Public hearing in Hyderabad highlights gaps in SC/ST Atrocities Act enforcement
A seven-member civil society jury heard testimonies from Dalit and Adivasi victims at a public hearing in Hyderabad, where activists and legal experts flagged systemic failures in the implementation of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in Telangana. The Telangana chapter of the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM), along with other state-level anti-caste organisations, held a public meeting on Sunday, January 25, to review the implementation of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. A seven-member jury comprising civil society representatives heard testimonies detailing atrocities faced by Dalits and Adivasis from various parts of Telangana. The jury examined 90 cases presented before it, of which victims in 30 cases deposed in person at the review meeting held at Hyderabad’s Sundarayya Vignyana Kendram (SVK). The cases reflected a wide range of issues, including inter-caste and gender-based killings, sexual assault, police torture, custodial violence, and verbal abuse. Speaking at the meeting on the failure to effectively implement the SC/ST Act, retired judge Justice Nimma Narayana said that the Supreme Court and High Courts had not been sufficiently proactive in applying legislative rigour while examining cases under the Act. Advocate Darshanam Narasimha highlighted Section 4 of the Act, which provides for punishment of public servants, including police officers, for neglect of duty. Speakers such as Professors Sujatha Surepally, Rama Melkote, and Kalpana Kannabiran spoke on issues of gender, caste-based humiliation, and constitutional morality, stressing the need for strict and meaningful implementation of the SC/ST Act. The panel noted that the Telangana government must ensure uniform implementation of the Act across the state and demanded the establishment of district-level vigilance and monitoring committees in all districts. The jury said it would submit a list of demands to the Telangana government to ensure effective implementation of the Act in the foreseeable future. The public hearing forms part of a year-long Constitutional Justice Campaign initiated by NAPM Telangana from Republic Day 2026. 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
SC Commission member urges immediate FIRs for Dalit atrocities reports
The Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Scheduled Castes member Ravada Seetharam on Monday directed the police department to file First Information Reports (FIRs) immediately when Dalits approach them to report atrocities and other related cases. On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, he interacted with Dalit leaders and explained the rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution effective since January 26, 1950. Leaders and activists complained about delays in filing FIRs under The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act-1989 by the police when they approach them. Mr. Seetharam asked them to inform the commission about through the WhatsApp number 9701305417. He said that the Commission would hold a review meeting in February in regards to the pending grievances of Dalit families across the State. K Srinivasa Rao 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
From the memoir: A Dalit woman writer on domestic violence, casteism, and emotional subjugation
The savarnas in the village always used coercion to force the safai karamcharis to do the filthy work of collecting night soil. If anyone refused, the village headmen and businessmen would summon and question them. The Thakurs and Raghuvanshis hurled abuses and threats. “Do you want to live in the village or not? We will not spare your lives.” There was no point in leaving the village either, because people of our jati had to do this work everywhere. Besides, forming new relationships in a new place was a daunting task. Our refusal to do this work invited a flood of abusive words and poisonous behaviour, enough to keep our people in constant fear. The threat of sexual violence against our women also remained a powerful weapon of control. Even after the municipality was formed, the savarnas continued to hold on to their dominance. Once, the safai karamcharis of the municipality went on strike. Their monthly wages were a mere five rupees, and even that was never paid on time. They demanded an increase in their pay. The protestors would be summoned to the police station – sometimes urged to compromise, and at other times, beaten brutally by the police. Many people were badly injured. In Seoni, Hari Rathore, Phoolchand Baggan, Chhotelal Baggan, Gorelal, and Dulichand Rathore were the bold and outspoken men of our community. After striking work, a jati panchayat was called, and a unanimous decision was made to go on an indefinite strike. Our people were prepared for the worst, and the savarnas failed to intimidate them. The strike was announced publicly and lasted an entire week, throwing Seoni and Banapura into chaos. Villagers came to our homes, urging us to return to work. People of our jati were summoned to the police station and threatened with dire consequences, but this time, no one gave in. This was the result of their newfound resolve. The distraught women of our community described the condition of their injured husbands and sons to other women and wept over the uncertain future of their children. Another jati panchayat was held to discuss possible solutions to this grim situation. During the strike, policemen constantly patrolled our mohallas, forcing our men into hiding. When they couldn’t find the men, they summoned the women to the police station and made them sit there all day. The women were subjected to verbal abuse and humiliation, threatened with dire consequences, and told to persuade their men to end the strike. Terrified, the women yielded easily. Hearing them weep filled me with fear too. Kalicharan Bhaiya’s wife, Budhia Bhabhi, however, was a bold and fearless woman. Whenever she saw the policemen, she hurled abuses at them: “May you rot in hell! You envy our men and cast lustful eyes on our women. Don’t you have women at home?” The villagers always managed to break such strikes; this was true of strikes in places like Hardi, Itarsi, and Hoshangabad too, which would be forcibly brought to an end. On such occasions, a jati panchayat was convened, and the elders would advise the people of our community to compromise. But we continued to do the same work as before, and we continued to endure the same hardships. This pattern had been reproduced for generations. Young men who resisted and refused to work without pay were summoned to the police station and beaten. False charges of theft and robbery were levelled against them. Then they were given a choice – return to work or rot in jail. The constant threat of the police kept us living in fear. Many such atrocities were committed against our people in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and other states of northern India. Goons hired by casteist savarnas would storm into our mohallas, beat up our men, and publicly humiliate our women. They even set fire to our bastis. On hearing about such incidents from Pitaji and my brothers, Ma and Nani would tremble with fear and pray to God for protection. Yet the injustices and atrocities committed by the savarnas continued without end. And so, the safai karamcharis of the municipality in Seoni went on strike in 1968 to demand better wages and working conditions, but also to protest against the harassment they were constantly subjected to. I was in class eight then. This time, they showed unity and firm resolve. The demands that had been ignored by government officials for years were now quickly accepted. When the week-long strike ended, the villagers heaved a sigh of relief. After this incident, our people began to be treated with a measure of respect. This was a big achievement, yet our people never realised their own strength. Had they understood the meaning of this change, they could have moved further towards liberation from their oppression. After the strike ended, they struggled immensely clearing the backlog of work that had piled up over those eight days. The second major strike took place in protest against dry latrines. The workers stopped work for many days. Official notifications were issued, recognising the seriousness of the situation. Flush latrines were built to replace the dry ones. This was a major victory for us, yet the work of carrying night soil continued wherever dry latrines remained. Our people still did this degrading work – out of ignorance, fear, or helplessness. Gandhiji’s ideas about the upliftment of the Harijans were widely promoted in our region, but our people didn’t realise that they had brought no real improvement in our condition. Having deep faith in Gandhiji, they often said, “Mahatma Gandhi cleaned his toilet himself. Under his influence, even the traders and moneylenders had begun to pick up the garbage around their homes and dispose of it themselves. When such big businessmen didn’t hesitate to do this work, why should we? We were born into this caste and must do this work, whether we like it or not.” This was a kind of conspiracy, a trap to deceive innocent people and stop them from
‘The People’s Doctor’: This renowned doctor from Patna will reach your home; free treatment also available in Dalit settlements
Dr. Dheeraj believes that doctors should go to the patients who cannot reach Patna or larger hospitals. His initiative is not only a new example for the healthcare system but also sends a message to society that treatment given with a spirit of service is true treatment. Vaishali: In today’s times, when medical treatment is becoming increasingly inaccessible to the common man, a unique initiative by a prominent doctor from Patna has forced everyone, from the healthcare department to the general public, to think. Dr. Dheeraj Kumar, a professor at PMCH and a renowned gastroenterologist, has put the concept of “Doctor at Your Doorstep” into practice by visiting Dalit and slum areas to provide free check-ups and distribute medicines to patients. In this era of expensive treatment and exorbitant fees, Dr. Dheeraj Kumar’s step has come as a great relief for thousands of needy people. While the fees of big doctors are usually in the thousands, Dr. Dheeraj has already created a stir in the healthcare system with his decisions. He proved that treatment can be affordable and accessible by offering OPD consultations for just Rs. 50 and X-ray facilities for Rs. 25 at his ‘InCure Clinic’ in Kankarbagh. Famous as the People’s Doctor Now, Dr. Dheeraj has gone a step further, moving out of air-conditioned rooms and large clinics to directly reach slums and Dalit settlements. In this regard, he, along with his medical team, reached Ward Number 31 in Yusufpur, Hajipur, where hundreds of patients were examined free of charge. Patients suffering from stomach problems, liver issues, gas, anemia, and other common ailments were not only given consultations but also provided with free medicines. Among the patients who come from far and wide for treatment, Dr. Dheeraj is now known as the “People’s Doctor.” Serving the poor and underprivileged is true religion. Dr. Dheeraj Kumar, who is educated in England, is a professor at PMCH and is also deeply involved in social causes. He says that becoming a doctor was his mother’s dream, and after fulfilling that dream, he considers serving the poor and underprivileged as his true religion. Edited by: Mohd Majid Courtesy: Hindi News
Raebareli: Patwari orchestrated a ‘horrific’ conspiracy, looted 38 lakhs from a Dalit man and seized his land; SP’s action creates a stir
Raebareli News: A shocking case of collusion between land mafia and government employees has come to light in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh. Here, a patwari (revenue official) conspired with fraudsters to seize property worth crores of rupees from a mentally ill Dalit man. In this case, which has made headlines in UP news, Superintendent of Police (SP) Dr. Yashveer Singh’s zero-tolerance policy has shaken the criminals. The police have registered a case against five people, including the patwari, and have intensified efforts to arrest them. Land looted by instilling fear of a lawsuit This major fraud took place in Khor village (Amawan) under the Mill Area police station. The victim, Rajkumari, told the police that her husband, Ramprasad, is mentally unwell. Local land mafia took advantage of this. The accused threatened Ramprasad and his brother Guddu with an old lawsuit. The accused lured them to an office in Indira Nagar, Lucknow. There, on March 3, 2023, the fraudsters fraudulently got three agreements and two sale deeds registered in their favor in a single day. In this conspiracy, about 10 biswa of land was transferred to Raman Kumar and one bigha of land to Ramsajeevan. In addition, a fake agreement for one bigha of land was prepared in the name of Balkishun. 38 lakh rupees stolen from bank accounts The criminals not only seized the land but also looted the life savings of the victim’s Dalit family. The fraudsters took control of the mobile numbers and ATM cards of the victims, Ramprasad and his brother. The accused gradually transferred Rs 38.55 lakh from the accounts in the Bank of Baroda’s Malikmau branch to their own accounts. The investigation revealed that Rs 18.71 lakh was withdrawn from Ramprasad’s account and Rs 19.84 lakh from Guddu’s account. FIR filed against 5 people, including a revenue officer; police tighten the noose. The police department was thrown into a frenzy after this high-profile fraud came to light. City Circle Officer (CO City) Arun Kumar Nauhwar said that a case has been registered based on the complaint of the Dalit victim. The main mastermind of this conspiracy is Udit Narayan Srivastava, a resident of Kodwal. Bajrang, Ramlakhan Pasi, Manish Sonkar, and the local revenue officer Parmeshwardeen have also been named as accused. The Superintendent of Police has given clear instructions that no culprit will be spared. Police teams are conducting raids to arrest the accused. Poonam Sharma Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit Sarpanch Abducted and Assaulted in Madhya Pradesh’s Morena
A Dalit sarpanch from Kelaras village in Morena district, Madhya Pradesh, was allegedly abducted from his home and beaten by a group of 20 to 25 individuals described as casteist elements on Saturday. The incident came to light through a viral video and social media post shared by Dalit activist and Azaad Samaj Party founder Sunil Astay, a former Bhim Army state in-charge. Astay described the abduction and assault as a serious and condemnable attack on the democratic system. A report aired on local channel Vistar News shows villagers and the sarpanch’s family gathered outside the local police station, demanding immediate action. According to the report, the assailants stormed the sarpanch’s residence, kidnapped him, and took him to a nearby village where he was allegedly beaten severely. They then returned him home, locked him inside, and fled before police could intervene. The sarpanch sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment. The family suggested a possible financial dispute as a motive, though details remain unconfirmed. Activists have called on the police for strict and immediate action, highlighting a broader pattern of caste-based violence in the region. Astay also tagged key officials, including Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and the Morena Superintendent of Police, holding them accountable for administrative inaction. He warned that when elected Dalit representatives are unsafe, the security of ordinary Dalit citizens is also at risk. Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the investigation. 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
Casteism in Himachal: ‘Mend your ways…’ Dalit leader openly threatened, the horrific truth of casteism in Devbhoomi comes to light
Himachal News: The recent incident has made it clear how deeply rooted casteism is in Himachal Pradesh. A prominent Dalit leader from the state, Ravi Kumar, was openly subjected to casteist abuses on social media. A man named Naresh Thakur fearlessly wrote on his post, “Chamars, mend your ways.” This comment is a direct caste-based attack. Surprisingly, such people have neither fear of the law nor of the Supreme Court’s orders. Serious questions are now being raised about the safety and equality of Dalits in Devbhoomi (the land of gods). Hatred in the name of reservation and tradition Our investigation has revealed strange justifications behind casteism in Himachal. Some people describe it as part of ‘Dev Sanskriti’ (divine culture) and tradition. Many others consider reservation to be the reason for the hatred. People openly write on social media that they practice casteism because of reservations. They claim that as long as reservations exist, discrimination will continue. Casteism is also justified in the name of protecting Dev Sanskriti. These people forget that the use of casteist slurs and discrimination is a serious crime. Serious questions about the role of the police The attitude of the Himachal Police in cases of Dalit oppression has consistently been under suspicion. In many serious cases, FIRs are registered only after immense pressure from Dalit groups. Whether it was the suspicious death of a child in Rohru or the rape of a Dalit woman in Kullu, the police action has been sluggish. The police also showed negligence in the Pallavi death case in Dharamshala. If the police had acted on Pallavi’s complaint two months earlier, her life might have been saved. Kullu incident: The husband himself was made the culprit The most frightening face of the police’s working style was seen in Sainj, Kullu. There, a Dalit woman was gang-raped and murdered. Her body was hung from a tree. Without a proper investigation, the police imprisoned the innocent husband of the deceased woman. He languished in jail for a month. Later, protests by women’s groups and a viral audio clip revealed the real killers. The police have not yet disclosed what happened to those real killers. This means that police officers don’t even consider it necessary to hold a press conference in such heinous cases. Blatant disregard of Supreme Court orders Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Gavai had clearly stated in his order that there is no provision for anticipatory bail under the SC-ST Act. The accused should be sent to jail immediately. Despite this, the police in Himachal Pradesh appear lenient towards the accused. In hundreds of cases, the accused have been given a free pass. Ravi Kumar has more than 200,000 followers on social media. If such a prominent figure can be subjected to casteist slurs, one can imagine the plight of ordinary Dalits. Now it remains to be seen whether the government suppresses this matter or delivers justice. Poonam Sharma Courtesy: Hindi News
New initiative in Tholla Fatehpur, Saharanpur: Dalit community panchayat bans the practice of ‘death feasts’
In Tholla Fatehpur village of Saharanpur, the Dalit community’s panchayat has taken a significant decision to end the practice of death feasts. Villagers believe that this practice… Read more Jagran Correspondent, Saharanpur. The Dalit community’s panchayat in Tholla Fatehpur village has decided to ban the practice of death feasts. People argue that this practice leads to people falling into debt. It also imposes an unnecessary financial burden during a time of grief. Former village head Deshraj said that the death feast is a harmful custom that should be abolished. Taking the initiative in this direction, Mangeram of the village decided not to hold a death feast after the death of his mother. His mother passed away on Saturday. After the last rites, he said that he would only perform the traditional turban-tying ceremony. Villagers believe that other villages should also decide to ban death feasts, as it puts an unnecessary financial burden on the deceased’s family. Many families have to take loans to follow this conservative tradition. In the panchayat, Som Singh Fauji, Gaje Singh Daroga, Shivlal, former head Dr. Ankit Arya, Rajesh, Dr. Sulekh, Nirdosh Kumar, Bhopal, Dr. Ramesh Chand, Sevaram, Anangpal, Yashpal, and many others supported this decision. EDITED BY: SAKSHI GUPTA Courtesy: Hindi News
YSRCP announces ‘Chalo Delhi’ programme over Dalit activist murder
Guntur: The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has announced plans for an intensified statewide and national-level agitation following the murder of Manda Salman. The party will soon launch a “Chalo Delhi” programme to press for justice and hold the ruling coalition accountable. YSRCP leaders asserted that the fight would continue until the guilty are punished and justice is served to the victim’s family. At a memorial meeting held in Pinnelli, YSRCP state leaders paid tribute to Salman and visited his family to express solidarity and assure continued support. Addressing the gathering, the leaders alleged that since assuming power, the coalition government has failed to protect Dalits and has instead allowed targeted attacks on YSRCP supporters, particularly in Palnadu district. They accused the ruling dispensation of resorting to violence and intimidation due to their inability to gain public support through development. Strongly criticising chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, former legislator Kasu Mahesh Reddy alleged that Dalit lives hold no value in his political calculations and that systematic attacks were carried out to alienate Dalits from the party. He termed the attack on Dr BR Ambedkar’s statue as a shameful beginning to a series of assaults on Dalits and democratic voices. According to the leaders, the murder of Salman was a direct result of government negligence and police failure, with allegations that law enforcement acted in collusion with anti-social elements. Mahesh Reddy demanded an independent probe into the murder and said complaints would be lodged with the National Human Rights Commission and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes. He also insisted on strict action against police officials responsible for lapses in maintaining law and order. Several speakers highlighted that hundreds of families were forced to flee villages in Palnadu due to fear and intimidation, calling it a blot on governance. YSRCP leaders emphasised that the party would raise the issue both in parliament and at the national level, warning the coalition government that suppression and violence would only strengthen public opposition. They praised the restraint and maturity shown by Salman’s family, who appealed for peace in the village despite their immense loss, and said their appeal should be respected by restoring normalcy and ensuring safety. Prominent leaders, including Tirupati MP Maddila Gurumoorthy, former MPs, former ministers, former MLAs, and district-level party leaders, participated in the programme. 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
Dakshayani Velayudhan: A Voice of Equality in India’s Constituent Assembly
Dakshayani Velayudhan was the only Dalit woman in India’s Constituent Assembly, who fearlessly fought caste injustice and inequality. Dakshayani Velayudhan: The Fearless Dalit Woman Who Shaped India’s Constitution and Demanded Equality On December 15, as India reflects on its long journey toward equality and justice, history invites us to remember a woman whose courage challenged centuries of silence. Her name is Dakshayani Velayudhan, the only Dalit woman to be a member of India’s Constituent Assembly — a voice that refused to be ignored at a defining moment in the nation’s birth. Born into a society rigidly divided by caste, Dakshayani Velayudhan grew up witnessing exclusion not as an abstract idea, but as lived reality. From restricted access to education to everyday discrimination, caste shaped every aspect of life. Yet she chose not to accept injustice as destiny. Breaking Barriers in a Divided Society Dakshayani Velayudhan was born in 1912 in what is now Kerala, at a time when Dalits were denied basic human dignity. Education itself was an act of rebellion. She pursued her studies against formidable odds and went on to become a teacher — a role that allowed her to empower others even before she entered national politics. Her personal journey reflected a broader struggle for dignity. In an era when Dalit voices were actively suppressed, Dakshayani chose to speak — not cautiously, but boldly. A Historic Role in the Constituent Assembly India’s Constituent Assembly was tasked with drafting the framework of a new nation. It was dominated by elite, upper-caste men. In this setting, Dakshayani Velayudhan stood alone as the only Dalit woman member. Her presence itself was historic, but it was her words that left a lasting impact. She questioned whether political freedom meant anything without social equality. She warned that a Constitution filled with ideals would fail if society continued to practice discrimination. While many spoke of unity in abstract terms, Dakshayani spoke of lived injustice — of humiliation, exclusion, and systemic inequality. Challenging Power Without Fear Dakshayani Velayudhan did not hesitate to challenge even the most powerful figures of her time. She criticized the idea of celebrating freedom while millions remained oppressed by caste. Her interventions were sharp, moral, and deeply principled. She famously argued that dignity is not charity — it is a right. To her, equality was not something to be granted gradually; it was fundamental to the idea of India itself. At a time when voices often trembled before authority, hers carried clarity and conviction. Equality Beyond the Constitution For Dakshayani, the Constitution was not meant to be a symbolic document. She believed it had to be a living promise — one that actively dismantled caste hierarchies and protected the most marginalized. She expressed skepticism toward excessive reliance on laws without social reform. True freedom, she believed, required transformation of attitudes, not just institutions. Her perspective added moral depth to constitutional debates and ensured that the concerns of Dalits and women were not erased from India’s foundational moment. A Legacy That Remains Overlooked Despite her historic role, Dakshayani Velayudhan remains largely absent from mainstream history narratives. Her contributions are often overshadowed, her courage under-acknowledged. Yet her ideas feel strikingly relevant today. As India continues to grapple with caste discrimination, gender inequality, and social justice, her words resonate with renewed urgency. She reminds us that progress is incomplete if it excludes the most vulnerable. Why Dakshayani Velayudhan Matters Today Dakshayani Velayudhan’s legacy is not confined to the past. It challenges present generations to question power, resist injustice, and demand accountability. She stood in halls dominated by privilege, carrying the hopes of millions who had never been heard. Alone, yet unshaken, she proved that one voice — grounded in truth — can confront an entire system. Remembering a Forgotten Architect of Equality Dakshayani Velayudhan was not just a member of the Constituent Assembly. She was a conscience within it. A reminder that freedom without equality is hollow. Remembering her is not merely an act of history — it is an act of responsibility. Because nations are not built only by laws and leaders, but by those brave enough to demand justice when silence feels safer. Her voice still calls out — to remember, to rise, and to resist injustice. Shivani Poli Courtesy : One World New Note: This news is originally published on https:/oneworldnews.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights