Dalit minor girl raped by autorickshaw driver in Andhra
An autorickshaw driver raped a minor Dalit girl in Andhra Pradesh after he took her to his house under the pretext of helping her in relocating. The man is absconding Amaravati: A minor Dalit girl was allegedly raped by an autorickshaw driver after he took her to his house under the pretext of helping her in relocating, police said on Tuesday. The incident occurred on December 3 when the girl was shifting from one hostel to another and sought assistance from the driver whom she had earlier met. The driver was identified as Sai Kumar. “Kumar lured the minor Dalit girl home under the guise of helping her and then raped her,” a police official said. The girl reported the incident to the police with the help of her friends. Police said Kumar is absconding and has switched off his mobile phone, prompting police to launch a manhunt Meanwhile, a case has been registered under the relevant BNS sections along with provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Courtesy : Telangana Today Note: This news is originally published on https:/lelanganatoday.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Vande Mataram debate: Priyanka Gandhi’s ‘chronology’ jab at Centre; questions PM Modi’s ‘selective’ history
NEW DLEHI: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha, alleging that his recent speech during the Vande Mataram anniversary debate lacked ‘facts’ and historical details. While acknowledging the PM’s oratory, she said he “falls weak on the facts,” and went on to take a “chronology” jab at the government, describing how Vande Matram was introduced as the national song. Vadra questioned why the PM did not mention that “in 1896 Rabindranath Tagore sang Vande Mataram for the first time at a Congress convention,” asking, “was it Hindu Mahasabha, was it RSS, what were you attempting to hide that it was a Congress convention?” Recounting the song’s origins, she said Bankim Chattopadhyay wrote the first two stanzas in 1875, followed by the publication of Anandamath in 1882, which included additional stanzas. She noted that Vande Mataram emerged as a symbol of unity during the 1905 anti-partition movement of Bengal, when “stalwart freedom fighters like Rabindranath Tagore hit the street singing the songs.” “Soon, people from all walks of life started singing. Understand the power of this song – Britishers used to dread the song, our bravehearts used to find strength after listening to the song to fight the Raj. The song invokes the feeling of dying for the motherland – this is the real power of this song,” she said. Also read: ‘Only two reasons’ – Priyanka Gandhi targets government over Vande Matram debate; brings in ‘Bengal election’ Vadra argued that the song became politicised in the 1930s amid rising communal divides. She then criticised the PM for selectively quoting correspondence between Subhas Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru. She said that ahead of the 1937 Congress convention in Kolkata, Bose wrote to Nehru on October 17, stating, “We shall have a talk in Calcutta, and also discuss the question in the working committee if you bring it up there. I have written to Dr Tagore to discuss the matter with you when you visit Shanti Niketan.” According to her, Nehru’s reply on October 20 included more than the line read by the PM. She quoted Nehru as saying, “There is no doubt that the present outcry against Vande Mataram is to a large extent manufactured by the communalists… whatever we do, we can’t pander to communalist feelings.” Vadra added that after Tagore met Nehru, Tagore wrote that he supported separating the first two stanzas, noting their deep significance and warning that the later additions “can be misconstrued as communal.” She said that on October 28, the Congress Working Committee, with Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, Sardar Patel and Tagore present, declared the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram as the national song. She went on to say, “When in 1950, Dr Rajendra Prasad in constituent assembly announced the song as our national song almost all of these leaders were present and along with them was Dr Ambedkar and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee but no one had an issue with it.” She accused the ruling dispensation of revealing an anti-constitution mindset by questioning Vande Matram’s current form. “Questioning the current form of Vande Matram isn’t just insulting to all those stalwarts who in their great wisdom took this decision but it also reveals an anti-constitutional mentality. Are the treasury benches so arrogant to think of themselves as bigger than Gandhi, Tagore, Maulana Azad, Neta ji Bose, Rajendra Prasad?” she said. She went on to add, “The PM’s statement that the national song was cut by an anti-national ideology is an insult to all those great leaders, those who devoted their entire lives to the freedom struggle. By accusing them of dividing Vande Matram you’re accusing the entire constituent assembly. This is a direct attack on our constituent assembly and our constitution.” Vadra later defended Nehru and recounted his contribution to the state, asserting if he would not have laid the foundation of multiple institutions like IITs and AIIMS, how would we have become Vikshit Bharat. “Insofar Jawaharlal Nehru is considered, for as long the PM Modi has been the Prime Minister, that’s 12-years, Nehru spent that much time in jail for what? For the independence of the country, and after that 17-years as the country’s PM. You criticise him but if he wouldn’t have established ISRO your Mangalyan wouldn’t be there, if there was no DRDO your Tejas wouldn’t exist, if he wouldn’t have established IITs and IIM’s, then would not have led in IT…if he wouldn’t have established the institutions which you’re selling today, so would this Viksit Bharat exist? Pandit Nehru lived for the country and died serving this nation.” Earlier in the day opening the debate on Vande Matram PM Modi told the Lok Sabha that “Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru wrote a letter to Subhash Chandra Bose after Jinnah’s opposition to Vande Mataram, stating that he had read the background of Vande Mataram and thought it might provoke and irritate Muslims. He added that they would examine the use of Vande Mataram, and that too in Bankim Chandra’s Bengal.” Setting the debate in the context of what he described as the Congress’ past compromises with the Muslim League, the Prime Minister argued that the party had weakened the song’s legacy and “fragmented” it, undermining the sentiments of the freedom movement. He said the decisive moment came on October 26 that year. “The Vande Mataram song was sung. But it is the misfortune of the country that on October 26, the Congress compromised on Vande Mataram. Vande Mataram ke tukde kardiye. That decision was a failure, a betrayal,” he said, adding that the Congress “bowed to the Muslim League and decided to fragment Vande Mataram.” Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/limesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Long life and good health’: PM Modi greets Sonia Gandhi; Congress hails her ‘visionary’ leadership
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended greetings to former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on her 79th birthday. “Birthday greetings to Smt. Sonia Gandhi Ji. May she be blessed with a long life and good health,” PM Modi wrote on X. The Congress hailed her “visionary” leadership, crediting her with “transforming” the country through several landmark rights-based laws — a reference to her tenure as chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), the Congress-led coalition that governed India from 2004 to 2014. “Laws like MGNREGA, Right to Education, Right to Information, and the National Food Security Act gave millions jobs, hope, education, voice, and dignity. Her lifelong commitment to women’s empowerment, social justice, and inclusive growth continues to uplift millions all across the country. Her grit and dedication inspire us every day,” the party said. Sonia Gandhi led the Congress from 1998 to 2017, making her the longest-serving president in the party’s history. She later returned as interim chief from 2019 to 2022. In June 2024, she was re-elected as president of the Congress Parliamentary Party. Her son, Rahul Gandhi — also a former Congress president — is the current Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, where he represents Uttar Pradesh’s Raebareli constituency, a seat she held from 2004 to 2024 before moving to the Rajya Sabha. Her daughter, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, is a Congress general secretary and the MP from Kerala’s Wayanad seat. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/limesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Mohabbat ki dukaan a farce’: BJP targets Congress after action on anti-Revanth Reddy poster; slams Rahul Gandhi
NEW DELHI: The BJP launched sharp attacks on Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy, accusing the Congress government of failing to fulfil key poll promises and “resorting to authoritarianism” to silence criticism further alleging that “mohabbat ki dukaan is a farce.” The row erupted after BJP Telangana shared a poster on X, depicting Revanth Reddy edited as the villain Kumbha from the upcoming film Globe Trotter, along with a “two-year report card.” The BJP’s official handle also amplified the “two-year failures” charge against the Telangana CM, accusing the Congress government of sliding into “authoritarianism.” The party claimed that the poster shared by Telangana BJP triggered police action, alleging that the state “ordered arrests instead of engaging in a political debate.” “THEY ARRESTED HIM FOR THIS POSTER! The Emergency mindset is still well and alive in India. The Congress Govt in Telangana can’t handle the truth, so they resort to authoritarianism,” the BJP’s official handle wrote. “When BJP Telangana put up THIS poster exposing Revanth Reddy’s 2-year failure, the government sent police, not replies. Two years in power, six powerful hands, one failed chief minister,” BJP continued. The party further escalated its attack on the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha saying, “Rahul Gandhi’s ‘mohabbat ki dukaan’ is a farce. He is proudly carrying forward Indira’s dictatorial baton.” BJP released a list of allegations, claiming the “poster that rattled the Congress” highlighted deep-rooted corruption and misgovernance in Telangana. According to the party, real estate across the state has been captured by the chief minister’s family, while weekly cash collections are being routed to the Congress high command in Delhi. It further alleged demolition of Hindu temples, a secret pact to shield KCR from prosecution, and a breakdown of law and order with goons and rowdies dominating public spaces. The BJP also accused the government of demanding a 25% commission on every file, contract and project. “Instead of defending itself democratically and offering accountability, Congress arrested the Social Media Convener of BJP Telangana,” they added. Earlier in Hyderabad, the Telangana BJP held a ‘Maha Dharna’, accusing the Congress government of “betraying” voters by not implementing the promises made before the state elections. Those who participated included Telangana BJP president N Ramchander Rao, Union minister G Kishan Reddy, MP D K Aruna, Rajya Sabha MP K Laxman, MLAs, MLCs and other senior leaders. The party released a “chargesheet” alleging failures of the Revanth-led government. Kishan Reddy questioned the Congress’ celebrations over governance. He asked whether the “change” promised by Revanth and Rahul had actually materialised in people’s lives. Ramchander Rao alleged that the Congress “deceived” the state with its six guarantees. “Before the election, the Congress party convinced the public with six guarantees and promises. But not a single guarantee or promise has been implemented. It failed on all fronts… and betrayed them,” he claimed. He said people were demanding action on unfulfilled commitments such as unemployment allowance, student fee reimbursement, Aarogyasri arrears, Rythu Bharosa, and financial support for women. He vowed that the BJP’s “struggle would continue” until the Congress government is “unseated”. Meanwhile, Congress MP from Bhongir Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy defended the state government, insisting that despite financial challenges, Telangana is committed to delivering on its guarantees. He countered the BJP’s criticism, asking, “Does any BJP-ruled state provide free fine rice, free bus travel for women, or Rs 2 lakh farm loan waiver?” He said the Revanth government is implementing all six guarantees “with sincerity”. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/limesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Karnataka: Sexual harassment by guide, caste-based harassment breaks patience after complaint! Dalit PhD student at RCU…
After the victim consumed sleeping pills, a syndicate meeting was held to protect the university’s image from being tarnished, and it decided to issue the student’s certificate. Belagavi – Rani Channamma University (RCU) in Belagavi, Karnataka, subjected a Dalit PhD scholar to sexual harassment and caste discrimination. The university violated the scholar’s privacy by revealing her identity. Furthermore, the university withheld her degree, leading the 34-year-old researcher in the history department to attempt suicide by consuming more than 19 sleeping pills on the night of November 30th. The victim had accused her guide of sexual harassment, but months of mental and caste-based harassment by the Vice Chancellor and Registrar following her complaint broke her down. The scholar, who is hospitalized, is now in stable condition, but following the controversy, the university announced on Thursday that she would be issued her degree. The victim began her PhD in the History Department of RCU in November 2021. She submitted her thesis in March 2025, and the PhD notification was issued after the viva voce in May 2025. Despite completing all academic formalities, she was not awarded her degree at the recent convocation attended by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot. The family claims this was deliberate because the scholar had accused her guide, Professor KLN Murthy, of sexual harassment. In July 2025, the Internal Complaints Committee submitted its report, finding the allegations prima facie true. The Syndicate ordered an investigation and suspended Murthy in the preliminary report. However, the scholar later withdrew the complaint, citing mental instability. Subsequently, Registrar Santosh Kamgouda issued a show-cause notice, threatening to withhold her degree. The scholar considered this a threat. VC Professor Accusing CM Thyagaraja and the Registrar of caste discrimination, it was said that 26 other scholars (from different castes) were awarded degrees, but the Dalit scholar was targeted. The scholar consumed 19 sleeping pills at her home in Chikkodi on Sunday evening. The family immediately rushed her to the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS), where her condition stabilized after emergency treatment. A case was registered at the Chikkodi police station. The victim’s husband said, “I have two children. If anything happens to my wife, I will commit suicide on the university campus.” University’s excuse: 3,000 rupees fee not paid The university claimed that the degree was not withheld, but rather that the certificate was lost due to non-payment of the 3,000 rupees convocation fee. However, journalists showed proof of online payment, which baffled the VC and Registrar. On Thursday, an emergency syndicate meeting was held, where it was decided that the degree would be issued on humanitarian grounds to avoid tarnishing the university’s image. VC Thyagaraj told reporters, “The Syndicate has resolved to issue the certificate to protect the university’s reputation.” He also ordered Murthy’s compulsory retirement on charges of mental harassment. However, no clarification was given on the caste-based allegations and denied them. Officials were unable to provide a satisfactory answer to questions about revealing the scholar’s identity in the sexual complaint. The Registrar described the show-cause notice as “mere clarification.” The incident sparked anger among student organizations in Belagavi. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar discussed the issue. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
In Khandwa, bus agent Salman, posing as “Sanjay,” trapped a Dalit woman, accused of blackmailing and raping her using an edited photo.
Blackmailing by editing photos: Extorted 2.5 lakh rupees and also had her brother-in-law raped, and the accused also had an evil eye on his minor daughter. Madhya Pradesh: A very serious and shocking case has come to light from Khandwa district. A 30-year-old married woman has made sensational allegations of rape and blackmail after holding her captive for several months. The victim alleges that the accused edited her photos to make them obscene and subjected her to constant physical and mental abuse by threatening to make them viral on social media. Furthermore, the accused is also accused of forcing the woman to convert to Islam. Police have taken action and arrested the accused, Salman, and a case has been registered against him under serious sections including rape, the Religious Freedom Act, and the SC-ST Act. He befriended her by changing his name and then began blackmailing her. According to a report in Dainik Bhaskar, the victim told the police in her complaint that she traveled to and from the city daily by bus. During this time, the bus agent became acquainted with her. The accused cleverly concealed his real name, “Salman,” and befriended her by introducing himself as “Sanjay.” It is alleged that Salman later stole photos from the woman’s social media account and edited them to make them objectionable. Using these photos, he began threatening her and pressuring her to meet him. Allegations of blackmailing, rape, and rape by brother-in-law According to the complaint, Salman repeatedly raped the woman by threatening to leak the photos. Fearing for her reputation, the victim tried to silence him by offering him money several times, but the accused’s harassment did not stop. The woman also made the serious allegation that Salman intimidated her and even got her raped by her brother-in-law, Shahrukh. Evil Eye on Daughter and Pressure to Convert The victim told the police that Salman had been constantly pressuring her to change her religion. He would often come to her house without permission and threaten her. The woman’s patience broke when the accused also attempted to molest her minor daughter. Fearing for her daughter’s safety, the woman gathered courage and filed a police complaint. Took a Loan and Paid 2.5 Lakh Rupees The woman’s husband says they remained silent until now due to fear of social stigma. They later realized that the accused was continuously demanding money through blackmail. The family said they took a loan and gave approximately 2.5 lakh rupees to the accused, but despite this, his threats and demands did not subside. Police Action: Accused Arrested Given the seriousness of the case, the police took immediate action. CSP Abhinav Barange confirmed that the accused, Salman, son of Salim and a resident of Singot, has been arrested. Police have registered a case against the accused under sections of the rape charges, the Madhya Pradesh Religious Freedom Act, 2021, and the SC-ST Act. Police officials say that Salman is currently the main accused in the FIR and the case is being thoroughly investigated. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
NDA will win big in WB, TN: Shah
Gandhinagar: Union home and cooperation minister Amit Shah, on Sunday said that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will score big victories in the upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, as the people of India have rejected the Congress and its allies. He was speaking at an event of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation in the city where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of several projects including three sports complexes costing Rs 1,500 crore. He added that after the 2029 World Police and Fire Games and 2030 Commonwealth Games, Ahmedabad will also host the 2036 Olympics. He said that the BJP has had a winning streak since the 2024 general elections. “From this stage today, I want to tell Mamataben (Mamta Banerjee) and Stalinji to be prepared. After Bihar, it’s NDA’s turn in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. Let the results come. They (TMC and DMK) will be wiped out in Bengal and Tamil Nadu,” Shah said. He targeted Rahul Gandhi over the opposition leader’s allegations about irregularities in the voter list and EVMs. “Rahul Gandhi keeps faulting the EVMs and the voter list, when the fact is that the people of the country are not accepting the Congress and its alliance partners,” Shah said, adding that the opposition parties have no leaders or a policy, and are not accepted in any corner of the country. He asked the people of Ahmedabad to be prepared to host the 2036 Olympics, adding that the city is going to be at the forefront of the global sports map. Stating that Ahmedabad was picked to host the Commonwealth Games for its sports facilities, coaching arrangements, infrastructure, and accommodation facilities, Shah said that after the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, the sports facilities, stadiums, coaching centres, and hostels will not remain unutilised. “Thirteen international sporting events are scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad. And get ready, because the 2036 Olympics will also be held in Ahmedabad,” he said. He said that after hoisting a saffron flag on the top of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, work will soon begin for the construction of a temple dedicated to Sita Maiya in Sitamarhi, Bihar. “Narendrabhai performed the bhoomi pujan (groundbreaking ceremony) of Ram Temple in Ayodhya in 2019, and the consecration ceremony in 2024. In 2025, he completed the entire task by hoisting the saffron flag on the temple. Jai Shriram. The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is complete,” he said. Anandiben’s life reflects leadership for purpose: Shah Gandhinagar: Union home and cooperation minister Amit Shah said that Uttar Pradesh governor Anandiben Patel’s life reflects the motto that leadership is not about position, but about serving people. He was speaking at the release of the Gujarati translation of a book based on her life. Shah said that he worked extensively with Anandiben in the state BJP when she was made the organizational in charge of the unit. ‘Pramukh Swami linked religion with service’ Ahmedabad: Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that Pramukh Swami, the former spiritual leader of the BAPS sect of Swaminarayan Sampradaya, connected religion with service. “He lived the tenet of seeing Narayan (God) in Nar (human) and revitalised the Rishi Parampara (tradition of sages) of living for others’ upliftment.” Shah was speaking on the occasion of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of Pramukh Swami’s selection as spiritual successor of Yogiji Maharaj for the sect in 1950 in Ambli wali Pol in Shahpur area of Ahmedabad. “He instilled confidence among people when the faith towards sanyas system was waning. He exemplified the life of a sadhu and truly became the carrier of the traditions of Sanatan Dharma. His work stands as an inspiration for all spiritual traditions of our nation,” said Shah in his speech. About 50,000 devotees participated in the event that was presided over by Mahant Swami, the current spiritual head of the BAPS Sect. To exemplify 75 qualities of gurus, a total of 75 floats were prepared by the volunteers that were illuminated in the waters of Sabarmati River. Along with Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi, senior politicians, ministers, and spiritual heads participated in the event. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/limesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Fresh police team to now track down absconding Kerala legislator Rahul Mamkootathil
T’puram: The crime branch has constituted a fresh team to trace MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who has been on the run for 11 days while facing rape allegations, police sources said. The restructuring follows internal concerns that information on the probe may have leaked from the earlier unit. Investigators believe Mamkootathil has been constantly shifting between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and may currently be in Bengaluru, sources indicated. He reportedly left Palakkad just hours after the complainant met the chief minister with her petition last week. To evade surveillance, the legislator avoided routes with CCTV coverage and initially travelled in a red Volkswagen Polo car belonging to an actor friend to reach Pollachi, sources said. From there, he switched vehicles several times — moving to Coimbatore, then towards the Tamil Nadu–Karnataka border. He is said to have briefly stayed at a resort in Bagalur in Tamil Nadu before escaping again as officers closed in on his location. A woman advocate, with alleged links to the real estate mafia in Karnataka, is believed to be assisting him and alerting him to police movements, the officers added. The MLA has frequently changed phones and vehicles and has stayed only for short durations at each hideout. On multiple occasions, the search team was reportedly within striking distance before he slipped away. Mamkootathil’s arrest was stayed by the high court in only one of the cases, while his anticipatory bail plea in the second matter is scheduled to be heard by the Thiruvananthapuram district court on Monday. His request for interim protection was earlier rejected. The investigation team is also preparing to record the survivor’s statement without delay, the sources noted. After noticing his mobile phones briefly active following recent bail proceedings, officers suspect he has no plans to surrender. Two staff members from his office — including his driver and personal assistant — were questioned but could not provide significant leads, according to the sources. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/limesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Nanded Police Arrest Five in Caste-Related Killing of Dalit Man, Including Partner’s Family
After her partner Saksham Tate was murdered, Aanchal Mamidwar applied vermilion on her forehead and turmeric to his body to symbolise their ‘immortal’ union. New Delhi: After a 20-year-old man hailing from a Dalit community was threatened and killed allegedly by the relatives of his partner on caste grounds in Nanded, Maharashtra, police have arrested five people in connection with the case, including the woman’s parents and her two brothers, per media reports. Police in Nanded’s Itwara invoked provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita pertaining to murder, rioting and criminal conspiracy in addition to sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the Arms Act against the accused, the Indian Express reported. After Saksham Tate was killed on November 27, his partner, 21-year-old Aanchal Mamidwar, accused her family of opposing their relationship and planned marriage because they were from different castes. At Tate’s funeral the next day, Aanchal applied vermilion on her forehead and turmeric to his body to symbolise their ‘immortal’ union. She also reportedly called for her accused relatives to be hanged. “We were in love for the past three years but my father opposed our relationship over caste differences. My family often threatened to kill Saksham,” IE quoted Aanchal as saying. Further, she mentioned that she would henceforth stay at Tate’s home. Speaking to PTI, a police officer alleged that Aanchal’s brother Himesh Mamidwar shot Tate in the ribs and hit him with a tile on his head which led to his death. The authorities subsequently arrested Himesh, his brother Sahil Mamidwar and their father Gajanan Mamidwar, the officer said. Mamidwar’s mother Jayashri, another accused in the case, is also in custody, BBC Marathi cited the police as saying. “My father and my brother have killed my Saksham … However, they have lost by killing him, while Saksham has won by dying. Because our love is still alive,” the broadcaster quoted Aanchal as saying. According to IE, the accused told the police that they did not want Aanchal to marry Tate because of his involvement in criminal cases. PTI reported that Tate and Himesh were both history‑sheeters and had been close friends in the past. Aanchal also told mediapersons that she was coerced by her family into filing false complaints of rape and harassment against Tate before she turned 18 but that she withdrew the case when she became an adult. The Wire Staff Courtesy : The Wire Note: This news is originally published on https:/lhewire.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
A year gone, but Noida’s Dalit Prerna Sthal makeover is still incomplete
Noida: A year after renovation work began at the Dalit Prerna Sthal, after a long delay, 20% of the work remains incomplete. In Dec 2023, TOI reported about the poor condition of the park, with cracked stone statues, garbage in the main dome, broken fountains and unkept green areas. A year later, in Dec 2024, the renovation work resumed after Smarak Samiti, which manages the site, sanctioned Rs 3 crore to UP Nirman Nigam, the agency tasked with restoration. A year on, while the central dome has been renovated, 60-acre lawns manicured and stone surfaces polished, the park still awaits a full makeover as cracks on stone gates no 1 and 3 are yet to be fixed, electrical connections are yet to be repaired and upkeep of the forest area remains pending. Ahead of Ambedkar Jayanti on Dec 6, when thousands of visitors are expected at the city landmark, the Noida Authority has taken over some electrical and civil work near the main facade. However, a large part of the work, which includes repairing underground wires, is still pending, due to which one part of the park remains in darkness and the fountains are also defunct. Anand Mohan, director of the horticulture department, told TOI that the CEO has instructed officials to make a management plan for the forest area of the park’s campus. “While that is under process, we have taken up cleanliness work at the venue ahead of the Ambedkar Jayanti on Dec 6.” Authority officials have also taken up the temporary work of fixing the lighting at the park so that the venue is not in darkness on the Ambedkar Jayanti, the Authority’s deputy general manager told TOI. Meanwhile, Bijender Singh, manager-in-charge of the park, told TOI that the renovation of the central plaza, which houses the statues of Dr BR Ambedkar, Kanshi Ram and Mayawati, has been completed with ceiling repair and polishing, as well as the sandstone sculptures. He, however, added that there is still work pending at gates no 1 and 3, where cracks have emerged on the sandstone gates and it couldn’t be done earlier due to some technical issues. “The swelling of the Yamuna river nearby often leads to the ground shifting, which leads to the cracks. A team from IIT Roorkee tested the soil here and will be submitting a report on recommendations to fix the cracks and a solution for the broken sandstone gate,” he said. The park’s 60-acre lawn area is now being maintained by a third-party contractor under the Smarak Samiti, while the remaining forest area is being taken care of by the Noida Authority. Singh informed that the UP govt has sanctioned Rs 5 crore to the Smarak Samiti board for the electrical work. “It’s a massive work, the underground wiring beneath the sandstone structures and the damage due to power theft from the boundary areas has to be fixed. The tender process for this is still underway,” said Singh. The park typically registers a footfall of 2,000-3,000 on weekends and generates around Rs 6 lakh monthly in ticket revenue. On Friday, several workers were seen carrying out repair work at the venue ahead of the Ambedkar Jayanti on Saturday, during which thousands of people are expected to commemorate here. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/limesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights