Banda: Justice after nine years in Dalit youth’s murder case, two convicts sentenced to life imprisonment, read the full story
Banda News: The SC-ST court in Banda has sentenced two accused, Raja Babu and Gabbar Singh, to life imprisonment for the murder of a Dalit youth in 2015 over a dispute involving borrowed money. In the case of the shooting death of a Scheduled Caste youth and the assault on his father in Banda district, the court of Additional Sessions Judge/Special Judge SC/ST Dr. Vikas Srivastava I sentenced the two convicts to life imprisonment with hard labor. They were also fined Rs. 46,000 under other sections of the law. Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional one-year sentence for each. The entire amount will be paid as compensation to the legal dependents of the deceased, Shyam. Both convicts have been sent to jail. Bhukhan Verma, son of Shivmangal Verma, a resident of Majhiwan village in Baberu police station area, filed a complaint at the police station on October 30, 2015, stating that on October 29, 2015, at 10 PM, Arun alias Raja Babu Pandey, son of Satyanarayan, a resident of Visandi village in Bisanda police station area, and another person whom he recognized, arrived on a motorcycle. Both individuals used to visit his house regularly. They called his son Shyam (36) outside the house. Attacked and injured with the butt of a pistol His son, he, and his younger son Chunku came out with a torch. The two men started demanding the money they had lent to Shyam. He said that he did not have the money at the moment. This led to an argument between the two men. After this, they fired at his son with the intention of killing him. Shyam fell to the ground and started writhing in pain. After this, he shouted and tried to catch the two men, but they attacked him with the butt of a pistol, injuring him. Found guilty and punished with sentence and fine Villagers rushed to the spot, and the two men fled towards the forest, leaving behind their motorcycle, mobile phone, shoes, and scarf. A short time later, his son died. The investigating officer at the time, Yashveer Singh, Circle Officer of Baberu, filed a charge sheet against Jai Singh alias Gabbar Singh, a resident of Patwan, in court on January 29, 2016, during the course of the investigation. Charges were framed against both of them in court on May 18, 2016. Twelve witnesses were presented during the trial. In his 87-page judgment, the judge found Arun alias Rajababu and Jai Singh alias Gabbar Singh guilty of murder and sentenced them to punishment and a fine. Published by: Himanshu Awasthi Courtesy: Hindi News
Activists demand land distribution for Scheduled Castes ahead of protest
VIZIANAGARAM, Ambedkar Porata Samithi State president Soru Sambayya on Sunday urged the government to distribute house sites and agriculture lands to Scheduled Caste communities to help them attain financial stability and live a respectable life in society. Addressing the media in Bobbili on Sunday, Mr. Sambayya said that the association, along with other organisations would stage a protest at the Vizianagaram Collector’s office on December 29 to urge the government to distribute lands to eligible Dalit families as recommended by the Koneru Rangarao Committee in 2007. He said that the committee had directed the then United AP government to survey lands and assign them to SC families so that the they would earn a regular income through agriculture. “The present government instead of expanding and distributing lands is trying to confiscate the assigned lands. It is a cause of concern to Dalit sections of society. Against this backdrop, we will stage a protest on December 29 to draw the attention of the government,” said Mr. Sambayya. 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
Dalit noon meal cook alleges caste discrimination in TN; petitions Collector, SP
Nirosha was one of the two cooks working under the breakfast scheme at a middle school near Thogamalai KARUR: A 35-year-old Dalit woman has recently petitioned the district collector and the SP in Karur, alleging that she was removed from her post as a cook under the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme (CMBS) at a panchayat union middle school near Thogamalai in Karur district, allegedly due to caste-based discrimination. Sources said R Nirosha, a resident of Chinna Reddipatti in Thogamalai union, was appointed as a cook at the panchayat union middle school under the CMBS when the scheme was launched at the school on September 10, 2025. Nirosha was one of the two cooks working under the scheme at the school. Speaking to TNIE, Nirosha alleged on Sunday that parents of some students benefiting from the scheme had objected to her cooking food for their children. They also made remarks referring to her caste. Subsequently, on December 16, the headmistress asked her to quit, stating that the parents had stopped sending their children for breakfast. When she reported for duty the next day, she found another woman working in her place, whom she claimed belonged to a caste Hindu. She subsequently approached the Block Mission Manager (BMM), Mahalir Thittam, who reiterated the stand taken by the headmistress. On December 18, Nirosha submitted a CSR complaint at Thogamalai police station stating that she was asked to stop reporting to duty by BMM of Thogamalai union, following pressure from the school headmistress, Bhanumathi. However, during an enquiry, BMM stated that Nirosha had not been removed from service and that she had been absent from work for these days. When contacted, District Education Officer Shanmugam told TNIE that Nirosha had not been terminated. He said she had remained absent following remarks allegedly made by the parents on her caste, adding that she was free to resume duty. Attempts made to contact headmistress Bhanumathi over the phone were in vain. Meanwhile, Nirosha said she would not return to work unless action is taken against those who allegedly abused her by referring to her caste. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Kerala mob lynching: CM Pinarayi Vijayan vows strict action after mob beats Dalit labourer to death; orders probe
NEW DELHI: Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday assured strict action and justice for the family of Ram Narayan Bakel, who was killed in a mob assault in Walayar in Palakkad district, calling the incident unacceptable in a progressive society like Kerala. In a statement issued by the CMO, Vijayan said a special investigation team led by the Palakkad Superintendent of Police has been formed to probe the case. “Justice will be ensured for the family of Ram Narayan Bakel, who was killed following a mob assault in Walayar, Palakkad. Strict action will be taken against those responsible,” the statement read. The CMO added that instructions have been given to thoroughly examine the case, initiate necessary legal action and review compensation for the victim’s family. “Such acts, which tarnish the reputation of a progressive society like Kerala, are completely unacceptable. Everyone must remain vigilant to ensure that such incidents do not recur,” it added. The chief minister’s assurance comes after a chilling case of mob violence was reported in Palakkad. Ramnarayan Baghel (31), a Dalit migrant labourer from Chhattisgarh, was allegedly beaten to death by a group of people in Walayar. According to initial reports, he was mistakenly suspected of being a Bangladeshi national or a thief following a local theft incident. Baghel, a resident of Karhi village in Sakti district of Chhattisgarh, had arrived in Palakkad on December 13 in search of work and was employed as a daily-wage labourer at a construction site. Family members said he was extremely poor and is survived by his wife Lalita and two young sons, aged around eight and nine. Police said the incident occurred at Attappallam East in Walayar, where a group of residents allegedly assaulted Baghel with sticks, causing severe injuries. He was taken to Palakkad District Hospital in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Before his death, Baghel reportedly told hospital staff that he had been attacked by a mob accusing him of theft. Preliminary postmortem findings revealed that Baghel died due to excessive bleeding caused by severe blunt-force injuries to the head and other parts of the body. The autopsy was conducted at the Government Medical College Hospital in Thrissur. Kerala police have arrested five people in connection with the alleged lynching. Those arrested were identified as Attappallam residents Anu (38), Prasad (34), Murali (38), Anandan (55) and Bipin (30). They were produced before a local court and remanded to judicial custody. Police said further arrests are likely as the investigation progresses. A case has been registered at the Walayar police station under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Investigators are examining CCTV footage, videos circulated on social media and witness statements to identify others involved in the attack. Following the incident, tension prevailed in the area, prompting police to step up security to prevent any escalation. Police confirmed Baghel’s identity through his Aadhaar card and informed authorities in Chhattisgarh. 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
Karnataka: Pregnant woman killed over her marriage to Dalit man, father among three arrested
Manya Dhoddamani’s husband and his relatives have also sustained injuries and are under treatment at a hospital. A 20-year-old pregnant woman was allegedly murdered by her father and relatives in Karnataka’s Dharwad district on Sunday over her inter-caste marriage to a Dalit man, nearly seven months after her wedding, The Indian Express reported. The woman, Manya Dhoddamani, was six months pregnant and had married Vivekananda Dhoddamani in May. She was allegedly attacked in Inam Veerapur village under the Hubballi Rural taluk. The Hubballi Rural Police said that three persons were arrested in connection with the killing – Manya Dhoddamani’s father, Prakashgouda Patil, and her relatives, Veeranagouda Patil and Arunagouda Patil, The Indian Express reported. Manya Dhoddamani belonged to the Lingayat community, The New Indian Express reported. The couple had married against the wishes of Manya Dhoddamani’s family and had been living in Haveri district. An unidentified police officer said that Manya Dhoddamani and Vivekananda Dhoddamani had been in a relationship for several years and married at a sub-registrar’s office in May after their families opposed the union, The Indian Express reported. After the marriage, Manya Dhoddamani’s parents threatened to torch Vivekananda Dhoddamani’s house, but the police warned them, the newspaper reported. “After they got married, they appeared before the police,” The Indian Express quoted the police officer as saying. “The local police officer convened a meeting between the families, and warned Manya’s parents not to trouble them after they said that they would not allow her to enter their house,” On December 8, the couple returned to Inam Veerapur village to collect documents such as Aadhaar cards and other credentials required for hospital admission during her delivery, the newspaper reported. On Sunday evening, while Manya Dhoddamani was working on a farm, her father and other family members allegedly assaulted her with iron pipes, Dharwad Superintendent of Police Gunjan Arya told The Indian Express. Vivekananda Dhoddamani’s mother, Renavva, and a relative, Subhash, were also attacked when they attempted to intervene, she added. All of them were taken to a private hospital in Hubballi, where Manya Dhoddamani succumbed to her injuries later that night. Police said that another group of assailants also attempted to attack Vivekananda Dhoddamani, who managed to escape and reach a police station. He, along with his relatives, is under treatment at a hospital. A case of murder has been registered at the Hubballi Rural police station, and further investigation is underway. Courtesy : Scroll Note: This news is originally published on https:/scroll.in/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Mistaken for Bangladeshi national’: Dalit man beaten to death in Kerala
RAIPUR: A chilling case of mob violence has emerged from Kerala’s Palakkad district, where a Dalit migrant labourer from Chhattisgarh was allegedly beaten to death by a group of people after being mistaken for a Bangladeshi national, according to initial reports. The incident has sparked outrage and fear among migrant workers in the region. The deceased has been identified as Ramnarayan Baghel (31), a resident of Karhi village in Sakti district, Chhattisgarh. He had travelled to Palakkad on December 13 in search of work and was employed as a daily-wage labourer at a construction site. According to his relative Kishan Baghel, who lives in Karhi village, Ramnarayan had gone to Kerala at the request of Shashikant Baghel, a distant relative from the same village. “Ramnarayan was extremely poor and is survived by his wife Lalita and two young sons, aged around eight and nine,” Kishan told TOI. Other sources claimed that Ramnarayan was allegedly mistaken for a thief following a local theft incident and was brutally assaulted with sticks by a group of people, resulting in his death. Kishan said Ramnarayan’s wife left for Palakkad on Friday after receiving the news, though she had not reached the destination at the time of reporting. Following the incident, tension prevailed in the area, prompting police to step up security to prevent any escalation. Kerala police have arrested five people in connection with the lynching and said a detailed investigation is underway to establish the exact sequence of events and the motive behind the crime. The news of Ramnarayan’s death has devastated his family in Sakti, plunging the village into mourning. Police said that after completion of legal formalities, including the post-mortem examination, the body will be sent back to his native place for the last rites. A case has been registered at Walayar police station under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police confirmed Ramnarayan’s identity through his Aadhaar card, following which Sakti police were informed about his death. 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
Moradabad: Dalit woman pressured to convert religion, threatened with abduction, victim’s brother in jail… the case is complicated
A young woman from Moradabad has accused some people of pressuring her to convert her religion. She has also alleged that the police are acting unfairly. The victim’s brother is also in jail on charges of molestation. In the Majhola police station area of Moradabad, a Dalit woman was molested by two young men. It is alleged that after the FIR was registered, the two accused are pressuring the woman to convert her religion. They are also threatening to abduct her, using offensive language. In this case, the woman has released a video demanding strict action against the accused from the district police. She alleged that the police released the accused after filing charges under minor sections. The woman, who lives in the Majhola area, had complained to the police, accusing two young men from her village of entering her house and molesting her. In this case, the police registered an FIR and filed charges against both the accused under sections 126 and 135. On Friday, the woman uploaded a video on a social media platform. The woman alleged that the perpetrators are constantly stopping her on the road and making obscene comments. She has been subjected to incidents of molestation. Due to the actions of these bullies, it has become difficult for her to leave her house. She is constantly living in an atmosphere of fear. The accused are trying to silence her by sending offensive and threatening messages on Instagram. In the viral video, the woman alleged that the accused are pressuring her to convert her religion. Earlier, she had filed an FIR against the accused, but the police registered the FIR under minor sections instead of serious ones and released both of them after filing charges. In this case, the police say that action was taken against the victim woman’s brother in June in a case of rape against the sister of the accused. He is currently in jail. Published by: Vimal Sharma Courtesy: Hindi News
