Dalit woman gang-raped in Baheri, video captured and blackmailed: Victim went to village headman’s house, case filed against 3 under SC-ST Act, 2 detained
A Scheduled Caste woman in Gursauli village, under the Baheri Kotwali area, has accused three young men of gang-raping her, blackmailing her with a video, and threatening to kill her. Based on the victim’s complaint, police have registered a case under serious sections and the SC-ST Act. Two accused have been detained in the case. According to the police report, the victim’s 30-year-old husband is disabled and was away working. On the afternoon of July 6th, the woman went to the village headman’s house to inquire about a gas connection. The village headman’s son and several other young men were present. She was told the headman was not home and was asked to return later. The victim alleges that while returning, the three accused stopped her, forcibly took her inside a house, and raped her one by one at gunpoint. The accused also filmed the incident. The woman said that when she protested, the accused used casteist slurs. They also threatened to make the video viral on social media and kill her and her family if she complained. Police have registered a case against Ajay, son of Dayashankar, Guddu alias Tejpal, son of Nathu, and Shivam, son of Niranjan Lal. This action has been taken under relevant sections of the BNS and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Baheri Inspector Dinesh Kumar said that after preliminary investigations revealed Ajay and Shivam’s role, both have been taken into custody. Police are investigating the case based on the video and other evidence. Mumtaz Ali | Baheri Courtesy: Hindi News
Teen alleges forced sex-change surgery, conversion bid, beef eating by transgenders
An 18-year-old UP resident has alleged that a group of transgender people forcibly took him to Delhi, subjected him to sex-change surgery, attempted to convert him to Islam and force-fed him beef. An 18-year-old man in Uttar Pradesh has alleged that a group of transgender people forcibly took him to Delhi, subjected him to surgery to make him a transgender person and attempted to force him to convert to Islam. He also alleged that he was force-fed beef by the group. Police said they have received complaints from both sides and are investigating the matter. According to the complaint, 18-year-old Janu Yadav, alias Simran, a resident of Kanpur, approached the Police Commissioner alleging that a transgender person named Hina Kinnar invited him to stay at her house and later forcibly made him undergo sex-change surgery in Delhi. In his complaint, Yadav alleged that after staying at Hina Kinnar’s house for two to three months, his nose and ears were pierced. He claimed that he later returned to Kanpur, from where he was called back, taken to Delhi by a young man and forcibly subjected to an operation on March 10. He further claimed that there were plans to sell him and that he was fed beef and asked to recite the Kalma and convert to Islam. He alleged that he later escaped and filed a complaint with the police. However, Hina Kinnar has also filed a counter-complaint against the teenager. According to police, the complaint accuses Janu Yadav of theft and of disrupting her daughter’s marriage. Confirming the development, police officer Praveen Malik said the police received an application from Yadav alleging that he had been taken from Kanpur to Delhi and forcibly made a transgender person through an operation. “A counter application has also been filed by Hina Kinnar, in which she has alleged theft and disrupting her daughter’s wedding. Both cases are under investigation. Legal action will be taken only after the investigation,” Malik said. Police said both complaints are being examined and further action will depend on the findings of the investigation. Vinay Pandey Courtesy : India Today Note: This news is originally published on https:/indiatoday.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘This isn’t a paper leak—it’s theft’: Rahul Gandhi ahead of Dehradun leg of ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ on July 17
NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, ahead of the Dehradun leg of the Congress’ ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ campaign on July 17, said Uttarakhand has become the “epicentre of paper leaks” and accused the BJP government of failing to curb examination irregularities despite introducing anti-cheating laws. In a post on X on Thursday, Gandhi said he was taking the campaign to Uttarakhand because repeated exam paper leaks had shattered the hopes of thousands of job aspirants. Referring to the alleged irregularities in the Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UKSSSC) recruitment exams, Gandhi alleged that government jobs such as patwari and lekhpal were no longer being awarded on merit. “Because the land of the gods has been turned into the epicentre of paper leaks. In the UKSSSC exam here, a ‘system’ has taken root, where positions like patwari, lekhpal, or any other aren’t given based on merit, but on rates fixed by criminals,” he said. Gandhi also claimed that while the government introduced strict anti-cheating laws, paper leaks continued unabated. ‘This isn’t a leak, it’s theft’ The Congress leader said exam leaks amounted to stealing the future of young people who spend years preparing for competitive examinations. “Just think about it: a child prepared for years, filled out the form, paid the fee, travelled to a far-off centre. And their position was bought by someone else,” Gandhi said. “This isn’t a leak—it’s theft. Of that young person’s right, their livelihood, their future,” he added. Calling on students and job aspirants to join him in Dehradun, Gandhi said, “This is your fight, and I’m with you. Come, let’s turn the ‘Echo of Students’ into a battle cry. We won’t let the future be auctioned off. We won’t let dreams be leaked.” “Chhatron Ki Goonj” (Students’ Echo), a nationwide campaign, was launched in June 2026 by the Indian National Congress. Initiated by party leader Rahul Gandhi in Kota, Rajasthan, the movement aims to amplify student grievances regarding exam paper leaks, high coaching fees, mental stress, and unemployment. 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
‘Don’t let BJP change narrative’: Mahua Moitra’s message to Wangchuk over LoP Rahul Gandhi ‘s absence from protest
Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra on Thursday expressed support for activist Sonam Wangchuk, while accusing the BJP of attempting to divert attention from the issues raised by his hunger strike. In a post on X, Moitra wrote, “Sir @Wangchuk66 we are with you. But it is about BJP govt’s shamelessness & pettiness. Let’s not let BJP ecosystem make this about LoP who frankly was first to say education minister must be sacked & has always walked the talk on this issue.” Sir @Wangchuk66 we are with you. But it is about BJP govt’s shamelessness & pettiness. Let’s not let BJP ecosystem make this about LoP who frankly was first to say Education Minister must be sacked & has always walked the talk on this issue. Moitra’s remarks came in support as questions mounted over LoP Rahul Gandhi’s absence from Wangchuk’s hunger strike at Jantar Mantar against alleged irregularities in NEET and other examinations. ‘Rahul Gandhi’s absence isn’t the real issue’ CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke on Wednesday dismissed the growing focus on Rahul Gandhi’s absence from the Sonam Wangchuk protest, saying it was distracting from the movement’s core demands. In a post on X, Dipke urged people to focus on holding the government accountable instead of questioning why Opposition leaders or even CJP members were not fasting alongside Wangchuk. “Instead of asking why opposition leader hasn’t supported CJP, or why every CJP team member isn’t on a hunger strike alongside Sonam sir, ask the questions that actually matter. Why is the Prime Minister refusing to engage in a dialogue? Why is the Education Minister still not being held accountable? These are the questions that deserve answers, not distractions that only help shield those in power from accountability,” he wrote. Instead of asking why opposition leader hasn’t supported CJP, or why every CJP team member isn’t on a hunger strike alongside Sonam sir, ask the questions that actually matter. Why is the Prime Minister refusing to engage in a dialogue? Why is the Education Minister still not… Wangchuk’s health has become a growing concern as his hunger strike entered its 19th day. According to organisers, he has lost 8.5 kg since beginning the fast on June 28. Several Opposition leaders, including Akhilesh Yadav and Arvind Kejriwal, have appealed to Wangchuk to end his hunger strike while assuring him of their continued support for the movement. The protest, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), is demanding the resignation of the Union education minister over alleged irregularities in NEET and other examinations, with a march to Parliament planned on July 20. 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
Pawar vs power: NCP (SP) leaders push for BJP alliance as Sharad Pawar resists
As Supriya Sule categorically rejected reports of an NDA switch, sources say six of the NCP (SP)’s 10 Lok Sabha MPs and nine of its 10 MLAs favour joining hands with the BJP. MUMBAI: Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) appears to be facing internal divisions over the prospect of joining hands with the BJP, with party sources indicating that while Pawar wants to keep his distance, several Lok Sabha MPs and MLAs favour exploring an alliance with the ruling party. According to party sources, the 86-year-old Pawar has categorically conveyed to senior party leaders that he is not comfortable joining hands with the BJP at the fag end of his political career. However, those in favour of the move believe they should initiate talks with the BJP and assess what it is willing to offer. The buzz in the Opposition camp comes weeks after six MPs of Maha Vikas Aghadi ally Shiv Sena (UBT) switched to ruling Shiv Sena. The NCP (SP)’s stand on the BJP’s proposed Delimitation Bill is likely to emerge as a litmus test for Sharad Pawar and his daughter, Supriya Sule, signalling where the party intends to position itself in Maharashtra’s evolving political landscape. The issue gained prominence on Wednesday after Sule, the party’s working president, said there would be “little reason to oppose” the Bill if it proposed a uniform 50% increase in seats across all states. Sule, however, said any decision on supporting the legislation would be taken only after discussions within the INDIA bloc. Rejecting speculation about the NCP (SP) joining the ruling alliance, Sule said the media had been predicting her swearing-in and ministerial portfolio for the past 12 years. Notably, the NCP (SP) has 10 Lok Sabha MPs. Of them, six are reportedly keen to join the BJP-led government at the Centre, while two — Sule and Amol Kolhe — are opposed to the move. Similarly, nine of the party’s 10 MLAs are said to favour joining hands with the BJP, with Rohit Pawar the lone dissenter. Interestingly, Rohit has conveyed to the party leadership that he is prepared to make sacrifices and continue fighting the BJP. He has also said that he is less concerned about three years in power than the next 30 years of his political future and that of Maharashtra. Rohit, the grandnephew of Sharad Pawar, has also opened a channel with the Congress and is in direct touch with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi should he decide to join the party. Rahul is also reportedly keen to induct Pawar into the Congress because of his willingness to take on the BJP. Meanwhile, senior NCP leader Jayant Patil has reportedly opened channels of communication with the BJP through two senior leaders, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde. “Patil has the support of six Lok Sabha MPs and nine NCP SP MLAs to initiate the talks with the BJP. In this talk, there are two thoughts, one given by the BJP that the NCP SP should merge with the NCP, not to be a separate entity of the NDA, but others are not keen to be with the NCP. They want to keep their separate identity,” a source told TNIE. Patil, meanwhile, said he met Fadnavis only to discuss an issue in his constituency, and asserted that there was no discussion in the Sharad Pawar-led party about joining the NDA. “There are no discussions going on in our party about joining the NDA. I met the chief minister only to raise the issue of the Islampur municipal council president, whose election has been declared invalid. (Deputy Chief Minister) Eknath Shinde was in Delhi, so I sought the chief minister’s appointment. The meeting lasted barely five to ten minutes, and there was no political discussion,” he told reporters. Patil’s meeting with NCP leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare in the presence of CM Fadnavis is understood to be part of the first proposal for a merger, sources said. However, Patil denied reports that he met Patel or Tatkare during his visit to the CM’s residence. Interestingly, Patel and Tatkare are also said to favour bringing Patil and the NCP (SP) into the NCP to curb the growing influence of Parth Pawar and make the party’s existing power structure more democratic. According to sources, the letter challenging Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar’s election as NCP national president is intended to convey that she can be replaced if required. Sudhir Suryawanshi 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
Midnight stand-off at Parade Ground as admin withdraws nod for Rahul’s event
Dehradun: A late-night political stand-off unfolded at Dehradun’s Parade Ground after district authorities withdrew permission for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to address a student gathering, titled “Chhatron ki Goonj,” scheduled for July 17. The administration cited an ongoing event at the ground as the reason for the withdrawal. However, Congress members claimed they had sought and initially received conditional approval from municipal authorities to host their event at the venue from July 15 to July 17. The sudden revocation prompted senior Congress leaders, including state chief Ganesh Godiyal, Harak Singh Rawat, and Pritam Singh, to rush to the Parade Ground late Tuesday night, where they staged a protest. “The BJP government is scared of Rahul Gandhi, therefore we have been denied the Parade Ground,” Godiyal alleged. Following the protest, the event was officially relocated to the Bannu School ground in the Race Course area. Congress leaders arrived at the new venue early Wednesday morning to begin preparations for the Friday evening gathering. Leader of Opposition Yashpal Arya condemned the administration’s decision, calling it a planned move to disrupt preparations and distract the public. “We all know that BJP is behind the development as the party does not want our programme to be held in Dehradun,” Arya said, asserting that “such acts will not deter the Congress from holding the event.” Dismissing the allegations, state BJP chief Mahendra Bhatt said, “It was a political event, and the Congress was trying to create a controversy over the issue simply to gain media coverage.” 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
From ‘Untouchable’ to India’s Spin Bowling Legend: How Palwankar Baloo Became an Inspiration for Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Thousands of Dalits
Palwankar Baloo was not only an inspiration for aspiring cricketers but also for young B.R. Ambedkar, who is known as the architect of the Indian constitution. CRICKET IN THE SUBCONTINENT is marked by spin tracks and a few masters of the art. Bishan Singh Bedi, Bhagwat Chandrashekhar, S. Venkataraghavan are some of the legends that come to mind when we speak of Indian spinners. However, Palwankar Baloo was a name that laid the foundation on which this fortress was built. He was not only an inspiration for aspiring cricketers but also for young B.R. Ambedkar, who is known as the architect of the Indian constitution. Despite his achievements on the field, Palwankar Baloo was never treated as an equal off it. At tea breaks, while his upper-caste teammates sat inside the pavilion drinking from porcelain cups, Baloo, a Dalit, was made to stand outside and drink from a separate clay cup. His story is not just about a legend of the sport, but an example of an era where caste discrimination persisted even in a sport often called the “gentleman’s game.” Palwankar Baloo: From Groundsman to India’s Greatest Spin Bowler Palwankar Baloo was born on March 19, 1876 in Dharwad to a family belonging to the Chamar community. According to historian and cricket enthusiast Ramachandra Guha’s book A Corner of a Foreign Field: The Indian History of a British Sport, Baloo’s father worked with the British Army in Poona, where Baloo and his younger brothers first learnt cricket using equipment discarded by British officers. Like many children in poor families, he began working at a young age. His introduction to the game was not as player but as a groundsman. “Baloo’s own first job was at a cricket club run by Parsis. Here he swept and rolled the pitch, and occasionally bowled to the members at the nets. For this work he took home Rs 3 a month,” Guha writes. Later, he joined the prestigious Poona Club, where he prepared pitches, set up nets and bowled to British club members. One of those members was English cricketer Captain J.G. Greig, who quickly realised Baloo’s spin bowling talent. According to Guha, Hindu cricket administrators were divided over selecting Baloo in the team because he belonged to a Dalit community. It was Greig who convinced them that leaving out such a talented bowler because of his caste would be foolish. Guha notes that Greig’s attempt shouldn’t necessarily be seen as him trying to reform society, but simply wanting to test himself against a talented net bowler in competitive matches. Once selected, Baloo soon became the biggest weapon of the Poona Hindus team. His left-arm spin troubled even the strongest European sides. His performances also earned him a place in the historic 1911 All-India team that toured England—the first Indian cricket team to play on British soil. Historian Prashant Kidambi writes in Cricket Country that it took “12 years and three failed attempts” before an Indian team could finally make “its debut on the playing fields of imperial Britain.” When the team returned to Bombay on September 15, 1911, thousands gathered at the harbour to welcome them. Baloo had finished the tour as India’s leading wicket-taker and returned home as one of the country’s biggest sporting heroes. The Spin Legend Who Was Still Treated as an ‘Untouchable’ The Indian society’s taboo was hard to forego especially in the early 20th century. Success on field did not change how Baloo was treated by his own teammates. According to Guha, caste discrimination continued even inside the cricket ground. “At the tea interval… Baloo was served the liquid outside the pavilion, and in a disposable clay matka, while his colleagues drank in white porcelain cups inside,” Guha writes. He faced similar treatment during lunch. “Baloo also ate his lunch off a separate plate, and on a separate table. But he took plenty of wickets all the same. Due chiefly to Baloo’s bowling the Poona Hindus defeated the Poona Europeans and other local sides as well,” Guha writes. Even then, Baloo’s performances were impossible to ignore. Social reformer Mahadev Govind Ranade publicly honoured him after one of his major victories, while Indian freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak also praised his achievements. Slowly, Baloo’s cricket started challenging many caste prejudices, even if they did not disappear. It was also reinforced in his own family as the Palwankar family became one of Indian cricket’s first great sporting families. His brothers Shivram, Vithal, and Ganpat all went on to play at a high level. In 1923, Baloo’s younger brother Vithal Palwankar became the first Dalit captain of the Hindu team in the Bombay Quadrangular and led the side to several famous victories. The Cricketer Who Inspired Ambedkar, But Later Became His Adversary Dr. B.R. Ambedkar sitting on desk signing documents Being a Dalit, Baloo’s influence reached far beyond cricket. After the 1911 England tour, Bombay’s Depressed Classes organised a public felicitation for him. According to Guha, the welcome address was delivered by a young college student who was then unknown—Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. Quoting historian Eleanor Zelliot, Guha writes that this was “the first public appearance” of the man who would later become the architect of the Indian Constitution. “By virtue solely of his deeds on the cricket field, Baloo had become a hero and inspiration to countless Untouchables. And the young B.R. Ambedkar was one of them,” Guha writes. However, when both of them became influential figures for their community, they later disagreed on the future of Dalits in India. Guha writes that Baloo strongly believed in Mahatma Gandhi’s view that caste discrimination could be removed through reform within Hindu society. Ambedkar, on the other hand, believed the Depressed Classes would get justice only through independent political rights and by moving beyond the Hindu social order. During Gandhi’s fast against the Communal Award in 1932—a proposal by the British government to allow ‘untouchables’ to become an electorate separate from the main Hindu community, Baloo was among those who appealed
UP: Dalit priests may be appointed for the Sapta Mandapam, a decision on the recruitment of new priests is likely on July 22nd.
A decision on the recruitment of new priests for the Ram Temple complex is likely to be made at the meeting on July 22nd. According to sources, for the first time, qualified Veda-reading priests from the Dalit community may be offered the opportunity to serve in the Sapta Mandapam temples. This initiative is being taken keeping in mind the increasing number of devotees and social harmony. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is preparing to appoint new priests for the Ram Temple complex. According to sources, the new recruitment process for priests may begin after the proposed trust meeting on July 22nd. For the first time, priests from the Dalit community are also likely to be included in this recruitment. If this happens, it will be considered an important step towards further strengthening the message of social harmony in the Ram Temple complex. According to sources, the proposed appointments may include priests from the Dalit community, who may be responsible for performing pujas in the Sapta Mandapam temples located in the Ram Temple complex. The Sapta Mandapam houses temples dedicated to Maharishi Valmiki, Maharishi Vashistha, Maharishi Agastya, Maharishi Vishwamitra, Nishadraj, Mata Shabari, and Mata Ahalya. All these figures and sages are considered symbols of social harmony and inclusion in Indian tradition. Opportunities for priests being considered Sources indicate that given the growing number of devotees and the expansion of the temple complex, there is a need for new priests. Keeping this need in mind, along with social representation, opportunities are being considered for qualified priests from the Dalit community. Recently, the Trust appointed Dr. Krishna Mohan, a Dalit, as interim General Secretary. Consequently, the proposed priest appointments are being seen as aligned with the Trust’s vision of harmony and inclusion. However, no official announcement has been made by the Trust in this regard. A final decision is expected to be made at the July 22nd meeting Currently, 35 priests are serving at the Ram Temple. Currently, a total of 35 priests are serving at the Ram Temple complex. Of these, 20 perform puja at Ram Lalla and Ram Darbar. Ten priests are deployed in two shifts, morning and evening, each with 10 priests. In each shift, five priests perform puja at Ram Lalla and five at Ram Darbar, while the responsibility of aarti is assigned to all priests in turn. The remaining 15 priests perform puja at the fort and Sapta Mandapam temples. Nitin Mishra, Amar Ujala Network, Ayodhya Published by: Akash Dwivedi Courtesy: Hindi News
Immerse in this new book that dives into the life of a Dalit boy in Gujarat
This is most prominently witnessed in the chapter exploring his relationship to Mahatma Gandhi and his ideas Title: Homes Without WindowsAuthor: Chandu MaheriaGenre: MemoirPublisher: JuggernautCost: Rs 699 Gujarati writer Chandu Maheria’s new book Homes Without Windows (Juggernaut), translated into English by Hemant Ashwinkumar, is an honest account of what it meant to grow up as a Dalit boy in the working-class suburb of Rajpur in Gujarat. We learn how several Dalit families left their villages after independence to settle in parts of Ahmedabad. Through 11 essays, Maheria helps readers draw a brief history of caste politics in Gujarat: from aggression in schools of the Khadol village in the 1960s, to the anti-reservation riots and the growing consciousness of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s ideology across the state in the 1980s. Through it all, Maheria’s tone is understated and nuanced. This is most prominently witnessed in the chapter exploring his relationship to Mahatma Gandhi and his ideas. He excavates the reasons why a majority of the Dalit community resents Gandhi and prefers to advocate Dr Ambedkar’s views. Without disagreeing with the concerns of the community on the Gandhi-Ambedkar debate, he argues that one cannot disregard Gandhi’s role in bringing the subject of caste to the forefront of public discussion and politics. Maheria’s most distinctive quality is how he examines everyday objects and gives evidence from his personal experience to portray how deeply entrenched the caste system is in India. Chapters like ‘Your Chappals, Our Skulls’, which highlights footwear, or ‘The Mayor’s Bungalow’, which looks at public toilets, become significant in this regard. For instance, he recollects being turned away at the school gate as a kid, on the first day of school, because he couldn’t afford footwear and reached barefoot. The final chapter on fighting rumours and sicknesses with multiple hospitalisations offers a poignant closing to a sensitive and necessary book Nandini Varma Courtesy : Mid-Day Note: This news is originally published on https:/mid-day.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
The road to the Dalit settlement in Gorakhpur is dilapidated and muddy: Villagers face difficulties commuting, demanding repairs from the administration.
The road leading to the Dalit settlement in Mainabhagar Gram Panchayat, in the Jungle Kaudiya development block of Gorakhpur, is extremely dilapidated and muddy. Local villagers allege that the condition of this road has been poor for a long time, causing significant difficulties in commuting. According to villagers, children, women, elderly people, and other villagers travel this route daily. The situation becomes even worse during the rainy season, as the entire route is waterlogged and muddy. Local residents reported that while other roads in the village are in good condition, the road to the Dalit settlement has not been repaired. Consequently, schoolchildren face particular difficulties commuting to and from school. Villagers say they have lodged complaints several times in this regard, but no action has been taken yet. They have demanded that the administration and public representatives resolve the transportation problem by constructing the road as soon as possible. Sugreev Kumar Yadav | Bhauramal (Gorakhpur Sadar), Gorakhpur Courtesy: Hindi News