Five Arrested In Dalit Murder Case: Police Encounter Leaves Two Suspects Shot
Uttar Pradesh cops nab key accused in stabbing death of 30-year-old man amid caste atrocity probe Satya Prakash Ram, 30, from Gurgujpur village, was fatally stabbed near a Sawara liquor shop after an argument on Saturday. Case filed against Sundaram Singh, Raja Singh, and Umakant Pandey under BNS murder section and SC/ST Atrocities Act based on victim’s brother’s complaint. Early Sunday shootout near Navapura-Mahatwar Road led to arrests of all five, with two injured accused hospitalised; police seized pistol, knife, and bikes. Five men, including three accused named in the fatal stabbing of a 30-year-old Dalit man, were arrested following a police encounter in the Rasra area of Uttar Pradesh’s Ballia district, according to PTI. The incident, reported PTI, stemmed from the murder of Satya Prakash Ram, a resident of Gurgujpur village in Rasra, who was allegedly stabbed to death by three men near a liquor shop in Sawara village on Saturday afternoon after an argument. Based on a complaint from the victim’s brother, Om Prakash, police registered a case against Sundaram Singh, Raja Singh, and Umakant Pandey—all residents of Sawara village—under section 103(1) (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Ballia Superintendent of Police Omvir Singh on Sunday said Pandey was arrested soon after the incident. He said that around 4 am on Sunday, during a vehicle-checking drive near the Navapura-Mahatwar Road, police signalled four motorcycle-borne suspects to stop. However, they opened fire at the police team in an attempt to escape. Police and the Special Operations Group (SOG) team retaliated in self-defence, arresting two named accused in the murder case—Sundaram Singh alias Satya Singh, 21, and Raj Singh alias Raja Singh, 24, who were injured. Sundaram was shot in the left leg, while Raj sustained a gunshot injury in his right leg, police said. During the encounter, police also arrested Anuj Singh, 19, of Badi Pakwal in the Sarayalkhasni area of Mau district, and Ajay Kharwar, 18, of Chakia in the Ranipur area of Mau district. The two injured accused have been admitted to a hospital. Police recovered a country-made pistol, cartridges, two motorcycles, and the knife allegedly used in the murder from the accused. Curated by: Saher Hiba Khan Courtesy : Outlook India Note: This news is originally published on https:/outlookindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Kendrapara anganwadi boycott ends as villagers agree to send children after dalit cook’s appointment
This was a marked change from a similar meeting on Wednesday that saw only two attendees despite persuasion by the district administration. KENDRAPARA: Following the intervention of the Odisha State Commission for Women and the district administration, residents of Nuagaon village under Rajnagar block of Kendrapara on Saturday agreed to send their children to the Anganwadi centre from Monday. The villagers had boycotted the anganwadi since November after the appointment of a dalit cook. The meeting, held at the centre on Saturday, saw participation of over 150 villagers. This was a marked change from a similar meeting on Wednesday that saw only two attendees despite persuasion by the district administration. The meeting was attended by additional district magistrate Nabakrushna Jena, sub-collector Arun Nayak, member of state women’s commission Kalpana Mallick, along with police officers and activists. Further, a community feast was held after the meeting, where the dalit anganwadi cook Sarmista Sethi (23), served food to villagers as a gesture of reconciliation. Officials also conducted door-to-door outreach, after which villagers expressed willingness to resume Anganwadi services. The villagers taking oath to send their children to the centre from Monday. The villagers taking oath to send their children to the centre from Monday.(Photo | Express) The administration engaged local artists to stage street plays in the village to spread awareness against caste-based discrimination. Pala singers were also involved in spreading awareness on the day. Nayak said these efforts helped villagers understand the social risks of boycotting the worker. Mallick said that after a series of talks, the matter has been amicably settled. “The Anganwadi centre will function normally as parents have consented to send their children,” said Sujata Nayak, member of the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights. Notably, the authorities had appointed Sethi as a cook-cum-helper at Nuagaon in November, following which the village committee decided to boycott the centre in protest against the appointment of a dalit cook. Around 45 families, including seven dalit families, live in the riverside village. According to Ghadiamala sarpanch Sailendra Mishra said that not only children, but even pregnant women had also stopped visiting the centre, missing out on nutrition, health check-ups, iron-folic acid supplements, immunisation and health education. Ashis Senapati 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
