Dalit Daughters’ Achievements: Tina Dabi wins Rs 2 crore water award for Barmer, Deepna Netrapal makes history at CAG!
These achievements are not only personal victories but also send a strong message against caste and gender-based discrimination, where one officer is making the environment greener while the other is strengthening accounting and financial transparency. New Delhi – The outstanding performance of Dalit women officers in India’s administrative system is once again in the spotlight. Tina Dabi, an IAS officer from Rajasthan, has made history by securing the Water Conservation Public Participation Award (JSJB) for her district Barmer in the field of environmental protection, while Deepna Netrapal, a Senior IA&AS officer from Bengaluru, has won the National CAG Award for innovation in GST audit and training reforms. Deepna is the first Dalit woman officer to receive this award. These achievements are not only personal victories but also send a strong message against caste and gender-based discrimination, where one officer is making the environment greener while the other is strengthening accounting and financial transparency. The arid Barmer district of Rajasthan has won the first Water Conservation Public Participation Award for its outstanding performance in rainwater harvesting. The district will receive a prize of Rs 2 crore for this achievement. District Collector Tina Dabi said that President Draupadi Murmu will present this award at the 6th National Water Awards ceremony to be held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on November 18. Earlier, Tina Dabi has also been awarded for many of her commendable works. IAS Tina Dabi had created history by securing the first rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2015. At the age of 22, she became the first Dalit woman to achieve this feat on her first attempt. Tina has extensively promoted the construction of traditional ‘tankas’ (underground water tanks) in Barmer. Under the Central Ministry of Jal Shakti’s ‘Catch the Rain’ initiative, states were divided into five zones and given the target of establishing at least 10,000 artificial recharge and water storage structures. Barmer has surpassed this target and secured the top position in the northern region, where local water sources have been revived through thousands of tanks. This initiative by Dabi is not only addressing the water crisis but also empowering rural communities, proving to be a milestone in quenching the thirst of the desert region. On the other hand, Deepna Netrapal, Principal Director of the Regional Training Centre (RTC) and Regional Capacity Building and Knowledge Centre (RCB&KC) in Bengaluru, has been awarded the National CAG Award. This award was given to her for two major initiatives: innovation and excellence in public accounting and auditing in GST audits, and the transformation of the training setup in Bengaluru. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India launched the ‘CAG’s Award for Innovation and Excellence in Public Audit and Accounting’ scheme in 2021 to recognize and reward the exceptional and innovative work done by officers and staff of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department in the areas of public audit, accounting, entitlements, and ancillary functions. The CAG Award Scheme 2021 recognized distinctive team excellence, which fosters a meritocratic environment, and more importantly, nurtures overall qualitative improvement from an organizational perspective. With this objective, in addition to the existing scheme that rewards team efforts towards excellence and exceptional work, a new award category has been instituted in 2022 to reward the ‘Most Improved Office’. This award category seeks to recognize those offices working in the fields of accounting, auditing, and training that have demonstrated the maximum improvement in performance during the stipulated evaluation period. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
Why is Barmer Collector Tina Dabi being targeted? Bahujan society says: ‘Upper caste resentment against a Dalit topper, she’s not a reel star – she’s a role model!’
Society rallies in support of Tina Dabi on social media, sparking a new debate. Barmer – IAS Tina Dabi, the Collector of Barmer district in Rajasthan, is once again at the center of controversy. Last month, Tina Dabi proved that she is not only a UPSC topper but also a revolutionary warrior for water conservation, when Barmer received the national first prize under the ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain’ from President Draupadi Murmu. But this time, police action during a protest against fee hikes by college students, where she was called a ‘reel star’, has landed her in controversy. The Bahujan society is calling it a clear casteist conspiracy – why are upper-caste forces targeting a Dalit woman topper? Tina, who became a national icon after securing AIR-1 in UPSC in 2015, is being described as a victim of ‘upper-caste resentment’. Bahujan thinkers believe that Dabi is targeted the most. The first reason is that she is a UPSC topper from a Scheduled Caste. The second is that she has many achievements to her name. The root of the controversy: ‘Reel star’ comment and police action The incident took place at Maharana Bhupal Government PG College. On Saturday, students protested outside the college against the increase in examination fees. They demanded to meet IAS Tina Dabi, who cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in her first attempt at the age of 22. The situation worsened when an officer described Dabi as a ‘role model’ for the students, which was opposed by students associated with the BJP-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). They said, “The Collector is not a role model. If she were, she would have come to listen to the students’ demands. She is a reel star and is busy making reels, but she doesn’t pay attention to our problems.” Following this, the students were allegedly detained by the police. ABVP condemned the alleged arrest of the students in a tweet on X: “The arrest of the students is an attack on democratic values. When the police asked them to talk to IAS Tina Dabi after calling her a ‘reel star’, the ABVP students gave a clear answer.” The students claim they were detained after the protest ended. Following this, several students gathered outside the police station, demanding the release of the arrested students and an apology from the administration. Senior police officer Manoj Kumar told NDTV, “No one was detained or arrested. Four boys were brought to the police station to calm the situation and were later asked to leave. But the students gathered near the police station and insisted on an apology. A discussion took place when senior officers arrived.” Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi criticized the incident, writing on social media, “Another day of intolerance from a bureaucrat in India. Despite corruption, power intoxication, and now intolerance, they get away without any serious scrutiny.” The controversy is rapidly spreading on social media. Tina Dabi completely denied the allegations: “There were no arrests or detentions. The fee hike issue had been resolved, yet the students were blocking the road and creating a disturbance. My subordinates took them to the police station, spoke to them, and released them after two hours. The ground issue is over, but it’s being kept alive on social media for defamation and cheap publicity.” Support from the Bahujan community: ‘This is a casteist conspiracy, we stand with Tina’ Bahujan thinkers are calling this an attack on Dalit excellence. Political scientist and Assistant Professor at Jadavpur University, Subhajit Naskar, tweeted: “Some UC liberals started targeting Dalit woman IAS Tina Dabi. A little investigation revealed – RSS student wing ABVP leaders were organized there! Hopefully, things are clear now.” In another tweet, Subhajit wrote: “Tina Dabi has faced the most vile casteist online abuse – despite being a topper. Even when Dalits are not appointed as Chief Secretaries or DGPs, she is proving her merit.” Anti-caste activist Prof. Rehana Ravindran called it an attack motivated by political self-interest. IRS officer Netrapal, supporting Tina in his post, wrote, “Targeting Tina Dabi in this manner… If you want, study and get Rank-1. If the roads are not good, file a complaint against the responsible engineers… The MLA should be held accountable. The local councilor, panchayat members should be held accountable. Suddenly, they target a collector just because she is a role model.” Swayam Sainik Dal tweeted: “The attempt to belittle Tina Dabi is a casteist conspiracy. Insecurity due to her brilliant success. We stand with Tina.” In another post, they said: “This controversy is a conspiracy to divert attention from illegal mining and the destruction of the Aravalli range. We will not let Tina become a victim of media trial.” Mayur Pawar wrote: “The casteist system is hell-bent on destroying Tina Dabi despite her good work. ABVP broke the campus, she took action, so a fake narrative. Stay strong Tina, we are with you.” A user, Happy Singh, targeted Anuradha Tiwari’s tweet: “This Brahmin woman is not only insulting top Dalit IAS Tina Dabi but also mocking reservation and Ambedkar’s ideology. A case should be filed under the SC/ST Act.” Author Lokesh Bag wrote, “IAS Tina Dabi is being targeted once again, and this is clearly a well-planned conspiracy. The fact that a woman from our community topped the UPSC exam with AIR-1 is still something many casteists cannot digest. As the Collector of Barmer district in Rajasthan, Tina Dabi led a major water conservation initiative, which earned the district the first ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Award’ from the President.” Rahul wrote: “‘Merit’ is only believed in until a Dalit tops the exam. Then it’s injustice? If you can’t defeat a ‘reserved’ student in the open merit category, then your superiority is itself reserved. Tina Dabi bothers them for this reason.” Bahujan thinker Gurudayal said: “Tina Dabi bothers you because a Dalit daughter has reached great heights. Your Brahminical superiority complex is being shattered. Reservation is an account of centuries of slavery.” Just a month
