Should ghosts vote in Bihar, BJP asks Rahul
Patna: The BJP has taken a swipe at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his criticism of the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. BJP state spokesperson Neeraj Kumar on Wednesday questioned the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, asking whether he wanted “bhoot-pret” (ghosts) to vote in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. While addressing a rally in Assam on Wednesday, Rahul alleged that a new voter list was being prepared in Bihar by removing the names of lakhs of people. “I want to warn the people of Assam that what they (BJP) did in Maharashtra and what they are trying to do in Bihar, they will try to do the same in Assam as well. It is the responsibility of all of you and us that we do not let them do this,” Rahul said. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI) report released on Wednesday, more than 35 lakh (35,69,435) of the total 7.90 crore voters in Bihar were not found at their addresses. “Probably 12,55,620 (1.59%) of them were deceased electors and 17,37,336 (2.2%) have probably shifted permanently so far,” the ECI stated. The BJP’s Neeraj claimed the Congress and RJD wanted even the dead to vote. “The names of those who have died in the last 22 years are still present in the voter list. Should the ECI not remove their names? Does Congress want infiltrators and illegal citizens to vote too? Congress wants to win elections with the help of fake voters,” Neeraj alleged. “Article 326 makes it clear that only Indian citizens have the right to vote. But Congress is constantly opposing constitutional institutions,” he said. BJP ally HAM(S) national president and minister Santosh Suman also criticised the RJD, claiming they had no remorse for the 15 years of jungle raj and were once again trying to scare the people of Bihar to garner votes. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Rahul predicts jail for Himanta after 2026 polls; he himself is out on bail in multiple criminal cases: Himanta
Guwahati: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and LoP Rahul Gandhi engaged in a verbal duel on Wednesday with the Congress leader heaping corruption charges on Himanta and predicting a jail term, while Himanta in turn took to social media to remind that it was Gandhi who was out of bail in multiple criminal cases. In a fiery address to Congress workers in Chaygaon near Guwahati, Gandhi said the Assam CM will face imprisonment after the 2026 assembly elections for corruption and claimed that the CM considers himself a “raja” while allegedly misappropriating state resources. Gandhi accused Sarma of transferring Assam’s land and resources to major corporations like Adani and Ambani, alleging that the CM operates with a sense of fear due to his corrupt practices. “The small businessmen, farmers, and workers are being finished. And India’s jal-jangal-jameen-dhan is being handed over to five to six billionaires,” he said. Gandhi’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions in Assam, with the Congress leader emphasizing that Sarma’s alleged corrupt activities will be exposed by the state’s youth, farmers, and workers. In response, Sarma took to social media, revealing that Gandhi had made similar statements during a closed-door meeting with Congress leaders in Guwahati. Sarma dismissed Gandhi’s claims, suggesting that the Congress leader should focus on his own legal challenges. “He came all the way to Assam just to say this, conveniently forgetting that he himself is out on bail in multiple criminal cases registered across the country. My best wishes to you, Rahul Ji. Enjoy the hospitality of Assam for the rest of the day,” Sarma wrote on X. Gandhi expressed confidence in Congress’s prospects in the 2026 elections, praising the leadership of Gaurav Gogoi, the new PCC president. “In Assam, we have readied a new team. I congratulate Gaurav Gogoi and his team. You people have started your work and the people of Assam, and we will soon see the results,” Gandhi said. The Congress leader also raised concerns about potential voter list manipulation, citing alleged irregularities in Maharashtra’s elections and warning of similar tactics in Assam. Sarma said Rahul Gandhi came to Assam only to criticise him. “Shri Rahul Gandhi visited Assam today solely to criticise me. He mentioned my name repeatedly in all his meetings. I must say, I am grateful — because today, he elevated my political stature to a level I might never have reached if I remained in the Congress party. It is indeed a day of great satisfaction,” he wrote on X. “After all, if Rahul Gandhi chose to criticise me, it is a clear sign that I must be doing something right for the people of Assam,” Sarma added. Gandhi’s speech underscored the ideological battle between Congress and BJP, framing it as a struggle between unity and division. He called on Congress workers to remain vigilant and committed to the party’s principles of truth and non-violence. As the political landscape in Assam heats up, Gandhi’s allegations and predictions set the stage for a contentious lead-up to the 2026 assembly elections, with both parties gearing up for a fierce electoral battle. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Minor Dalit girl in UP’s Badaun alleges rape main accused arrested