Caste row over Dalit woman’s engagement at anganwadi centre in Odisha resolved, says official
The anganwadi centre will function normally from February 16, as the parents consented to send their children, Sujata Nayak, member of State commission for protection of child rights, saidKendrapara The anganwadi in Odisha’s Kendrapara district has not been functioning for nearly three months. The anganwadi in Odisha’s Kendrapara district has not been functioning for nearly three months. | Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Two days after a caste row over the engagement of a Dalit woman as an anganwadi helper was raised in Parliament, Odisha’s Kendrapara district administration on Saturday (February 14, 2026) said the matter had been resolved through negotiations. Kendrapara district sub-collector Arun Nayak said the matter has been amicably resolved as villagers have agreed to send their children to the anganwadi centre from Monday (February 16, 2026). “Final talks with upper-caste residents, who had stopped sending their children to the centre since November 21, were held in the presence of stakeholders, including members of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and Odisha State Commission for Women. The officials sensitised villagers on the abolition of age-old caste practices,” he said. The anganwadi centre will function normally from Monday (February 16, 2026) as the parents consented to send their children, Sujata Nayak, member, state commission for protection of child rights, said. The dispute arose in Nuagaon village under Ghalimala gram panchayat, where residents boycotted the centre for nearly three months, also refusing to receive nutritious food items for pregnant women, protesting the engagement of Sharmistha Sethy, a Dalit woman, as helper. “I am happy that the matter is resolved. I am desperate to see children back in the anganwadi centre and women receiving their nutritious food items provided by the government,” said Ms. Sethy. “I will try my best to serve the children and women,” she said. Kharge on anganwadi boycott Congress president and leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on February 12 had raised concerns over caste discrimination at workplaces, citing a recent incident in Odisha where members of a particular community refused to let their children eat food cooked by a Dalit anganwadi worker. Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Upper House, Mr. Kharge said, “In the 21st century, when we talk about social development, social reform, and the unity of Hindus, people of a particular community are refusing to let their children eat food cooked by a Dalit woman who is a helper-cum-cook in an anganwadi centre in Odisha. That anganwadi centre has been boycotted for the last three months.” An official said as the centre remained shut for all practical purposes, the district administration initiated steps to amicably settle the dispute by deputing a high-level team to the village, but it initially failed. The protesting residents finally agreed after realising that depriving children of pre-school education could harm their future. Kalpana Mallik, member of Odisha State Commission for Women, said she had elaborate discussions with the villagers before they finally agreed to stop opposing an educated woman on the basis of her caste. “We are hopeful that such incidents will not be repeated in the village in future. The Nuagaon village has a population of 450. The camaraderie, bonding and fellow feeling among the people is very much intact. The recent incident was a stray case,” sarpanch Sailendra Mishra said. Villager Gobardhan Pradhan said, “We have forgotten the dispute of the past. We will no more oppose the Dalit anganwadi helper’s engagement at the centre. 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
3 exclusive public toilets for transgender individuals inaugurated in Jharkhand’s Ramgarh
Ramgarh (Jharkhand), Three exclusive public toilets for transgender individuals have been opened in Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district in a bid to prevent discrimination and provide a safe space to members of the community, an official said on Saturday. The toilets were inaugurated at Ramgarh district collectorate park, Sadar hospital and bus stand on Friday, he said. “The transgender community has long faced social neglect and inconvenience, and the administration is committed to removing these barriers. The establishment of transgender toilets is an important step in this direction. It will ensure their comfortable presence in public places and prevent them from facing any kind of discomfort,” Ramgarh Deputy Commissioner Faiz Aq Ahmed Mumtaz said in a statement. The administration’s objective is to provide the transgender community with a dignified life, equal opportunities, social security, and self-reliance, he said. The DC directed all departmental officials concerned to ensure the effective implementation of the schemes being run in the interest of the transgender community and to work with sensitivity for the prompt resolution of their problems, the statement said. Members of the transgender community in Jharkhand have long been demanding separate toilets in public places. They had held a march in Ranchi last year to raise awareness about their rights and press for their demands, including employment opportunities, access to education, housing, separate toilets in public places and equal healthcare facilities. 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
