Woman, 20, Killed In Tamil Nadu, Dalit Fiance Alleges Dishonour Killing
According to the complaint lodged by the woman’s fiance, the couple had been in a relationship and had planned to marry secretly on February 6. The death of a 20-year-old college student in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district has sparked allegations of a dishonour killing, with the woman’s Dalit fiance accusing her family of opposing their inter-caste relationship. Police, however, say preliminary findings point to suicide, even as they await the post-mortem report to determine the exact cause of death. The woman, identified as Sivamathi, was a second-year college student from an upper-caste family. She was found dead under suspicious circumstances, following which the police registered a case of suspicious death. Given the sensitivity of the case and allegations of caste-based violence, the investigation has been transferred to an Assistant Commissioner of Police. According to the complaint lodged by the woman’s fiance, who works with a mobile phone company, the couple had been in a relationship and had planned to marry secretly on February 6. He has alleged that Sivamathi’s parents were strongly opposed to the proposed wedding because of his caste. The man further claimed that Sivamathi’s maternal uncle had allegedly threatened her, warning that she would be killed if she went ahead with the marriage, raising the possibility of a dishonour killing or abetment to suicide. Police sources, however, said initial inquiries and scene-of-occurrence findings suggest that Sivamathi may have died by suicide. Officials stressed that no conclusion would be drawn until the post-mortem examination report is received. “We will confirm after the post-mortem report. We are investigating all angles,” a senior police officer said, adding that statements from family members, friends and the fiance are being recorded as part of the investigation. Police are also examining whether Sivamathi’s parents or other relatives could be booked for abetment of suicide if evidence emerges that she was driven to take the extreme step due to threats, coercion or sustained harassment over her relationship. Courtesy : NDTV Note: This news is originally published on https:/ndtv.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
UP: Court Sentences Man to 20-Years’ Rigorous Imprisonment for Rape of Dalit Girl
Maharajganj : A court here has sentenced a man to 20-years’ rigorous imprisonment for raping a 10-year-old Dalit girl in 2023.Additional Session Judge and Special Judge (POCSO) P C Kushwaha convicted Sachin Verma in the case and pronounced the sentence on Monday, also imposing a fine of Rs 2,06,000 on him, a lawyer privy to the case said. If the accused fails to deposit the fine, he would serve an additional six months of jail time, Assistant District Government Counsel Vinod Kumar Singh said. Courtesy : Deccan Chronicle Note: This news is originally published on https:/deccanchronicle.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
BC and Dalit voices demand fair representation in polls
Renewed political heat was witnessed here on Monday on the issue of social justice as Backward Class (BC) organisations demanded proportionate representation for all BC communities in the forthcoming corporation elections. Addressing the media at the Roads and Buildings Department premises, BC JAC Rights State Convener Sarangi Lakshmikanth said that sustained struggles by BC caste associations had paved the way for a BC leader to become the Mayor of Mahabubnagar. He asserted that the same spirit of justice must now be reflected in the upcoming elections by ensuring representation to all communities in proportion to their population. He further demanded that the post of First Deputy Mayor be allotted to Dalits, stressing the need for inclusive leadership. Adding political sharpness to the demand, BC Samaj United Mahabubnagar District President Modal Srinivas Sagar questioned the Congress party’s commitment to social justice. He asked why BCs were denied due importance in corporation elections even as the party undertakes a nationwide tour advocating social justice. Raising a community-specific concern, Kummari (Potters) Association District President Bugganna said the Kummari community had consistently been denied representation in corporation elections. He urged authorities to at least ensure due priority for the community in corporation-level posts. The meeting saw the participation of several leaders and representatives, including retired DEO Vijay Kumar, Nai Brahmin Seva Samiti Town President Ashwini Satyam, Medari Association Secretary Anjaneyulu, MRPS leader Singireddy Parameshwar, Nai Brahmin Association leader Chandramouli, and others, highlighting the broad-based support for the demand. Courtesy : THI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehansindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
New York memorial event honours Rohith Vemula, revives global anti-caste discourse
The memorial event created a rare anti-caste community space in New York, bridging Dalit and queer communities through cultural programming, storytelling, and shared reflection. Organisers said the gathering aimed to honour Vemula’s legacy while strengthening global anti-caste networks. More than 120 people gathered in New York City on Friday, January 30, to attend From the Shadows to the Stars, a cultural memorial event commemorating the life and legacy of Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula, whose death in 2016 sparked a global anti-caste movement. January 30 marked Rohith Vemula’s birth anniversary. The event was hosted at the iconic Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center in Manhattan, with organisers noting the overlap between Dalit and queer communities and the importance of building solidarity between marginalised groups. Organised and directed by Dalit leader, journalist and author Yashica Dutt, the event brought together artists, writers, activists, students and public officials for a programme combining documentary screenings, live performances, storytelling and visual art. The gathering aimed to create an explicitly anti-caste, Dalit-led cultural space, organisers said. According to a press release, Dutt said organising a memorial for Vemula in New York carried personal significance. “As a Bhangi woman from a caste that is often overlooked for leadership, even within anti-caste spaces, organising this event in one of the world’s largest cities, where I first learned about Rohith and which I now call home, was a dream realised,” she said. Speaking at the event, Former State Representative and New York State Comptroller candidate Raj Goyle highlighted the ongoing efforts to advance caste-protection legislation in New York State. “Today we stand in a New York that is finally beginning to see the true diversity of the South Asian experience. But we cannot celebrate South Asian prominence, experience and success, without acknowledging that caste discrimination remains a shadow that casts a pall, in our workplaces, in our campuses, in our halls of power”, Goyle said. The programme included a screening of filmmaker Deepa Dhanraj’s documentary We Have Not Come Here to Die, musical and theatrical performances featuring anti-caste themes, a reading of Vemula’s final letter, storytelling sessions by Dalit speakers and an exhibition of artworks by Dalit artists. Attendees also received a zine featuring essays and reflections by Dalit and anti-caste writers and scholars, and shared Indo-Caribbean food, including beef dishes, which organisers said highlighted the political significance of Dalit food practices. Other speakers included educator and founder of SEA of Visibility Anu Annam; Radhika Nayar, a member of the Board of Directors at Sakhi for South Asian Survivors; Dalit feminist Shalini K; and Tejas Harad, founder and editor of the literary anti-caste publication The Satyashodhak. Community organisations including the Ambedkar Center, Ambedkar King Study Circle, Hindus for Human Rights, Shri Guru Ravidas Sabha of New York, Indian American Muslim Council, India Civil Watch International and Sacred Democracy supported the programme. Organisers said From the Shadows to the Stars marked not only a remembrance of Rohith Vemula but also created a historic opening for anti-caste spaces in New York, “which will hopefully lead to greater mainstream visibility for the Dalit community in the city and increased awareness around caste, within and beyond South Asian spaces.” The meeting served as a foundational event demonstrating the power of Dalit-led cultural programming to shape public consciousness, build community, and inform policy conversations in New York and beyond, they said. Courtesy : TNM Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewsminute.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit Family Attacked in Kakori, Attempted Arson with Petrol: Two Dozen Thugs Assault Family Over Drainage Dispute, Several Injured
A dispute over drainage water in Gwalpur village under Kakori police station area turned violent. It is alleged that on Wednesday, thugs attacked a Dalit family, barged into their house, assaulted them, and attempted to burn a young man alive by dousing him with petrol. According to the victim family, the dispute began on Sunday morning over drainage water. On the same day, Shyamu Yadav, Deepanshu Yadav, and Bauwa Yadav allegedly assaulted Chanchal Rawat. The victim had filed a complaint at the Kakori police station, but allegedly due to the negligence of the local sub-inspector, no action was taken. Taking advantage of this, the thugs attacked again on Wednesday. In Wednesday’s attack, Deepanshu Yadav, Himanshu Yadav, Shyamlal, Bhola, Bauwa, Amarnath, Gopal, and approximately two dozen others entered the Dalit family’s house with sticks and iron rods. They vandalized the property and assaulted the family members. Several people, including Shripal (80), Shiv Devi (75), Aradhya (18), Aman Rawat (20), Kartik (24), Arun (18), Chandan (16), and Prem (12), were seriously injured in the attack. Among the injured, some suffered broken hands, while others sustained serious injuries to their heads, noses, and other parts of their bodies. Kakori Police Station In-charge Inspector Satish Chandra Rathore said that a case has been registered against four named individuals and two dozen unknown persons under relevant sections based on a complaint filed by Radha, the daughter-in-law of the victim Shripal. A separate case of arson has also been registered in connection with the attempt to set fire to the grocery shop. Rathore informed that three accused have been taken into custody for questioning, and police teams have been formed to conduct raids and arrest the other accused. Mohd. Sibtain Rizvi | Kakori (Lucknow), Lucknow Courtesy: Hindi News
Fear of a strongman in Bihar’s Dalit locality, indiscriminate firing to pressure withdrawal of case
Bihar News: The viral video has raised serious questions about the police and law and order. Considering the seriousness of the matter, Bhawanipur Station House Officer Shumbh Paswan said that the video has been taken as evidence. Continuous raids are being conducted to arrest the accused. Patna: A sensational incident defying law and order has come to light in the Bhawanipur police station area of Bhagalpur, Bihar. It is alleged that a strongman in the Dalit locality of Narayanpur village spread terror in the entire area by openly firing to pressure the withdrawal of a case. A video of this entire incident is rapidly going viral on social media. In it, the accused can be seen fearlessly brandishing a weapon and firing three to four rounds continuously. Son abused, father injured in attack The victim, Rajkishore Paswan, has leveled serious allegations against Shiva Yadav of the same village. He says that the dispute started on January 27, when the accused abused his son. The matter was settled after the intervention of the villagers, but about an hour later, the accused attacked again, seriously injuring Rajkishore Paswan. Firing in Dalit locality, pressure to withdraw case A First Information Report (FIR) has already been registered at the Bhawanipur police station in this case. Now the accused is constantly threatening to kill him to force him to withdraw the case. To create this pressure, he reached the Dalit locality and fired indiscriminately. After this firing incident, the people of the Dalit locality are in deep fear. They feel unsafe. Raids to arrest the accused The viral video has raised serious questions about the police and law and order. Considering the seriousness of the matter, Bhawanipur Station House Officer Shumbh Paswan stated that the police have confirmed the incident and the viral video has been taken as evidence. Continuous raids are being conducted to apprehend the accused. The administration has assured the villagers of their safety. Local residents are demanding the immediate arrest of the accused and increased police patrolling in the village. Reported by: Alok Verma, Edited by: Shweta Gupta Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit student assaulted, abused in schoolover water pipe; teacher, official booked
Agra: A Class VIII student of a school in UP was allegedly brutally assaulted and abused by the class teacher and a school official after the boy was blamed for a broken pipe. The 14-year-old, a Dalit, suffered injury marks on his back and limbs and “is now finding it difficult to walk”. He was also told by the accused to “stay away from the school”. The incident took place in Mainpuri’s Kurawali area on Friday. SHO Lalit Bhati of the local thana said on Sunday that an FIR under SC/ST Act has been registered against school committee member Rajeev Verma and class teacher Sukhbir Singh. In his statement, the boy said, “I was feeling thirsty, so I went to drink water and noticed that the pipe of the water tank was broken. I was blamed for breaking the pipe. I kept on pleading that I did not break the pipe, but nobody listened to me. I was beaten, abused with casteist slurs, and threatened with death if seen again on the school’s premises.” A police complaint was filed by his elder brother against the accused of the private school later that day in Kurawali. Police subsequently registered an FIR under BNS sections 115-2 (voluntarily causing hurt), 352 (intentional insult designed to provoke breach of peace) and 351-3 (criminal intimidation) along with the SC/ST Act. The boy’s family claimed that the pipe was damaged by another boy and their son was unfairly targeted. Dismissing the allegations, school committee member Rajeev Verma told TOI: “This is a false case against me. I wasn’t even there. The class teacher could be present. I’m not aware. I’ll soon meet the police officers, and I hope there’ll be a fair probe.” 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
Will restore glory of Parkal: Revuri
Hanumakonda: Parkal MLA Revuri Prakash Reddy stated that he would bring back the past glory of the historic town of Parkal and that Dalit settlements would be developed as model colonies. Reddy attended the Padmashali community cordial meeting in Parkal centre on Sunday, and the Madiga community cordial meeting. Prior to the programmes, he paid floral tributes to the portraits of Sri Bhakta Markandeya and Konda Laxman Bapuji. Addressing the gatherings separately, he said Dalits have always stood with the Congress and that the government gives top priority to their welfare. They played a significant role in the party’s victories in the Assembly and Parliament elections. He assured that Dalit settlements would be developed as model colonies with all basic facilities. Reddy alleged that the BRS cheated Dalits, stating that KCR had promised to make a Dalit the CM and claimed he would be a “protector of Telangana.” He emphasised that Sonia Gandhi’s contribution to State formation is unforgettable and that uplift and welfare of Dalits is the primary objective of the party. He said the Madiga and Padmashali communities played an active role in ensuring his victory. He appealed to the Madiga and Padmashali brothers who supported the party in the last elections to extend the same cooperation in the upcoming municipal polls and work for victory of Congress candidates. He called upon party workers to ensure the party wins all 22 wards in the municipal elections and to hoist the Congress flag on Parkal soil. He stated that drinking water supply, CC roads and drainage are being established under a special DPR system. Parkal would be developed as an educational centre; as part of this initiative, Young India International School, skill development centres, and TASK Centres are being set up. Courtesy : THI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehansindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Guru Ravidas for all, especially Dalits
The visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Dera Sach Khand Ballan un Punjab on February 1, 2026, to commemorate Ravidas Jayanti as well as the Padma Sri awarded to its patron saint Niranjan Das and all the attention has reinforced the contemporary relevance of Guru Ravidas, said Prof. Kumool Abbi. The unerring focus references the crystallisation of Dalit identity and the continuing patronage of various pilgrimage sites associated with Guru Ravidas. The most significant role in spreading the universal message of Guru Ravidas has been played by the Dera Sach Khand Ballan, in Punjab, which is a site of revitalised Dalit faith and continues to have a deep influence on Dalit lives across the globe. The building in Seer Govardhanpur in Benares has now become a very important pilgrimage site as well as a rallying point for the Dalits. Sri Guru Ravidas Janmasthan Mandir attracts visitors from across the world to commemorate his birth anniversary. A pilgrimage to the magnificent temple is consummate: it is where one goes for religious, political and social awakening. Guru Ravidas, a 15-16 Century bhakti poet, regarded as a contemporary of Kabir, is also said to have met Guru Nanak. Guru Ravidas firmly and steadfastly stood up for those on the marginalised sections of society and fought against Brahminical hegemony, dogma, ostentation, oppression, superstition and ritualism. He tried to reform the casteist and discriminatory practices dominant in that period. He was a voice of the oppressed and the subaltern. Born in a family of leather tanners, a profession he nobly practised and considered his Keerat (vocation), loftily continuing it all his life. His thoughts, poetry and life in practice, reflected his constant struggle to bring about social change by stirring the consciousness of the masses. He was consumed by the love of the divine. As he elucidates, “meri preet Gobind sio ji na ghatah, main mol mehngi lai jia satah (my love for the Lord of the universe does not decrease, I paid for it dearly in exchange for my soul)”. Forty-one shabdas of Ravidas bani have been included in the Guru Granth Sahib in the form of different ragas. Similarly, the Panchvani texts of the Dadupanthi tradition have incorporated some of Ravidas’ texts. His works contain the common thread of unflinching devotion to God who is projected in an abstract form as Nirguna (without attributes). It is believed Meera Bai, Queen Jhallan Bai of Chittorgarh and Raja Nagar Mel of Benares were his devotees. Guru Ravidas’ teachings and bani resonate across modern-day Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, among others. He is regarded as the personification of Dalit identity and its subsequent assertion and expression. An icon of progressiveness and activism, Guru Ravidas visualised an ideal society of Begumpura, where no sorrow, discrimination, differences and oppression would exist. Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Swami Prasad Maurya launches a major attack on Akhilesh Yadav’s PDA, says D sometimes means Dalit and sometimes Dimple
Swami Prasad Maurya on PDA: Swami Prasad Maurya has launched a major attack on Akhilesh Yadav’s PDA. In this context, he has also targeted Dimple Yadav. Lakhimpur Kheri: Swami Prasad Maurya, the chief of Apna Janata Party, who arrived in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, has targeted Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. Akhilesh Yadav has once again started sharpening his Backward, Dalit, Minority (PDA) politics ahead of the 2027 UP assembly elections. Meanwhile, Swami Prasad Maurya has targeted Akhilesh’s PDA politics. He also seems to be hinting at entering the electoral fray with his own separate political ideology. In the 2022 UP elections, Swami Prasad Maurya had left the BJP and joined the Samajwadi Party. However, at that time, Swami Prasad Maurya was not even able to save his own assembly seat. Swami Prasad Maurya targets Dimple Apna Janata Party chief Swami Prasad Maurya seems to be directly targeting Akhilesh Yadav’s PDA as well as his wife and Mainpuri MP Dimple Yadav. Swami Prasad Maurya is saying that for Akhilesh, the ‘D’ in PDA sometimes means Dalit and sometimes Dimple. Now, this issue is expected to heat up the political scene. What is the full statement? While talking to the media, Swami Prasad Maurya said that Akhilesh Yadav’s PDA is a hodgepodge. How can someone who doesn’t understand the meaning of PDA talk about PDA? Akhilesh Yadav explains the meaning of PDA according to his convenience. Sometimes he says the ‘P’ in PDA means Backward, and sometimes he calls it Pandit. The ‘D’ sometimes means Dalit and sometimes refers to Dimple Yadav. Swami Prasad Maurya further said that Akhilesh also gives different meanings to the ‘A’ in PDA. Currently, he says ‘A’ means Forward. He keeps changing the meaning of PDA according to the time and his convenience. Swami Prasad Maurya had recently attacked the upper caste community regarding the UCC law. Now he is seen targeting Akhilesh. Curated by: Rahul Parashar About the Author Rahul Parashar is a Senior Journalist at Navbharat Times Online. He has 20 years of experience covering politics, current affairs, development, bureaucracy, education, health, and ground reporting. In the early days of his career, he covered administration and civic issues. He also honed his skills in political journalism in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Courtesy: Hindi News