Cheap politics, says Dharmendra Pradhan as Rahul claims ‘murder by BJP system’
NEW DELHI: BJP on Tuesday accused Rahul Gandhi of playing politics over the incident of the Odisha student committing self-immolation, after he termed the death a “murder by BJP system”. Rahul said the “brave student” raised her voice against sexual harassment, but instead of being given justice, she was harassed and threatened by “those who were supposed to protect her”. “As always, BJP’s system continued to shield the accused – & forced an innocent daughter to set herself on fire. This is not suicide, it is an organised murder by the system,” he said. Reacting to this, Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the “cheap politics” played by Rahul Gandhi and Congress on the tragic incident involving Odisha’s daughter is extremely unfortunate. “Turning a serious and sensitive matter into a political weapon reflects his petty mindset. The incident in Odisha has shaken the entire nation, but Congress has seized this opportunity to bake its political bread,” Pradhan said. Rahul also alleged PM Narendra Modi keeps silent on women’s deaths – “be it in Odisha or Manipur”. “The country doesn’t need your silence, it needs answers. India’s daughters need safety and justice,” he said. Pradhan said the PM and BJP have always taken concrete steps for women’s safety and justice, while Congress has consistently sought opportunities in every tragedy. “BJP government in Odisha stands with the victim’s family, and the strictest action will be taken against the culprits,” he added. 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.
Odisha: Rahul Gandhi speaks to father of Balasore immolation victim, calls incident a wound to society
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday spoke with the father of the 20-year-old college student from Balasore, Odisha, who died two days after attempting self-immolation following alleged inaction on her sexual harassment complaint. In a post on X, RAhul Gandhi expressed solidarity with the grieving family. “Spoke to the father of the brave daughter who lost her life fighting for justice in Balasore, Odisha. In his voice, I could feel her pain, her dreams, and her struggle,” he wrote. “I assured him that the Congress party and I stand with him at every step. What happened is not just inhuman and shameful, but a wound to the entire society. We will ensure the victim’s family gets full justice.” The victim, a second-year student of Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College, had accused her department’s head of sexual harassment. She had been protesting since early July but reportedly received no support from the college authorities. On July 12, she set herself on fire outside the college gate. She was admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar with 95 percent burns and died on July 14. The incident has triggered widespread outrage across the state and the country, with multiple political parties attacking the BJP-led Odisha government. Gandhi had earlier described the death as an “organized murder by the system.” He had said, “That brave student raised her voice against sexual harassment — but instead of delivering justice, she was threatened, tormented, and repeatedly humiliated. Those who were supposed to protect her kept breaking her. This is not suicide; it is an organized murder by the system.” Former Odisha chief minister and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik also criticised the state government. “It is disturbing to think how a failed system can take someone’s life. The most painful part is that this was not an accident, but rather the result of a system that remained silent instead of helping. Struggling for justice, the girl ultimately closed her eyes,” he posted on X. Patnaik also urged the governor to take strict action against both the college authorities and the government. Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan hit back at the Congress, calling Gandhi’s remarks an example of “petty politics.” “The cheap politics by Rahul Gandhi and Congress on the tragic incident involving Odisha’s daughter is extremely unfortunate. Turning a serious and sensitive matter into a political weapon reflects Rahul Gandhi’s petty mindset. The Odisha government stands with the victim’s family with full sensitivity, and the strictest action will be taken against the culprits; no one will be spared,” he said. According to earlier reports, the student had submitted a written complaint to the college principal against the accused professor. She also uploaded the complaint on social media, tagging student leaders and government officials. Despite repeated efforts, no action was taken until her self-immolation attempt. The head of department and the college principal have since been suspended and arrested. The state government has promised a judicial inquiry and directed all colleges and universities to strengthen safety mechanisms, including CCTV monitoring and internal squads. However, opposition leaders continue to demand accountability from the higher education minister and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Protests across Odisha are ongoing, with students, women’s groups, and political activists demanding swift and visible justice for the victim. The incident has reignited debate over women’s safety on campuses and the failure of institutions to act in time, despite repeated warnings. 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.
