Kerala: Dalit priest resigns, upset over caste discrimination and threats, says ‘a conspiracy was hatched to steal’
‘An attempt was made to prove me a thief by removing the idol’s original ornaments’ – Fed up with caste discrimination and threats, a 23-year-old Dalit priest in Kerala has resigned from his job. Ernakulam (Kerala): A shocking incident has emerged from Alangad in Kerala’s Ernakulam district. A Dalit priest has resigned from his post, accusing the CPI(M)-backed Devaswom Employees Confederation of caste discrimination, threats, and fabricated complaints. The young priest, P.R. Vishnu, claims that when he refused to participate in certain unfair practices and wrongdoings, retaliatory action was initiated against him, making it impossible for him to continue working at the temple. Conspiracies began just months after joining the job 23-year-old Vishnu was serving as a part-time priest at the Malikampeedika Vathurakkavu Temple in Alangad. He had been appointed to this position approximately four months earlier after being selected by the Travancore Devaswom Recruitment Board (TDB) based on a written examination and interview. However, within a few months of his appointment, the temple administration began receiving false complaints in his name from fake addresses. Love for Sanatana Dharma and Attempt to Prove Him a ‘Thief’ Due to his deep faith in Sanatana Dharma, Vishnu underwent rigorous training in Tantric rituals and chose this profession. Recounting a horrific plot against him, he said: “Every effort was made to frame me as a thief. I was shocked to see that the real gold ornaments on the idol had been replaced with fake ones. I became suspicious and immediately called a goldsmith to have the ornaments checked. This way, I narrowly escaped being falsely accused of theft.” Family also being targeted Vishnu’s father, P.K. Ramesan, is a daily wage laborer, and his mother, Soumya Ramesan, is a homemaker. The priest alleges that his family is also being deliberately harassed. Vishnu revealed that he had filed a police complaint against a local man, and he is facing intense pressure from various quarters to withdraw it. What’s the future? Regarding the recent developments, Vishnu said that he received a call from the TDB Chairman’s office on Wednesday, and Crime Branch officials have recorded his statement. He has clearly told officials that if strict action is taken against those responsible for insulting him, he may reconsider his resignation. Devaswom Employees Confederation’s clarification Amidst this controversy, Devaswom Employees Confederation State President Prajit Kumar has given his side of the story. He said, “Our organization will not allow anyone to discriminate against our priests on the basis of caste, as they are directly selected by the TDB Commissioner. We will definitely take action against the TDB employees who insulted Vishnu.” Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
UP: 15-year-old Dalit gang-raped by two youths, minor at hotel
The accused had abandpned her under a bridge after committing the crime. Banda: A 15-year-old Dalit girl was allegedly abducted and gang-raped at a hotel in Uttar Pradesh’s Banda district by two youths and a minor, who then abandoned her under a bridge, police said on Thursday, February 19. The two youths involved in the crime were arrested, and the juvenile was apprehended on Wednesday, February 18, they said. According to Atarra Circle Officer Praveen Yadav, the arrested have been identified as Mahesh Kushwaha (18), Shakti Singh (19), and a 15-year-old boy, all residents of Girwan village. Victim forced to inhale intoxicant, then taken to hotel He said the incident took place around 8:30 pm on Tuesday, February 17. The complaint filed by the girl’s father stated that his daughter had gone to the market in Atarra town with a friend, when the three accused on a motorcycle made her inhale some intoxicant. They took the semi-conscious teenager to a hotel on Station Road, committed the crime, and then abandoned her under the Ken Canal bridge before fleeing, CO Yadav said. A case was registered on Wednesday, and all the accused were held, the CO said. He added that one of the arrested accused was a former acquaintance of the victim. Posted by Khadija Irfan Rahim Courtesy : Scroll Note: This news is originally published on https:/scroll.in/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Who was Robert Dorgan? All about the transgender suspect in the Pawtucket Dennis M. Lynch Arena hockey shooting
Robert Dorgan was a 56-year-old transgender person from Rhode Island who was also known as Roberta Esposito. Police claims he was the suspect in a deadly shooting during a high school hockey game in Pawtucket. The incident happened at Dennis M. Lynch Arena and left three people dead, including Dorgan. Three others were hurt and are in critical condition. According to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, Dorgan died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officials described the shooting as targeted. One of the people who died was his son. Robert Dorgan worked for General Dynamics Bath Iron Works. After the shooting, company spokesperson David Hench said in a statement, “Robert Dorgan was an active employee with General Dynamics Bath Iron Works. We extend our deepest sympathies to the victims, their families and all those affected by this tragedy. Any further questions should be directed to law enforcement.” Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves identifies Robert Dorgan in targeted Rhode Island hockey arena shooting Police publicly identified Robert Dorgan during a Monday night press conference. Chief Tina Goncalves said the shooting took place during a youth hockey game that involved cooperative high school teams. She explained that three people, including Dorgan, died, and three others were taken to the hospital in critical condition. WJAR reported that Dorgan was the father of a senior from North Providence High School who was playing in the game. The station also reported that one of the deceased victims was his son. Authorities have not released the names or ages of the victims yes. Chief Goncalves said early information suggests the violence came from a family dispute. She also mentioned that one person involved was described as a “family friend,” but did not clarify whether that person was among the dead or injured. Court records show that Dorgan’s ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, filed for divorce in 2020. The divorce was finalized in June 2021. The couple had at least three children. During the divorce process, records listed that Dorgan had been living in Jacksonville, Florida, and working as a truck driver. After the shooting at Dennis M. Lynch Arena, one adult daughter spoke to media outlets and said her father had struggled with mental health issues for many years. Another adult child was reported among those shot, though officials have not confirmed identities. The investigation remains ongoing as police continue to gather evidence and speak with witnesses. 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
Harish calls Telangana cabinet ‘review’ in Delhi humiliating
Hyderabad: Taking strong objection to the Congress leadership summoning the Telangana cabinet to Delhi for a ‘review’, which he said was against the democratic spirit and hurt the ‘self-respect of Telangana’, senior BRS leader Harish Rao said the state was formed after immense sacrifices for self-rule and political dignity, and today it is being made to bow before a “Delhi durbar”, which is deeply humiliating for the state. He questioned whether the people of Telangana voted for an independent govt or for a govt that functions under remote control from Delhi. In an open letter to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, AICC Telangana in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan, and Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday, Harish criticised the Congress leadership for what he termed a “collapse of governance and betrayal of promises” in Telangana. He reminded the Congress leadership of the promises made during the elections and pointed out that, despite assurances that the guarantees would be implemented within 100 days, more than two-and-a-half years have passed without fulfilment. He demanded that the Congress leadership direct chief minister A Revanth Reddy to honour these commitments at least in the remaining tenure. “Congress promised legal backing for the six guarantees in the very first assembly session, but the bill failed to move forward, eroding public trust. The Congress should begin its review by apologising to the people for betraying their faith,” the BRS leader said. Referring to Sonia Gandhi’s personal assurance through bond papers for the implementation of the guarantees, Harish said those guarantees now lost all credibility due to the CM’s failure to deliver, making the bond papers meaningless in the eyes of the people. Harish added that the Congress made over ‘420 promises’, most of which remain unfulfilled. He alleged that farmers are suffering even due to poor fertiliser supply, exposing the govt’s administrative failure. He accused the chief minister of prioritising frequent visits to Delhi while neglecting governance in the state, suppressing dissenting voices, and resorting to abusive and vulgar language in public discourse. He said such conduct brought disrepute to Telangana’s political culture. Harish Rao demanded clear directions to the chief minister for the immediate implementation of the six guarantees and action on alleged scams. 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
Cong eyes reclaiming ground in Manipur: Venogopal Rao in Churachandpur
Churachandpur: With plans to reclaim Manipur, Venogopal Rao, All India Congress Committee (AICC) observer under the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan (SSA), visited Churachandpur on Wednesday to spearhead organisational reforms. Rao said the initiative follows directives from AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi, who have called for a renewed push to rebuild the party’s base across the northeast. Explaining the policy, Rao said: “Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan is a reformative initiative of the AICC to select district Congress presidents at district headquarters, involving all blocks, stakeholders, party leaders, and cadres, with individual consultation in a transparent way. Reorganisation will take place at the district level in an unbiased and fair manner as directed by the high command.” He stressed that Congress is regaining momentum nationwide. “Congress is gaining ground and has started reclaiming seats across India, as seen in Telangana,” he said. On Manipur, Rao said, “Congress has not lost followers or leaders here. Instead, their numbers are increasing. With their support, we will remove the misrule of the present government in Manipur.” He said, “Congress will not sink. It will bounce back and return to power across the country, state by state.” Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rao said, “From Kanyakumari to Kashmir, the Yatra evoked tremendous response from the people.” Highlighting the party’s social commitment, he added, “Congress is dedicated to the welfare of the downtrodden, SCs, STs, minorities, and women.” Pointing to Telangana’s changing mood, he remarked: “In my state, people once mocked Congress, asking ‘kaha hai Congress?’ But now they know the reality.” Rao was accompanied by Christopher Tilak, secretary in charge of northeast, and two observers from the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC). They were warmly received by the Churachandpur District Congress Committee (DCC). A meeting led by DCC president T Chawngbiak discussed reorganisation policies and strategies in detail. 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
‘Far too much younger’: Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar explains why he is not a ‘Rahulian’
NEW DELHI: Veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Wednesday doubled down on his recent remarks in which he described himself as a “Gandhian”, a “Nehruvian” and a “Rajivian”, but not a “Rahulian”. The sidelined leader said that he is not a “Rahulian” because Rahul Gandhi is “far too much younger” than him and “far too distant” in his political life. Speaking to PTI, Aiyar said, “I recently said that ‘I am a Gandhian, I am a Nehruvian, I am a Rajivian, but I am not a Rahulian’.” Explaining why he described himself as a “Gandhian”, Aiyar said, “I was six-year-old and my brother was four when Mahatma Gandhi picked us up in his arms and said ‘ye mere aankhon ke suraj aur chand hain’.” “From there, I became a ‘Gandhivaadi’.” On his identification with India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, he said, “As for Nehru, I was six when he became the prime minister, and I was 23 when he ceased being one, so my entire growing-up years were steeped in the Nehruvian ethos; that is why I also regard myself as a Nehruvian.” Aiyar said he considers himself a “Rajivian” because of his association with former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. “I call myself a Rajivian because it was he, although two years younger than me, who astonished me by bringing me into the PMO and by doing the things he did… I could not believe it. That is how I became a Rajivian,” he said. He also clarified that he did not describe himself as an “Indiravian” as he “totally disapproved” of Indira Gandhi “converting our democracy into a tyranny by declaring an Emergency, albeit for only 18 months”. Referring to his comment on Rahul Gandhi, Aiyar said, “How can one expect me to be a ‘Rahulian’ when the boy is about 30 years younger than me, and I haven’t had an opportunity to work with him? That is why I cannot be a ‘Rahulian’ because he is far too much younger than me and far too distant from me in his political life.” The remarks come amid strained ties between Aiyar and the Congress leadership. The controversy began after he praised the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government in Kerala and expressed confidence that the chief minister would continue in office. Speaking at an international seminar in Thiruvananthapuram, Aiyar had said, “So, in the presence of the chief minister, who I am sure will be the next chief minister, I renew my plea that to reinforce Kerala as the best Panchayati Raj state in the country, state laws should be amended based on practical experience, Thomas Isaac’s insights, the five-volume report I chaired and the note on district planning by V Ramachandran circulated by the Planning Commission when it truly supported Panchayati Raj.” The Congress distanced itself from his remarks. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera said that Aiyar “has had no connection whatsoever with the Congress for the past few years” and that he speaks and writes purely in his personal capacity. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that the people of Kerala would bring the Congress-led United Democratic Front back to power in the state. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
No discussion at present on appointing Dalit CM: HM
Mangaluru: Home minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday said there is no discussion at present on appointing a Dalit chief minister. He told reporters on Tuesday, that the govt is currently concentrating on governance and preparing the state budget. Responding to minister HC Mahadevappa’s remarks advocating for a Dalit chief minister, Parameshwara said that Mahadevappa expressed his personal opinion on the issue. “Mahadevappa is a capable leader and can handle any responsibility given to him. That is why he made the statement. In a democratic society, individuals express their views and choose their leaders. There is nothing wrong in that. However, the Congress has a high command, and it will take the final decision on such matters. It is not enough if a few people raise slogans in my favour. The high command will consider all aspects before arriving at a decision. At present, there is no such discussion on a Dalit chief minister,” he added. Reacting to the stone-pelting incident in Chikkamagaluru, Parameshwara said that action was already initiated. “Police will proceed in accordance with the law. It was reported that the woman in the house belongs to the Dalit community, and the police will register the case under the relevant legal provisions,” he said. On IT minister Priyank Kharge’s remarks against the RSS, Parameshwara said he was expressing his personal views. “He has his own opinion, and I have mine. Priyank Kharge expressed his views about the RSS. My opinion is not required in this matter,” he said. 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
Police inspector dismissed for tardy inquiries into TN dalit youth’s suicide
CUDDALORE: Sethiathope police inspector P Jaishankar has been dismissed from service for tardy investigation into the suicide of a dalit youth when he served as Kadar inspector in charge in Villupuram district in 2022. DIG (Villupuram range) A Arularasu passed an order in this regard on Monday. Police said a quarrel erupted between two groups from different communities over a petty issue in Soorapattu village under Kadar police station limits on Dec 21, 2022. Jaishankar registered cases against the members of the two communities involved in the clash following complaints and counter-complaints. Two days later, M Raja, a dalit, who was also booked, died by suicide. The Kadar police arrested two members of the vanniyar community on charges of forcing the dalit youth to die by suicide. However, investigating officer Jaishankar failed to probe the case in an effective and efficient manner, following which he was suspended. A few months later, his suspension was revoked. He was transferred to Sethiathope police station in Cuddalore district. The committee, which was inquiring into the charges against the inspector, submitted the final report to the DIG (Villupuram range). 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
20,000 acres of land allotted to Dalits, OBCs, tribals in Gujarat not handed over yet: Vadgam MLA Jignesh Mevani
Gandhinagar: State Congress working president and Vadgam MLA Jignesh Mevani said in the assembly on Tuesday that 20,000 acres of land allotted to Dalits, OBCs and tribals was not yet handed over to them in the state. Speaking during a discussion on the Saurashtra Gharkhed, Tenancy Settlement and Agricultural Lands (Gujarat Amendment) Bill, Mevani said that in Surendranagar district, Dalit farm labourers wrote to authorities for 15 years about encroachments on their 7,500 acres of land, yet no action was taken. “I raised this issue multiple times over the past eight years in the assembly. The govt must commit to resolving this issue. If we can allocate land to large corporate entities, why is the state not handing over land for cultivation? The state revenue department must act to remove illegal encroachments and ensure justice for the marginalised,” he said. During past assembly sessions too, Mevani had asked the govt to register offences in cases where Dalits have been allotted land parcels under Gujarat Agriculture Land Ceiling Act, but the same remained illegally encroached upon by non-Dalits. He demanded that preventive measures should be taken by the police to ensure that the land allottees do not suffer loss of life or property in case they go on their own to take possession of the illegally encroached land. 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
SP MLA flags policy on nod for Dalit events
Lucknow: A heated exchange took place in the UP Assembly after Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA from Jasrana, Sachin Yadav, questioned the state govt’s policy regarding permissions for religious events, jayantis, and processions primarily related to Dalit ideologues. Raising the issue during Question Hour, Yadav asked whether the govt would consider formulating a “simple and safe policy” to address alleged administrative irregularities in religious programmes and shobha yatras carried out by Dalit communities. He sought to know if govt would remove condition of “presence in conventional police register” and allow “every section” of society to observe jayantis and carry out processions of their leaders without discrimination. Yadav asked govt if process for obtaining permission would be simplified and whether approvals for village-level processions could be granted locally. Responding to the query, state parliamentary affairs minister Suresh Khanna squarely rejected allegations of discrimination levelled by the SP legislator. Courtesy : TOI