Worrying: Transgender and Disabled Individuals Still Labeled Abnormal in MBBS Textbooks, Ignored in Curriculum
A new research study has revealed that MBBS textbooks either ignore gender, transgender, and disability identities or present them as abnormal and exceptional. According to experts, such education influences doctors’ thinking, leading to a disregard for respect, autonomy, and the social needs of patients during treatment. The very textbooks that serve as the first step to becoming a doctor in India are themselves teaching discrimination. A new research study has revealed that medical textbooks taught in the country and around the world either completely ignore gender, transgender, and disability identities or present them as abnormalities, disorders, and exceptions. Experts say that this directly affects the thinking of doctors and, subsequently, the treatment of patients. The central argument of this research is that medical textbooks do not just provide information; they shape the doctor’s perspective. If a medical student is taught that gender is only male and female, and that intersex or trans bodies are exceptions and disabilities are deficiencies or disorders, then that same perspective will be applied to patients in the OPD and wards. Experts say that doctors consider only what the textbook teaches as normal, and anything not included in the book makes the patient invisible. Disregard for Respect, Autonomy, and Social Needs in Treatment In this research published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care by Delhi Health University, Senior Professor Dr. Satendra Singh said that disability is still being taught under the medical model in medical education, i.e., as a deficiency, defect, or something that needs correction. He said that this perspective promotes a mindset of viewing disabled patients as diseased bodies rather than empowered individuals. As a result, respect, autonomy, and social needs are disregarded in treatment. He believes that until the foundation of medical education changes, achieving the goal of inclusive and equitable healthcare will remain difficult. Wrong Education, Wrong Treatment… Prof. Singh says that this situation contradicts the claims made in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Medical Commission (NMC), which advocate for making medical education more sensitive, ethical, and inclusive. The question arises: why are the social and ethical aspects of MBBS textbooks not being reviewed when changes are being made to the curriculum and evaluation methods? The health gap will widen further… According to the research, this bias present in medical education leads to problems such as incorrect or delayed diagnoses, neglect of mental health, and discriminatory language for transgender and disabled patients. In a country like India, where there is already inequality in access to healthcare services, this discrimination further widens the health gap. Equity audit tool proposed for the first time: The study also suggests an equity audit framework for medical textbooks as a solution, through which the language, illustrations, examples, and case studies in the books can be examined from an inclusion perspective. Experts believe that if medical councils, universities, and publishers take steps in this direction, the training of doctors can become more equitable and patient-centric. Parikshit Nirbhay, New Delhi, Published by: Nirmal Kant Courtesy: Hindi News
‘Demands from everywhere’: Robert Vadra on Congress leader’s Priyanka for PM pitch; claims many want him in politics
NEW DELHI: Robert Vadra on Tuesday joined chorus after Congress MP Imran Masood pushed Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s name as the party’s face for the prime minister’s post. Responding to the remarks, Priyanka Gandhi’s husband, Robert Vadra told news agency IANS, “There are demands from everywhere that Priyanka should come forward. There are also demands that I should enter politics. But right now, we should focus on the real issues that concern the people.” — ians_india (@ians_india) Earlier in the day, Congress MP Imran Masood said that if Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were made Prime Minister, she would respond strongly like her grandmother and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He was defending Priyanka Gandhi’s comments on the rising violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh. Speaking to ANI news agency, Masood said, “… Is Priyanka Gandhi the Prime Minister? Make her the Prime Minister and see how she will retaliate like Indira Gandhi. She is Priyanka Gandhi. She has Gandhi added behind her name. She is the granddaughter of Indira Gandhi, who inflicted so much damage on Pakistan that those wounds still haven’t healed. Make her the Prime Minister and see how she will retaliate. You won’t dare to do that.” While, the grand old party has traditionally supported Rahul Gandhi as its main face challenging the strong position of the BJP in national politics. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had recently urged the Centre to take cognisance of the increasing violence against Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist minorities in Bangladesh after the murder of Hindu youth Deepu Chandra Das. In a post on X, she wrote, “The news of the brutal murder by a mob of Hindu youth Deepu Chandra Das in Bangladesh is extremely alarming. In any civilised society, discrimination, violence, and murder based on religion, caste, identity, etc., are crimes against humanity. The Government of India should take cognisance of the rising violence against Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist minorities in the neighbouring country and firmly raise the issue of their safety with the Government of Bangladesh.” Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested seven people in connection with the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a 27-year-old garment worker and follower of Sanatan Dharma, who was beaten to death on December 18 in the Bhaluka area of Mymensingh district. According to police, the killing was allegedly triggered by accusations of blasphemy. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, the country’s largest minority organisation, strongly condemned the murder, calling it a brutal act that threatens communal harmony. 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
CPM MP John Brittas questions Rahul Gandhi’s absence from Parliament
NEW DELHI: CPM MP John Brittas on Tuesday questioned leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s absence from Parliament in the final days of winter session when crucial bills, including VB-G RAM G, were passed despite opposition’s protests. He also criticised Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s participation at the end of the session in the tea meeting hosted by Lok Sabha Speaker OM Birla in his chambers, which was also attended by PM Narendra Modi. “It was a desire that when a crucial legislation like VB-G RAM G is being bulldozed in Parliament along with other crucial bills on nuclear energy and insurance, we expected the leader of opposition (Rahul) to lead INDIA bloc or opposition rank and file. That was an expectation and a desire,” he told NDTV. Speaking to channels and news agencies, Brittas also said that he was not alone and other politicians from INDIA bloc too felt the same way about Rahul’s absence. He said they felt that Rahul’s presence would have made a big difference. “The calendar of winter session is known to all members. So, I feel the LoP would have looked at the session’s calendar and in all fairness he should have been there. Rahul’s presence would have made a big difference,” he reiterated. However, Brittas said that it is up to Rahul and his party to decide whether he needs to be in Parliament or he needs to be elsewhere. On Priyanka’s decision to attend the tea meeting, Brittas was clear that it sends out the “wrong message” and cited how in past sessions, when govt passed waqf bill and did not hold a discussion on special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, opposition skipped these meetings. “Compared to all those boycotts, this was a humongous issue,” he told ANI referring to VB-G RAM G’s passage. “Just couple of hours after bulldozing the bill to eliminate MGNREGA, it was not a good scene for us to see Priyanka and others sitting at the tea party along with the PM,” 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
No Rahul Gandhi meeting for DK Shivakumar in New Delhi
Bengaluru/Delhi: The much-anticipated visit of deputy chief minister and Congress state president DK Shivakumar to New Delhi on Tuesday failed to trigger any political movement, as he could not meet Rahul Gandhi, who is on a five-day trip to Germany to attend various events. Shivakumar’s visit had generated political interest amid speculation over a possible CM change in Karnataka, with expectations that he would meet Rahul. The developments had drawn the attention of both his and chief minister Siddaramaiah’s supporters. Speaking to reporters in the national capital, Shivakumar downplayed the purpose of his Delhi visit, saying it was limited to meetings with Union ministers on state-related issues. “I have not come for any politics here; I have come just to meet Union ministers regarding our state, for irrigation and urban development. I don’t want to comment on other political issues that are not on the cards now,” he said. The visit comes amid renewed speculation about a rotational chief ministership in Karnataka, with talk of a 2.5-year power-sharing arrangement resurfacing as the Congress govt crossed the halfway mark of its term on Nov 20. Meanwhile, Shivakumar also criticised the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, claiming that the revised funding pattern would make the scheme unworkable for states. “This is the beginning of the end. By changing Mahatma Gandhi’s name, they wanted to kill the programme (MNREGA). Which state govt will give 40% funding? No state, including BJP-ruled states, can do this. This scheme will fail… 40% is impossible for any state to provide,” he said. Approve Metro Phase III, DKS asks Centre Shivakumar urged the Centre to grant clearance for Phase III of Bengaluru Metro, connecting Hebbal and Sarjapur, and to approve the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) linking Bengaluru with neighbouring states. He met the Union minister for housing and urban affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, and submitted a requisition seeking approvals for key mass transit projects. The proposed Hebbal-Sarjapur Metro corridor will span 36.6km with 28 stations. The govt has also sought central approval for the revised completion cost of Metro Phase II. The cost of the 75km project — of which 21km is yet to be operational — escalated from Rs 26,405 crore to Rs 40,425 crore. The revised cost was approved by the state in June, citing delays, land acquisition issues, and design changes. 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
Imran Masood backtracks from Priyanka Gandhi remark, says Rahul Gandhi is the leader
NEW DELHI: Congress MP Imran Masood said Rahul Gandhi is the acknowledged leader of the party, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s, issuing a clarification after a remark of his – “if Priyanka was the PM, Hindus would not have faced persecution in Bangladesh like today” – triggered a row. Masood explained that he was asked a question about Priyanka in context of Bangladesh, and he centered his response around it. “Rahul Gandhi is leader of Congress, and he is also the leader of Priyanka… Rahul and Priyanka are grandchildren of Indira Gandhi. If they had the command, Hindus in Bangladesh would not have faced the situation that they are facing now (while BJP is in office). That’s all I said.” The clarification, apparently after a prod from All India Congress Committee, sought to address the confusion that Masood’s response caused, being grabbed by BJP and TV headlines – which called it opposition party’s lack of confidence in Rahul. As if complementing Masood’s remark, PTI quoted Priyanka’s husband Robert Vadra as saying that “Priyanka has a bright future in politics, and a time will come when people would like to see her at the top office.” Masood also slammed senior party functionary Shashi Tharoor over the latter’s praise for “Bihar’s model of development”, calling the LS member from Kerala directionless: “He is at a stage in life where he is lost. He is with Congress and talks about BJP. BJP has no future in Kerala, what will he do?” Earlier, Masood had said, “Is Priyanka Gandhi the Prime Minister? Make her the PM and see how she will retaliate like Indira Gandhi. She is the granddaughter of Indira, who inflicted so much damage on Pakistan that those wounds still haven’t healed.” Seizing upon the issue, BJP spokesman Shehzad Poonawalla said, “Congress MP Imran Masood has clearly said he does not have faith in Rahul anymore and sought to bring Priyanka in his place. Then an endorsement to this came from Robert Vadra, who said, ‘Yes, it is correct’.” Congress is wary of “Rahul vs Priyanka” headlines, realising that overzealous supporters of the Gandhi siblings end up offering an opportunity to rival BJP. 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 labourer lynched in Kerala over suspicion of being Bangladeshi
BHOPAL/THRISSUR: Kerala govt promised on Monday a compensation of at least Rs 10 lakh to the family of Ramnarayan Baghel, a 31-year-old Dalit daily wage labourer from Chhattisgarh, who was lynched by a mob in Walayar, Palakkad district, on Wednesday after being suspected of being a “Bangladeshi” or a thief. chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan called the killing “unacceptable in a progressive society” and ordered strict action. The assurance came after Baghel’s family, currently in Kerala, refused to accept his body until justice and financial aid were guaranteed. Following talks, authorities said the body will be airlifted from Kochi to Raipur Tuesday at state expense. Baghel arrived in Palakkad on Dec 13 seeking work and found employment as a construction labourer. Four days later, suspicion proved fatal. Vijayan said an SIT, led by Palakkad SP, is probing the case, with directions to review details and take necessary legal steps. Kerala police registered a case and arrested five suspects. They were produced before court and sent to judicial custody. Further arrests are likely. Police said the assault occurred at Attappallam East. Before death, hospital staff said Baghel told them he was attacked by a mob accusing him of theft. Investigators said no evidence of theft was found in his possession. Autopsy at Govt Medical College and Hospital in Thrissur showed death due to excessive bleeding caused by severe blunt force wounds to head and other body parts. Medical college hospital sources said embalming would be completed by Monday night. The killing has sparked political row after videos surfaced showing the mob questioning Baghel’s identity and asking if he was a “Bangladeshi”. 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
HRC orders probe into ‘custodial death’ of Dalit man
Hyderabad: Telangana Human Rights Commission has ordered a detailed probe into allegations of illegal detention, custodial torture, and custodial death of a Dalit man, Karla Rajesh, terming the claims ‘serious’ and warranting a thorough examination. The commission took up the matter based on separate complaints filed by Rajesh’s mother, Karla Lalitha, and MRPS leader Manda Krishna Madiga. The complaints allege that Rajesh was unlawfully detained by Chilkur and Kodad rural police, subjected to third degree methods, falsely implicated in cases, and denied access to his family during custody. Rajesh was an accused in the chief minister’s relief fund scam. It was alleged before the commission that Rajesh sustained severe injuries due to custodial torture and was later shifted from a sub-jail to govt hospitals, where he subsequently died. The TGHRC observed that if the allegations are proved, they would amount to grave violations of human rights and due process. Noting the seriousness of the case, the commission said a comprehensive examination of all related complaints was necessary to establish the facts and fix responsibility. It directed the principal secretary, home department, to submit a detailed report on the incident, including the circumstances of Rajesh’s detention, medical treatment provided, and the sequence of events leading to his death. Last week, Kodad rural circle inspector Pratap Lingam was suspended while Chilkur SI Suresh Reddy was attached to the SP’s office for their alleged negligence in ensuring timely treatment to Rajesh. Family members and relatives of Rajesh alleged that he was arrested on Nov 4 and subjected to third degree torture in the custody resulting in his death on Nov 16. 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 youth attacked with shoes and kicks in Chhatarpur, brutally beaten in broad daylight, CCTV footage reveals the incident
The victim, a Dalit youth, sustained serious injuries in the attack. With the help of his family and local residents, he was immediately admitted to the district hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment. The Azad Samaj Party and Congress have criticized the government. Bhopal: Outrage has spread in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, after a case of brutal assault on a Dalit youth came to light. The incident reportedly took place in front of Punjab National Bank in the City Kotwali police station area, where the youth was thrown to the ground and beaten with shoes and kicks. CCTV footage of the entire incident surfaced on Monday, raising several questions about police action and law and order. The CCTV video clearly shows the youth being pushed to the ground, after which the attackers repeatedly strike his face with shoes and kicks. The attackers are also seen stomping on the youth’s face in the video, which gives an idea of the brutality of the assault. Onlookers stood by and watched, and no one dared to intervene. Admitted to district hospital in serious condition The victim, a Dalit youth, sustained serious injuries in the attack. With the help of his family and local residents, he was immediately admitted to the district hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment. According to doctors, the youth has suffered deep injuries to his face and other parts of his body and will be kept under observation for some time. Two-day-old case, accused sent to jail Speaking to The Mooknayak, City Kotwali police station in-charge Arvind Singh Dangi said that the incident took place on December 20, two days ago. Upon receiving information about the incident, the police immediately took action and arrested the main accused and produced him in court, from where he was sent to jail. He said that the CCTV footage related to the incident has now surfaced two days later, and the entire case is being investigated again in detail based on this footage. If the involvement of other people comes to light during the investigation, strict action will be taken against them as per the rules. Pressure mounts after footage surfaces After the CCTV video was made public, pressure has increased on the police to take impartial and strict action. Social organizations and members of the Dalit community have alleged that if the video had not surfaced, the seriousness of the case might have been downplayed. People are demanding that other people involved in the incident be identified and strict action be taken against them under relevant sections of the law. Demand for action under SC/ST Act Since the incident involved a Dalit youth, social activists have demanded strict action under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. They say that this is not just a case of assault, but a case of caste-based violence, which should not be taken lightly. In a conversation with The Mooknayak, Azad Samaj Party leader Sunil Asteya said that under BJP rule, Dalits are being continuously targeted and brutally beaten. He said that incidents of violence against Dalits have increased in the state, but the government seems completely unable to stop them. He demanded that the culprits in this case be given the harshest possible punishment so that such incidents do not recur in the future. He further added that if the government fails to stop the atrocities against Dalits, the Bhim Army and the Azad Samaj Party will be forced to take to the streets. Sunil Asteya warned that the organization will fight at every level for the respect and safety of the Dalit community and will not remain silent against injustice. Police claim investigation is ongoing The police say that the entire incident is being re-investigated based on the CCTV footage. If other people are also found to be involved in this attack, legal action will be taken against them as well. The police are also looking into whether there was any old dispute behind the incident or whether it is a case of caste-based hatred. Such an incident occurring in a busy area of the city, in front of a bank, raises serious questions about law and order. This daylight assault has increased the feeling of insecurity among the general public. Local citizens say that swift and strict action on such incidents can deter criminals in the future. Currently, the victim is admitted to the hospital and the police investigation is ongoing. After the CCTV footage surfaced, this case has now become more than just an incident of assault; it has become a serious question concerning the safety and justice of Dalits. In a conversation with The Mooknayak, Pradeep Ahirwar, former member of the State Scheduled Castes Commission and State President of the SC Congress, said that incidents of atrocities against Dalits are continuously increasing in Madhya Pradesh. Every day, reports of assault, humiliation, and violence against Dalit youth are emerging from somewhere or the other, but the government is failing to stop them. He said that despite the existence of laws, they are not being properly implemented at the ground level. He further added that such incidents are creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity in the Dalit community. The government is only limited to making statements, while what is needed is strict action and swift justice. Pradeep Ahirwar demanded that strict action be taken against the culprits and that the victims be provided with security and justice, so that faith in the law is maintained in society. Ankit Pachauri Courtesy: Hindi News