus stand. When his e-rickshaw arrived in front of Chambaldeep Hotel near the Sikroda Canal on National Highway 44, more than 24 bullies riding a tractor-trolley blocked his path. Kicked and beaten, garlanded with shoes, paraded half-naked through the village As soon as the tractor stopped, Dilip Gurjar, Bhura Gurjar, and Surendra Gurjar got off and forcibly pulled the laborer from the rickshaw and threw him on the road. The bullies then brutally beat him with kicks, punches, and sticks. Their rampage didn’t stop there; they put him in a tractor-trolley and took him to Gangapur, where they stripped him half-naked, and tied a garland of shoes around his neck. After this, they took him to Janakpur village, made him sit in the middle of the village, beat him up, and paraded him around the village. According to the victim, “The bullies held him hostage for about half an hour and humiliated him at gunpoint.” Police freed the laborer from the clutches of the bullies. Passengers in the e-rickshaw informed the police about the incident. Upon receiving the information, the Civil Lines police station arrived at the scene and freed the victim from the clutches of the accused. Based on the complaint of the victim, the police registered a case last night against Bhura Gurjar, Surendra Gurjar, Mahendra Gurjar, Dilip Gurjar, and Karua Gurjar. One of the accused has been arrested and jailed, while the search for the others is ongoing. Pressure for a settlement in an old case The victim has revealed a shocking reason behind this entire incident. He claims that he had a dispute with Dilip Gurjar, Bhura Gurjar, and Sheru Gurjar of Janakpur village during Diwali last year. The accused assaulted him at that time, after which he filed an FIR at the police station. According to the victim, they were continuously pressuring him to settle the old case. When he refused to compromise, the miscreants conspired and targeted him. The victim alleges that the entire incident, from kidnapping to parading him around the village, was a result of that pressure, designed to intimidate him into withdrawing the case. Police Reported a Dispute Between Two Parties Civil Lines Police Station Officer Udaybhan Singh Yadav has initially described the case as a simple scuffle. He said, “An old dispute has emerged between the two parties.” Police Station Officer Udaybhan Singh Yadav stated that the laborer’s family described the entire incident as an e-rickshaw driver. He was carrying a passenger, in which the same bullies were present. He dropped the passenger off near a canal. When the laborer asked for his money, they refused to pay. The people in the rickshaw assaulted him. Afterward, the laborer was left wandering around. Upon receiving the information, we brought the laborer here and filed a case against the accused. The station in-charge said, “It could be an old dispute, but if that were true, why would they get into his rickshaw? He told us they were pressuring him to compromise.” However, police have filed a case against five named accused involved in the incident, and one has been arrested. The search for the other accused is ongoing. Leaders of the Bhim Army, BSP, and Azad Samaj Party reached the police station. Officials and workers of the Bhim Army, Bahujan Samaj Party, and Azad Samaj Party reached the Civil Lines police station upon learning of the incident. They issued a stern warning to the police, demanding strict action against the accused. They also called for a fair investigation and justice for the victim, threatening to launch a protest otherwise. Courtesy: Hindi News
Three tombs demolished at the Balmiki community crematorium in Aligarh: Police file case against four people, including two women, for illegal encroachment.
A case of illegal encroachment has come to light at the Balmiki community crematorium in Dhori village, Akrabad, Aligarh. It is alleged that on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, a neighboring farm owner demolished three tombs with a JCB machine and annexed the crematorium land to his own. Police have filed a case against four people, including two women. Surendra Kumar Balmiki, a resident of Akrabad town, and his colleagues filed a complaint with the police. He explained that the Balmiki community has a centuries-old crematorium behind the Indian Gas warehouse in Dhori village. Previously, there were five permanent and two temporary tombs. According to Surendra Kumar, the neighboring farm owner took advantage of the darkness of the night and demolished the three tombs using a JCB machine. Subsequently, the cremation ground land was merged with their farm. Acting on a complaint from the Balmiki community, the police have registered a case number 201/2026 under sections 329(3), 301, and 324(4) against Ajay and Akhilesh (sons of Vinod Kumar), residents of village Dhori, Tulsi Devi (wife of Vinod Kumar), and Mithlesh Devi (wife of Tulsidas, resident of Badhari Khurd, Manaina Ummedpur, Aligarh). Station in-charge Vinod Kumar stated that it has been confirmed that a neighboring farm owner operated a JCB machine at the Balmiki community cremation ground. He added that a complaint was received against four people for demolishing three tombs, based on which a case has been registered and an investigation has been initiated. Zainul Abedin Khan | Akrabad (Kol), Aligarh Courtesy: Hindi News
Call to bring in law to end caste bias on campuses gets louder in Kerala
Higher Education Minister R Bindu said that a legal solution for all these issues was part of the University Laws Amendment Bill brought in by the LDF government, which had not been signed by the Governor. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: One hartal and 19 days after the suicide of Nithin Raj, the BDS student from Anjarakandy Dental College, discussions seem to revolve around the incident alone, rather than the repeated incidents of caste-slurs and discrimination being faced by students in the higher education sector. Calling caste discrimination in higher education institutions a problem with multiple aspects involved, Kerala State Higher Education Council member secretary Rajan Varughese said that there is a critical legislative vacuum to prevent atrocities against students coming from marginalised communities inside college campuses. “The Rohith Vemula Act, which could have been a one-stop solution to all such issues, has been stayed by the Supreme Court after protests by people with supposed vested interests. Even though Kerala has a gross enrolment ratio of SC/ST students way higher than the national average, we cannot be certain that discriminatory practices do not exist in our higher education institutions — be it private or public,” he said. Pointing out that the Karnataka government passed the Rohith Vemula Prevention of Discrimination, Exclusion or Injustice) (Right to Education and Dignity) Bill, less than two weeks ago, Dalit activist K Santhosh Kumar questioned what is stopping Kerala from implementing such a legal framework in the state. “A legislative reform is the immediate solution, but it cannot be a silver bullet to eradicate the issue. But beyond that, the system needs to democratise higher education institutions by ensuring proper representation of people from all communities, which should not just be limited to students, but extended to teachers, non-teaching staff, and even those in the administration. If we are able to bring this to the aided sector as well, the representation itself can ensure justice,” he said. Santhosh also added that the number of SC/ST suicides in Kerala’s campuses may not be an alarming figure, but the number of dropouts from these communities, particularly from professional colleges, is a matter of concern. However, Higher Education Minister R Bindu said that a legal solution for all these issues was part of the University Laws Amendment Bill brought in by the LDF government, which had not been signed by the Governor. “The bill had put forward key suggestions, which also carry the spirit of addressing issues of students from marginalised communities. It suggested the mandatory formation of a Students’ Grievance Redressal Cell at both the university and institution levels, including self-financing colleges. Along with this, a Students’ Charter of Rights was also part of the bill presented in the legislative assembly,” Despite the emergence of multiple cases and allegations at different points in time, conclusive data on discriminatory incidents against students from SC/ST groups are not available. Officials from the SC/ST welfare departments said consolidated data is not available about atrocities against college students. “Even at the national level, we just monitor the number of campus suicides. No separate provision has been allocated to monitor the caste-based deaths,” a top official working in the higher education department said. However, some Dalit organisations claim that at least 12 students from backward communities were found dead in the state’s colleges in the last 10 years. Aswin Asok Kumar 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
Rajasthan: Dalit bride forced off horse, wedding attacked with stones
One of the accused, Takhat Singh, the family claimed, used a sword during the attack. Udaipur: Yet another Dalit wedding procession was attacked, this time in Rajasthan’s Udaipur, where the bride was forced off the horse and the family was abused using casteist slurs. The incident is from April 29 night in the Hariyav village as Pooja Meghwal’s procession was moving along the main road at around 10 pm when the attackers blocked their path and hurled casteist remarks. According to the complaint filed by Pooja’s father, Bhairulal Meghwal, the accused Laxman Singh, Madhu Singh, Kishan Singh, Uday Singh, Arjun Singh, Takhat Singh, Fateh Singh, Vikram Singh, and others, including women, were involved in the act. The accused reportedly grabbed one of the relative’s turban and said, “Chamar Meghwalo, do not take the procession ahead of my house, otherwise there will be bloodshed,” The Mooknayak reported. They stopped the DJ, forced the bride off the horse and turned violently on the wedding guests. The group allegedly used sticks, stones, rods, and swords even, to attack the relatives in the procession. Several people from the wedding party were left injured, including women and children. One of the accused, Takhat Singh, the family claimed, used a sword during the attack. The attackers reportedly looted the baraat as some people reported missing mangalsutras and wrist watches. A first information report was registered on April 30 at the Dabok police station under Sections 189(2) (unlawful assembly), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), and 126(2) (wrongful restraint) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The case was also booked under relevant sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The bride’s family said the same group of attackers allegedly obstructed a different Dalit family’s wedding previously in the village. The Bhim Army on Friday, May 1, gathered in large numbers near the police station and demanded strict action against the accused. They warned of a larger protest if action under the SC/ST Act was delayed. 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
No immediate CM change in Karnataka as Congress may stay focused on Kerala
The Siddaramaiah camp had been trying to pitch Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara as the future CM under the Dalit quota. BENGALURU: The Congress high command is likely to remain cautious with regard to a change in leadership in Karnataka, keeping in mind the 2028 assembly polls, winning which will mean first overcoming anti-incumbency. The party leadership is unlikely to accede to pressure from either of the camps headed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and DCM DK Shivakumar, and is likely to work out a formula based on caste combination and winnability, according to sources. The top brass, including Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi and LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, will weigh the options, including that of maintaining status quo by keeping Siddaramaiah as the AHINDA face of the party and DK Shivakumar as KPCC president, besides sending AICC President Mallikarjuna Kharge as consensus CM candidate, sources added. The outcome of the May 4 results of five state assemblies will also have a bearing on the decision. The party high command is likely to get busy if it wins Keralam, where it appears to have an edge, and forms the UDF government. “They have to resolve the issue of the Keralam chief minister if UDF gets a majority, so dealing with Karnataka’s leadership issue will not be a priority,” a Congress leader remarked. The Siddaramaiah camp had been trying to pitch Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara as the future CM under the Dalit quota. A couple of days ago, the latter had welcomed the idea of Kharge becoming the CM, saying party leaders would accept him, given his seniority. Kharge had also clarified that the high command has not taken any decision on the Karnataka issue. “He (Kharge) has said that for now, there is a chief minister, and the question of changing him does not arise at the moment. In our party, the AICC president is the supreme authority, along with Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and others. When word comes from the high command, we not only give respect but also accept the order,” Parameshwara told reporters on Friday, adding, “When he (Kharge) says there is no change, it is a full stop (for change in leadership).” He said that since the statement came from Kharge, it is assumed that the top brass must have held deliberations over the issue. “The decision of Kharge, Sonia and Rahul is like ‘prasada’ (sacred offering) to us which we accept,” said DCM DK Shivakumar, reiterating his unwavering loyalty to the Congress leadership. “As a Congressman, I have been very loyal to the party. Our party leaders’ words are very important. We will go by the party’s directions,” he told reporters. Devaraj B Hirehalli 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
Sultanpur court denies forensic voice test request against Rahul Gandhi