Budaun (UP), (PTI) A 15-year-old Dalit in the Badaun district of Uttar Pradesh has accused a young man of raping her and his three companions of molestation, a police official said on Tuesday. The official added that a case has been registered in this connection and the main accused has been arrested. SHO of Alapur police station Udayveer Singh told PTI that the case has been registered against the accused for molestation, tearing the clothes, indulging in violence, hurling abuses and under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. When asked whether the section of rape has been added against the accused, the SHO said that action will be taken on the basis of the statement given by the minor girl. According to police sources, the victim’s father filed a complaint alleging that his daughter had gone to dump garbage at 5.30 pm on July 14, when Mohit and Nanhe (brothers) and their two other companions, who were already sitting there, molested and hurled casteist slurs at her. “Meanwhile, Mohit raped my daughter, while Nanhe and two other boys beat and molested her while using casteist slurs,” the father said in his complaint. Hearing the screams of the girl, the villagers reached there and caught Mohit and handed him over to the police, while his three companions managed to escape. Circle Officer (CO), Dataganj, KK Tiwari said that the girl’s statement is being recorded and she has been sent for medical examination. “As of now, a case has been registered on the basis of the complaint,” Tiwari said. He also said that main accused Mohit (21) has been arrested, and Nanhe (19) and his two companions are being searched for. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI) Courtesy : The Week Note: This news is originally published on https:/theweek.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Doctor arrested for molesting minor Dalit in Bareilly hospital
Bareilly (UP), (PTI) A doctor was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly molesting a minor girl admitted for treatment at a private hospital in Bareilly city, police said. A case was registered against Dr Naeem Ali, a resident of Jogi Nawada under Baradari police station limits under relevant sections of the BNS, POCSO Act, and the SC/ST Act last week, Izzatnagar Station House Officer Brijendra Singh said. The incident took place on July 11, when the minor victim was undergoing treatment in the ICU of Universe Hospital, where Dr Ali was employed. The girl’s brother lodged a complaint alleging that the doctor made obscene advances and molested the victim while she was alone in the ICU. The police said the accused had been absconding since the FIR was filed, and a special team was formed to arrest him. On Tuesday evening, acting on a tip-off, the police apprehended Ali from Delapeer locality here, the police said. During interrogation, the police said, the accused allegedly confessed to committing the offence, saying that he committed the crime when he found the girl alone in the ICU. He was produced before a magistrate and has been sent to judicial custody, police added. PTI COR ABN ABN MNK MNK 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/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Fatehpur News: Six prize-winning accused who hung a Dalit from a tree and beat him arrested
Khaga. The police have arrested six prize-winning accused who were absconding after hanging a Dalit upside down from a tree and beating him on suspicion of theft, from near Akodiya turn. The police produced the accused in court, from where they were sent to the district jail. The SP had also announced a reward of Rs 25,000 each on the accused. Nares Paswan, a resident of Chhimi in Kotwali, was tied to a tree and beaten by the villagers on July 19 on suspicion of theft. Vijay Singh of the village had filed a report against Arjun Singh, Phool Singh, Amarjeet, Raju, Khanna alias Rajesh, Ramchandra and four-five others. The police had announced a reward of Rs 25,000 each on the accused who fled from the village. Kotwal Rajesh Singh has arrested Arjun Singh, Phool Singh, Sukhnidhan Singh, Shivkaran Singh alias Bauwa, Chandrabhan and Ajay alias Amarjeet from Akodiya turn. The stick and axe used in the incident have been recovered from them. Courtesy : Hindi News
Dalit youth dies by suicide after harassment over ‘upper-caste’ style dressing in Gujarat
