Moradabad: Dalit woman pressured to convert religion, threatened with abduction, victim’s brother in jail… the case is complicated
A young woman from Moradabad has accused some people of pressuring her to convert her religion. She has also alleged that the police are acting unfairly. The victim’s brother is also in jail on charges of molestation. In the Majhola police station area of Moradabad, a Dalit woman was molested by two young men. It is alleged that after the FIR was registered, the two accused are pressuring the woman to convert her religion. They are also threatening to abduct her, using offensive language. In this case, the woman has released a video demanding strict action against the accused from the district police. She alleged that the police released the accused after filing charges under minor sections. The woman, who lives in the Majhola area, had complained to the police, accusing two young men from her village of entering her house and molesting her. In this case, the police registered an FIR and filed charges against both the accused under sections 126 and 135. On Friday, the woman uploaded a video on a social media platform. The woman alleged that the perpetrators are constantly stopping her on the road and making obscene comments. She has been subjected to incidents of molestation. Due to the actions of these bullies, it has become difficult for her to leave her house. She is constantly living in an atmosphere of fear. The accused are trying to silence her by sending offensive and threatening messages on Instagram. In the viral video, the woman alleged that the accused are pressuring her to convert her religion. Earlier, she had filed an FIR against the accused, but the police registered the FIR under minor sections instead of serious ones and released both of them after filing charges. In this case, the police say that action was taken against the victim woman’s brother in June in a case of rape against the sister of the accused. He is currently in jail. Published by: Vimal Sharma Courtesy: Hindi News
VCK leader hails NGO’s contribution to Dalits’ struggle
VCK founder and MP Thol. Thirumavalavan along with CPI(M) State secretary P. Shanmugam releasing a book written by A. Kathir, executive director, Evidence, in Madurai on Saturday. VCK founder and MP Thol. Thirumavalavan along with CPI(M) State secretary P. Shanmugam releasing a book written by A. Kathir, executive director, Evidence, in Madurai on Saturday. | Photo Credit: R. ASHOK Appreciating Madurai-based NGO Evidence and its executive director A. Kathir for his sustained contributions for over two decades in fighting for the Dalit victims in the region, VCK leader and MP Thol Thirumavalavan said that he was delighted to release a book titled – Karuppu Rakshagan – authored by Mr Kathir on Saturday. Speaking after releasing the book, the MP said that the VCK as a political party fought for the downtrodden in the legislatur, while organisations like the Evidence too struggled for similar cause in the society. The role of whistle-blowers was not only complex, but challenging. Sometimes, they are also under threat from dominant forces, which had on a few occasions, turned fatal too. CPI (M) State secretary Shanmugam, who received the first copy, said that he was overwhelmed by Mr Kathir’s immense contribution. He urged the doctors in Tamil Nadu to read the novel and wished the book brought in the much needed change to the society. Publisher Marudan, in his introductory remarks, said that the novel, which has 496 pages and priced at ₹600, is a socially realistic book. Hailing the author of the NGO, now as a novelist for his maiden launch of the book, he hoped that the writings would go a long way and set a tone for transformation of the Dalits in the society. He appealed to the next generation to read the book without fail. Presiding over the event, writer Semmalar said that she was excited to read the novel and described it as interesting. Offering felicitations, professor Panneerselvam, writer Bava Chelladurai, journalist Vinod, cine directors Vetrimaran and Saravanan and actor Sasikumar hailed Mr. Kathir for his new role as a novelist. They also acknowledged the role of Evidence in bringing out the criminals before the law and giving relief to the victims. Kousalya, whose husband was a victim to caste killing, also spoke. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Kathir said that his journey as an NGO over the last two decades had inspired him to write the book and thanked his well-wishers for the support during challenging times. Earlier, Muthu from Evidence welcomed the gathering. Rani Meenakshi proposed a vote of thanks. Following an appeal from actor Mr. Sasikumar, the publisher announced a discount of ₹100 for each purchase at the venue. The Hindu Bureau Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Communist parties should come closer with Dalits at national level, says Thol Thirumavalavan
The Communist parties should come closer with Dalits and engage actively in the national politics, said Viduthalai Chiruthai Katchi (VCK) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan here on Saturday. Speaking at a book release function, he said that by not working closely with Dalits, this had in a way encouraged the right wing parties (BJP, RSS) to get closer that leaders like Mayawati and Ramdhas Athawale and the late leader Ram Vilas Paswan among others were at a distance from the secular outfits. It was dangerous to be on the wrong side (BJP, RSS) as ‘they had a hidden agenda to divide and rule the nation.’ The ideals for which stalwarts like Ambedkar lived should be carried forward and not buried abruptly somewhere due to the bad influence of the right wing groups. In the larger interest of the nation’s unity, there was an urgent need to come closer and fight the upper class denomination. The BJP, RSS and their allies were determined to create confusion among the different sects of people in the society. Explaining the need for joining hands with the Communists, which would facilitate in defeating their political opponents, Mr Thirumavalavan said that when the real struggle was to have a casteless society, the divisive forces (right wing) misled the masses by using caste and community as a tool, he cautioned. Be it at national level or in regional level, by remaining closer, the BJP and their allies can be isolated. “Take for instance, the recent incident in Madurai, where the Sanatana forces attempted to create confusion over the Karthigai deepam row. Because, the secular parties and the Dalits were united, the attempts were foisted. Else, it may have turned for worse.” Likewise, he also clarified that the VCK never kept silent on issues and raised its voice, even if they were against the administration. Admitting that there were compulsions due to alliance, but maintained that he never compromised on the issues. Be it on Vengaivayal or any honour killing crimes, the VCK stood like a rock with the victims and demanded action by the government. The VCK, he said, had risen from a small group of 20 people since its inception and had grown tall today that it was a major force in Tamil Nadu. Still, Mr Thirumavalavan said that he fought for the depressed class carrying the ideologies of Ambedkar and asserted that he would never fall prey to money or power. The Hindu Bureau Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
“10,000 autopsies, never saw this violence; no part of body untouched”: Doctor on Dalit migrant lynching in Kerala; accused linked with BJP–RSS
The post-mortem examination of Ram Narayan, a Dalit migrant worker from Chhattisgarh who was lynched by a mob at Walayar in Kerala’s Palakkad district, has revealed the extreme brutality of the attack, with the doctor stating that there was not a single part of the body without injury. Thrissur Government Medical College Hospital doctor Hithesh Shankar, who conducted the autopsy, said Ram Narayan’s body bore injuries from head to toe. His ribs were shattered, his spine was broken, and most of the wounds were inflicted using sticks. The doctor said the assault continued even after death. “I have conducted more than 10,000 post-mortem examinations, but I have never seen a body subjected to such severe violence,” he said. According to the post-mortem report, the cause of death was severe head injury. Ram Narayan is survived by his wife, two young children, and his mother. He had arrived in Walayar about a week earlier in search of work and to meet his cousin Sasikanth, a mason working in the area. Sasikanth said Ram Narayan was planning to return home as he was struggling to stay away from his family. “He left for the railway station on December 17. We came to know about his death only on December 18, when the Walayar police called me,” he told reporters, adding that the deceased had his name and address with him. Ram Narayan’s wife, mother, and children have since travelled from Chhattisgarh to Kerala. Human rights activists in Kerala have alleged that there is a deliberate attempt to trivialise the killing and demanded that the crime be officially registered as mob lynching. Addressing a protest meeting in Thrissur on Saturday, activists said Kerala’s collective conscience had been deeply scarred by the spread of hatred. Activists and family members have made it clear that they will not allow the body to be taken home unless the case is formally recorded as mob lynching and adequate compensation is announced. They said the State must take responsibility for ensuring justice and dignity in death. The activists pointed out that the victim was a Dalit youth who had come to Kerala in search of work from Chhattisgarh, where marginalised communities, including Adivasis, are often targeted. “The virus of communalism has entered Kerala’s public mind. This is a frightening reality,” they said. Referring to a video that showed the mob assaulting Ram Narayan and asking if he was from Bangladesh, writer and Gandhian thinker K. Aravindakshan said: “This is a clear case of Islamophobia spreading rapidly in Kerala and of religious intolerance propagated by the Sangh Parivar.” “That such a brutal killing could happen here, and that only a handful have spoken out against it, is deeply disturbing. Kerala today seems to be a place where dialogue itself has become impossible,” he