A Sultanpur court rejected a plea seeking a voice sample of Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case filed by a BJP leader, posting the matter for May 11, with the complainant planning to challenge the order Sultanpur (UP): A local MP/MLA court on Saturday rejected a plea seeking a voice sample of Rae Bareli MP Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case filed by a BJP functionary against the Congress leader, and posted the matter for the next hearing on May 11. The plea, filed by BJP leader Vijay Mishra through his counsel Santosh Kumar Pandey, had sought Gandhi’s voice sample for a forensic test to compare it with an audio clip. After the petition was dismissed, Pandey said they would file a revision plea before the sessions court against the order. The court rejected the plea after hearing the arguments of both sides, including Gandhi’s counsel Kashi Prasad Shukla. The matter dates back to 2018 when Mishra, a local BJP leader, filed a defamation suit over Gandhi’s alleged objectionable remarks targeting Amit Shah while campaigning for the Karnataka Assembly elections. After five years of legal proceedings, the court issued a warrant against Gandhi in December 2023. The Rae Bareli MP surrendered before the court in February 2024, and was granted bail on two sureties of Rs 25,000 each by a special magistrate. On July 26 last year, the Congress leader recorded his statement before the court, claiming innocence and calling the case a political conspiracy. Earlier this year, multiple hearings were postponed due to a strike by lawyers and the ill-health of Gandhi’s counsel. Courtesy : Telangana Today Note: This news is originally published on https:/telanganatoday.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Savarkar Filed 5 Mercy Pleas, Saw Cow As Useful Animal & Not God: Grandnephew In Court
During cross-examination in his defamation case against Rahul Gandhi, Satyaki also admitted that Savarkar had appealed for Indian recruitment into the British Army for World War II Satyaki Savarkar, the grandnephew of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, has testified before a special MP/MLA court in Pune that the Hindutva ideologue had filed five mercy petitions with the British government while imprisoned. During a cross-examination, Satyaki also clarified that Savarkar viewed the cow as a “useful animal” rather than a deity. These admissions, as per LiveLaw occurred during the proceedings of a criminal defamation case lodged by Satyaki against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, whom he accuses of defaming his granduncle during a 2023 speech in London. Satyaki Savarkar confirmed to the court that his granduncle submitted clemency petitions five times during his incarceration in the Cellular Jail. However, he contextualised this by noting that such petitions were a common practice among many political prisoners of that era. Furthermore, Satyaki admitted that Savarkar had appealed for Indian recruitment into the British Army during World War II. He defended this action not as a sign of loyalty to the British, but as a strategic move to ensure young Indians received formal military and firearms training, which would be essential for the nation once it achieved independence. Rationalist views on the cow In a notable departure from traditional religious narratives often associated with Hindutva, Satyaki stated it was factual to say Savarkar did not consider the cow to be a god. He reiterated that Savarkar’s perspective was rationalist, treating the animal primarily for its utility to society. Satyaki argued that contemporary objections to Savarkar’s views on cows or his military advocacy often stem from a lack of deep engagement with his complete works. Courtesy : News18 Note: This news is originally published on https:/news18.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul Gandhi Criticizes BJP’s ‘Anti-Women’ Stance
Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP of exposing its ‘anti-women’ mindset after an alleged derogatory remark by a Gujarat BJP chief against a woman Congress MP. Gandhi criticizes the party’s commitment to women’s empowerment, highlighting a broader ideological conflict. Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP for its alleged ‘anti-women and Manuwadi’ mindset during a recent speech. His comments were triggered by an indecent remark made by Gujarat BJP President about Congress MP Geniben Thakor. Gandhi questioned the BJP’s commitment to women’s rights, claiming their actions reveal a regressive ideology. He warned that women across India would respond strongly to any insults directed at them. In a recent verbal onslaught, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi lambasted the BJP, accusing it of harboring an ‘anti-women and Manuwadi’ mindset. Gandhi’s remarks were in response to an alleged indecent comment made by Gujarat BJP President on woman Congress MP Geniben Thakor. Gandhi questioned whether the BJP genuinely championed women’s rights, suggesting their actions betrayed a regressive ideology. He emphasized that the BJP’s mask of ‘Nari Vandans’—a claim to honor women—is slipping, revealing what he calls true intentions beneath. Further castigating the party, Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of evading Parliament, allegedly ‘frightened’ by Congress women MPs’ questions. The Congress leader warned that women across India will respond to any insult with equal measure. Courtesy : Devdiscourse Note: This news is originally published on https:/devdiscourse.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights