MP: We pledge not to have any relations with the Jatav community! Video of caste-based oath taken at Brahmin Mahapanchayat goes viral, sparking outrage across the state
The Indian Constitution guarantees every citizen the fundamental right to live a life free from discrimination. Bhopal. Another case of Dalit oppression and caste discrimination has surfaced from Bhind district in Madhya Pradesh, heating up the political and social atmosphere across the state. First, the inhuman and humiliating brutality against a Dalit truck driver, and now, in the same district, an oath allegedly taken by some members of the Brahmin community to socially boycott the Jatav (Dalit) community has sparked deep anger among the Dalit community in the state. A viral video on social media shows some members of the alleged Mahapanchayat being made to swear not to have any relations with members of the Jatav community. This video has further fueled the spark of caste tension in the entire matter. This incident is set against the backdrop of a tragic incident that occurred on Diwali, in which Dalit youth Gyan Singh Jatav, a truck driver, was brutally treated by arrogant casteists. According to the victim, “I was forced into a vehicle at gunpoint, tied with iron chains, and beaten relentlessly. To humiliate me, I was forced to drink urine from a bottle. This wasn’t just violence, it was punishment in the name of caste. This is caste terror.” Even after the incident came to light, the victim’s side alleges that arrests are being delayed, while the accused are roaming freely. Now, a Mahapanchayat and a pledge to boycott In the latest video, it is being said from the stage of a meeting of the alleged Brahmin community that relations, communication, transactions, social interactions, and kinship with members of the Jatav community will not be maintained at any level. Dalit organizations, social activists, and political parties have called this a direct attack on constitutional norms. Legal experts say this falls squarely under the ambit of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, Section 153-A (promoting enmity between communities) and Section 505 (attempting to spread hatred through rumours and speeches) of the Indian Penal Code. Under these sections, inciting hatred against any community, calling for social boycott, making provocative statements in public, and organising meetings that promote caste hatred are punishable offenses. In a conversation with The Mooknayak, legal expert Advocate Mayank Singh said, “The manner in which the oath to boycott a community is allegedly being administered in the video is not only socially dangerous but also a direct attack on constitutional values. Article 14 of the Indian Constitution guarantees equality to all citizens, Article 15 prohibits discrimination on the basis of caste, and Article 17 completely abolishes untouchability and related practices. Therefore, a public declaration of boycotting a community is contrary to the fundamental principles of the Constitution, law, and justice.” He further said, “The SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act considers such acts a serious crime because they are a deliberate attempt to socially, mentally, and economically oppress an individual or community. Sections 153A and 505 of the Indian Penal Code apply to statements and gatherings that promote hatred, tension, or division in society. In such cases, it is the duty of the police and administration to take immediate cognizance and take strict action so that the message of law, not hooliganism and caste frenzy, reaches society.” Azad Samaj Party’s Protest Azad Samaj Party National President Chandrashekhar Azad, in a post on X, described the entire incident as “an extreme form of caste terrorism.” He said, “Instead of punishing the perpetrators, a section of the upper caste society is holding mahapanchayats and vowing to boycott the Jatav community. This is a war against the Constitution, equality, and human dignity. If this is not terrorism, then what is it?” They have demanded from the government: – Immediate arrest of the accused and instigators. – An FIR should be filed against those organizing the Mahapanchayat under the SC/ST Act and sedition. – The victim’s family should be given security and respect. Bhind Superintendent of Police Asit Yadav, speaking to The Mooknayak on this matter, said that the police have taken cognizance of the viral video and an investigation is underway. He said, “The video has surfaced. The police are investigating the entire incident. Only after the investigation will necessary action be taken based on the facts. The case is currently under trial.” What does the Constitution say? The Constitution of India guarantees every citizen the fundamental right to live a life free from discrimination. It outlaws untouchability, caste exclusion, and social segregation, and also places an obligation on the state to ensure the safety and equal opportunities of the weaker sections of society. Therefore, insulting, harassing, or ostracizing any community is not only against human values but also a direct violation of constitutional provisions. This video is considered even more serious because it shows an attempt to legitimize mass boycotts—the same social system that Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar described as the basis of social slavery. Ankit Pachauri Courtesy: Hindi News
Legal rights exist, but safe healthcare remains out of reach for Pakistan’s transgender people
Rachita ShingariDespite legal protections under the 2018 Transgender Persons Act, Pakistan’s trans community faces stigma, high costs, and a lack of trained surgeons, forcing many into secret, unsafe procedures. Bunty, a trans woman from Lahore, underwent a rare confidential breast augmentation, highlighting these risks. Over 70% of trans people still receive poor-quality care, with most hospitals failing to provide respectful, gender-sensitive services. A 2025 policy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa now mandates separate wards, washrooms, and counters for trans patients, signaling a crucial step toward safe, dignified healthcare — though social and institutional barriers remain. #TransRights #GenderAffirmation #InclusiveHealthcare #Pakistan #TransVisibility #HumanRights #KhyberPakhtunkhwa #HealthJustice #LGBTQ Rachita Shingari Courtesy : India Today Note: This news is originally published on https:/indiatoday.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Kerala HC orders Bar Council to approve two seats for transgender students
Kochi, : The Kerala High Court on Friday directed the Bar Council of India (BCI) to approve two seats for transgender students in all law colleges across the state. Justice V.G. Arun issued the interim order while hearing a petition seeking to expedite the decision on the proposal, which had been pending before the BCI. The court observed that the matter could not be kept waiting indefinitely for the Council to act. During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel informed the court that at an earlier session, the BCI had been directed to finalise a date for holding its General Council meeting to decide on the matter. However, the BCI’s standing counsel told the court that the proposal was placed before the Standing Committee for Legal Education, which, after deliberation, decided that the final call must be taken by the General Council. The standing counsel added that it was not possible to say when the next meeting of the General Council would be held. Taking note of this delay, Justice Arun remarked, “In my opinion, the issue cannot wait endlessly for the General Council of the Bar Council to meet.” Accordingly, the court issued an interim direction to the BCI to approve the Kerala Government’s request, communicated through a letter dated August 6, for the creation of two seats for transgender students across all law colleges in the state. The court also instructed that the approval should be given within ten days of receiving a copy of the order. The directive came while hearing a petition filed by a transgender woman who was denied admission to Government Law College, Kozhikode, despite qualifying in the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations’ Kerala Law Entrance Examination (KLEE) 2025. The petitioner also cited the landmark NALSA v. Union of India judgment and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, in support of her claim. Courtesy : AP7AM Note: This news is originally published on https:/ap7am.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Gandhi family ‘stole’ Sitaram Kesri’s Cong presidency: PM
NEW DELHI: PM Modi on Friday invoked the “insults” heaped on former Congress president Sitaram Kesri by the Gandhi family to accuse the party of denying rights to SCs and OBCs, as he launched his Bihar poll campaign attacking the opposition over backward-class welfare. Recalling Kesri’s controversial removal in 1998 to make way for Sonia Gandhi, Modi said country would never forget how the family insulted the “pride of Bihar”. “This family stole Kesri’s presidency of Congress,” he said at a rally in Begusarai – a pointed twist on Rahul’s charge of “vote theft”. The PM’s attack came on Kesri’s 25th death anniversary. Earlier in the day, Rahul, along with Congress general secretary K C Venugopal, paid tributes to Kesri at the Congress headquarters on Akbar Road – ironically, the venue of his ouster as party chief. Kesri, a freedom fighter from the OBC Bania community, headed Congress from 1996 to 1998 and earlier served as Bihar PCC chief and party treasurer. When many in the party sought Sonia’s elevation, veterans insisted Kesri be allowed to complete his term. But the Congress Working Committee appointed Sonia, claiming Kesri had resigned – a charge he denied. His removal under controversial circumstances reportedly saw his nameplate tossed away and the octogenarian forced out of AICC office. “This family locked Kesri inside a bathroom and threw him to footpath,” Modi alleged. Kesri had taken over from P V Narasimha Rao after Congress lost power in 1996, but as Sonia decided to enter active politics ahead of the 1998 polls, loyalists pushed him out in what many called a “coup”. Congress has denied any mistreatment of Kesri. TNN 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 forum protests seeking completion of Ambedkar Bhavan project
Madikeri: Dalit Sangarsh Samithi members protested in Kushalnagar on Thursday, demanding the completion of the Ambedkar Bhavan project work. The activists warned the authorities that they would intensify the protest if no action was taken. “Ambedkar Bhavan project was sanctioned in Kushalnagar over a decade ago. However, no work has been completed to extend its facilities,” alleged Raju KB, samithi’s district convener. He explained that the under-construction building has become a shelter for illegal activities, as locals have turned it into a poker and alcohol hub. “The infrastructure is depleting even before its completion. Every night, the building is used for alleged illegal activities. The windowpanes and doors have been broken, and weeds have engulfed the building,” he said. The protesters demanded the immediate completion of the project, or else they would protest in front of the DC office. 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
Remembering ‘Dalit’ Subbaiah: The Voice of Caste Struggles and North Chennai’s Hip-Hop Scene
If there is a source of inspiration common to hip-hop musicians from north Chennai, it is ‘Dalit’ Subbaiah, the poet-singer, who died in 2022, but who continues to be a symbol of caste struggles through his songs — more than 400 of them written in his lifetime. Arivu, one of the well-known anti-caste rappers from north Chennai, says he grew up listening to Subbaiah’s songs. “He was not a trained singer, but he became our voice. He sang about people’s pain, which is why he continues to inspire the city’s hip-hop scene,” says the rapper. Subbaiah’s songs also inspired a series of other vocalists such as playback singer Chinnaponnu. So, who was ‘Dalit’ Subbaiah? Born Karuppan Pichai in Sivagangai district in 1952, his primary school teacher named him Subbaiah, believing that the name, one of Murugan’s 12, would bring goodness in his life. But Subbaiah grew up witnessing caste discrimination, not even being allowed to use the same road as the dominant caste. Drawn to Marxist-Leninist movements in college, he left law school midway after his uncle’s death and began selling rationalist and Ambedkarite books at political rallies. Although he had started writing and singing songs when he was in school, it was when he worked with Samathuva Samudhaya Iyakkam (an activist group that protested against the Koodankulam nuclear power plant in the late 1980s) that he turned his music into his form of protest.Subbaiah founded Viduthalai Kalai Kural Kuzhu (VKKK) in 1995, by which time he had written hundreds of songs on caste, politics, organised and unorganised workers, Periyar, Ambedkar, communism, and the life of a villager, publishing them under his own Spartacus Publications. Subbaiah swore never to write about god or religion, only about social issues. He would say, ‘We sing about Periyar, never about Pillaiyar; we sing about Ambedkar, never about Ayyappan’,” says VKKK troupe member Karthikeyan R. “Subbaiah was a singer who never stopped fighting,” says filmmaker Giridharan M K P, whose award-winning documentary ‘Dalit Subbaiah: Voice of the Rebels’ released this year has been showcased at several international film festivals.“Subbaiah performed on the streets all his life but was not really recognised outside the community,” says Giridharan. His team had originally set out to interview Subbaiah in 2021, but before filming could begin, he fell ill, and what was meant to be a documentary about Subbaiah’s life turned into a record of his passing. “He refused film offers for his lyrics, insisting that his songs remain free for public use,” says Karthikeyan. “He never sang for fame or money. When he got paid, Subbaiah would distribute the money to the musicians and singers, and keep a little for himself.” At home, those choices translated into a life of struggle. His wife Subbalakshmi, who lives in a small TNHB flat in Puducherry, recalls that even in his final days, Subbaiah cared less for himself than for his 1,000 books that had got drenched in the rainwater that had entered their house. “He spent his last three days trying to dry them. He wanted people to make use of these books,” she says. Manimegalai K, lead singer in VKKK, says the band still begins every concert with ‘Vella mudiyathavar Ambedkar. Vengaiyay pol poradiya. Veeran yaar? Vera yaar’ (Ambedkar, the undefeated. The one who fought like a tiger. Who is that warrior? Who else), because that was the song he always led with. While the troupe continues to keep Subbaiah’s legacy alive, Manimegalai says young talent is hard to find. “We had a young girl join us for a performance. But hearing the lyrics, her parents got scared that she may get arrested and stopped her from coming. We want Subbaiah’s songs to reach the younger generation because he believed the day his songs are not relevant is the day we win as a society,” says Manimegalai. Email your feedback with name and address to southpole.toi@timesofindia.com THE PEOPLE’S POET An admirer of Soviet literature, Subbaiah named his son Gorky (with no Tamil surname), after the Russian writer Maxim Gorky, which led to him being bullied at school. Gorky told his father he wanted his name changed, but Subbaiah accompanied him to school the next day and spoke about the life of Maxim Gorky. He was never bullied after that. Subbaiah never composed songs on the living but was so inspired by Ilaiyaraaja, who brought folk instruments into mainstream music that he broke his own rule and wrote a song in honour of the composer. During a 2015 meeting of the communist party Makkal Viduthalai in Chennai, in his speech Subbaiah said: ‘They call me ‘Dalit’ Subbaiah because I oppose caste atrocities. But I also fight for the working class and the oppressed. I think for all and fight for all, but I worry that I will be known as ‘Dalit’ Subbaiah as long as I live.” Aranga Gunasekaran, leader of Tamizhaga Makkal Puratchi Kazhagam got on stage and named him ‘Lenin’ Subbaiah. In his song ‘Tamizhaga Arasiyal’, Subbaiah mocked Tamil Nadu politics, writing about “wastrels from cinema dreaming of becoming chief ministers and evading taxes” at a time when politics was dominated by film icons such as M Karunanidhi, M G Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa. In 2020, Subbaiah sang: ‘Modi enbadhu ellam, verum mugamoodi dhaane. Valarchi enbadhu ellam verum vaarthai jaalam dhaane’ (Everything about Modi is as concealing as a mask. Development is nothing but lip service). 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
Govt-backed feudal forces behind Dalit atrocities: Akhilesh
Lucknow: Citing the mob lynching of a Dalit man in Rae Bareli and a case of Dalit elderly who was forced to lick his urine in Lucknow as examples, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday said that “feudal forces enjoying protection of the BJP govt have added to atrocities, injustice and crime against Dalits in UP. The former UP CM described such incidents as attempts to humiliate the PDA community, comprising Pichde (backward classes), Dalits and slpsankhyaks (minorities) who have come together to further their struggle for social justice. “Criminals and those with feudal mindset are feeling emboldened as they are enjoying protection from the BJP govt. Discrimination is rampant at every level. Members of the PDA community are being blatantly deprived of their jobs, reservation and rights. Lynching of a Dalit man in Rae Bareli and humiliation meted out to a Dalit elderly in Lucknow are only two examples of how the deprived and the neglected Dalit community is being treated across the state,” Akhilesh said. “The police do not act against antisocial elements due to pressure from the powers that be. The arrogance of this govt is at its peak. The BJP is misusing state power and politicising the police,” he said, adding that such incidents were an indication that the BJP was shaken by the rapidly growing unity of the PDA community. The SP chief said Dalits, backward classes, women and minorities will get justice only when the BJP is voted out of govt. “People are waiting to vote for the 2027 Assembly polls. Once the BJP is voted out, discrimination will end and people will regain their rights, reservation and opportunities for development,” Akhilesh said. Senior party functionary Prof Sudhir Panwar said the Rae Bareli and Lucknow incidents have come as a shocker for the civilised society in the country. “Such incidents reflect how certain unscrupulous elements are feeling emboldened under the BJP govt. They are not afraid of the law of the land and this audacity comes only with some kind of assurances from the powers that be,” Panwar 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
Dalit laborer attacked with iron rod in Shivrajpur: Rogues accused of snatching money and using casteist slurs
Prashant Kumar, a Dalit laborer returning from work in Shivrajpur (Kanpur Nagar), Kanpur, was attacked with an iron rod by some people. Prashant was seriously injured in the attack. The incident occurred on Ganga Road. Victim Prashant Kumar, a resident of Shivrajpur, stated that while returning home, Lalan Thakur (son of Annu Thakur) and Anshu Thakur (son of Baua Thakur), residents of the town, abused him. They also took money from Prashant’s pocket and hurled casteist slurs at him. When Prashant resisted, the two accused attacked him on the head with an iron rod, causing serious injuries to his face and head. Shivrajpur Police Station in-charge Varun Sharma stated that a report has been filed based on the victim’s complaint. The injured Prashant has been sent to the hospital for first aid. Police are searching for the accused. Sunil Kumar Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit youth injured at a birthday party in Greater Noida dies; justice will be served – CM Yogi assures the victim’s family
Aniket, a Dalit youth, died in an attack during a birthday celebration in Greater Noida. Police have arrested two of the seven accused, while the rest are absconding. The deceased’s family and villagers are demanding the immediate arrest of the accused. Dalit youth injured at a birthday party in Greater Noida dies Manish Singh, Greater Noida: Aniket, a Dalit youth injured in an attack during a birthday celebration in Greater Noida, died during treatment on Friday morning. The incident occurred eight days ago and occurred in the Rabupura police station area. Aniket and several members of his family were injured in the incident. Approximately 12 people living in his neighborhood attacked Aniket and his family due to an old rivalry. Following the incident, police registered a case against seven people based on the victim’s complaint. Police have arrested two of the accused and sent them to jail, while the remaining accused remain at large. Upon receiving the news of Aniket’s death, the family and villagers became enraged. They blocked a road a short distance from the police station in the town and created a ruckus, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused. Upon receiving the news of the death, police and administrative officials immediately arrived at the scene. They assured them that the accused would be arrested quickly, after which the crowd was calmed. The incident occurred on the night of October 16th, when Aniket had gone to attend his uncle Sumit’s birthday celebration. The family alleges that several people, including Yuvraj, Jeetu, Rachit, Bharat, Ankit, Pawan, and Sunil, attacked them. They also allege that the neighbors are bullying and exerting pressure in a controversial manner. Police station in-charge Sujit Upadhyay said that on Thursday evening, after celebrating a birthday party, some people attacked the Scheduled Caste youths walking on the street with sticks and iron rods. Sumit and Aniket, residents of the Ambedkar Mohalla, were seriously injured in the attack. Based on the family’s complaint, the police registered a case against twelve people, including seven named ones. All the accused were absconding since the incident. On Sunday, the police arrested the named accused, Jitendra alias Jitu, and Yuvraj, residents of Rabupura. Efforts are underway to arrest the remaining accused, and the police claim that all will be arrested soon. Jewar MLA Dhirendra Singh expressed deep sorrow over the Rabupura Aniket murder case and stated that the culprits will not be spared under any circumstances. He stated that the state government is fully sensitive to law and order and will take the strictest possible action against those involved. Early in the morning, Jewar MLA Dhirendra Singh visited the deceased Aniket’s home and consoled the victim’s family. The Jewar MLA visited the victim’s family today and consoled them. During this time, Dhirendra Singh arranged a phone conversation with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, during which the Chief Minister assured the family of justice. Jewar MLA Dhirendra Singh further stated that he and the state government stand with the victim’s family. There will be no laxity in pursuing justice, and strict action will be taken against the culprits. Contributed by: Manish Singh • Edited by: Alok Bhadauria About the Author Alok Singh Bhadauria is an Assistant News Editor at Navbharat Times. He has been with the Times of India Group since 2008. After working at Navbharat Times, Delhi (newspaper), he has been working at NBT Online for the past seven years. He has also worked for prestigious organizations such as Doordarshan and Gaon Connection. Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit fault lines are resurfacing for BJP. Case studies: IPS suicide to shoe thrown at CJI Gavai
These incidents and the way they were handled have once again put spotlight on what is being seen as BJP’s deficiency in addressing Dalit concerns & integrating them in Hindutva family. New Delhi: Over the past month, instances of alleged atrocities against Dalits—from abuse, to targeting, to discrimination leading to suicide—have been reported in BJP-ruled states including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. These incidents, and the way they have been handled, have once again put the spotlight on what is being seen as the ruling party’s deficiency in addressing the concerns of backward communities in India and the challenges of integrating Dalits into the broader Hindutva family, especially at a time when Bihar elections are around the corner. A shoe thrown at Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, a Dalit, in the national capital; a Haryana IPS officer’s alleged suicide due to caste discrimination; a Dalit man accused of theft lynched by villagers in UP; a Dalit youth urinated upon in MP. Four incidents in four BJP-ruled regions, where the government’s handling has been perceived as inadequate and lethargic. In the CJI’s case, the shoe-throwing was defended by some Hindutva supporters; in Haryana, the government was criticised for not immediately taking action against the DGP named in the suicide note; in UP, the police allegedly watched as a Dalit ‘thief’ was lynched. In MP, police are yet to make arrests after a Dalit man was urinated upon for opposing illegal mining, and he was allegedly pressured against escalating the matter. Just a few days before the shoe-throwing incident, the RSS—BJP’s ideological fountainhead—had invited CJI Gavai’s mother to their Vijayadashami celebration in Nagpur. While she declined, former President Ram Nath Kovind attended the event to bolster the RSS’s efforts to incorporate Dalits into the larger Hindutva identity. In his annual address, the RSS chief warned against attempts to disrupt the country’s diversity and called for the embracing of societal differences. But within a week of Bhagwat’s speech, the fault line in Hindutva unity with regard to Dalits became evident when advocate Rakesh Kishore openly defended his act of flinging a shoe at the Chief Justice of India, and many who identified as BJP supporters justified his actions on social media, blaming the CJI for allegedly insulting Sanatana Dharma in his remarks on 16 September. This came even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the incident. Among those who came out in support of Kishore was YouTuber Ajeet Bharti, who was accused by some social media users of inciting people against the CJI. The Noida Police took him in for questioning regarding certain remarks he made about the shoe-throwing incident, and then released him. This was perceived by many as the state government going soft on those openly abusing the chief justice. Contacted by ThePrint for comment, Lucknow University professor Shashikant Pandey said, “The memories of the Hathras incident remain vivid, where a Dalit girl was gang-raped and the authorities cremated her against her family’s wishes. This indicates that despite seven decades of independence and the Constitution established by Ambedkar, societal and authoritative perspectives towards Dalits have not evolved.” Referring to the incident of the Dalit youth lynched in UP, Pandey said: “The Hariom (Balmiki) case reveals new evidence that the RSS’s broader agenda of Hindutva unification is still incomplete, as upper caste groups continue to maintain their dominance in society and compete with Dalits.” According to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, 57,789 cases of crimes against Scheduled Castes (SCs) were registered in 2023, with Uttar Pradesh accounting for the highest share of cases at 15,130. Rajasthan came next with 8,449 cases, followed by Madhya Pradesh (8,232) and Bihar (7,064). ‘Hum baba ke log hain’ On 7 October, a day after the attack on the CJI, in BJP-ruled Haryana, senior IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar died by apparent suicide, detailing alleged instances of discrimination and humiliation over his caste in an eight-page note. A week after the IPS officer’s death, amid mounting pressure from Dalit organisations and opposition parties, and the officer’s wife’s demands for the arrest of the DGP accused in the suicide note, DGP Shatrujeet Singh Kapur was sent on leave. This was seen as a reaction without real will for justice. A BJP leader from Haryana told ThePrint: “(Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh) Saini was awaiting approval from central leaders and did not anticipate larger implications; that is why he was making decisions slowly. However, when the Centre instructed him to act swiftly due to the potential disruption of the Bihar elections, the DGP, who is close to a central minister, was sent on leave.” This leader further said: “The BJP had lost two SC reserved seats, Ambala and Sirsa, in the Lok Sabha, and it was essential (that it) be seen addressing the case of Dalit officers, as we lost the narrative in the first few days.” In Uttar Pradesh, a 38-year-old Dalit man called Hariom Balmiki was allegedly lynched on 2 October by villagers for being a “drone chor”. This, as the police allegedly watched. After meeting the victim’s family, UP Congress chief Ajai Rai said: ‘Hariom Balmiki was on his way to meet his wife when he was beaten in front of the police, who could have intervened. When he mentioned Rahul Gandhi’s name, the attackers responded, ‘hum bhi baba ke log hain’, indicating that such incidents are occurring repeatedly under Baba’s jungle raj.” Subsequently, the UP DGP suspended three police personnel for negligence. Following the incident, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath sent Rakesh Sachan and Asim Arun, two of his ministers, to meet the bereaved family and assure them of strict action against the perpetrators. Following the alleged suicide of the Dalit IPS officer in Haryana, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said: “Between 2013 and 2023, there has been a 46 percent increase in crimes against Dalits, while crimes against Adivasis have surged 91 percent.” “Caste discrimination faced by an IPS officer in Haryana, the harassment of Hariom Valmiki, the assault on