VCK leader hails NGO’s contribution to Dalits’ struggle
VCK founder and MP Thol. Thirumavalavan along with CPI(M) State secretary P. Shanmugam releasing a book written by A. Kathir, executive director, Evidence, in Madurai on Saturday. VCK founder and MP Thol. Thirumavalavan along with CPI(M) State secretary P. Shanmugam releasing a book written by A. Kathir, executive director, Evidence, in Madurai on Saturday. | Photo Credit: R. ASHOK Appreciating Madurai-based NGO Evidence and its executive director A. Kathir for his sustained contributions for over two decades in fighting for the Dalit victims in the region, VCK leader and MP Thol Thirumavalavan said that he was delighted to release a book titled – Karuppu Rakshagan – authored by Mr Kathir on Saturday. Speaking after releasing the book, the MP said that the VCK as a political party fought for the downtrodden in the legislatur, while organisations like the Evidence too struggled for similar cause in the society. The role of whistle-blowers was not only complex, but challenging. Sometimes, they are also under threat from dominant forces, which had on a few occasions, turned fatal too. CPI (M) State secretary Shanmugam, who received the first copy, said that he was overwhelmed by Mr Kathir’s immense contribution. He urged the doctors in Tamil Nadu to read the novel and wished the book brought in the much needed change to the society. Publisher Marudan, in his introductory remarks, said that the novel, which has 496 pages and priced at ₹600, is a socially realistic book. Hailing the author of the NGO, now as a novelist for his maiden launch of the book, he hoped that the writings would go a long way and set a tone for transformation of the Dalits in the society. He appealed to the next generation to read the book without fail. Presiding over the event, writer Semmalar said that she was excited to read the novel and described it as interesting. Offering felicitations, professor Panneerselvam, writer Bava Chelladurai, journalist Vinod, cine directors Vetrimaran and Saravanan and actor Sasikumar hailed Mr. Kathir for his new role as a novelist. They also acknowledged the role of Evidence in bringing out the criminals before the law and giving relief to the victims. Kousalya, whose husband was a victim to caste killing, also spoke. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Kathir said that his journey as an NGO over the last two decades had inspired him to write the book and thanked his well-wishers for the support during challenging times. Earlier, Muthu from Evidence welcomed the gathering. Rani Meenakshi proposed a vote of thanks. Following an appeal from actor Mr. Sasikumar, the publisher announced a discount of ₹100 for each purchase at the venue. The Hindu Bureau 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
Communist parties should come closer with Dalits at national level, says Thol Thirumavalavan
The Communist parties should come closer with Dalits and engage actively in the national politics, said Viduthalai Chiruthai Katchi (VCK) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan here on Saturday. Speaking at a book release function, he said that by not working closely with Dalits, this had in a way encouraged the right wing parties (BJP, RSS) to get closer that leaders like Mayawati and Ramdhas Athawale and the late leader Ram Vilas Paswan among others were at a distance from the secular outfits. It was dangerous to be on the wrong side (BJP, RSS) as ‘they had a hidden agenda to divide and rule the nation.’ The ideals for which stalwarts like Ambedkar lived should be carried forward and not buried abruptly somewhere due to the bad influence of the right wing groups. In the larger interest of the nation’s unity, there was an urgent need to come closer and fight the upper class denomination. The BJP, RSS and their allies were determined to create confusion among the different sects of people in the society. Explaining the need for joining hands with the Communists, which would facilitate in defeating their political opponents, Mr Thirumavalavan said that when the real struggle was to have a casteless society, the divisive forces (right wing) misled the masses by using caste and community as a tool, he cautioned. Be it at national level or in regional level, by remaining closer, the BJP and their allies can be isolated. “Take for instance, the recent incident in Madurai, where the Sanatana forces attempted to create confusion over the Karthigai deepam row. Because, the secular parties and the Dalits were united, the attempts were foisted. Else, it may have turned for worse.” Likewise, he also clarified that the VCK never kept silent on issues and raised its voice, even if they were against the administration. Admitting that there were compulsions due to alliance, but maintained that he never compromised on the issues. Be it on Vengaivayal or any honour killing crimes, the VCK stood like a rock with the victims and demanded action by the government. The VCK, he said, had risen from a small group of 20 people since its inception and had grown tall today that it was a major force in Tamil Nadu. Still, Mr Thirumavalavan said that he fought for the depressed class carrying the ideologies of Ambedkar and asserted that he would never fall prey to money or power. The Hindu Bureau 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
“10,000 autopsies, never saw this violence; no part of body untouched”: Doctor on Dalit migrant lynching in Kerala; accused linked with BJP–RSS
The post-mortem examination of Ram Narayan, a Dalit migrant worker from Chhattisgarh who was lynched by a mob at Walayar in Kerala’s Palakkad district, has revealed the extreme brutality of the attack, with the doctor stating that there was not a single part of the body without injury. Thrissur Government Medical College Hospital doctor Hithesh Shankar, who conducted the autopsy, said Ram Narayan’s body bore injuries from head to toe. His ribs were shattered, his spine was broken, and most of the wounds were inflicted using sticks. The doctor said the assault continued even after death. “I have conducted more than 10,000 post-mortem examinations, but I have never seen a body subjected to such severe violence,” he said. According to the post-mortem report, the cause of death was severe head injury. Ram Narayan is survived by his wife, two young children, and his mother. He had arrived in Walayar about a week earlier in search of work and to meet his cousin Sasikanth, a mason working in the area. Sasikanth said Ram Narayan was planning to return home as he was struggling to stay away from his family. “He left for the railway station on December 17. We came to know about his death only on December 18, when the Walayar police called me,” he told reporters, adding that the deceased had his name and address with him. Ram Narayan’s wife, mother, and children have since travelled from Chhattisgarh to Kerala. Human rights activists in Kerala have alleged that there is a deliberate attempt to trivialise the killing and demanded that the crime be officially registered as mob lynching. Addressing a protest meeting in Thrissur on Saturday, activists said Kerala’s collective conscience had been deeply scarred by the spread of hatred. Activists and family members have made it clear that they will not allow the body to be taken home unless the case is formally recorded as mob lynching and adequate compensation is announced. They said the State must take responsibility for ensuring justice and dignity in death. The activists pointed out that the victim was a Dalit youth who had come to Kerala in search of work from Chhattisgarh, where marginalised communities, including Adivasis, are often targeted. “The virus of communalism has entered Kerala’s public mind. This is a frightening reality,” they said. Referring to a video that showed the mob assaulting Ram Narayan and asking if he was from Bangladesh, writer and Gandhian thinker K. Aravindakshan said: “This is a clear case of Islamophobia spreading rapidly in Kerala and of religious intolerance propagated by the Sangh Parivar.” “That such a brutal killing could happen here, and that only a handful have spoken out against it, is deeply disturbing. Kerala today seems to be a place where dialogue itself has become impossible,” he added. Human rights activist I. Gopinath described the killing as “a Sangh Parivar-led act of mob violence that reflects the growing Islamophobia in Kerala.” He said, “When a man who does not even know the language is beaten to death, the most painful truth is that he may not have even understood why he was being killed. This shows how the politics of hatred operates.” Activists alleged that authorities were attempting to portray the Walayar incident as an ordinary crime. “This is unquestionably a mob lynching, and it must be recorded as such. Only then will Ram Narayan get justice,” they said, demanding the formation of a special investigation team. They also condemned the police for allegedly collecting ambulance charges from the victim’s relatives when the body was brought from Walayar to Thrissur for the post-mortem and for asking the family to bear the cost of transporting the body home. The activists demanded ₹25 lakh as compensation and that the government cover the expenses of taking the body to Chhattisgarh. On Thursday night, police arrested Anu (38), Prasad (34), Murali (38), Anandan (55), and Bipin (30), all locals engaged in various jobs. A court remanded them to judicial custody on Friday. Four of the accused are associated with the BJP and the RSS. Investigators also found that two of them, Murali and Anu, were earlier named in a violent attack case around 15 years ago involving assaults on workers linked to the DYFI and CITU. Murali is also an accused in another case related to an attack on Stephen, a CITU headload worker, which is currently pending before the Kerala High Court. Courtesy : Maktoob Media Note: This news is originally published on https:/mktoobmedia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights