Dalit youth brutalized in Raikot: Allegations of sexual violence and brutal torture, pain revealed; FIR filed 20 days later
According to family members, the youth had been suffering from pain since around October 5th. Initially, the family considered it normal physical pain. The youth did not disclose anything in the initial days due to fear of threats. When the pain became unbearable, he narrated his ordeal to his family. A serious case of alleged sexual violence and brutal torture of a 19-year-old Dalit youth has come to light in Raikot. It is alleged that the youth was taken away on the pretext of a job and given drugs. He was then raped. The accused then tortured him by inserting a wooden object into his genitals. Police registered a case against Nanak Singh and an unidentified person on October 23rd, although the incident is said to have occurred around October 5th. According to family members, the youth had been suffering from pain since around October 5th. Initially, the family considered it normal physical pain. The youth did not disclose anything in the initial days due to fear of threats. When the pain became unbearable, he narrated his ordeal to his family. The family then took him to the Government Hospital in Raikot for treatment. The victim’s mother has appealed to the police for justice. Questions are being raised about the delay in police action in this case. According to police officials, the medical-legal report (MLR) related to the case was received on October 13th. Police stated that the victim was not in a position to give a statement at that time. A case was subsequently registered on October 23rd. Surjeet Singh, SHO of City Raikot Police Station, stated that a case has been registered against Nanak Singh and an unidentified person under sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway for both. Published by: Nivedita Courtesy: Hindi News
Modi is PM because of Congress’ contribution to democracy, says Karnataka CM Shivakumar
Shivakumar’s comments came in response to Modi’s allegation that the Congress had spent years making repeated attempts to establish Rahul Gandhi as its prominent national leader. BENGALURU: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday asserted that the Congress played a pivotal role in establishing democracy in India, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi owes his position to the party’s contributions to the country’s democratic system. Shivakumar’s comments came in response to Modi’s allegation that the Congress had spent years making repeated attempts to establish Rahul Gandhi as its prominent national leader. “Congress has a long history. Even the PM knows that without Congress this country wouldn’t have seen democracy. This is a party which has given democracy. If at all he (Modi) is the PM today, it is due to the Congress Party’s contribution to India’s leadership and democracy,” Shivakumar told reporters. “One should not forget the root. If you forget the root, you will not get the fruit,” he said. Modi on Thursday had hit out at the opposition Congress, saying that while the world was searching for a “new order”, some people were dreaming of “disorder” in India. In a direct attack on the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, Modi had said the Congress made more failed attempts to launch its leader than India made rocket launches from Sriharikota in a year. Responding to the BJP’s criticism of Rahul Gandhi’s repeated foreign trips, and its allegation that he returned from them and tried to destabilise the government, Shivakumar said the Congress leader was invited abroad by political leaders, business leaders and universities. “He is a leader. Many foreign political leaders, business leaders and universities request him. He is a leader whom the entire world is looking at,” he said. 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
‘No tweet yet for Raihan Vadra’: BJP floats ‘Priyanka vs Rahul’ angle amid Bikaner House exhibition row
NEW DELHI: The BJP on Friday alleged a rift within the Congress between siblings and Lok Sabha MPs Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, pointing out that Rahul has yet to post a single tweet in support of his nephew, Raihan Vadra, Priyanka’s son. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari accused Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of trying to “soft-launch” her son by “manufacturing” a controversy over the removal of certain photographs from Raihan Vadra’s exhibition by Delhi’s Bikaner House. “Priyanka Vadra’s entire attempt was to soft launch her son by manufacturing a controversy. She has lost political faith in Rahul Gandhi!” Bhandari wrote on X. — pradip103 (@pradip103) Claiming that Rahul Gandhi was on vacation in Vietnam, Bhandari added, “Rahul Gandhi who from Vietnam is tweeting on every issue under the sun, has till now not openly done a single tweet in favour of Raihan Vadra. It’s Priyanka vs Rahul in Congress!” The BJP spokesperson also shared purported screenshots of conversations between Raihan Vadra and Bikaner House, alleging that the 26-year-old had included political photographs in his exhibition despite being aware of the venue’s booking guidelines. Bhandari claimed the photographs were included under the Gandhi family’s ‘pressure’, prompting Bikaner House to ask Raihan to remove the political content. “Rehan Vadra’s email to Bikaner House dated 10 June & the proposal he sent to Bikaner House in the same mail had him declare the exhibition containing themes of nature, wildlife, artwork, sculpture! No Political content! To this Bikaner House accepted the proposal on 30 th June by reverting on the email!” Bhandari said. “Rehan was aware of the booking guidelines, this is is why his initial exhibition idea which he was working since 3 years had no political content! Under pressure of his family for a political launch, the political photographs were inserted later on to which Bikaner House reverted asking for removal on 21st October 2026!,” he added. A controversy erupted on Thursday after Raihan Vadra, son of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and businessman Robert Vadra, claimed that Bikaner House had asked him to remove photographs depicting the recent youth protests in Delhi just hours before the scheduled opening of his exhibition, No Idea Is Final, at 7 pm on Wednesday. Responding to the allegation, Bikaner House cited its management policy, stating, “Certain photographs from the exhibition ‘No Idea Is Final’ were found to be inconsistent with the policy of the Bikaner House Management Society and accordingly, their removal was requested.” 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
Congress launches year-long campaign marking Dalit temple-entry centenary
Bhubaneswar: Congress on Thursday announced a year-long nationwide campaign to commemorate 100 years of the Dalit temple-entry movement, with meetings, seminars and public outreach programmes planned across major cities and pilgrimage centres ahead of a mega gathering in Tirupati in Oct 2027. Addressing a media meet at Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) office here, former Union minister and senior Congress leader Chinta Mohan said the centenary observances would begin around Oct 13 this year and continue till Oct 13, 2027. The campaign aims to highlight the struggle against untouchability. According to Mohan, programmes would be organised in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Bengaluru and Chennai, besides pilgrimage centres including Srisailam and locations in Kerala. He said leaders from different political parties, legal experts, intellectuals and social activists would be invited to participate in the events. Mohan attributed the Dalit temple-entry movement to the efforts of Mahatma Gandhi and Congress, and recounted an incident involving a Dalit man, Murugan, at Tiruchanur temple near Tirupati nearly a century ago. He claimed that the episode eventually led to a campaign against untouchability and facilitated temple entry for Dalits. He said the year-long programme would culminate in a large public meeting in Tirupati in Oct 2027 to mark the centenary of the movement. Mohan also announced that Oct 13 would be observed annually as Dalit Rights Day. Alleging that Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and minorities were yet to secure full political, economic and social equality, the Congress leader accused the BJP-led govt of undermining Dalit rights. Earlier, Mohan was felicitated at the OPCC headquarters by state Congress members. 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
TN Dalit Student Dies by Suicide After Caste Taunts at School; Teacher Arrested
SC and ST Commission seeks report; family alleges caste-based abuse by classmates and a teacher and demands accountability COIMBATORE — A Dalit Class 11 student has died by suicide in Coimbatore after allegedly facing caste-based harassment at school, prompting police to arrest a teacher, register a case against the headmaster and two classmates, and launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. The student, identified as A Akilan, was found dead at his home in the Peelamedu area on Wednesday, after returning to school following the Puja holidays. His family alleges that repeated caste-based taunts and harassment left him distressed. According to the complaint filed by his mother, Kousalya Devi, Akilan had faced discrimination from classmates, who allegedly mocked him over his caste and eating habits. The complaint also names class teacher Vijayakumar and headmaster Arunkumar. The family alleges that Vijayakumar asked students in the classroom who ate beef. After Akilan reportedly indicated that he did, two classmates allegedly subjected him to casteist abuse and physical assault. His parents further allege that the headmaster failed to act adequately after they raised concerns about the treatment their son was experiencing. The Peelamedu police have registered a case against the teacher, headmaster and two students under provisions relating to abetment of suicide, voluntarily causing hurt and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Vijayakumar has been arrested, while the headmaster and the two students have also been named in the case. The allegations against them remain subject to investigation. Family Wants Accountability The Tamil Nadu State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes has sought a report from the Coimbatore City Police Commissioner on the student’s death and the allegations of caste-based harassment. The commission took up the matter on Thursday, according to reports. The Child Welfare Committee is also conducting an inquiry into the circumstances of the death, while police continue to examine the allegations and the school’s response to the family’s complaints. Akilan’s parents and relatives protested outside the Peelamedu police station, demanding a thorough investigation and action against those they hold responsible. They also called for the headmaster to be arrested, alleging that the school authorities had failed to respond appropriately to their concerns. Akilan’s father, Ashok Kumar, said the family wanted justice for their son and alleged that the teacher and school management were responsible for what had happened. He also said Akilan had aspired to become a lawyer. According to the family’s complaint, Akilan had previously been reluctant to attend school and had told his mother that other students were unwilling to speak to him because of his caste. Reports also indicate that his parents had approached the school management over the alleged harassment. Police are investigating whether the alleged discrimination and the school’s handling of the complaints contributed to the student’s death. No final findings have been announced, and the allegations against the teacher, headmaster and students have not been established in court. The case has renewed concerns about caste-based discrimination in educational institutions and the responsibility of school authorities to respond promptly to complaints of harassment, particularly when students’ safety and well-being may be at risk. Courtesy : Clarion Note: This news is originally published on https:/clarion.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Like 1984 riots’: Sirsa accuses Rahul Gandhi of spreading anarchy ahead of INDIA bloc rally
Drawing a parallel with the planned November 1 rally, he accused Rahul Gandhi of attempting to create unrest and putting innocent people, including students, at risk for political gains. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of attempting to spread anarchy in the country, drawing a parallel with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, ahead of the INDIA bloc’s planned rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on November 1. Sirsa alleged that Gandhi was following the same path as his father, former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, and grandmother, former prime minister Indira Gandhi, and claimed the Congress leader was seeking to destabilise the country for political gains. “Rahul Gandhi has adopted the same modus operandi as his father and grandmother. He is following the same path of harming the country,” Sirsa said. Questioning Gandhi’s foreign visits, the Delhi minister alleged that he was taking lessons from foreign powers that, he claimed, had spread unrest in countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal and France. Referring to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Sirsa alleged that Congress leaders had targeted innocent Sikhs to gain political power following Indira Gandhi’s assassination. He named Rajiv Gandhi, Jagdish Tytler, H K L Bhagat, Sajjan Kumar, Kamal Nath and Dharam Das Shastri while alleging that they had witnessed the violence in areas where they were assigned responsibilities. Sirsa claimed that the killings of Sikhs had helped the Congress secure a sweeping victory in the 1984 Lok Sabha elections. Drawing a parallel with the planned November 1 rally, he accused Rahul Gandhi of attempting to create unrest and putting innocent people, including students, at risk for political gains. “Now, again on November 1, Rahul Gandhi is spreading anarchy in the country, making innocent children and their mothers his victims in the greed for power,” Sirsa alleged. He also questioned Gandhi’s alleged remarks about bringing “regime change” and claimed that attempts to destabilise elected governments could involve foreign funding, without providing evidence to substantiate the allegation. “We condemn this and protest against this. You are putting salt on the wounds of the 1984 Sikh victims. You are choosing the same day, November 1, to set the country on fire and break it,” Sirsa said. At a meeting in Delhi on September 29, INDIA bloc parties announced a series of protests demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The programme includes a rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1, to which the Delhi Police has issued a No Objection Certificate. The rally is also expected to involve student organisations and civil society groups, demanding Kumar’s resignation. 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
Raihan Vadra’s protest photos spark political row, Congress alleges censorship, BJP hits back – all you need to know
NEW DELHI: The Bikaner House Management Society on Thursday defended its request to remove certain photographs from visual artist Raihan Vadra’s exhibition, saying they were “found to be inconsistent” with its policy, as the dispute over the removal of images documenting student protests and photographs of the national flag escalated into a political confrontation between the Congress and the BJP. Vadra, son of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and businessman Robert Vadra, alleged that the administration asked him to remove 70 of the 105 photographs displayed at his exhibition, No Idea Is Final, in New Delhi. He questioned the restrictions on political expression at an art institution, while several Congress leaders criticised the decision as censorship. The BJP, meanwhile, accused the Gandhi family of using the controversy for political purposes. Bikaner House says photographs were inconsistent with its policy In a statement on Thursday, the Bikaner House Management Society said certain photographs displayed at the exhibition were found to be inconsistent with its policy and their removal was requested. It added that the photographs considered consistent with its policy continued to be displayed. “Bikaner House is a public cultural institution dedicated to the promotion of art and culture. The exhibition and associated activities must comply with Bikaner House Management Society policy,” the statement said. The clarification came a day after Vadra alleged that the administration had asked him to remove several photographs documenting protests in Delhi, including images of the national flag, ahead of the exhibition’s scheduled opening on Wednesday evening. In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Vadra said, “Five hours ago, the Bikaner House Management forced me to remove the bulk of the artworks displayed in my show “No Idea Is Final”, which opens this evening at 7 pm. The photos were of the youth protests in Delhi. Apparently, the content is “objectionable”. They also directed me to remove two photos of the Tiranga. I have refused. I will not take down a picture of the Indian flag.” He said the exhibition would proceed with the remaining works and that he would consider another venue if necessary to display the complete collection of protest photographs. Raihan Vadra questions restrictions on political art Speaking to PTI Videos, Vadra said he had been informed about potential objections to some photographs a day before the exhibition and had asked the management to communicate its concerns in writing. “My show, ‘No Idea Is Final’, was supposed to start at 7 pm yesterday at Bikaner House. Twenty-four hours before the opening, I was approached by the Bikaner House management and told that some of the pictures might be objectionable or against their policy. I said that I did not believe they are, but I am happy to discuss the matter and asked them to get back to me in writing as to what are the objections,” he said. According to Vadra, the management did not respond until the following morning, when its team inspected the exhibition. He said he was subsequently told to remove 70 of the 105 photographs. “I did not hear from them till 11 am next day when their team came, saw the exhibit and left, they even complimented me on some of the photographs. Then, around 12.30 pm, we received a call from the deputy resident commissioner saying that you have to remove 70 of the 105 photographs in the exhibition because they are against the policy,” he said. Vadra said he had already removed some photographs containing overtly political slogans after reviewing the venue’s policy and was willing to discuss concerns over images featuring flags and political leaders. The management later insisted that the remaining photographs considered objectionable be removed, he alleged. Vadra said he asked officials to put their objections in writing, particularly regarding the photographs of the national flag. “So, we took them down except two photographs of the Indian flag which also they asked me to remove. I said, ‘But they are just pictures of the Indian flag. I do not think there is anything in your policy that says photographs of the Indian flag have to be removed’. At that point, I firmly told them to put their demand in writing if they wanted me to remove the photographs of the Indian flag,” Vadra said. He alleged that although the management did not provide a written demand, officials removed one of the two photographs while he was away. Vadra questioned the restriction on political expression at an art institution, saying, “I mean, most art is political, right? You cannot function as an artistic institution and then say that political content is not allowed,” he said. He also alleged that he had shared a layout of the exhibition with the management a week earlier, but was later told that officials had not been able to review it. Priyanka Gandhi backs son, Robert Vadra says family will find another venue Priyanka Gandhi Vadra backed her son on Thursday, expressing support for his decision to stand by his work. In a post on X, she wrote, “When someone with power becomes afraid of the expression of another, he doesn’t know it, but he has already lost the very power he is trying to protect. You stand for what is true and everything beautiful will find its way to you. I am proud of you, always will be.” Robert Vadra also expressed pride in his son and said the family would find another venue if necessary. Speaking to ANI, he said, “I am very proud of Raihan. He has seen what the whole family goes through and has gone through, and what his father has gone through. So, he is a very strong person, a very strong-headed person. He will find another location, and we will do it at another location.” He said Raihan had attended the recent protests, documenting them through photographs before deciding to organise an exhibition on the subject. According to Robert Vadra, his son had submitted a PDF of the proposed exhibition to the
Caste survey open for corrections, govt will rectify errors: Revanth
Hyderabad: The state govt is willing to correct any anomalies in the Socio-Economic, Education, Employment, Political and Caste (SEEEPC) Survey-2024 and ensure social justice for all communities, chief minister A Revanth Reddy said on Thursday, inviting caste associations that dispute the survey findings to submit data supporting their population claims. He announced that the govt would reconstitute a cabinet sub-committee to examine the issue and the cabinet will discuss the issue in the next meeting. “Elders and caste associations of Gouds, Mudirajs, Gangaputra, Yadavs and even Padmashalis have made claims over their population figures and contradicted the SEEEPC survey. The state govt has an open mind on this. Our intention is not to reduce the number of castes. Even my community (Reddy) people have doubts about the 25 lakh figure. We can rectify any anomalies or mistakes in population and include in the caste census, and social justice will be delivered to all castes,” Revanth said. The chief minister said the govt would seek reports from officials and consult legal experts before taking a final view on the matter. He added that the long-pending demand for reclassification of the Mudiraj community from the BC-D category to BC-A could not be considered so far because of the lack of accurate population data and that the reconstituted sub-committee would also examine the issue. Addressing the birth anniversary celebrations of Pandaga Sayanna Mudiraj, Revanth said the govt had earlier constituted a cabinet sub-committee headed by minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy and would now expand it by including ministers such as Ponnam Prabhakar and Vakiti Srihari. He also announced that statues of Doddi Komaraiah and Pandaga Sayanna would be installed on Tank Bund. Seeking to reassure Backward Class communities, the chief minister said the Congress govt is committed to their political empowerment and adequate representation. “It is my responsibility to ensure the Mudiraj community is made a partner in the govt,” he said. Shifting to national politics, Revanth described the next general election as crucial for the country and appealed for support to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He said the interests of the country’s Bahujan communities would be better protected if Rahul Gandhi becomes Prime Minister. He said the administration is strengthening the existing welfare programmes. “We are already doubling the welfare initiatives undertaken by the previous govt and building Indiramma houses in every village. The welfare schemes launched by NTR, Chandrababu Naidu, YSR and KCR are being continued,” he claimed. He said that while NTR had introduced Rs 2-a-kg rice, the present govt is supplying fine rice to 3.48 crore beneficiaries. Revanth said the govt had also taken steps to strengthen Telangana’s distinct identity, including officially adopting a state song after the formation of Telangana. 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
US top court nixes Trump admin’s bid to restrict medical care for transgender inmates
The US Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to let President Donald Trump’s administration immediately enforce restrictions on medical care for transgender inmates, leaving in place a lower-court order that allows treatments to continue while a legal challenge proceeds. The brief order did not explain the court’s reasoning. Conservative Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas dissented, saying they would have allowed the policy to take effect as the case moved through the lower courts. The policy followed an executive order by Trump, a Republican who has taken several steps to roll back transgender rights during his second term. It directs the Bureau of Prisons to revise its medical care rules so that federal funds are not spent “for the purpose of conforming an inmate’s appearance to that of the opposite sex.” Under the policy, prisons would halt gender-affirming surgeries, gradually withdraw hormone therapy and end social accommodations such as makeup and wigs. Mental health services would continue to be available. Transgender inmates challenged the restrictions in court. US District Judge Royce Lamberth ordered that their treatments continue. Lamberth, who was nominated by Republican President Ronald Reagan, noted that untreated gender dysphoria can cause severe side effects, including depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. The Trump administration appealed, arguing that the treatments raised security concerns and “could no longer be justified”. A divided appeals court panel declined to lift the block, prompting the administration to approach the Supreme Court. About 600 inmates were receiving hormone therapy in 2025, according to court records cited by the Bureau of Prisons. Lawyers for the inmates argued that withdrawing treatment would have significant effects on their bodies and mental health. They also said the government had not presented evidence of security problems linked to hormone therapy for transgender inmates during the 30 years it had been provided. The Supreme Court has previously allowed other Trump administration policies affecting transgender people to take effect while legal challenges continued. These include restrictions on military service and passport sex markers. The conservative-majority court has also upheld state laws banning certain medical treatments for transgender minors and restricting transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports. 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
UP: Four convicted in Dalit woman’s murder case sentenced to life imprisonment
Kaushambi, A court in Kaushambi district of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday convicted four accused and sentenced them to life imprisonment in the 2009 kidnapping and murder of a Dalit woman. The court also imposed a fine of ₹1.31 lakh on each of the accused. Additional District Government Advocate (Criminal) Pankaj Sonkar said that the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge and Special Judge (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act) Amit Malviya delivered the verdict after considering the prosecution’s arguments, witness statements, and evidence. He said that the accused have been identified as Arvesh Tiwari, Sarvesh Tiwari, Ramkant Dubey, and Shivkant Dubey. The court sentenced all four to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹1.31 lakh each. According to Sonkar, on October 7, 2009, the father of a woman named Kunti Devi filed a complaint at the Sarai Akil police station, alleging that the four accused lured his daughter away and later murdered her. Based on the complaint, the police registered a case under sections 363 (kidnapping), 364 (kidnapping with intent to murder), 368 (wrongful confinement or wrongful confinement of a person abducted), 302 (murder), 120B (criminal conspiracy), and 34 (acts done with common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). A case was also registered against the accused under Section 3(2)(5) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. According to the prosecution, the police filed a charge sheet against the accused after completing the investigation. The prosecution said that after considering the available evidence and the arguments of the prosecution, the court convicted all four accused and sentenced them. Courtesy: Hindi News