added. Human rights activist I. Gopinath described the killing as “a Sangh Parivar-led act of mob violence that reflects the growing Islamophobia in Kerala.” He said, “When a man who does not even know the language is beaten to death, the most painful truth is that he may not have even understood why he was being killed. This shows how the politics of hatred operates.” Activists alleged that authorities were attempting to portray the Walayar incident as an ordinary crime. “This is unquestionably a mob lynching, and it must be recorded as such. Only then will Ram Narayan get justice,” they said, demanding the formation of a special investigation team. They also condemned the police for allegedly collecting ambulance charges from the victim’s relatives when the body was brought from Walayar to Thrissur for the post-mortem and for asking the family to bear the cost of transporting the body home. The activists demanded ₹25 lakh as compensation and that the government cover the expenses of taking the body to Chhattisgarh. On Thursday night, police arrested Anu (38), Prasad (34), Murali (38), Anandan (55), and Bipin (30), all locals engaged in various jobs. A court remanded them to judicial custody on Friday. Four of the accused are associated with the BJP and the RSS. Investigators also found that two of them, Murali and Anu, were earlier named in a violent attack case around 15 years ago involving assaults on workers linked to the DYFI and CITU. Murali is also an accused in another case related to an attack on Stephen, a CITU headload worker, which is currently pending before the Kerala High Court. Courtesy : Maktoob Media Note: This news is originally published on https:/mktoobmedia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
CI suspended over custodial death of Dalit youth in Telangana
The police claimed Rajesh had respiratory issues and died during treatment in Gandhi Hospital, Hyderabad. SURYAPET: Kodad rural Circle Inspector Pratap Lingam was suspended on Friday while Chilkur Sub-Inspector Suresh Reddy was attached to the SP office for their alleged negligence in ensuring timely medical treatment to a Dalit youth, Karla Rajesh, an accused in the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) scam. The action comes in the wake of demand from the parents of Rajesh and Dalit organisations for stringent action against the police officials. The police claimed Rajesh had respiratory issues and died during treatment in Gandhi Hospital, Hyderabad. However, the parents and relatives of the victim alleged that he was arrested on November 4 and subjected to third degree torture in the custody resulting in his death on November 16. MRPS leader Manda Krishna Madiga even led a protest alleging that the youth died due to police torture and demanded an ex gratia of Rs 50 lakh. 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
Tamil Nadu SIR: Election Commission deprived 1857 Dalit people of voting rights in Mancholai
After the revision, out of a total of 1,906 voters, only 49 persons have been retained on the rolls. The remaining voters have been classified by election officials as having migrated out of the area. In Manjolai, a hill settlement falling under the Ambasamudram Assembly constituency in Tirunelveli district, the Election Commission of India has removed 1,857 voters from the electoral rolls following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. After the revision, out of a total of 1,906 voters, only 49 persons have been retained on the rolls. The remaining voters have been classified by election officials as having migrated out of the area. However, a field investigation by South First found that the permanent residence of the affected residents continues to be Manjolai. Residents told South First that while many of them have temporarily moved to the plains in search of work following the closure of the tea estate, they have not changed their permanent address and still consider Manjolai their home. Local residents have questioned how their voting rights can be taken away when their permanent address remains unchanged, arguing that temporary migration for livelihood cannot be treated as grounds for deletion from the electoral rolls. They have warned that the mass deletions effectively disenfranchise an entire community that has lived in Manjolai for generations Subash Chandra Bose Courtesy : TSF Note: This news is originally published on https:/thesouthfirst.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul Gandhi Sidelined in Congress, Sonia Gives Command to Priyanka? 5 Big Signs
Since Rahul Gandhi’s foreign trip, a major shift is visible in the Congress party’s approach. Priyanka Gandhi is leading the Congress and the INDIA bloc from the front. The Congress is doing everything that wouldn’t have happened while Rahul was in charge. Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi New Delhi: The winter session of Parliament, which concluded on Friday, has signaled two major changes in Indian politics. First, if it was thought that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had weakened due to the expected reduction in BJP seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, this session has dispelled that illusion. The BJP is running the government almost exactly as it has in the previous two terms. The second change is being seen in the main opposition party, the Congress. Since the initial part of the session, Priyanka Gandhi has led the Congress and its allies from the front, and Rahul Gandhi appears to have been sidelined. Tea with PM Modi Since Narendra Modi entered active politics in 2002, the top leadership of the Congress has maintained a political distance from him that is rarely seen in any democracy in the world. But on December 19, 2025 (Friday), the day the winter session of Parliament concluded, the country and the world witnessed a major change. The enthusiasm Priyanka showed in fulfilling the parliamentary ritual at the Speaker’s invitation is historic. She comfortably participated in the meeting with PM Modi, his ministers and MPs, and MPs from opposition parties. During this time, she not only discussed her parliamentary constituency of Wayanad with PM Modi, but the leaders were also seen laughing together. This would never have been possible with Rahul Gandhi around. Meeting with Gadkari in his chamber Just a day earlier, on Thursday, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra met Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in his chamber in the Parliament House. She had expressed her desire to meet him in the Lok Sabha during Question Hour, and Gadkari immediately agreed. It’s difficult to expect or imagine such behavior from Priyanka’s elder brother and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. The way Priyanka has displayed a strong sense of being a prominent Indian politician and a leading Member of Parliament of the opposition party in just two days during his absence from India is not typical for the Congress party under Rahul’s leadership. This means that Priyanka is now making decisions on her own, or she has been instructed to do so! Central Minister’s Controversial Claim The fact is that while the Modi government was preparing to pass some very important bills in Parliament, Rahul Gandhi, despite being the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, went on a trip to Germany. Regarding this, Union Minister and BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu made a significant claim in a conversation with a reporter. Bittu, who had joined the Bharatiya Janata Party from Congress just a year and a half ago, said that “there is a big fight going on between Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Priyanka gave some speeches in Parliament that led to comparisons with Rahul. Angered by this, Rahul went abroad. There are problems in his party and family because of this.” Rahul’s Allies Distance Themselves For some time now, Rahul Gandhi has been making “vote theft,” the possibility of EVM tampering, and the SIR (Special Investigation Report) a major issue. In the monsoon session, the opposition INDIA bloc also strongly supported him on these issues. In Bihar, Rahul made a tremendous effort to create a stir on these issues. He tried out all the leaders of the INDIA bloc by bringing them onto the streets of Bihar. However, not only was the Grand Alliance wiped out in the Bihar elections, but even the Congress party’s MLAs, who were few in number, failed to win. As a result, all the allies of the INDIA bloc started distancing themselves from him. Omar Abdullah called vote theft a Congress agenda, while Supriya Sule started praising the EVMs. Lalu Yadav was left with no reaction, and Mamata Banerjee started showing even more distance from Congress. The only one left was the DMK, which had no choice but to become a follower of Congress in Tamil Nadu. Previously, this situation was kept under wraps, but the Bihar elections exposed the weaknesses of the INDIA bloc. The letter addressed to Sonia During the winter session of Parliament, on December 8, a Congress leader from Odisha and former MLA, Mohammed Moquim, wrote a five-page letter to Sonia Gandhi demanding that the reins of the party be handed over to a young leader, and he even suggested the name of party MP and her daughter, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. He questioned the Congress party’s continuous defeats in state and national elections and suggested open-heart surgery within the party. In the letter, he mentioned how difficult it is for leaders like him to even meet Rahul Gandhi. Although the party expelled him, the glimpse of change seen in the Congress party’s attitude afterward suggests that Priyanka’s increased activity is not without reason. She seems to be preparing herself to play on the front lines, sidelining her brother. Authored by: Anjan Kumar About the Author Anjan Kumar is an Assistant Editor at Navbharat Times Online. He has over 23 years of experience in electronic and digital media. He is interested in writing on topics related to politics, current affairs, judiciary, defense, foreign affairs, and business. Courtesy: Hindi News
‘PM also does it’: Omar Abdullah backs Rahul Gandhi on foreign visits; rejects BJP claim of ‘anti-India’ meetings
NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday defended Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after the BJP accused him of meeting “anti-Indian forces” during his visit to Germany. Speaking to reporters, Abdullah said that travelling abroad, meeting people outside the country is not a crime and that the prime minister does it too. “When has Rahul Gandhi met any anti-Indian personality? Is it a crime to go abroad? He is free to go anywhere and talk (to anyone). Everyone does it. The prime minister does it. All ministers do it. Why should the BJP people object?” said Abdullah, as quoted by PTI. He was responding to remarks by BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia, who accused Gandhi of meeting “enemies of India” during his visit to Germany. BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia showed a photograph of Gandhi with Berlin-based Hertie School president and professor Cornellia Woll, calling it “proof” of the Congress leader meeting “anti-India forces in Germany.” He also claimed that Woll is a trustee of the Central European University, which he said is funded by US-based billionaire investor George Soros’s Open Society Foundation. Separately, Abdullah spoke about the dry spell in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the lack of rain or snowfall since November has raised concerns over water supply, air quality, and the winter tourism season. “We are waiting impatiently for snow. It has been dry since November. And we are feeling a little shortage of water everywhere. Pollution has also increased in both, Jammu and Kashmir regions. Whether it is rain or snow, the air will be cleaner. But the big thing is that our winter tourism season will start,” 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
Fought for MGNREGA earlier, will fight again: Sonia Gandhi
NEW DELHI: Amplifying the threat of agitation coming from Congress in recent days, Sonia Gandhi Saturday said she fought for MGNREGA two decades ago, and is as committed to fight for it again. The statement, as part of a video message criticising the repeal of MGNREGA and promulgation of “black law” ‘VB-G RAM G’, came a day after Rahul Gandhi said Congress will force the Modi govt to withdraw the new law. Sonia accused the Modi govt of “bulldozing” MGNREGA, and asserted that the “black law” that seeks to repeal it will be defied by lakhs of party workers across the country. She said BJP govt has attacked the interests of crores of farmers, labourers, and landless across the country, after the Centre has ignored interests of rural poor for last 11 years. Slamming the repeal of MGNREGA, she said, “We are all ready to counter this attack. Twenty years ago, I too fought to secure the right to employment for our poor brothers and sisters; today, I remain as committed to fighting against this black law.” 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
Dalit woman makes serious allegations against police in viral video, says she fears for her safety
In Moradabad, a Dalit woman has released a video alleging that some people are constantly pressuring her and trying to intimidate her by sending offensive messages through Instagram. The police say that the woman’s allegations will be investigated and action will be taken. Moradabad, A video from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, is rapidly going viral on social media. In this video, a Dalit woman is making serious allegations against some people of harassment, constant torment, and mental torture. The woman has appealed for justice through social media. She says that if anything happens to her, the police will be entirely responsible. Regarding the woman’s allegations, the police say that the allegations will be investigated and strict action will be taken against the culprits. What allegations has the Dalit woman made? The woman alleges that some people are constantly pressuring her and trying to intimidate her by sending offensive messages through Instagram. The woman claims that she complained to the police about this entire matter, and a case was also registered, but no strict action was taken against the accused. The woman also says that despite the serious allegations, the police released the accused after filing charges under minor sections. Because of this, she fears for her safety. The woman has clearly stated that if anything untoward happens to her, the police and administration will be responsible. In this matter, the police have called the allegations baseless and assured an impartial investigation. Moradabad SP City Ranvijay Singh said, “The woman whose video is going viral is the sister of a man against whom a case was previously registered, and he was sent to jail. She is related to the people involved in that case. On June 2nd, the woman submitted a written complaint. The police are reviewing the entire matter. Technical evidence and available proofs are being thoroughly investigated. No concrete basis has been found for the allegations made in the video so far, but despite this, the matter is being seriously investigated.” Further action will be taken based on the facts that emerge during the investigation. Reported by: Ranveer Singh Courtesy: Hindi News