Tarique Rahman puts Bangladesh first in foreign policy; Piyush Goyal slams Rahul Gandhi over India–US trade deal row; & more
BNP chief Tarique Rahman pledges Bangladesh first foreign policy after landslide win. Piyush Goyal hits back at Rahul Gandhi over India–US trade deal, says pact will boost textiles and farmers. Metro Line-4 parapet collapse in Mulund kills one, injures three; CM Fadnavis orders probe. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha revives handshake row ahead of India–Pakistan T20 World Cup clash. US secretary Marco Rubio questions Russia’s intent on Ukraine peace ahead of fresh Geneva talks. Here are the top news of the day: BNP’s Tarique Rahman puts Bangladesh first in foreign policy after landslide win Bangladesh Nationalist Party chief Tarique Rahman said Dhaka’s foreign policy would prioritise national interest and Bangladesh first principles, including in ties with India, after securing a sweeping electoral victory. The BNP-led alliance won over two-thirds of seats, marking a major political shift after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. Read full story Piyush Goyal slams Rahul Gandhi over India–US trade deal row Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal intensified his attack on Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi over criticism of the India–US trade deal, accusing him of “fearmongering” and spreading misinformation. Goyal said the pact and recent FTAs would boost textile exports and farmer incomes, dismissing claims that zero-duty imports would hurt domestic producers. Read full story One killed after Metro Line-4 parapet segment collapses in Mumbai’s Mulund A 6×4 ft concrete parapet segment from the under-construction Metro Line-4 viaduct collapsed onto vehicles on LBS Road in Mumbai’s Mulund (West), killing one person and injuring three. The victims were rushed to hospital, where one was declared dead. Authorities launched rescue operations and cordoned off the area, disrupting traffic. Read full story T20 World Cup: Pakistan captain reignites handshake row ahead of India–Pakistan clash Ahead of the India–Pakistan T20 World Cup match in Colombo, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha reignited the handshake controversy, saying, “We’ll find that out tomorrow” when asked if India would shake hands. He hoped the game would be played in true sportsmanship. Read full story Marco Rubio questions Russia’s intent as US pushes Ukraine peace talks US secretary of state Marco Rubio cast doubt on Moscow’s seriousness about ending the Ukraine war, ahead of fresh US-brokered talks in Geneva. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Rubio said there was no clarity on Russia’s willingness to negotiate, even as fighting continues in Odesa and Belgorod. Read full story 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
2 journalist bodies condemn Rahul Gandhi talk on media impartiality
NEW DELHI: Two journalist bodies on Saturday criticised Congress neta Rahul Gandhi for questioning the impartiality of mediapersons, saying political leaders must use respectful language while addressing the press, especially in public spaces like the Parliament. The reaction came after Gandhi, speaking to reporters outside the Parliament earlier in the week, asked journalists to be more objective in their coverage. Responding to queries on the treasury benches considering a privilege notice against him over his recent speech on the Budget, the LoP said media should not merely repeat what it is told. Condemning the remarks, National Union of Journalists and Delhi Journalists Association issued a joint statement calling Gandhi’s comments inappropriate. “The LoP targeting and insulting media personnel in such a manner is highly condemnable,” NUJ president Ras Bihar said. He added that such statements amount to an attack on press freedom and undermine the role of media in a democracy. DJA president Rakesh Thapliyal and general secretary Pramod Kumar Singh said journalism exists to question those in power and provide accurate information to the public. Associating the media with any particular political party, they said, harms the professional dignity and independence of journalists. Rahul Gandhi had told reporters, “You are not totally employed by BJP. At least try a little bit of objective stuff. It gets really shameful. It’s too much.” 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
Govt cheating cotton farmers, textile exporters in US trade deal, says Rahul Gandhi
NEW DELHI: Congress minister Rahul Gandhi Saturday accused the govt of “cheating cotton farmers and textile exporters in the country through the India-US interim trade deal” and alleged that the agreement “is likely to inflict deep damage on both sectors”. “18% tariff vs 0% — let me explain how the PM and his cabinet are spreading confusion on this issue. And how they are cheating India’s cotton farmers and textile exporters through the India-US trade deal,” he said on X. “Bangladesh is being given zero % tariff benefit on garment exports to US — the only condition is that they import American cotton,” he said. “After the announcement of 18% tariff on Indian garments, when I raised the question in Parliament about the special concession being given to Bangladesh, the reply from a minister of Modi govt was: ‘If we also want the same benefit, we will have to import cotton from America’,” Gandhi said. “Why was this fact hidden from the country till now? And what kind of policy is this? Is this really any kind of choice, or is it a trap designed to push us into a ‘well in front, ditch behind’ situation?” he asked. “If we import American cotton, our own farmers will be ruined. If we don’t import it, our textile industry will lag behind and get destroyed,” Gandhi claimed. Highlighting the importance of textile industry and cotton farming, he said that “attacking these sectors means pushing millions of families into the pit of unemployment and economic crisis.” He further said, “A visionary govt that thinks in the national interest would have negotiated a deal that protects and ensures the prosperity of both cotton farmers and textile exporters. But exactly the opposite has happened…” 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
In a first for the state, transgender woman elected in Chityala municipality
Hyderabad: For the first time in municipal elections in the state, a transgender woman has won a seat, with Nagilla Sudhakar elected from Ward 1 of Chityala municipality in Nalgonda district. The independent candidate defeated nominees of major political parties with a majority of over 100 votes. Sudhakar, alias Kaveri, secured 429 votes, while CPM’s Jitta Nagesh polled 327 votes. BRS candidate Rudravaram Yadaiah and BJP’s Rudravaram Linga Swamy secured 198 and 45 votes respectively. A resident of Shivanenigudem in Chityala municipality, Kaveri works as a labourer to earn her livelihood. “I will work for the development of the ward,” said the 45-year-old, adding that there are several problems in her ward that require immediate attention. “There is a dumping yard, because of which many residents in the ward are falling ill. I will ensure that it is relocated. Also, there are a few stretches without street lighting. I will also stand by the girl child by providing 10,016 at the time of their marriage,” she added. Kaveri also highlighted the monkey menace in her village. “Farmers and villagers are suffering because of the monkey menace. I will work towards finding a solution to address this problem as well,” she said, adding that she would stand by the villagers who supported her and ensured her victory. Kaveri studied at ZPHS, Chityala, but did not clear her class 10 examination. Chityala municipality has 12 wards. Of these, Congress candidates won nine wards, BRS won two wards, and the independent candidate, Sudhakar, won one seat. In Nalgonda district, there are six municipalities, including Miryalguda, Devarakonda and Chandur. 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
Tamil Nadu: 360 Dalit families forced to live in darkness for 40 years, now announce election boycott due to lack of amenities
The plight of Tirthakadu village in Madurai: Three generations are suffering in the struggle for land leases, even in the minister’s constituency, far from development, now the slogan is “No facilities, no vote.” Madurai: For approximately 360 Dalit families living in Tirthakadu village, located near Vandiyur within the Madurai city limits, the past four decades have been spent in the midst of government file-sharing and darkness. The ongoing tussle between the Municipal Corporation and the State Revenue Department over the issuance of land leases has directly impacted the lives of ordinary people. As a result, for more than 40 years, residents have been forced to live without basic amenities like electricity, drinking water, paved roads, drainage, and sanitation. Administrative Neglect and Public Suffering Surprisingly, this area falls under Ward 38 of the Madurai City Corporation and is part of the Madurai East Assembly constituency, represented by Commercial Tax Minister P. Murthy. Despite this, the suffering of the 1,200 residents living here remains untold, unheard, and ignored by the authorities. The New Indian Express reported that, according to local residents, several poor Dalit families settled on barren plots of land on the outskirts of the city years ago. They were promised leases for nine acres and 13 cents of land by various governments. However, in reality, only 68 families were issued e-pattas by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin in December last year. This delay in issuing the leases has stalled development work, as the Revenue Department is stuck in the process of transferring the common land area to the city corporation for the development of amenities. “Enough is enough”: Election boycott decision Determined to no longer tolerate government apathy, the Tirthakadu SC Residents Protection Welfare Association has taken the firm decision to boycott the upcoming elections. Posters with slogans like “Enough is enough” have been pasted in and around the village, clearly stating that they will not vote in any election until basic amenities are provided. Expressing their anger, Muthamil Pandian, president of the association, said, “We have decided to boycott the assembly elections to protest this neglect that has continued for 40 years. We also plan to take out a rally to the Tamil Nadu Assembly in Chennai in the next few days.” Expensive water and the fear of darknessMullikodi, 35, a resident of the village, said that more than 350 Scheduled Caste (SC) families have been living here since 1983. Expressing their anguish, they said, “We have built houses, but the corporation has refused to provide basic amenities. Due to the lack of water pipelines, we have to pay Rs. 80 for a 100-liter barrel of non-potable borewell water and Rs. 15 for a pitcher of drinking water.” The lack of electricity also poses a serious security threat in the village. Mullikodi alleged that anti-social elements take advantage of the darkness to carry out illegal activities. He said, “We are daily wage laborers and cannot rent a house elsewhere. Due to the darkness in the neighborhood, we cannot go to work before sunrise and return home after sunset. There is also the danger of poisonous insects and snakes at night.” Furthermore, due to the lack of toilets, women and girls face harassment while defecating in the open. The darkness of education: Free laptops given to students go to waste The lack of electricity has also put a shadow on the future of children. Another woman from the village, 30-year-old Renuka, said, “Due to lack of proper lighting, students are forced to study by candlelight. We cannot use any electronic devices, and even the free laptops given to students by the government are lying idle or have been sold because they cannot charge.” The gravity of the situation can be gauged from the fact that not a single child from this village has graduated in the last 40 years. Renuka explained that they have to spend money even for basic needs. People go to nearby areas where there is electricity to charge their phones, paying Rs. 5 per device. Officials’ View On this serious issue, a senior revenue official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “We are looking into the matter and taking steps to meet the villagers’ demands, including electricity and water connections.” Meanwhile, when District Collector K.J. When Praveen Kumar was contacted, he said he would speak to the Municipal Commissioner regarding the matter. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Right-wing group forces Dalit woman to‘postpone’ her interfaith wedding in UP
Bareilly: An interfaith couple’s planned wedding in Meerut was “postponed” following threats and protests by members of a right-wing group. An FIR was also registered against the groom under the Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act following allegations of “love jihad”. TOI had reported about the FIR earlier this week. The couple — Akanksha Gautam, who follows Buddhism and works in the private sector, and Shahvez Rana, a medical professional — was scheduled to marry on Friday. Both belong to Meerut city. Following news of their wedding a few days ago, members of Hindu Suraksha Sangathan protested and, accompanied by Akanksha’s uncle, Premchand Gautam, filed a complaint at the city’s Ganga Nagar thana. Speaking to TOI on Friday, Akanksha said, “My wedding is a non issue. This (right-wing) group wants to make it a national headline. I want to ask who are these men to take a decision on my behalf, and how can they thrust their decision on me? My life has turned into a complete chaos, but the man I chose to marry still stands by me. I gave my statement to the court, and I want to marry him. Our marriage has been postponed, not cancelled.” The 29-year-old added: “My father passed away in 2023, after which my uncle, who filed this complaint against Rana, wants to grab our property. We have a house and other properties in my mother’s name, which he wants to be registered in his name… When my mother and sister are happy for me, why is he (uncle) creating a problem?” The woman’s mother, Lata Rani, meanwhile, said, “We’re Buddhists and not Hindu. This is open bullying… Whatever we’re doing is within the framework of the Indian Constitution. I fully stand by my daughter and Shahvez. They will get married, come what may.” In his complaint, Akanksha’s uncle alleged deception. “Shahvez Rana deceived her with the intention of grabbing property. He conspired after manipulating and brainwashing her,” he stated. Meanwhile, the right-wing members failed to go ahead with their ‘maha panchayat’ at the wedding venue in Meerut on Friday after police locked up the place and prevented them from reaching the venue. 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