Principal beats Dalit student with a bat in Raebareli, child seriously injured with a head injury, allegations of caste discrimination also made
UP News: In Raebareli, the principal of Raghavpur Primary School attacked a Class 1 student, Hrithik, on the head with a cricket bat, causing a severe head injury. Madhav Singh, Raebareli: A serious incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at Raghavpur Primary School in the Bachhrawan police station area of Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, involving 6-7-year-old Hrithik, son of Ram Baran, a student of Class 1. It is alleged that the school principal struck the student on the head with a cricket bat over some issue. The blow was so forceful that the child’s head was split open and he started bleeding profusely. Injured student taken to the hospital Immediately after the incident, the student was taken to the hospital in a serious condition for treatment. Upon learning of the incident, the family and villagers became enraged. Family and villagers express outrage The family informed the police by calling 112. The villagers alleged that not only are children subjected to physical abuse, but also untouchability and caste discrimination. In protest, the villagers surrounded the school and demanded action against the principal. Police registered a case The police arrived at the scene, calmed the situation, and asked the family to file a complaint at the police station. On Wednesday, the family filed a complaint at the police station, seeking justice. Edited by: Devesh Pandey About the author Devesh Pandey is a consultant at Navbharat Times Online. He has 8 years of experience working in TV channels and digital media. He has experience and interest in politics and sports. He covered several IPL matches and the World Cup 2023 in Lucknow. Courtesy: Hindi News
J&K’s Valmiki Community Added to Scheduled Caste List, Union Govt Informs Parliament
Jammu and Kashmir’s Valmiki community has now been officially added to the Scheduled Caste list, the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment told Parliament on Wednesday. The announcement was made in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha while listing caste inclusion proposals processed in recent years. Minister of State Ramdas Athawale said that Jammu and Kashmir had sent two proposals in the past four years. One of them, related to the Phalahre community, was sent back to the administration because the Registrar General of India wanted more justification. But the proposal for including the Valmiki community had already been approved. “The Valmiki community has now been added to the Scheduled Caste list,” he said. Athawale explained that State and Union Territory governments regularly submit requests to include or remove communities from the Scheduled Caste list. These proposals are examined under fixed rules and must be cleared by both the Registrar General of India and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes. “Only after both bodies agree can the government begin the legal process under Article 341(2),” he said. He placed data before the House showing that several States have sent similar proposals in the last four years. He noted that each request is examined using demographic information and historical records. “All proposals have been processed according to the laid-down procedures, and the government continues to review the submissions,” Athawale said. Courtesy : TOP Note: This news is originally published on https:/theobserverpost.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
MP Man Alleges Social Boycott for Eating at Dalit Home; Inquiry Ordered
A man in Madhya Pradesh’s Raisen district has alleged that his village panchayat ordered a social boycott against him and his family after he ate at a Dalit household during a post-death ritual. The incident, which occurred about a month ago in Piparia Puaria village of Udaypura, came to light during a public hearing on Tuesday, prompting officials to initiate an inquiry. According to the complaint, the panchayat reportedly declared a boycott of three upper-caste men for sharing a meal at a Dalit family’s home. It allegedly imposed conditions to avoid ostracism, including organising a village feast. Two of the men agreed, but the third, Bharat Singh Dhakad, refused and instead reported the matter to police. Dhakad said he and his family were being treated as “untouchables” and excluded from community functions. Udaypura tehsildar Dinesh Bargale confirmed that Dhakad has accused the sarpanch, deputy sarpanch, and other panchayat members of passing the boycott order. He said the matter is under investigation and that legal action will be taken if the claims are found true. Courtesy : TOP Note: This news is originally published on https:/theobserverpost.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Peer-Support Boosts Transgender Mental Health
A new study by The George Institute for Global Health, India, has found that a peer-support model significantly improved the mental health and wellbeing of transgender persons in Delhi NCR. The two-year project, “Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing among Transgender Persons (Manthan Project),” was funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and implemented between January 2024 and December 2025. The study enrolled 62 transgender participants who took part in a 12-month structured peer-support intervention from September 2024 to August 2025. The programme consisted of 24 modules designed to help participants understand and manage stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, anger, and also promoting coping techniques such as guided imagery, grounding exercises, and box breathing. The results indicate clear improvements in mental health outcomes. Depression scores reduced from a mean of 13.0 at baseline to 7.0 at the end of the intervention, while anxiety scores fell from 11.2 to 6.0. Quality of life scores also improved from an average of 48.6 to 57.8. The programme recorded a retention rate of more than 90 percent across sessions, demonstrating high acceptability within the community. The findings were presented at a dissemination event held in New Delhi on 9th December 2025, which brought together researchers, policymakers, and community representatives to discuss the evidence and explore pathways for policy integration. The discussions featured experts from ICMR, IHBAS, and NISD alongside study participants who shared their lived experiences. The findings underline the importance of community-led approaches. The results reinforce that peer-support models, when rooted in lived experience, can make a measurable difference to mental health outcomes among transgender persons. Such initiatives build trust and resilience while addressing stigma and isolation. By: Dr. Y. K. Sandhya Programme Lead, Mental Health, The George Institute for Global Health, India Adding his perspective, Prof. Pallab Maulik, Director of Research, The George Institute for Global Health, India, spoke about the need to address structural stigma and normalise inclusion. Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to care. It is not only social but also structural, embedded in how systems function. That needs to change. Professionals and peers both have a role in offering safe, empathetic spaces for transgender persons to access care. The goal should be to create environments where transgender people are seen as part of the larger community, not apart from it. By: Prof. Pallab Maulik The national consultation featured two insightful panel discussions and a keynote address by Dr. R. Giriraj, Senior Deputy Director, Transgender Division at the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. In his address, he spoke about the importance of inclusion and dignity for transgender persons. He said, Transgender people face challenges that begin at home and extend into society. What they need most is acceptance and respect, not sympathy. They are strong, independent and can contribute meaningfully to nation building. The Ministry is working to raise awareness among key groups like the police, judiciary and health professionals, and to expand access to employment, recreation and mental health services. Our helpline 14427 and Tele-MANAS counselling are steps in that direction. By: Dr. R. Giriraj The first panel discussion, “Participants’ experiences” featured participants from the transgender community who shared their experiences of being part of the Manthan project. They spoke about the importance of having safe spaces to express emotions, learning to manage stress and anger, and discovering a renewed sense of confidence through peer interactions. The participants reflected on how the sessions encouraged self-acceptance, empathy and mutual support, helping them build stronger connections within the community and view themselves beyond their gender identities. The second panel discussion, “Policy Pathways”, featured Dr. Apoorva Sharma, Scientist at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Prof. Om Prakash, Deputy Medical Superintendent and Professor of Psychiatry at the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), Prof. Pallab Maulik, Director of Research, The George Institute for Global Health, India, and Rekha Dixit, Associate Editor at IIT Madras’ Shaastra magazine. This session focused on the need for inclusive and affordable mental health care, sensitisation of medical and media professionals, family involvement, and evidence-based models like Manthan to guide future interventions. In this session, speaking on the role of evidence-based research in addressing health challenges for the transgender community, Dr. Apoorva Sharma, Scientist at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said on behalf of Dr Sumit Aggarwal Scientist and Program Officer, ICMR. Manthan is an important step beyond traditional research. It connects evidence to lived experience and shows how simple, community-based models can build trust and resilience. At ICMR, we are committed to supporting research that strengthens inclusion. Our study on mpox showed that only 52.4 percent of transgender persons have ID cards and 40 percent have insurance coverage. The same study also gave evidence on the stigma and marginalization associated with the community. Projects like Manthan help generate the kind of evidence needed to guide policies that can change these realities. By: Dr. Apoorva Sharma Prof. Om Prakash, Deputy Medical Superintendent and Professor of Psychiatry at the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), spoke about the importance of family support and understanding in promoting mental health. When we treat mental health conditions, we are not only treating individuals but also supporting their families, as mental illness affects everyone around the person. For transgender people, this struggle is even more difficult. There are many painful stories, and we want families to walk beside them. At IHBAS, we are ready to support initiatives such as Manthan, and we welcome transgender persons to come forward and share their needs so that we can design care models that truly reflect their lives. By: Prof. Om Prakash During the event, The George Institute also announced the upcoming “Together Against Stigma” conference, to be held in partnership with AIIMS and UNICEF India from November 12-14, 2026, which will continue the dialogue on inclusive and equitable mental health practices. The Manthan study adds to a growing body of research emphasising the role of peer support
Revise class 4 history: TMC on Anurag’s ‘Vande Bharat’ gaffe
Kolkata: “Revise class 4 history before speaking in public,” said Trinamool Congress on Wednesday, taking aim at BJP MP Anurag Thakur after the former Union minister said “Vande Bharat” instead of “Vande Mataram” at least twice during Monday’s Lok Sabha debate on the song by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. “Are they patriots at all?” TMC questioned on its X handle, before adding: “People who can’t even say ‘Vande Mataram’ without turning it into ‘Vande Bharat’— with what audacity do they lecture the nation on patriotism and nationalism?” TMC said it was not a mere slip of the tongue by Thakur, but “BJP’s trademark ignorance in full display”. “When PM Narendra Modi himself demeans Bengal’s icons by calling them ‘Bankim-da’, when history is distorted from the top, the disciples will naturally follow,” TMC said, adding: “This is not patriotism. This is a mockery of India’s heritage. Shameful!” PM Modi, during a debate in the Lok Sabha on ‘Vande Mataram’, had referred to Bankim Chandra as ‘Bankimda’ after which TMC called him “culturally illiterate” and BJP “grotesquely alien to Bengal’s culture”. Trinamool veteran MP Saugata Roy intervened 23 minutes into the PM’s speech, telling him that it should have been “not da (but) babu”. TMC had called the PM’s comments “insulting (and) patronising”. Trinamool Krishnagore MP Mahua Moitra said that BJP raised the “Vande Mataram” issue as a distraction, but “ended up humiliating our greats.” Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, “Entire BJP has no idea whom to call ‘dada’ and whom to call ‘babu’— the very ethos of Bengali culture. It is thus no surprise that their MPs speak in this manner.” TMC MP Saket Gokhale claimed this was a result of BJP’s “obsession with Modi”. “The BJP is so obsessed with Modi that ‘Vande Mataram’ has become ‘Vande Bharat’. Modi for them is above everything, including the nation,” Gokhale wrote on X. 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
Decision on CIC: Rahul Gandhi raises questions on appointment process in meeting with Modi and Shah
The committee headed by the Prime Minister has decided on the names of the country’s next Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners. Home Minister Amit Shah was also present at the meeting. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi expressed his disagreement with some of the names and registered his objection in writing. New Delhi: The three-member committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided on the country’s next Chief Information Commissioner (CIC). The committee meeting was held on Wednesday. Sources said that a decision was taken regarding the CIC and eight Information Commissioners. However, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who is a member of the committee, expressed his disagreement with some of the names. The post of Central Information Commissioner has been vacant since September 13, and eight out of ten posts of Information Commissioners in the commission are also vacant. In view of this, the committee meeting chaired by the Prime Minister was held at the Prime Minister’s residence on Wednesday, with Home Minister Amit Shah also present as the third member. Disagreement registered in writing Sources said that Rahul Gandhi raised the issue of providing more information about those being appointed and also questioned the criteria for the appointment of the CIC and eight Information Commissioners. Expressing dissatisfaction with the appointment process, he registered his disagreement in writing. 3083 cases pending According to the CIC website, 3083 cases are pending before it. This is the seventh time since 2014 that the country does not have a Chief Information Commissioner. Hiralal Samariya, who became the Chief Information Commissioner in 2023, left the post on September 13 this year upon reaching the age of 65. In 2014, when Rajiv Mathur left the post, it was the first time that the Central Information Commission did not have a Chief Commissioner. TMC targets NDA government The issue of vacant posts of CIC and Information Commissioners was also raised in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. Trinamool Congress MP Mohammed Nadimul Haque said that due to the vacant posts, the disposal of pending appeals is being delayed by two to three years, and by the time the information is received, it will be of no use. He called the NDA government a “no data available” government, alleging that the government is reluctant to provide information to citizens. Edited by: Abhishek Pandey About the Author Abhishek Pandey is a Consultant Writer at Navbharat Times Online. He has over three years of experience working on news related to current affairs, politics, crime, and public interest issues. He also closely covered the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in 2022 and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Courtesy: Hindi News
‘Gandhi personally chose him’: Congress MP counters Amit Shah’s ‘vote chori’ charge on Nehru; shares ‘historical truth’
NEW DELHI: Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Thursday hit back at Union home minister Amit Shah’s remark that Jawaharlal Nehru became India’s first prime minister through ‘vote-chori.’ Tagore listed five points to argue that Nehru assumed the post fairly and legitimately. “What really happened in 1946 — Patel, Nehru & the ‘vote chori’ myth. Shah claims that in 1946 “PCCs chose Patel, Nehru got two votes, and someone stole the election. Here’s the historical truth based on INC records, letters & historians — not WhatsApp University,” he posted on X. According to the Congress MP, the first ‘fact’ is that in 1946 the Congress was electing its national president, and whoever was chosen for that role would automatically head the interim government — a position equivalent to that of a prime minister. He added that the second ‘fact’ is that while Patel received nominations from 12 of the Congress’s 15 provincial committees, Nehru did not receive a single nomination.The third ‘fact’, as per Tagore, is that no election was held between the two and, therefore, the ‘vote-chori’ claim is ‘pure fiction.’ His fourth ‘fact’ stated that after the nominations were in, Mahatma Gandhi — who supported Nehru — asked Patel to withdraw from the race. Out of respect for Gandhi, Patel stepped aside, leaving Nehru as the sole remaining candidate. The fifth and final ‘fact’ is that with Patel withdrawing himself, the Congress Working Committee endorsed Nehru as the party president, making him the head of the interim government. “Those shouting ‘vote chori’ are rewriting history for politics. History is clear: it was Gandhi’s intervention, not Nehru’s ‘two votes’, that decided the leadership. Let facts speak louder than propaganda. India’s freedom struggle deserves honesty — not manufactured stories,” Tagore said. Amit Shah’s Lok Sabha speech Shah’s comments came during his reply to the Lok Sabha debate on electoral reforms on Wednesday, where he responded to concerns raised by opposition members, including leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi — Nehru’s great-grandson. The home minister cited three instances of what he described as ‘vote theft,’ beginning with the 1946 Congress leadership decision. “I want to tell you about three incidents of ‘vote-chori’,” Shah said. “First, after independence, when the country’s prime minister was to be chosen… Sardar Patel received 28 votes, while Jawaharlal Nehru got only two. Yet Nehru became the prime minister.” He went on to cite the case of former prime minister Indira Gandhi — Nehru’s daughter — who won from Rae Bareli before her election was challenged in the Allahabad high court by Raj Narain. “The high court ruled that Indira Gandhi’s election had violated the rules and declared it invalid. That too was vote theft. They then brought a bill in Parliament stating that no case could be filed against the prime minister,” Shah stated. He also referred to a Delhi court case in which it was alleged that Congress leader Sonia Gandhi — Rahul Gandhi’s mother — had “become a voter before becoming an Indian citizen.” 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
Uttar Pradesh: Seven people barged into a Dalit’s house and attacked them with weapons after an argument; two accused arrested
Uttar Pradesh News: A serious attack has been reported from Mau district of Uttar Pradesh. Late Sunday night, seven people stormed into a house in the Mauaima area. The attackers entered the house armed with sharp weapons and sticks. They launched a deadly attack on two people in the house, leaving them seriously injured. The incident took place at the house of Kalawati Devi, a resident of Katra Dayaram Panpati Chauraha. The attackers targeted her brother-in-law Jiyalal and her husband’s elder brother Ramabhilash. The attack was so brutal that both were left covered in blood. The victim’s family alleges that the attackers were hurling abuses and also threatening to kill them. Villagers apprehended two attackers Hearing the commotion during the attack, villagers from the surrounding area rushed to the scene. Seeing the villagers approaching, the attackers started to flee. They left their bikes and scooters behind. While fleeing, the villagers managed to catch two of the attackers. The remaining five accused managed to escape. The villagers handed over the apprehended accused to the police. The two arrested accused have been identified as Shiva DJ and Rajaram. The police immediately arrested both of them. The arrested accused were produced in court on Tuesday. The court has sent both of them to judicial custody. The police are now searching for the remaining attackers. The injured were admitted to the hospital Jiyalal and Ram Abhilash, who were seriously injured in the attack, were immediately taken for treatment. They have been admitted to SRN Hospital. According to hospital sources, both are still in critical condition. The police have started an investigation into the incident and action is being taken against all the accused in the case. The victim, Kalawati Devi, has filed a complaint at the Mauaima police station. The complaint names seven people, including Vikas Kumar, Rajaram, and Shiva DJ. The complaint includes charges of attempted murder as well as other serious allegations. The police have registered a case on this basis. Case registered under the SC/ST Act The police have also applied the provisions of the SC/ST Act in this incident. This law provides protection to the weaker sections of society. Cases registered under this act are dealt with promptly. The police say they are trying to arrest all the accused as soon as possible. Local people are shocked by this incident. They say that such incidents are a challenge to law and order. The police administration has taken cognizance of the matter and taken swift action. Now the focus is on the arrest of the remaining accused. Police teams are searching for them. Courtesy: Hindi News
Khandwa Incident: Salman Blackmailed and Repeatedly Raped Dalit Woman; Victim Also Alleges Pressure to Convert Religion
Madhya Pradesh News: A shocking case has come to light in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh. A Dalit woman has accused a young man named Salman of trapping her by using a Hindu name and then blackmailing and repeatedly raping her. The accused is also charged with attempting to forcibly convert the woman’s religion and having ill intentions towards her minor daughter. The victim has filed a complaint with the police. She stated that the accused, Salman, befriended her by introducing himself as Sanjay. Later, he took her pictures from social media and edited them into obscene images. He then started blackmailing the woman by threatening to make these edited pictures go viral. Through this blackmail, the accused repeatedly raped the victim. The woman alleged that Salman pressured her to convert her religion. He also threatened her and forced her to be raped by his brother-in-law, Shahrukh. This continued for a long time. Accused also had ill intentions towards the woman’s daughter The victim told the police that the accused Salman would often enter her house. He also had his eyes on the woman’s minor daughter. The accused attempted to sexually assault the girl as well. This is why the woman finally filed a police complaint. The victim’s family was initially silent due to fear of social stigma. The victim’s husband told the police that the accused demanded money. They even had to take out a loan to pay the accused. In total, the family paid up to two and a half lakh rupees. Friendship began during a bus journey Police investigation revealed that the victim previously lived in Piplod. She commuted to the city daily by bus. During this time, the accused Salman contacted her. Salman worked as an agent on the bus. He obtained the woman’s mobile number and started talking to her. Gradually, he targeted the woman. He introduced himself with a false Hindu name. After gaining her trust, he found the woman’s pictures on social media. Then he edited those pictures and made them obscene. Case registered under serious sections Police have arrested the accused, Salman. CSP Abhinav Barange said that a case has been registered against Salman, a resident of Singot, under serious sections. He has been charged with rape. A case has also been registered under the Religious Freedom Act 2021. Sections of the SC-ST Act have also been applied against the accused. Police said that currently, the complaint is only against Salman. A thorough investigation of the case is underway. Other potential accused are also being investigated. The police investigation revealed that the accused first pretended to befriend the woman to trap her. Then he resorted to blackmail. In this entire incident, he tried to take advantage of the woman’s religion and social status. The case falls under the jurisdiction of the local Padam Nagar police station. Police have started questioning the accused. Further action will be taken based on the victim’s statement and evidence. This case has become a topic of discussion in the state. Courtesy: Hindi News
False Case: Dalit Woman Filed Fake Rape and SC-ST Act Charges After Relationship Ended, Court Sends Victim to Jail
Uttar Pradesh News: A court in Lucknow has delivered a shocking verdict. A Dalit woman had falsely accused a man of rape and under the SC-ST Act. The court has now sentenced the woman herself to three years in prison. The court termed it a conspiracy to misuse the law. A woman named Rinki had leveled allegations against a young man named Deepak Gupta. In her complaint, she alleged that Deepak had established physical relations with her on the pretext of marriage. Later, Deepak married someone else. Based on this, Rinki filed a case under the charges of rape and the SC-ST Act. The Innocent Man Became the Accused After this complaint, Deepak Gupta’s life changed completely. He had to go to jail. His family was on the verge of breaking apart. He was humiliated in society. Deepak, a resident of Mohanlalganj, had been in a relationship with Rinki for five years. These sudden allegations were nothing short of a shock for him. But the court hearing turned the whole case around. The investigation revealed that Rinki’s allegations were false. She had fabricated the case against Deepak out of revenge. The news of Deepak’s marriage had emotionally distraught Rinki. Complainant’s Statements Contradicted During Investigation After the case came to light, an investigation was launched. Rinki’s own statements created confusion. She flatly refused to undergo a medical examination. When the court summoned her, she got entangled in her own statements. Several inconsistencies emerged in her statements. The biggest revelation came when it was discovered that on the date Rinki cited for the alleged rape, Deepak was not even there. Deepak was somewhere else on the date of the alleged incident. This made it clear that the incident had not happened at all. Court Pronounces Sentence The judge of the special court under the SC-ST Act sentenced Rinki. She received a sentence of three years of rigorous imprisonment. A fine of thirty thousand rupees was also imposed. The court ordered that half of the fine amount be given to Deepak Gupta as compensation. Special Public Prosecutor Arvind Mishra said that the court considered it a conspiracy. The court said that Rinki deliberately tried to send Deepak to jail. She misused the law. If she received any government assistance in this case, it will be withdrawn. Police investigation had also started The police had also started an investigation in the case. The then ACP Rajneesh Verma was preparing the charge sheet. Before that, the court took cognizance of the matter. All the facts came to light during the court’s investigation. This also clarified the direction of the police investigation. After the case came to light, discussions intensified at the local level. People have expressed concern over the misuse of the law. This decision has come as a ray of hope for those who are falsely implicated in cases. This case has been recorded as an example in legal history. Courtesy: Hindi News