Dalit teen girl’s rape and murder in Ghazipur sparks political storm ahead of PM Modi’s UP visit
The case intensified politically after a Samajwadi Party delegation visiting the family on April 22 was attacked with stones in the village, leaving several people, including police personnel, injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Uttar Pradesh on April 29 to inaugurate the Ganga Expressway, even as a political controversy continues to escalate over the death of a teenage Dalit girl in Ghazipur district. The incident has triggered sharp political reactions and competing visits to the affected village, with Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav set to meet the bereaved family on the same day as the Prime Minister’s visit to Hardoi. Opposition parties have demanded swift justice and strict action against those found responsible. The girl, reportedly around 17 years old, went missing on the night of April 14. Her body was later recovered from the Ganga river on April 15 in the Karanda area. While the family has alleged sexual assault and murder, police have said they are investigating all possible angles, including initial findings that point to drowning and a possible suicide linked to a prior relationship with the main accused. A case has been registered and the principal accused has been arrested, officials said. Police have also stated that the post-mortem report indicated drowning, and further investigation is underway. The case intensified politically after a Samajwadi Party delegation visiting the family on April 22 was attacked with stones in the village, leaving several people, including police personnel, injured. Authorities have arrested 10 individuals in connection with the violence. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi alleged that the victim belonged to the Vishwakarma community and claimed she had been raped and murdered, adding that the family was threatened to deter them from filing a complaint. He also called for action against police officials and demanded a high-level investigation. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also criticised the administration, alleging that rising atrocities against women and delays in registering cases reflect administrative failure in the state. Senior police officials, including the Additional Director General of Police for Varanasi zone, visited the village and met the family. They said the family had expressed satisfaction with the ongoing investigation and requested a fast-track trial. Authorities have meanwhile urged political parties to avoid statements or actions that could inflame tensions in the area, warning that strict action will be taken against those attempting to disturb public order. 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
Dalit murder case: YSRCP MLC Ananta Udaya Bhaskar sent to 14-day judicial custody
Udaya Bhaskar was taken into custody for intimidating four witnesses in the 2022 Dalit youth murder case and violating the bail conditions of the Supreme Court, say police The court has sent YSRCP MLC Ananta Udaya Bhaskar, who is facing the charges of criminal conspiracy, criminal intimidation and extortion of four witnesses in the Dalit youth murder case in Kakinada city, to 14-day judicial custody on Saturday. The Sarpavaram police, who arrested Mr. Udaya Bhaskar in Rajamahendravaram on Friday, produced him before the court on Saturday. “Mr. Udaya Bhaskar has been sent to Rajahmundry Central Prison on a 14-day judicial custody,” Kakinada District Superintendent of Police G. Bindu Madhav said. On May 19, 2022, Mr. Udaya Bhaskar allegedly dumped the body of his former car driver, Veedhi Subramanyam, and a 26-year-old Dalit youth, in Kakinada city. He was arrested on May 23, 2022. In December 2022, the Supreme Court granted him bail in the case. Investigation Officer G. Chenna Kesava said that Mr. Udaya Bhaskar was taken into custody for intimidating the four witnesses in the 2022 Dalit youth murder case and violating the bail conditions of the Supreme Court. The Sarpavaram police (Kakinada city) registered the case under Section 61 BNS (Criminal conspiracy) and 351 (2) (Criminal Intimidation) and Extortion (308 (5) against Mr. Udaya Bhaskar. Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Khargone: Dalit bride and groom denied entry into temple; police forced them to visit, community cuts off access to food and water.
In Padlya Gawli village, Khargone, a Dalit couple was punished for worshipping at a temple, leading the entire village council to turn against them. The police reopened the temple, but the village shops have now refused to supply the family with milk and rations. Khargone: Shocking news has emerged from Padlya Gawli village, under the Gogawan police station area of Khargone district, Madhya Pradesh. A newlywed Dalit couple has alleged that they were barred from entering the local Hanuman temple. Furthermore, they were subsequently socially boycotted as per the panchayat’s decision. Video released on social media Farmer and dholak player Nirmal Kanade alleged in a video released on social media that he and his wife and family had visited the temple on Friday, the day after their wedding, but the committee closed the temple gates and asked them to worship outside. A complaint was subsequently filed on Dial 112, prompting police to arrive at the scene, opening the temple and allowing the couple to perform puja. Police Opened the Temple and Allowed the Couple to Perform Darshan Khargone SP Ravindra Verma stated that upon receiving the information, the Ahirkheda police outpost in-charge was dispatched to the scene, and the temple was opened, allowing the bride and groom and their families to perform the puja and perform the rituals. The dispute escalated after the temple reopened. According to Gogawan Police Station in-charge Deepak Yadav, the other parties objected to the temple being opened after the scheduled time and special arrangements being made for the darshan. Community Seniors Provide Explanation Senior members of the Patel, Banjara, and Gawli communities, among others, offered a different perspective, stating that the temple’s darshan time had expired, which is why the gates were closed. They also alleged that the couple and their family were attempting to enter the temple wearing slippers. Furthermore, local tradition prohibits women from approaching the Hanuman statue, which is why they were denied permission. Even tea leaves and milk were not available. According to the police, after the darshan, some members of the Dalit community allegedly used offensive language against other communities. Following this, a panchayat was called in the village. According to the station in-charge, the panchayat decided to not employ certain individuals and impose a social boycott. Upon receiving the complaint, the police immediately reopened the temple and performed the puja. The social boycott complaint is serious. Both parties are being counseled and counseled. Maintaining peace in the area is our priority. Following the boycott decision, members of the groom’s community recorded videos of goods being denied at three different shops. The family says that shopkeepers, citing the panchayat’s decision, refused to provide even tea leaves and milk. Some shopkeepers threatened to pay fines if they provided goods. Police trying to reach a compromise SP Ravindra Verma stated that after receiving the complaint of social boycott, the police arranged a meeting between the two parties. In the meeting held on Saturday evening, both parties were counseled separately. Police say efforts are underway to reconcile the two communities so that the situation can return to normal. Edited by: Akash Sikarwar•Reported by: Animesh Jain About the Author Akash Sikarwar works as a consultant for the Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh digital team of NavbharatTimes.com. He has over seven years of experience in print, web, and broadcast journalism. Courtesy: Hindi News
RaGa targets Didi, TMC hits back with ‘feeding dogs’ jibe
Kolkata: Congress’s Rahul Gandhi went after Trinamool while campaigning in Bengal on Saturday, asking why the ED had summoned him for 55 hours of questioning while CM Mamata Banerjee — in whose state numerous alleged scams had surfaced — had faced no such scrutiny. Trinamool hit back hard, calling Gandhi’s remarks “irresponsible” and pointedly noting that he had been “feeding his dog” while Trinamool seniors were being hounded by central agencies. “I am on bail. A case is lodged against me every 10-15 days. I was questioned by the ED for 55 hours. How many hours was Mamataji questioned? Have they snatched her home or disqualified her from the assembly?” Gandhi asked at rallies in Serampore, Shahid Minar and Metiaburuz. He alleged that Modi attacks Banerjee during campaigns but stays silent after elections — proof, he said, that “Congress is their real enemy, not Trinamool.” Gandhi cited the Saradha and Rose Valley alleged scams as evidence of Trinamool’s corruption and accused both Modi and Banerjee of prioritising power over jobs. “What Modi is doing in India, Mamataji is doing in Bengal. They promised five lakh jobs in 2021; in reality, 84 lakh youth registered for unemployment allowance,” he said. He also blamed Banerjee for “goonda raj,” coal smuggling and the conditions that allowed the RG Kar rape and murder to occur. Trinamool hit back immediately. Trinamool senior and state minister Shashi Panja called Gandhi’s remarks “irresponsible,” saying Trinamool seniors were receiving ED and CBI summons even during elections “while he was busy playing with his dog and feeding it biscuits.” She questioned Congress’s credibility as a BJP challenger, noting the party had lost Maharashtra, Haryana, Delhi and Bihar after the Lok Sabha elections. “Let the people of Bengal — and later India — decide who is truly capable of defeating the BJP,” she 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
Grievance meeting: Dalit functionaries seek action over subsidy fraud targeted at women
Mangaluru: Dalit functionaries have demanded action against a man accused of duping several women on the pretext of arranging bank subsidies. At the SC/ST grievance meeting held at the city police commissioner’s office on Saturday, Dalit functionary SP Anand alleged that Mohammed Ummar reportedly collected between Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 each from around 15-20 women in and around Pandeshwar, assuring them of subsidies. However, the women did not receive any benefits, and the accused allegedly failed to turn up on the promised date. Anand also suspected that more women could have fallen victim to the fraud. Responding to the complaint, DCP (law and order) Mithun HN directed the police station concerned to register a case and initiate action. Paurakarmika Sangha president Anil Kumar alleged that women sanitation workers who had filed a sexual harassment complaint against a Mangaluru City Corporation sanitation inspector, now absconding after an FIR, were being threatened to withdraw the case. Since he claimed that there were call recordings, the DCP directed officials to collect call recordings and register a case. Anand and Anil Kumar also alleged that a senior sanitation worker couple were paid meagre wages without any benefits. To this, DCRE Mangaluru Range SP Simon CA said the matter would be verified upon examining relevant documents and asked leaders to follow up at his office. Concerns were also raised about anti-social elements creating a nuisance in Kudkorigudde and claimed they were not allowed to put up a banner for Ambedkar Jayanti. The DCP said organisers must remove banners and flexes immediately after events and that such conditions should be included while granting permission. On the proposed Ambedkar Circle, ACP (traffic) Najma Farooqi said reports from the traffic police, NITK and MCC engineers had been submitted to the deputy commissioner. DCP (crime and traffic) K Ravishankar suggested that a Dr BR Ambedkar statue could be installed at the ‘V’-shaped junction at the end of Light House Hill Road towards Ambedkar Circle. A representative urged the police to hold grievance meetings at the community level to improve outreach. Leaders also sought justice for a deceased woman, alleging that a sub-contractor had misappropriated funds belonging to her. When a woman raised a past domestic violence incident, the DCP (law & order) directed Surathkal police to visit her house under the Police Mane Mane Beti programme. The DCP (crime) said if SC/ST-related cases are not resolved at the inspector level, leaders should approach ACPs for redressal. 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
“Blindness”: Court Asks Tamil Nadu To Roll Out Transgender Rehabilitation Plan
The court reiterated that transgender persons are protected under Articles 14, 15, 16 and 21, which guarantee equality and the right to live with dignity. Chennai:In a significant push for transgender welfare, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to design and implement a comprehensive rehabilitation scheme at the taluk (sub-district) level, focusing on dignity, inclusion and sustainable livelihoods. The direction came while hearing an anticipatory bail plea filed by a YouTuber accused of sharing a video linked to a transgender person’s self-immolation near a police station in Srivilliputhur. While granting relief in the case, the court widened its scope to address the broader challenges faced by the transgender community. Case Background The petitioner, YouTuber V Sarathkumar, was charged under Section 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for allegedly circulating misleading content about the police through a video on the incident. He told the court that he had only reshared content already in circulation and deleted it after realising its impact. After reviewing the material, the court noted that the allegation was limited to retransmission and granted anticipatory bail. Court Flags Social Neglect The bench used the case to highlight the continuing marginalisation of transgender persons. Justice KK Ramakrishnan observed, “The tragedy is not in their birth, it is in the blindness of society which… has driven them into conditions of extreme marginalisation.” Stressing the need for equal treatment, the court added, “They are entitled to be accepted as equals… participants in the common destiny of this nation.” Calling out institutional inaction, the judge said, “This Court cannot be a mute witness to the indignities suffered by a vulnerable class… Judicial compassion must translate into enforceable rights.” Directions To The State The court pointed to gaps in the implementation of the Supreme Court’s 2014 NALSA judgment and issued a set of directions: Develop a comprehensive rehabilitation scheme at the taluk level Create self-employment and livelihood opportunities Ensure access to education, healthcare and welfare support Promote inclusion and dignity in public life The Chief Secretary has been asked to coordinate across departments and file a compliance report by July 26, 2026. Constitutional Basis The court reiterated that transgender persons are protected under Articles 14, 15, 16 and 21, which guarantee equality, non-discrimination and the right to live with dignity. It noted that failure to implement these rights continues to deepen inequality. The matter will be taken up again on August 3, 2026, to review the state’s progress. Courtesy : NDTV Note: This news is originally published on https:/ndtv.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Only revealed Sangh’s true nature’: Rahul Gandhi targets RSS after Ram Madhav’s Russia-Iran oil remarks in US
NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi on Saturday trained guns at Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh after senior BJP leader Ram Madhav made a controversial remark on India’s oil import. In a social media post on X, Rahul termed RSS as “Rashtriya Surrender Sangh” and said that Ram Madhav revealed “Sangh’s true nature.” “Rashtriya Surrender Sangh. Farzi nationalism in Nagpur. Pure servility in USA,” the Congress leader said. “Ram Madhav has only revealed Sangh’s true nature,” he added. This comes after Ram Madhav landed himself in trouble after claiming that India had aligned closely with US interests by halting oil purchases from Iran and Russia, even as these efforts went unrecognised by the Trump administration. During a discussion that included former diplomat Elizabeth Threlkeld and former US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, Madhav said “We agreed to a 50 per cent tariff. Agreed means, we did not say anything. We maintained our patience. 50 per cent tariffs we agreed. Today, in the new trade deal also we agreed for 18 per cent tariffs higher than what it used to be. I mean, average tariff.” “So, where is India lagging behind in that. What are those issues where India is not doing enough?” Madhav is heard saying in the video during an interactive session at the Hudson Institute. Congress latched on to Madhav’s remarks and said that Narendra Modi has lost his authority to continue as the prime minister. In a post on X, K C Venugopal said, “Clear admission by a senior RSS leader – PM Modi is dancing to Washington’s tunes.” “There was once a time when the US’ 7th Fleet was in the Bay of Bengal, and India didn’t budge. And then there is today, where a Compromised PM has handed over India’s sovereignty to the US,” he added. The Congress leader said this is exactly what Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and the entire Opposition has been saying. “India has lost its independent voice on the world stage. “After this surrender, it’s clear that Narendra Modi has lost his authority to continue as Prime Minister,” Venugopal said in his post. Madhav, however, later apologised saying what he said was “wrong as India did not agree to stop import of oil from Russia. “What I said was wrong. India didn’t agree to stopping import of oil from Russia anytime. “Also it vigorously protested 50 per cent tariff imposition. I was trying to make a limited counterpoint to the other panellist. But factually incorrect. My apologies,” Madhav said in a post on X while sharing his video. Madhav along with RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale are on a visit to the United States and attended an event at the Hudson Institute in Washington. 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
‘Why are there not 36, 38 or 40 cases against Mamata?’ Rahul says BJP’s real fight with Congress not TMC in Bengal
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday intensified his attack on the Centre during the West Bengal assembly election campaign, questioning why chief minister Mamata Banerjee has not faced multiple criminal cases despite serious corruption charges linked to the Trinamool Congress (TMC). He asked why there are not ’36, 38 or 40 cases’ against the TMC chief even as he himself continues to face several legal proceedings. Addressing a public meeting at Sahid Minar Ground, Gandhi alleged that while the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has pursued multiple cases against him, no similar investigative action has been taken against Mamata Banerjee. He claimed this was because the TMC supremo does not directly confront the BJP in the same way as the Congress does. “Today I have come here, I am out on bail. Narendra Modi took away my official residence. He took away my Lok Sabha membership. Why are there not 36, 38 or 40 cases against Mamata Banerjee? The entire Bengal knows that people of the Trinamool have indulged in corruption. The Saradha chit fund scam was done by people of the Trinamool. It ruined 17 lakh investors. There are unpaid dues of Rs 1,900 crore. The Rose Valley chit fund scam took money from lakhs of people. There is extortion in the form of ‘goonda tax’ collection. But Narendra Modi, RSS and BJP have not conducted any investigation against Mamata ji. They do not attack Mamata ji. Why? Because they know that the real fight is not with the Trinamool. The real fight is with the Congress party,” he said. Gandhi siad Mamata and PM Modi are “two sides of the same coin”, considering that none of them care about the aspirations of the common people. “The Prime Minister claims that he is a true nationalist. But he had done nothing for the poor people. He had done everything for the millionaires. Before the Left Front rule, Congress ruled West Bengal. At that time there were several industries in the state,” he said. The Congress leader added, “Mamata Banerjee, too, like PM Narendra Modi, does not care for employment generation for the youth. Both the Prime Minister and the West Bengal Chief Minister are bothered about themselves. What PM Narendra Modi is doing in India, that is exactly what Mamata Banerjee is doing in West Bengal.” The Lok Sabha’s Leader of Opposition further compared investigative scrutiny faced by him with what he described as the absence of ED or CBI action against the West Bengal CM. Stating that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioned him for 55 hours over five consecutive days, the Congress leader asked, “For how many hours was Mamata Banerjee interrogated?” Gandhi reiterated that no central probe agencies were acting against the TMC chief. In a separate poll rally at Serampore in Hooghly district for the second phase of West Bengal assembly elections, Gandhi said: “This is because she does not fight the BJP directly.” He also highlighted the legal cases pending against him and said he is required to travel frequently across states to attend court proceedings. Gandhi said, “My house was taken away, my Lok Sabha membership was taken away; there are 36 cases against me.” The Congress leader said that he has to travel to various states like Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Bihar every 10-15 days to fight the cases registered against him. “I want to ask how many cases have been registered against Mamata Banerjee by Narendra Modi?” he asked. Gandhi asserted that only the Congress takes on the BJP on ideological grounds, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi targets him, party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and others consistently. Claiming that PM Modi criticises the TMC chief only during election periods, he said, “Let the Bengal elections end; Narendra Modi will not speak a word against Mamata Banerjee.” He further said that the BJP understands only the Congress can challenge its ideological framework, not the Trinamool Congress. Gandhi accused the TMC leadership of destroying industry and contributing to unemployment in West Bengal, alleging that jobs are distributed through political connections. “One has to have a relative in the TMC to get a job in Bengal, else he will not get any,” he said, accusing the chief minister of working for the interests of “goons” and party workers. Gandhi also alleged that major scams such as Saradha and Rose Valley occurred under the TMC regime, affecting lakhs of investors. He further alleged widespread coal smuggling, illegal mining and what he termed “goonda tax” collection in the state. He accused the TMC of similar behaviour towards opposition workers as the BJP allegedly does in other states. Gandhi also referred to the 2021 TMC poll promise of five lakh jobs, questioning its implementation, and cited unemployment-related concerns in the state. The remarks come amid heightened political exchanges between the Congress, BJP and TMC during the ongoing election campaign in West Bengal. The polling for Phase I of the assembly elections concluded at 6 pm on Thursday, with West Bengal recording a significantly higher voter turnout of 91.78 per cent, according to the Election Commission. The second phase of the polling will be held on April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4. 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
Dalit girl case probe: Andhra Pradesh HC raps police
Expressing serious concern, the court criticized the police for failing to support the victim and instead allegedly pressuring her family to withdraw the criminal case. VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh High Court has come down heavily on the police for allegedly attempting to shield ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders accused of sexually harassing a minor Dalit girl in West Godavari district on Friday. Expressing serious concern, the court criticized the police for failing to support the victim and instead allegedly pressuring her family to withdraw the criminal case. The case pertains to a complaint filed by a 13-year-old girl on February 18 in Bhimavaram, accusing local political leader Chennu Chanti and his son of sexual harassment and caste-based abuse. Based on her complaint, a case was registered under relevant provisions, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. However, the victim’s family later approached the High Court, alleging that police officials were threatening them to withdraw the case and were not conducting a fair investigation. During the hearing, Justice Yadawalli Lakshmana Rao strongly reprimanded the police, questioning their conduct and impartiality. The court observed that it is the duty of the police to investigate the complaint thoroughly and file a charge sheet, rather than speculate about alleged political motives behind the complaint. The judge expressed displeasure over statements made by Bhimavaram DSP Raghuveer Vishnu, who reportedly suggested political involvement in the case. “Do you have divine insight to claim political motives?” the court asked, adding that such determinations fall within the jurisdiction of the judiciary, not the police. The judge further criticised the delay in arresting the accused, noting that the incident occurred in February but no significant progress had been made. The court also expressed shock after reviewing parts of the victim’s complaint, stating that the allegations reflected disturbing and shameful conduct that would make any civilised society ‘bow its head in shame.’ It accused the police of derailing the investigation and acting under external pressure. In strong remarks, the court told the officials to resign from the service if they were unable to withstand political pressure. It also questioned the alleged intimidation of the victim’s mother and emphasised that the police must act lawfully and independently. Finding the DSP’s explanation unsatisfactory, the court directed the West Godavari Superintendent of Police to appear in person with all case records. The matter has been adjourned to May 1 for further hearing. 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
Rahul, Kejriwal to campaign in Bengal today
Kolkata: Congress MP and LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is set to campaign in Bengal on Saturday, while former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal will campaign for Trinammol candidates. Bihar deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav, who is already in Bengal, held a roadshow for TMC in Bhatpara on Friday. Rahul had campaigned for Congress candidates in north Bengal ahead of the Phase-1 polls, where he spoke against both TMC and BJP. Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren has also campaigned for TMC in Bengal. Kejriwal said a political backlash was emerging in Bengal against the SIR exercise, claiming that “Modiji’s SIR is turning against him” in the context of the high voter turnout. In a post on X, he wrote: “It’s coming to light that in Bengal, votes are being cast firmly against SIR.” A senior TMC neta said: “Former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav have backed CM Banerjee in her fight not only against BJP but also against the combined might of central agencies and EC.” 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