Congress Targets Rajasthan Govt Over Ajmer Dalit Rape Case
New Delhi: The Congress on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Rajasthan government, alleging that those accused in the gang rape of a 15-year-old Dalit girl in Ajmer are being shielded and that the victim’s family has been left without adequate protection. The party also flagged what it described as a broader rise in atrocities against Dalits in BJP-ruled states. Speaking at a press conference, Rajendra Pal Gautam said the handling of the case reflects serious lapses by the police. He stated that the incident occurred in July 2024 but came to light only after the minor became pregnant. A Zero FIR was initially registered in New Delhi and later transferred to Ajmer. Despite the victim recording her statement before a magistrate under Section 164 of the CrPC, Gautam alleged that no arrests were made for nearly eight months. He said that out of the three accused, only one has been arrested so far, while the other two were briefly detained under preventive provisions and subsequently released. Gautam further alleged that on March 16, just ahead of a scheduled court hearing, the victim’s family was attacked with axes after they refused to agree to a compromise. He added that a counter-FIR was filed against the family, though it was later closed. Raising legal concerns, Gautam pointed to alleged violations of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. He said the authorities failed to provide protection to the victim as mandated under Section 15(A) and did not take action against officials responsible for negligence under Section 4. He demanded immediate security for the victim and her family, adequate compensation, and strict legal action, including the arrest of police officials found to have violated the law. Highlighting a wider trend, Gautam cited data claiming that 76 percent of reported atrocities against Dalits are concentrated in five BJP-ruled states. He said Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan account for the highest number of such cases, followed by Bihar and Maharashtra, and argued that the figures point to a systemic issue requiring urgent attention. The Congress also referred to related political developments, noting that Rahul Gandhi has written to the Prime Minister seeking withdrawal of cases linked to the 2018 protests held to protect the SC/ST Act. Gautam said this reflects the party’s continued focus on safeguarding the rights of marginalised communities. He also announced that Rahul Gandhi will flag off a “Run for Ambedkar, Run for Constitution” marathon in Delhi on April 12 to mark the birth anniversary of B. R. Ambedkar, calling on people to participate in large numbers. The Congress maintained that the Ajmer case underscores the need for accountability, stronger enforcement of laws, and timely justice for victims, warning that failure to act decisively would further erode public trust in the system. By Purna Singh Courtesy : THI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehansindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Vengaivayal: Non-dalits announce poll boycott
Pudukottai: Tensions surrounding the 2022 Vengaivayal water contamination case have resurfaced, with residents of Erayur village in Muttukadu panchayat announcing they will boycott the upcoming election. Non-dalit Hindus of the village erected flex banners in this regard on Friday night. It may be recalled that human waste was found mixed in an overhead water tank supplying water to the dalit village, triggering outrage across the state. Subsequently, CB-CID registered a case alleging involvement of three Vengaivayal residents, ruling out a caste motive. They said it was done due to personal enmity. However, villagers have strongly opposed the charges, claiming innocence and alleging that people from neighbouring Erayur and Muttukadu areas could be responsible. The differing claims have since led to repeated friction between residents of the two villages. In their banners erected on Friday night, Erayur villagers listed several demands, including arrest of the actual culprits in the case, withdrawal of cases filed against them under Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and other civic issues. Revenue and police officials have begun inquiries into the banner protest. Sources said residents of Vengaivayal have also indicated they may boycott the upcoming polls. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
76% of Dalit atrocities in 5 BJP-ruled states: Congress
The Congress on Saturday accused the BJP government in Rajasthan of shielding the perpetrators in the gang rape of a 15-year-old Dalit girl in Ajmer and a subsequent life-threatening attack on her family. Addressing a press conference, AICC SC Department Chairman Rajendra Pal Gautam said the police had failed to act and added that atrocities against Dalits were rising in BJP-ruled states. Citing data, Gautam said 76 per cent of cases of atrocities against Dalits were reported from five BJP-ruled states, with Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan topping the list, followed by Bihar and Maharashtra. He said the crime took place in July 2024 but came to light only after the minor became pregnant, following which a Zero FIR was registered in New Delhi and later transferred to Ajmer. Gautam noted that despite the victim recording her statement before a magistrate under Section 164 of the CrPC, no arrests were made for eight months. Article_Author Tribune News Service 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
Identity vs dignity: Virudhunagar Dalits to boycott TN polls over caste-based village name
Because of the village name – “Paraicheri” – residents say they are forced into a position of humiliation even at workplaces. Synopsis: Over 60 Dalit families in North Achamthavilthan, Virudhunagar, face daily humiliation as their locality is officially recorded as “Paraiyar Cheri.” Despite petitions for 15 years, the caste-marked name persists in voter lists, Aadhaar, and bank records. Frustrated by inaction, residents have resolved to boycott the 2026 Assembly elections, demanding dignity through a permanent name change. “Hey Suryakala, come here” — this is how Kannan (name changed), a 30-year-old man, calls out to Suryakala, who is over 60 years old, without even a trace of respect. Ironically, Kannan studied in school with Suryakala’s daughter. Not just Suryakala — over 60 families from North Achamthavilthan village in Srivilliputhur taluk of Virudhunagar district have been facing such disrespect and humiliation for years, solely because they belong to the Dalit community. What is more troubling is that not only the general public, but even government records refer to their locality as “Paraicheri,” explicitly marking their caste identity. The residents say that wherever they go, this name subjects them to humiliation and caste-based discrimination. For over 15 years, they have submitted petitions—from local Tahsildar to the Chief Minister—requesting a change in the village name. But as no action has been taken so far and the indignity continues, the residents of North Achamthavilthanhave now announced that they will boycott the 2026 Assembly elections. Village carrying burden of caste humiliation North Achamthavilthan is located in Achamthavilthan revenue village under Achamthavilthan panchayat in Srivilliputhur taluk of Virudhunagar district. While multiple intermediate communities live across the broader village, over 60 families belonging to the Dalit Paraiyar community reside in the northern part. Because of this, the area has come to be referred to as “Paraicheri” — not just by neighboring villagers but also in official records. This name appears in documents such as voter lists, bank records, Aadhaar, and PAN cards. However, in land patta records, the village is still officially recorded as Achamthavilthan. Thus, while some government documents mention Achamthavilthan, others continue to use “Paraicheri.” A Abi, a native of this village who is currently pursuing a PhD in Chennai, shared how this caste-based naming has affected her since childhood. “I did all my schooling in and around my village. We had to go to a neighboring village for school, where students from other communities also studied. They would mock us by calling out our village name, and even write it on classroom desks to ridicule us,” she said. She added that upon hearing the name of their village, some students from certain intermediate castes would even avoid speaking to them. “Not just students, even today, elders from those communities expect us to address even their children with respect, using ‘vaanga, poonga.’ But they, from children to adults, never extend the same respect to us,” she said. Even though Suryakala is over 60, she, and others from her community, are still addressed disrespectfully by people from intermediate castes in the same village, often being called by name without basic courtesy. Abi noted that while the intensity of such behaviour may have reduced over the past decade, it still continues. 15-year-long struggle Because of the village name, residents say they are forced into a position of humiliation even at workplaces. SV Kumar, a resident, has been leading the fight to change the name for over 15 years. “When children go to school, they hesitate to even say the name of our village. Even when we go to work, if someone asks where we are from, we say Achamthavilthan. But those who know will immediately correct it and say ‘No, they are from Paraicheri.’ At that moment, we feel deeply humiliated. We lose the sense of being free individuals and are pushed into a mindset of inferiority, as if we are slaves to others,” he said. Despite years of suffering, residents continue to fight for change. While in manual processes at local offices they manage to get the name recorded as North Achamthavilthan, digital government services like Aadhaar and tax records still reflect “Paraicheri.” “In some cases, during Aadhaar enrolment or updates, we insist and get the name corrected. But many people who cannot argue are left at the mercy of e-service operators, who continue to enter ‘Paraicheri,’” Kumar said. He added that even when opening bank accounts, despite submitting the name as North Achamthavilthan, officials, often local and from other communities, override it and record “Paraicheri.” Even the Election Commission’s voter list continues to carry the caste-based name. This is despite residents submitting forms with the correct name during the recent Special Intensive Revision. “We have submitted petitions to everyone, from the Tahsildar to the Chief Minister. There is no one we haven’t approached. Yet nothing has changed,” Kumar said. Over the past decade, resolutions demanding the name change have been repeatedly passed in the gram sabha. Petitions have been sent at every level. Seeking accountability, Kumar even filed RTI queries with the district collector’s office. According to the RTI response, in March 2023, the Srivilliputhur revenue divisional officer recommended changing the name from “Paraicheri” to North Achamthavilthan and forwarded it to the Virudhunagar district collector. In July 2025, the collector forwarded the recommendation to the Commissionerate of Revenue Administration and Disaster Management in Chennai. However, Kumar says the RTI reply revealed that the request is currently pending at that department. “Our village has central government employees, award-winning teachers, and highly educated graduates. Yet, wherever we go, we are humiliated because of our village name,” said Abi. “No matter how far we progress, the moment we say our village name, people’s perception of us changes. We feel like we are not free individuals. Changing the name will give us the dignity of being equal citizens of this country. It will free the next generation from the humiliation we have endured for years,” Kumar said. “When people hear our village name, some look at us with ridicule,
NCTP representatives file plea in SC challenging Transgender Amendment Act
The plea raised certain constitutional question, as to whether the State, through legislation, can define who a person is by substituting biological or socio-medical classifications for a person’s lived and self-perceived identity. NEW DELHI: National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP) Chairperson Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and member Zainab Patel have and filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Constitutional validity of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026 which introduced many changes to the legal framework governing the recognition, rights and protection of transgender persons. The amendment was passed by the Parliament recently, taking away the right to self-determination of gender, the plea claimed. The law had received presidential assent recently on March 31. The petition filed by Tripathi and Patel, is expected to come up for hearing within a week in the top court, a senior official from the Supreme Court registry told TNIE. “Keeping in view the sensitivity of the case, the plea will likely to come up for hearing in a week or so,” he said. It is to be noted that the controversial law amends the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. It redefines who qualifies as a “transgender person,” while also strengthening penal provisions to address serious offences such as forced identity and bodily harm. The petition challenged the Amendment Act, as causing “irreparable constitutional injury” to the fundamental rights of transgender persons guaranteed under Articles 14, 15, 19 and 21 of the Constitution. The plea raised certain constitutional question, as to whether the State, through legislation, can define who a person is by substituting biological or socio-medical classifications for a person’s lived and self-perceived identity. “The amendments dismantle the principle of self-identification of gender recognised as a fundamental right by the Supreme Court in the landmark National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) v. Union of India judgment. The petitioners submit that the Court is now called upon to protect a right that it had previously declared to be intrinsic to dignity and personal autonomy under Article 21,” the plea stated. It further submitted that the Parliament has, by the stroke of a legislative pen, repealed the statutory right that this Court held to be a fundamental right under Article 21. “The impugned deletion does not even require elaborate constitutional analysis to expose its unconstitutionality: a provision that directly codifies a right declared fundamental by this Court cannot be omitted by ordinary legislation without violating Article 21 and the doctrine of non-retrogression of fundamental rights,” the plea says. After the new legislation was made, it was being severely criticised by pposition parties and LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Agender etc) communities. Those who opposed the legislation have argued that they were not consulted at all prior to the introduction of the Bill in parliament. Two members of the NCTP, Kalki Subramanium and Rituparna Neog, resigned from their posts the day the Rajya Sabha passed the Bill. Suchitra Kalyan Mohanty 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
T launches skill prog for transgender persons
Hyderabad: In a push for social and economic inclusion, the Telangana govt on Saturday launched a dedicated skill development programme for transgender persons, aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods and self-reliance. Inaugurating the initiative at the National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (NITHM) in Gachibowli, welfare minister Adluri Laxman Kumar said the programme reflects the govt’s commitment to ensuring dignity and equal opportunities for the transgender community. He said the initiative builds on earlier steps towards inclusion, including engaging transgender persons in traffic management and as security personnel in the Metro. The new programme will focus on three sectors—car driving, hotel management and drone piloting—offering viable avenues for employment and entrepreneurship. Highlighting the growing scope of drone technology, the minister noted its applications in areas such as photography, agriculture and event management, creating new livelihood opportunities. He expressed confidence that trainees would be able to leverage these skills to build careers in emerging sectors. A total of 91 transgender persons will benefit from the programme, with the govt allocating ₹17.72 lakh for training and related support. He said the focus would not only be on skill development but also on facilitating employment opportunities. Reiterating the govt’s inclusive approach, he said transgender persons are being recognised as equal stakeholders in society. “True development is possible only through social justice and economic empowerment,” he added. 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
Kerala govt led by an invisible force, its policies not Leftist: Rahul
Alappuzha/Idukki: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday sharply hit out at LDF stating that Left didn’t remain in the front’s name and nothing would remain after the elections. In his speech in Alappuzha, the opposition leader in Lok Sabha criticised chief minister for describing the brutal assault on Alappuzha candidate A D Thomas by his security personnel, as a ‘rescue operation’. Thomas had earlier shown a black flag at CM. With G Sudhakaran, an independent supported by UDF in Ambalappuzha, being present on stage, Gandhi said, “A senior leader, who was part of LDF is sitting with us today. His change of mind was not sudden; it was due to fundamental changes in LDF. It is not opportunism. When one travels with a party for a long time, one absorbs many things from it. He quit because he saw things happening contrary to its principles.” “We have been fighting LDF for years. Earlier, they had some ideologies, which is why they were called Left. The current govt’s policies are not leftist and it is led by an invisible force. It is communal and doesn’t accept the Constitution. It spreads hatred among people,” Gandhi alleged. “The connection between CPM and RSS-BJP is now visible to people. Most Left leaders are aware of it. There are two types of Left leaders: the opportunistic and power-hungry and they aren’t troubled by RSS-BJP connection. The second group consists of those who believed in and worked for Left ideologies for years. They feel betrayed and are uneasy,” he said. “When someone is in power for a long time, there is deep confusion. It happens to small leaders too. In a democracy, people provide leaders the opportunity to use power. However, at some point, some leaders feel that all power belongs to them. Those who recognise that power belongs to people will respect and acknowledge them. Such leaders will see all sections of people as their partners and speak to them,” said Gandhi. “Those who believe power comes from themselves will become intolerant and disconnected from people. This has happened to both Prime Minister and Chief minister here. People will recognise all these. Elections are just a formality for that,” he added. “When five or six women MPs stood up in Parliament, Prime Minister thought it was an attack on him. The brutal assault on those who showed a black flag to CM was due to the same mindset. CM didn’t think it was just their dissent. These incidents reveal two people intoxicated by power,” he said. “Why do those in power become disconnected from people? Kerala ranks first in drug issues. Farmers are in debt. In the coir sector, 1.3 lakh people are unemployed. Minorities are being attacked. Two nuns were attacked in Chhattisgarh. Churches were attacked in Manipur. The CM here stands with the attackers,” said Gandhi. He said UDF govt would implement the seawall promise unfulfilled by LDF govt, provide a support price of Rs 35 for rice and implement special projects in the coir and cashew sectors. Gandhi introduced UDF-supported candidates in Alappuzha district: Sudhakaran, M Liju, Thomas, Reji Cherian and K R Rajendraprasad to the audience. DCC president B Babu Prasad presided over the meeting. KPCC vice-president A A Shukoor, Muslim League district president A M Naseer and UDF Alappuzha assembly constituency committee chairman R Unnikrishnan also spoke. Gandhi and AICC general secretary K C Venugopal greeted the crowd. Before leaving the stage, Neerkunnam-native Amanil Kumar presented Gandhi a Neymeen (fish). As he was leaving, the crowd surrounded Gandhi, eager to shake hands and present him kanikonna flowers. Slams Modi for calling Trump ‘sir’ Speaking at an election campaign meeting in Kattappana, Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for addressing US President Donald Trump as ‘sir’. He alleged that the PM was under Trump’s control. “If Trump asks Modi to jump, he would jump and if asked to lie down, he would comply,” said Gandhi. Even if instructed to act in Israel’s favour, Modi would follow it without question, he said. He said addressing Trump as ‘sir’ was highly inappropriate and reflected a colonial mindset, as if India was still under British rule. “India is an independent nation and a Prime Minister should never address anyone as ‘sir’, nor act on instructions from a foreign leader,” he said. Gandhi alleged that whenever Trump called, Modi responded what he should do. “When Modi calls, Kerala CM responds in a similar manner,” he said. He accused PM of weakening India’s energy security and harming small businesses and the agricultural sector through trade agreements with the US. He also made corruption allegations against Kerala CM and his family. 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
Puducherry will be granted statehood when Rahul Gandhi becomes PM, Mallikarjun Kharge says
PUDUCHERRY: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday promised that if the INDIA block forms the govt, it will provide free groceries worth ₹2,500 every month and secure full statehood for the Union territory. Addressing a public meeting organised by the Puducherry Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) on Saturday in Puducherry, Kharge promised that the long-standing demand of statehood would be granted once the leader of the opposition of the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, becomes the prime minister. This will end the interference of the lieutenant governor in elected government, he said. The party promised free and complete education from primary school to research levels. Furthermore, the party promised a monthly scholarship of Rs 2,000 to students in both govt and private colleges. The party would provide a subsidy for gold for the thali (mangalsutra) to support families amidst rising costs of gold, he said. He labelled the NDA regime a “30% commission govt,” alleging that corruption had stalled all meaningful development in the state. He accused NDA of looting temple land and public assets worth several crores of rupees. He further alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “zero tolerance” for corruption was a facade, while major infrastructure like ports and airports were being handed over to private players. Kharge slammed the govt for opening more than 450 restaurants and bars in five years while failing to provide clean drinking water. He questioned whether NDA intended to turn Puducherry into a liquor-driven economy, citing plans for six new liquor factories despite a drinking water crisis. He said the double-engine govt was responsible for the rampant drug menace and the collapse of law and order. Kharge reminded the people that the infrastructure Puducherry enjoys today, including major hospitals like Jipmer and Indira Gandhi govt medical college, was established under the Congress regime. He accused the BJP of simply “pasting stickers” on existing Congress schemes and claiming them as new. “This election is a fight between neglect and responsibility, between a puppet govt and a strong Congress administration,” Kharge concluded, urging voters to oust the “corrupt” regime. 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
‘No one is going to fall for their rhetoric…’ Rajbhar hits back at Akhilesh’s statement
Om Prakash Rajbhar, hitting back at Akhilesh Yadav’s statement, has asserted that the Dalit and Backward Classes will no longer be swayed by the Samajwadi Party (SP). Rajbhar hits back at Akhilesh Yadav’s statement. Dalits and Backward Classes will not fall for the SP’s rhetoric. SP accused of abolishing Dalit reservation and instigating riots. State Bureau, Lucknow. Om Prakash Rajbhar—President of the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) and a cabinet minister—has hit back at the statement made by SP President Akhilesh Yadav on Friday, declaring that the Dalit and Backward Classes have now seen through his strategy of misleading the public. “No one is going to fall for their rhetoric,” he asserted. Rajbhar stated that this is the very same SP that worked to abolish reservation for Dalits in promotions. He noted that while BSP Chief Mayawati had established districts and universities named after prominent Dalit icons, it was the SP that subsequently worked to change those names. During the SP’s rule, riots were a frequent occurrence, and Dalits often lost their lives in the ensuing violence. SP goons, he alleged, used to encroach upon and seize land belonging to Dalits. He further remarked that whenever the SP forms a government, a single specific caste comes to dominate the administration; even the Muslims—who play a pivotal role in bringing the party to power—are subsequently sidelined. Rajbhar acknowledged that the SP had benefited in the recent Lok Sabha elections from false propaganda claiming that the Constitution was under threat of being abolished; however, he asserted that Dalits and Backward Classes will no longer fall for their deceptive ploys. BY HEMANT KUMAR SRIVASTAVA | EDITED BY: AYSHA SHEIKH Courtesy: Hindi News
Farmer Beaten by Thugs in Hamirpur; Attempted Murder: Locked in Tubewell Room and Nearly Hanged with a Rope
Bharua Sumerpur: In Bank village within this region, a Dalit farmer was brutally beaten by a group of thugs following a dispute over the installation of thorny fencing along a farm embankment. The accused also attempted to kill the farmer by locking him inside a tubewell room and trying to hang him with a rope. The police have registered a case regarding this incident. Raghuvar Prasad, a resident of Triveni Maidan in the town, has filed a complaint with the police. He stated that he was in his ancestral village, Bank, installing thorny fencing along the farm embankment to protect his fruit-bearing trees. During this time, Babu Kushwaha, Nokhelal, Chhote, Rajkumar, and others—all residents of Bank—stormed onto the scene. It is alleged that these individuals hurled casteist slurs at Raghuvar Prasad and, drawing a country-made pistol, charged at him with the intent to kill. To save his life, Raghuvar Prasad fled into the tubewell room. The attackers followed him inside, where they brutally beat him with kicks and punches, leaving him covered in blood. Subsequently, they placed a rope around Raghuvar Prasad’s neck and attempted to hang him. The police have registered a case against the accused under the Dalit Atrocities Act (SC/ST Act), along with other relevant sections of the law. The police are currently investigating the matter and have launched a search for the accused. Deepak Kumar | Kalauli Teer (Hamirpur) Courtesy: Hindi News