A 19-year old Dalit youth named Mahendra Kalabhai Parmar committed suicide after facing assault from five men of upper caste for wearing clothes resembling to the upper caste men. The incident occurred in Banaskantha district in Gujarat. Mahindra had gone missing on July 10 and his body was discovered on July 12 in a village well. An FIR was registered by Mahendra’s relative, Bijalbhai Parmar who alleged that Parmar was brutally assaulted near the Panchayat office by five men. Police are leading an investigation and the accused have been charged under sections of Indian Penal Code and the SC/ST Act. The accused are named as Khetabhai Rabari, Sendhabhai Rabari, Rudabhai Rabari, Amrabbai Rabari, and Lakhabhai Rabari. Surprisingly, Rabaris are a pastoral community that belong to other Backward Castes. The accused showed objection when Mahindra wore clothes generally worn by upper caste men and humiliated him and attacked him. The family demanded strict action against the accused and called Mahindra’s death “a result of brutal caste based assault.” Courtesy : Muslim Mirror Note: This news is originally published on https:/muslimmirror.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Dalit girl gang-rapedin Moradabad, 2 held
Bareilly: A 16-year-old Dalit girl was allegedly kidnapped and gang-raped by two men at a village in Moradabad, UP. Police said the Class 10 student went missing on Sunday and she was rescued the next day. An FIR under BNS sections of kidnap, gang-rape along with the Pocso and SC/ST acts were registered against Mohd Shaqir and Mohd Sameer. Both the men were arrested and sent to jail. SSP Satpal Antil said, “After the complaint, we sent out teams and managed to rescue the girl. The girl was sent for medical tests. Section of unlawful religious conversion was also slapped as the accused tried to change her faith. Further investigation is on.” Courtesy : TTOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetimesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Rahul appears in Lucknow court in defamation case, gets bail
Lucknow: A Lucknow court on Tuesday granted bail to the leader of opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi after he made an appearance in a defamation case filed over his purported remarks on Army personnel. The court accepted Rahul Gandhi’s bail application and released him on a personal bond of Rs 20,000 along with two sureties of the same amount. The court had earlier issued him summons on February 11, after finding a prima facie case against Gandhi. He appeared in person on Tuesday before additional chief judicial magistrate Alok Verma in compliance with the summons. The case, based on a criminal complaint filed by former BRO director Uday Shankar Srivastava, alleged that Gandhi’s 2022 comments during his Bharat Jodo Yatra had caused reputational harm to the Indian Army and insulted the dignity of soldiers. While Gandhi’s counsel Pranshu Agarwal argued for bail citing his innocence and his status as a sitting MP with no flight risk, complainant’s lawyer Viki Tiwari asserted that the accused attempted to demoralise the armed forces. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court observed that the alleged offence under IPC Section 500 — pertaining to criminal defamation — is punishable with up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine or both. Referring to Supreme Court guidelines in Satender Kumar Antil vs. CBI & Others (2022) 10 SCC 51, the magistrate said that the case is triable under summons procedure and does not warrant custody at this stage. Accordingly, the court accepted Rahul Gandhi’s bail application and released him on a personal bond of Rs20,000 along with two sureties of the same amount. The bail was granted with the following conditions: The accused must fully cooperate with the judicial proceedings; and he must submit a written undertaking to appear either in person or through counsel on each date of hearing and be personally present when required by the court. Gandhi appeared in a courtroom full of lawyers. He was taken to the judge’s chamber where the formalities of filing bond and sureties took place. Gandhi was summoned as an accused after the court took cognisance of the defamation complaint. The Congress leader had moved high court but failed to get a relief. Gandhi came to court accompanied by party’s state unit president Ajay Rai and in-charge Avinash Pande. Courtesy : TTOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetimesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Amid tussle for top post, Siddaramaiah’s camp lines up mega Mysuru rally
Bengaluru: Days after Siddaramaiah asserted that he would remain chief minister for a full five years, his camp is preparing a major show of strength at a massive rally in Mysuru on Saturday, deepening an ongoing behind-the-scenes tussle between his faction and that of deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar. Titled Sadhana Samavesha, the rally will be held at Maharaja’s College Grounds in Siddaramaiah’s home district. His supporters aim to mobilise over one lakh attendees to mark Congress govt’s completion of two years in office. The first Sadhana Samavesha was held on May 20 in Hosapete and was attended by senior party functionaries including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi. But this time, organisers have chosen to exclude Congress functionaries, sparking discontent. “If it is a Sadhana Samavesha, then it should be a party event since it is Congress that has achieved the milestone (two years in office),” said a KPCC office-bearer. “This was the reason why our senior functionaries participated in the Hosapete Sadhana Samavesha. We have not been told about the Mysuru event because they don’t want party functionaries there.” But organisers insist the Mysuru event is a govt programme, focused on developmental announcements worth Rs 2,600 crore for the district. HC Mahadevappa, minister in charge of Mysuru district, said: “We have not involved the party since it is a govt event, although it is titled Sadhana Samavesha. However, we have invited Mallikarjun Kharge in his capacity as leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha. Following protocol, we have also invited legislators from opposition parties who represent seats in the district.” Despite the official stance, efforts are underway to mobilise party workers and Siddaramaiah loyalists across Mysuru. Comparisons are being drawn with the Dec rally in Hassan, initially billed as ‘Siddaramaiah Swabhimani Janandolana Samavesha’. Following opposition from Shivakumar’s camp, Congress’ high command intervened, and the event was rebranded ‘Janakalyaan Samavesha’. “It is not true that the party is not involved in Saturday’s event,” said BJ Vijayakumar, president of Congress’ Mysuru city unit. “Party functionaries and workers are voluntarily taking part. They are all proud of the party’s achievements. No one can prevent them from taking part in the event.” Animal husbandry minister K Venkatesh, a Siddaramaiah loyalist, denied that the event is meant to flex political muscle. “Siddaramaiah does not need a show of strength,” he said. “He already showcased his strength in the party’s stupendous victory in 2023 assembly polls. Prior to the assembly elections, people witnessed his popularity at the Davanagere rally, where about 10 lakh people gathered. The issue over the chief minister’s post has been settled with Siddaramaiah himself clarifying on it. The Mysuru event has nothing to do with the issue.” Courtesy : TTOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetimesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Savarkar remarks: HC refuses to issue directions to Rahul
Mumbai: Bombay high court has declined to issue any direction to opposition leader Rahul Gandhi on his utterances against late Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. “This court cannot issue any direction to respondent no 1 (Gandhi) to study the contents of this public interest litigation and to remove ignorance about the contribution of Shri Vinayak Savarkar,” said Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne. The PIL was by Pankaj Phadnis, president of Abhinav Bharat Congress, a policy think tank, saying his legal rights as well as that of a large number of citizens to fulfil their fundamental duty under Article 51A(b) was impeded by Gandhi’s statements about Savarkar. Article 51A(b) focuses on the duty ‘to cherish and follow noble ideals that inspired our national struggle for freedom.’ Phadnis referred to Gandhi’s May 28 statement that Savarkar considered Muslims traitors. He referred to a Feb 8, 1944, US consulate interview in which Savarkar said the aim of the Hindu Mahasabha is to preserve the integrity of India and its Hindu character with due regard to the rights of all minorities including the Muslims. “Such a man cannot be considered a traitor,” said Phadnis. He said the late PM Indira Gandhi praised Savarkar’s daring defiance of the British govt. Phadnis had urged HC to direct Gandhi “to personally go through the contents of this petition …to remove ignorance about the contribution of Savarkar to the…nation and to provide proof of his study by a reasoned reply.” The judges asked whether they could compel Gandhi to read his petition. Phadnis said, “Leader of the opposition in a democracy can potentially be tomorrow a prime minister. Such a person with this knowledge will create havoc. He cannot misrepresent and mislead citizens. He is creating confusion.” The judges noted that Phadnis’ petition was dismissed by the Supreme Court on May 27. A defamation case against Gandhi is pending before a Pune magistrate. Phadnis can take “recourse to such remedy as may be available in law to ventilate his grievances,” the judges said. Phadnis had also urged the Centre to include Savarkar’s name in the schedule to the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Use) Act. Declining to issue any direction, the judges said HC cannot issue a writ to the legislature either to amend the law to include Savarkar’s name in the schedule. Courtesy : TTOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetimesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.