Mainpuri urine scandal: Dalit couple beaten up in land possession dispute, forced to drink urine from shoe, uproar
Mainpuri Unire Scandal: After the urine scandal in Mainpuri came to light, there has been an uproar. It has come to light that the Dalit couple was made to drink urine from a shoe. The administration has also come into action after the case of the bullies using caste-related abuses came to light. Mainpuri: Another shameful incident of Dalit oppression has come to light from Mainpuri district of Uttar Pradesh. A Dalit couple was beaten up over a land dispute and forced to drink urine from a shoe. The victims alleged that the bullies used caste-related abuses and threatened them and stopped them from occupying their land. The video of this entire incident has gone viral on social media, causing a stir in the administration. The victim couple, who reached the Collectorate on Monday, alleged that the Tehsildar had measured the land a day earlier. The Dalit couple alleged in the Mainpuri district office that the Tehsildar had got the land occupied after measuring it. The bullies did not let them occupy it and abused them in casteist terms. They were treated rudely. The police have registered a case and started investigating the incident. This incident reminded them of the storyteller incident of Etawah. There, urine was sprinkled on a storyteller in the name of purification. Now a case of making a Dalit couple drink urine has come up in Mainpuri. The incident is from Kotwali area The incident is from Gwaltoli village of Kotwali area. On Monday, the victim woman reached the Collectorate with her husband and submitted a complaint letter to the SP office. The woman told that she is in possession of the inhabited land and the Tehsildar had got the land occupied by measuring it with the police force a day before. After this, when they were starting the work of digging the foundation, Vijendra alias Tinku and Sheelesh son of Shrichand Yadav, Sushma wife of Vijendra and Sunny son of Chhotelal Yadav of the same village reached there and started abusing and beating them. According to the victim, Vijendra brought a gun and put it on her head, threatening to kill her. After this, all the accused dragged the couple to a nearby house and locked them up. There, Vijendra urinated in his shoes and forced her to drink it and said that now your religion has been corrupted. The accused also used abusive casteist words. The victim called it humiliating The victim said that the entire incident was very humiliating and in the video they are seen sharing their grief while crying. This video is becoming quite viral on social media. On this matter, CO City Santosh Kumar Singh said that the matter is under cognizance. Kotwali police has been instructed to investigate and take action on the basis of the complaint. If the allegations are found to be true, legal action will be taken by registering a case against the culprits under strict sections. Curated by: Rahul Parashar About the author Rahul Parashar, Senior Digital Content Creator at Navbharat Times Digital. Started journalism with Prabhat Khabar. Journey from Rashtriya Sahara, Hindustan, Dainik Jagran, Dainik Bhaskar to Times Internet. Courtesy : Hindi News
Article: Dalit and poor population most affected by Election Commission’s campaign in Bihar
A campaign is going on in Bihar to correct the voter list. People are facing problems in getting documents made. Election Commission has approved only a few documents. Mithilesh Kumar works at a medicine shop. He is a resident of Raghopur in Patna, but the search for employment has brought him to Katihar. His name is registered in the village’s voter list, but he does not have a residential or birth certificate. If he had passed matriculation, he would have submitted a copy of the degree, but he failed. He can get two-three days leave from the shop to get the documents made, but given the crowd in government departments right now, Mithilesh’s work will hardly be done. Another problem is that of middlemen. Certificates are not being made quickly without paying convenience fee. Many such complaints are coming. Mithilesh has neither money nor time. He has Aadhar card, but it is not valid for the Election Commission. Lots of errors: This problem is common in Bihar which is undergoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR). People are worried about getting their documents made and corrected. CM Nitish Kumar’s photo is on the voter card of Abhilasha who lives in Jalal Patti of Madhepura. Her husband Chandan Kumar alleges that when he complained about this to the BLO, he advised him to hide the error. Chandan is unable to understand how to complete the documents in the voter revision form. Voters in doubt: Assembly elections are to be held in Bihar by the end of this year. Before this, the campaign of the Election Commission has put the voters in doubt. More than two crore people are being directly affected due to the campaign. Most of them are Dalits, poor and the population which is not educated. Commission’s order: According to the Election Commission, out of 7.90 crore voters of Bihar, names of 4.96 crore are included in the voter list of 2003. They just have to fill the form and do not need to provide any document. The remaining 2.94 crore people, out of these, those whose parents’ name is in the 2003 voter list, also do not have to provide separate documents. But, those whose parents’ or their own name is not in that list of 22 years ago, they will have to provide documents along with the form. Valid documents: Election Commission has released a list of 11 documents, out of which one has to be given – Birth certificate, Matriculation or Education certificate, Passport, Permanent Resident Certificate, Caste Certificate, Forest Rights Certificate, Government employee or pensioner identity card, Certificate issued by bank/post office etc., NRC (not applicable in Bihar), Service Identity Card, Land or House Registry. Opposition’s demand: Aadhar card, ration card and MNREGA job card are not in this list. Citing the problems of the public, the opposition is demanding to include these as well. At the same time, Bihar’s Chief Electoral Officer Vinod Singh Gunjiyal says that if the voters were facing problems, then more than three crore forms would not have been submitted till now. Fake Voters: The Election Commission says that the purpose of this entire campaign is to remove the names of illegal immigrants included in the voter list through fake Aadhaar, MNREGA job cards etc. In the past years, a large number of outsiders came to the state and became voters in an illegal manner. It is alleged that various parties got their documents made in vote bank politics. The purpose of SIR is to correct the voter list. Problem of infiltrators: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary says, a large number of Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators have settled in the border areas of the state. Efforts are made to get permanent resident certificates through fake Aadhaar and ration cards so that they can become voters. According to the November 2024 report of the Union Food Ministry, out of the 80 crore beneficiaries of the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, about 6 crore had fake ration cards, which have been canceled. What is the guideline: Patna High Court advocates Madhukar Mishra and Shashankdhar Shekhar say, ‘According to item no. 5 in the guideline of Form-6, it is not necessary to provide Aadhaar card. Aadhaar card is not a necessary document of citizenship. However, it can be a helpful document in filling Form-6 to get the name registered in the voter list.’ Voter awareness: The opposition continues to protest. Its enthusiasm has also increased due to the success and public support of the Bihar Bandh on 9 July. Despite this uproar, it is also a fact that voter awareness has increased on this pretext. People are worried about becoming voters. Most people are not creating any problem in submitting the form. Naresh Verma, a resident of Paru in Muzaffarpur, has submitted the forms of 8 members of his family. While talking, his happiness is understandable that his family will remain voters. Supreme seal: When the Supreme Court has made it clear that the voter list revision will continue in Bihar, then in a way the campaign has got a firm seal. The opposition has definitely got a little shock from this, but the apex court also suggested to recognize Aadhaar, ration and voter card. The opposition is considering it a success and is also sending this message to the lower sections of the society that the parties of the ruling coalition are using the Election Commission for their benefit. Author: Priyaranjan Bharti, Edited by: NBT Desk About the author Whether it is news of the country, world, sports or the inside story of the corridors of politics, NBT News Desk brings every news to you. Courtesy: Hindi News
Telangana: Dalit Congress leader found dead under suspicious circumstances in Medak
Congress SC Cell leader Marrelli Anil (28) was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Kulcharam mandal, Medak. Bullets were found near his body, but cause of death is yet to be confirmed. Police have launched an investigation. Medak: Congress Party SC Cell district secretary Marrelli Anil (28) was found dead under suspicious circumstances at Variguntham village in Kulcharam mandal in the early hours of Tuesday. The police have recovered four bullets close to his body. However, they did not confirm whether there were any bullet injuries on his body. He has bleeding injuries on his right shoulder and chest. Anil was on his way to Pythara village, his residence, in his car on Monday late at night after participating in a party programme in Gandhi Bhavan. The police reached the spot, and the body was taken to the government hospital in Medak for a postmortem. The news of his death has triggered widespread shock, with several Congress leaders rushing to the Medak hospital to inquire into the incident. Courtesy : Telangana Today Note: This news is originally published on https:/telanganatoday.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Erasure Of Dalit Labour In The Prada-Kolhapuri Cultural Theft Discourse
What if the cultural erasure didn’t start with Prada, or with the West? What if the deeper, older story is not just about colonial appropriation, but about caste-based appropriation from within? The last few weeks have seen major upheaval within the tumultuous horizons of Indian social media, with allegations of “cultural appropriation” abounding. When global luxury brand Prada unveiled a new line of footwear that bore a striking resemblance to the Kolhapuri sandals, shoes familiar to anyone with an inkling of Indian “ethnic” wear. The brand had not acknowledged the roots of these sandals, nor credited any artisans, and the price was not disclosed. Estimations ranged from £600 to £1000, based on the retail rates of its other sandals on its website. Backlash by privileged Indians ignorant of caste appropriation Harsh Goenka, chairman of RPG Enterprises, tweeted on X, ‘Prada is selling products looking like Kolhapuri chappals for over ₹1 lakh. Our artisans make the same by hand for ₹400. They lose, while global brands cash in on our culture. Sad!’ His tweet is one of several that call out this blatant cultural theft. After a flurry of news media outlets picking this up, a supposed dig Kareena Kapoor at from the brand, a series of complaints and responses from Maharashtra Development Commission and Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, and the filing of a PIL – Prada said in a statement to BBC, “The company has ‘always celebrated craftsmanship, heritage and design traditions’, adding that it was ‘in contact with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture on this topic.’” They also assured the MCCIA about a collaborative venture, with a possible partnership with the artisans who are the original makers and conservators of the shoes in question. This debacle also gained more ground with the propagation of other forms of Indian apparel, like the dupatta, gaining ground among designers and influencers in the West as a “Scandinavian scarf” while models and consumers sported clothing eerily resembling a mutated form of the salwar-kameez. All these conversations are necessary — they point out and criticise the contemporary strains of colonialism and gentrification of the craft of the Global South, and mention the well-being of “artisan clusters” and make comparisons between the original artisans’ rates and the corporation’s. However, none of them seemed to take any interest in matters regarding the actual well-being of these communities and their present situation, detached from this specific situation, nor the central issue of caste and the patterns of savarna consumption. Beneath the surface: The invisibilisation of Dalit artisans and their labour Purushu Arie, in an article for The Hindu, wrote, “When Italian luxury house Prada recently unveiled its version of the Kolhapuri chappal, Indian social media was quick to react. Accusations of cultural appropriation and erasure followed, accompanied by demands for proper attribution and a wider call to ‘decolonise fashion’. But what if the cultural erasure didn’t start with Prada, or with the West? What if the deeper, older story is not just about colonial appropriation, but about caste-based appropriation from within? Beneath the Indian diaspora’s outrage lies a deeper, more uncomfortable truth: the issue isn’t just about what is being borrowed, but who gets to borrow and who doesn’t. The Kolhapuri controversy exposes not only colonial legacies but also the casteist dynamics embedded within India’s cultural economy.” “What if the cultural erasure didn’t start with Prada, or with the West? What if the deeper, older story is not just about colonial appropriation, but about caste-based appropriation from within? The Kolhapuri controversy exposes not only colonial legacies but also the casteist dynamics embedded within India’s cultural economy.” Leatherwork has been deeply stigmatised in India historically because of its proximity to animal hides. The Kolhapuri chappals are crafted by the Charmakar (also known as Chamars), Dhor and Matang people, belonging to scheduled caste communities who are often put under the umbrella of the “Indian” or “Maharashtrian” label, erasing the caste-specific labour dynamics that are associated with this profession. There has also been little mention of the dismal conditions that most of the artisans behind the Kolhapuri sandals have to face, affecting them socio-economically. While nearly 100,000 artisans are involved in this industry, according to the MCCIA, most of them are relegated to working in an informal economy with extremely low daily incomes. Artisans making Kolhapuri chappals inside an Inga Leathers workshop in Kolhapur. Photo Credit: Emmanual Yogini Although Kolhapuri sandals have been given a GI tag with regard to authenticity markers, artisans can barely keep up with the influx of machine-made, cheap synthetic copies that have flooded the markets, which Indian consumers have no issue purchasing, although this puts the artisans in a detrimental position. Moreover, with the election of the BJP at the centre, and the 2015 ban of the Maharashtra government on cow slaughtering, artisans are having to source the leather from other states, more expensively. All quiet on the Indian front: Problematising “cultural theft” The problems of cultural theft, it seems, are only acknowledged when it exists in the colonial dimension – when a Western “other” decides to take what’s “ours”. There is, however, a larger question – what is this “ours” that we speak of? The rendering of cultural theft into an “western colonization” issue acts as a defanging of sorts – where theft is only defined by nationality, and the imagined ideals of the “others (westerners) with a colonial past” and “us (Indians) subjugated by this colonial legacy” erases India’s own violent and troubling history of marginalizing and subjugating its citizens in systemic and structural ways. This is not a standalone phenomenon; it keeps recurring and is a structural part of our culture. As a Savarna Bengali person, I saw the intermixing of Santhali fashion with the Bengali bhadralok’s repertoire of apparel. I was also afforded the blissful ignorance of the same, where this homogenization of all these distinct identities of craft under the “Bengali” banner almost seemed natural. Aastha Jani writes in another article on FII,
President Murmu inspires me to work for poor, tribals and dalits of the state: CM Mohan Charan Manjhi
“I vividly remember the jubilant atmosphere that swept the country when her name was announced as the Presidential nominee,” the CM said. Her Excellency President Droupadi Murmu has arrived in Odisha. As I greet her on behalf of 4.5 crore Odias, my heart overflows with joy and pride, not just as a citizen, but as a younger brother welcoming his beloved elder sister. President Droupadi Murmu’s identity is truly unique among her predecessors. I vividly remember the jubilant atmosphere that swept the country when her name was announced as the Presidential nominee. From the Himalayas to Kumarika, people from tribal and dalit communities, the poor and hardworking citizens poured into the streets to celebrate. It was a spontaneous outpouring of joy, a moment so unprecedented that no similar celebration has ever followed the announcement of a Presidential candidate in the past. And perhaps, such a moment may never come again. As the first tribal woman to occupy the highest Constitutional post in the country, her election marked not only a historic moment for Odisha, but a moment of celebration for the entire nation, especially for the tribal communities, women, the underprivileged, and the marginalized. Droupadi Murmu Ji’s family background and social life had fascinated the people across India. Marking an incredible journey from Rairangpur to Raisina Hills, she proves that a person, who is at the bottom of the social and economic system, can rise to occupy the highest constitutional office of the country. This is the strength of India’s democracy. Obliviously, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a key role in the selection of Droupadi Murmu as the Presidential candidate. ‘Purvodaya’ is Modi Ji’s vision. His plan was to ensure that eastern part of the country, lagging behind in terms of development compared to the western and southern regions, prosper economically. He was clear that a developed India is not possible without the development of the poor and women of the country. It can be said without a doubt that by nominating Droupadi Murmu Ji from Odisha as the Presidential candidate, Modi Ji succeeded in creating a suitable atmosphere to successfully achieve his priorities of development and prosperity across the country. In 2000, when I was elected as an MLA, Droupadi Murmu Ji was serving as a minister in the Odisha government. She was able to accomplish her mission with diligence and hard work. During the aggressive stance of the Opposition in the Assembly, she always had the ability to silence them by giving calm, simple, polite yet firm and lo gical answers. As a young legislator, especially as a member of the government alliance, there was little opportunity to speak but Droupadi Murmu Ji used to guide us to raise the problems of the poor, women, tribals, dalits, farmers and youth of our region and state. The Santhali tribe, to which Her Excellency belongs, has a glorious tradition. Pandit Raghunath Murmu of Santhali community invented the Ol Chiki script. The memories of her distributing sweets out of happiness and joy when Santhali language was included in the Eighth Schedule of Constitution during the Prime Ministership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2003, is still fresh in my mind. However, this great daughter of Odisha, a role model for women and the poor, is often insulted and humiliated for political vendetta. Today, when she arrived in Odisha, I felt very happy as a tribal. I have experienced poverty and also managed to withstand it. Her Excellency is an inspiration for me to work more diligently and systematically for the tribals and the poor of the state. Jai Jagannath! Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Priyanka questions U.P. school merger decision, calls it directed against Dalits, backwards
If schools are located far from homes, how will small children, especially girls, walk several kilometers to reach school, she asked Senior Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday (July 14, 2025) alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttar Pradesh is set to close around 5,000 government schools in the name of merger and described the reported decision not only against the Right to Education, but also against the Dalits, backwards, tribals, minorities, poor, and deprived sections. “The Uttar Pradesh government is going to close about 5,000 government schools in the name of merger. According to teacher organizations, the government intends to close about 27,000 schools. The UPA government had introduced the Right to Education Act in the country, under which a school was arranged in every village so that education could be made accessible to children from poor families. If schools are located far from homes, how will small children, especially girls, walk several kilometers to reach school? Obviously, their studies will be disrupted. Why is this right being snatched away from children,” wrote the Congress leader on X. She added, “this order of the BJP government is not only against the right to education but is also against the Dalit, backward, tribal, minority, poor and deprived sections,”. Uttar Pradesh government initiated a plan to merge schools having enrolment of less than 50 students, with nearby educational facility to make the education system more functional and viable. As part of the consolidation plan, students from these schools will be accommodated in nearby facilities to ensure their continued education. The decision faced pushback from many teachers and opposition political parties who dubbed the decision as anti-poor. Mayank Kumar Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Rahul voices concern over law & order, attacks govt
Patna: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Bihar govt, claiming the state has turned into India’s “crime capital” under CM Nitish Kumar’s leadership. His remarks came amid growing concerns over a spike in violent crimes across the state. Posting on social media platform X, Gandhi cited media reports highlighting 31 murders in just 11 days and alleged the rise of a “contract killing industry” in Bihar. His post, written in Hindi, painted a grim picture of the state’s current situation: “Fear lurks in every alley, unease pervades every home while unemployed youth are being transformed into killers.” He did not hold back in his criticism of both the CM and the BJP. Gandhi alleged that Nitish was more focused on preserving his power than addressing the state’s law and order crisis. “The CM is busy protecting his chair and BJP ministers are busy collecting commission,” he claimed. The Congress MP argued that the upcoming assembly elections were not just about political change but about saving Bihar from a dangerous descent into lawlessness. “This election is not just about changing the government. It is about saving Bihar,” he wrote. His remarks gained traction following the murder of prominent businessman Gopal Khemka, who was shot dead outside his Patna home on July 4. Khemka’s son had also been murdered seven years earlier in Hajipur. The incident has become emblematic of what opposition leaders describe as a breakdown in public safety. Gandhi’s comments reflect a rising chorus of concern over Bihar’s security situation. Opposition parties say the combination of soaring crime rates and “administrative inaction” has created a climate of fear with residents feeling vulnerable. 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.
Defamation case: RaGa to appear in Lko court today
Lucknow: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will appear in Lucknow’s MP-MLA special magistrate court Tuesday in a case involving allegedly defamatory statements against the Indian Army made by him during his Bharat Jodo Yatra in Lucknow. On Feb 1, the special court had summoned him as an accused, taking cognizance of a complaint filed in the defamation case. Rahul’s advocate Pranshu Agarwal said after his appearance, bail will be sought from the court. The case was filed by retired BRO director Udai Shanker Srivastava, who alleged that Rahul had made derogatory comments in Lucknow on Dec 16, 2022, days after a face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Arunachal Pradesh. Rahul had said, “People will ask about Bharat Jodo Yatra… but they will not ask a single question about China capturing 2,000sqkm of Indian land, killing 20 Indian soldiers, and thrashing our soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh… Don’t pretend people don’t know.” Srivastava called the remarks “false and baseless”, made with an “evil intention of demoralising the Indian Army and damaging public faith”. He cited the Army’s official Dec 12 statement, which described the Dec 9 clash in Arunachal as involving “minor injuries to a few personnel from both sides”. Rahul had earlier filed a petition before HC’s Lucknow bench against the summons, but was not granted relief. His lawyer had argued in HC that the case was politically driven and Srivastava lacked standing under section 199 CrPC, as the Army — not the petitioner — was the target. On May 29, Justice Subhash Vidyarthi rejected the claim, saying Srivastava was an “aggrieved person” under the law. HC had said Rahul must stand trial, observing a prima facie case exists against him. “Freedom of speech is subject to reasonable restrictions and does not include the freedom to make statements defamatory to any person or to the Indian Army,” HC had noted. 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.