Hathras News: Kidnappers of a Dalit girl dragged her father off his scooter and shot him; his condition is critical.
Hathras News: A shocking incident has occurred in Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh. The accused of kidnapping a Dalit girl shot her father in broad daylight. The attackers pulled the victim off his scooter and carried out the crime. The injured father has been referred to Aligarh Medical College in critical condition. Tension has gripped the entire area since the incident. Father had gone to the police station to locate his daughter. The family of the injured Rajpal has accused the police of negligence. Rajpal had gone to the police station to inquire about his daughter’s kidnapping. When he was unable to find the station in-charge, he was returning. On the way, five men on two bikes surrounded him. The accused forced Rajpal off his scooter and opened fire, hitting him in his right hand. The girl was kidnapped 18 days ago. According to the family, on the 11th, a young man named Deepak from the same village lured and abducted Rajpal’s daughter. Eighteen days have passed since the incident, but the police have not been able to recover the girl. The victim’s family has been pleading for help. It is alleged that this police laxity led the emboldened accused to attack the father with intent to kill. Police claim: Action will be taken upon receiving a written complaint. The news of the shooting created a stir within the police department. The Dial 112 team rushed the injured to the district hospital. Given the seriousness of the matter, senior police officers also arrived at the hospital. The police say that some people from the village are accused of the shooting. Upon receiving a written complaint from the family, a case will be registered and strict action will be taken. Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit man dies after police custody in Bengaluru; family cries foul
Darshan was brutally assaulted to the extent that he was unable to walk, said his mother. A 24-year-old Dalit man died in a rehabilitation center after being allegedly beaten to death during police custody in Bengaluru. Darshan, who died on November 26, was an alcoholic and often picked fights. According to his mother, Adilakshmi, police officers from the Viveknagar station took him into custody on November 12 after a brawl with his neighbour. The mother alleged that she was not allowed to see or meet her son. In her police complaint, she has named assistant sub-inspector Pawan and two other policemen for brutally assaulting her son to the extent that he was unable to walk. There was no medical care provided despite his deteriorating condition. Three days later, on November 15, police informed the Dalit family that Darshan was being shifted to the Unity Foundation Rehab Centre near Madanayakanahalli. “The police pressured me to admit my son there and demanded Rs 2,500 as admission fees. After admitting, we were told by the staff present that Darshan’s health was improving, but we never saw him,” she said in her complaint. Then, on November 26, Adilakshmi’s world came crashing down after she received the news of her son’s passing, due to “breathing difficulties.” When the family arrived at the rehab centre, they found that his body was missing. They were later directed to the Nelamangala government hospital, where doctors informed them that Darshan had been brought dead. The family noticed injury marks on his chest, back, arms and legs, raising suspicions that he had been assaulted. His body was subsequently shifted to Victoria Hospital for a post-mortem, where doctors reportedly found several older injuries as well. The Madanayakanahalli police registered a case under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and various IPC sections related to assault, wrongful confinement, custodial torture and negligence. Adilakshmi has also alleged that her son was targeted because he belonged to a Scheduled Caste and that upper-caste police personnel mistreated him. Dalit organisations have called for an impartial and transparent investigation, saying the timeline strongly suggests custodial torture disguised as rehabilitation. Courtesy : TSD Note: This news is originally published on https:/thesiasatdaily.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Delhi Dalit OBC minorities body members wear Ambedkar masks pledge to save Constitution
New Delhi, A large number of members of the Confederation of Dalit, OBC, Minorities and Adivasi Organisations (DOMA Parisangh) gathered at the Ambedkar Bhawan here, taking a pledge to save the Constitution of India in front of Ambedkar’s statue by wearing masks with his face on them. Earlier, the DOMS Parisangh was scheduled to hold a rally at Ramlila Maidan, but following a BJP leader’s complaint, the NOC by the police was denied. DOMS Parisangh chairman and Congress leader Udit Raj said that, being disciplined and law-abiding citizens, they changed the original program from Ramlila ground to Ambedkar Bhawan, as thousands of people attended. Campaigning and mobilising the team members had been underway since July, and the cancellation was announced, yet some people still reached the Ramlila Maidan and were mistreated by the police, Udit Raj alleged. He said people arrived peacefully at the Ambedkar Bhawan to take the pledge amid heavy police deployments, which prevented them from marching. Addressing the gathering, Udit Raj said that saving the Constitution and democracy is no longer within the power of political parties alone, as all constitutional institutions have become weak, and a few individuals cannot protect them through struggle. A mass movement is the only option to save the Constitution, he said. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI) Courtesy : The Week Note: This news is originally published on https:/theweek.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Muslim Youth Attempts To Marry Minor Dalit Girl In Uttar Pradesh, Arrested
A police officer said they are investigating the case from all angles after a right-wing group protested, alleging it was a case of ‘love jihad’. Basti: A young Muslim man attempting to marry a minor Dalit girl was arrested after a right-wing group, along with villagers, protested against the marriage, alleging ‘love jihad’ in Uttar Pradesh’s Basti district. The incident took place in the Parshurampur police station area of the district on Friday (November 28). According to Basti Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhinandan, a complaint of ‘love jihad’ was received and it was found that the girl was a minor. A case has been registered and further action is being taken as per the law, he said. Police said a Muslim youth from Gond, identified as Sajid, had arrived with a wedding procession to marry a girl from a Dalit community. The two had met at a wedding ceremony some days ago. When villagers saw a wedding procession of a Muslim youth at their village, they were surprised and soon members of the Vishwa Hindu Mahasangh reached the scene, raising objections at the wedding. They launched a protest at the scene. Soon, a police team arrived at the scene, and an investigation was launched. Upon speaking with the girl’s parents, it was found that she was a minor and a case was registered, the SP said, adding, the youth, along with some of his friends who had accompanied him, were held for questioning. According to villagers, Sajid and the girl had become close. They alleged that this was not a usual love marriage but a “conspiracy for religious conversion”. “Since the girl is a minor, the marriage is legally invalid. Police are investigating the entire matter from all angles. Also, additional forces (to maintain law and order) have been deployed in the village. Sajid has been arrested and sent to jail on charges of attempting forced religious conversion and marriage,” an official said. It is pertinent to mention here that the term ‘love jihad’ is a conspiracy theory peddled by right-wing groups under which they claim that Muslim men lure non-Muslim women through feigned love and deception, force them to convert to Islam and marry them as part of an agenda to alter religious demographics. While several cases of Muslim men marrying non-Muslim women and vice versa have come to the fore, there is no evidence of any organised conspiracy as claimed. Courtesy : ETV Bharat Note: This news is originally published on https:/etvbharat.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
In tussle for CM post, Cong brass cannot afford to ignore Dalit group
Bengaluru: Chief minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar may have called a temporary truce to their tussle for the top post, but while Congress’ high command decides on the simmering issue of whether a change of CM is necessary, it cannot ignore demands of Dalit legislators. Dalit legislators are mounting pressure, demanding recognition for their role in Congress’ sweeping victory in the 2023 assembly elections. While some suggest Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, himself a prominent Dalit leader, is a potential contender for the chief ministerial post, other names in circulation include home minister G Parameshwara and his public works colleague Satish Jarkiholi. Both Parameshwara (SC) and Jarkiholi (ST) have positioned themselves as counterweights to Shivakumar, with Jarkiholi even seeking to replace him as Congress state president. He also represents a faction calling for three or four deputy CMs to ensure fair representation for major communities, including OBCs, Lingayats, and minorities. “The question of who should be CM remains complicated,” said a senior functionary. “The party high command has stepped in to resolve the issue, and the breakfast meeting of the CM and DCM was the first step. However, it is no longer between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. There are other stakeholders, and the high command must figure out a way to keep them all in good humour.” Tensions escalated last week after Shivakumar’s camp reiterated claims of a CM seat-sharing pact in which Siddaramaiah was expected to hand over the post by mid-Nov. The dispute spilled into caste politics, with the Vokkaligara Sangha and community pontiffs backing Shivakumar, while Ahinda leaders aligned with Siddaramaiah. Concerned by the public display of discord, central party brass directed both to meet and talk. After Saturday’s breakfast meeting, both said they would abide by whatever decision the high command takes. Siddaramaiah is expected to visit Shivakumar’s residence for lunch this week, and both may be summoned to New Delhi for discussions. “There is no difference of opinion between the CM and me,” Shivakumar said on Sunday. “We will work together. Our aim is the 2028 elections. We both will go to Delhi if a call comes from the high command.” Supporters of Siddaramaiah argue that he rightfully earned the chief ministership by leading the party’s 2023 campaign and consolidating votes from minorities and OBCs. Shivakumar’s supporters counter that Congress surged to victory under his stewardship as KPCC president. Meanwhile, Dalit functionaries have emerged as a third and increasingly influential force, pointing out that their organisational work played a decisive role in consolidating SC and ST votes under Kharge’s guidance. Kharge reportedly tasked Parameshwara with overseeing 36 SC-reserved constituencies, of which Congress won 32. Jarkiholi handled campaigning in 15 ST-reserved seats, with the party securing 14. They also claim they consolidated Dalit votes, who constitute 24% of the population, even in general seats. “Only a couple of functionaries are taking the credit, but many others are directly and indirectly responsible for the win. Credit should be given where it is due,” said Jarkiholi. SC and ST functionaries formed a pressure group soon after the govt was sworn, often grabbing headlines with strategy meetings and public outreach. Their presence in New Delhi last week, at the peak of the stand-off, signalled their determination. With several members indicating Mallikarjun Kharge as their preferred choice, Rahul Gandhi met Kharge and his son, minister Priyank Kharge, in the national capital. Sources say these developments have added a fresh twist to the imbroglio. 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
Not invited to ‘dhwaj arohan’ because I am a Dalit, says Faizabad (Ayodhya) MP Awadhesh Prasad
PM Modi said the ceremony marks the completion of a centuries-long resolve, describing the ‘dharma-dhwaj’ (saffron flag) at the ‘shikhar’ of the Ram Temple as “resurgence of Indian civilisation.” Samajwadi Party Member of Parliament from Faizabad (Ayodhya), Awadhesh Prasad, on Tuesday claimed that he was not invited to the ‘dhwaj arohan’ ceremony—the hoisting of a saffron flag atop the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple—in Ayodhya because he was a Dalit. “The reason I was not invited to the ‘dharm dwaj’ ceremony is that I belong to the Dalit community. This is not in accordance with Ram’s values; it reflects someone else’s narrow mindset. Ram belongs to everyone. My fight is not for any position or invitation, but for dignity, equality, and the honour of the Constitution,” Prasad posted in Hindi on X after Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the flag, marking the formal completion of the temple at Ayodhya—BJP’s electoral promise for decades. PM Modi said the ceremony marks the completion of a centuries-long resolve, describing the ‘dharma-dhwaj’ (saffron flag) at the ‘shikhar’ of the Ram Temple as “resurgence of Indian civilisation.” Faizabad (Ayodhya) constituency is one of the 80 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh and includes the adjoining Ayodhya and Faizabad cities. Though the district was officially renamed from Faizabad to Ayodhya in November 2018, the name of the Lok Sabha constituency remains Faizabad. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Prasad defeated sitting BJP MP Lallu Singh by more than 50,000 votes, marking it as one of the biggest upsets for the saffron party. His post after the victory reads “Ayodhya is not anyone’s ancestral property it is the land of Lord Shri Ram We are the true devotees of Lord Ram, there can be no bigger Rambhakt than us. The god-like people of Ayodhya have defeated the arrogant people.” Prasad’s victory was important because of Ayodhya and the Ram Temple—the consecration of which had happened just a couple of months back. The Ram Mandir consecration or ‘Pran Pratishtha’ for the main Ram Lalla idol was held on January 22, 2024, in a grand ceremony in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other dignitaries. However, in the elections that followed, the BJP failed to win the seat. Analysts credited Prasad’s win to the failure of the BJP’s ‘Abki Baar 400 Paar’ slogan and the Samajwadi Party’s strategy of leveraging social politics by aligning OBCs, Dalits, and Muslims. Other reasons attributed to the BJP’s shocking setback in the temple town also included resentment among locals for not getting compensation for their land taken over for the development of Ayodhya, though a section also linked the loss to tension between the party’s Delhi and Lucknow leaderships. Courtesy : The Statesman Note: This news is originally published on https:/thestatesman.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Call for special force for protection of Dalits
BRS general secretary R.S. Praveen Kumar demanded that an SC, ST Atrocities case be registered against the police officers allegedly responsible for the death of Dalit youth K. Rajesh in police lock-up. Speaking after visiting the bereaved family of Rajesh in Kodad on Tuesday, he alleged that the atrocities against SCs and STs were going on unabated across the State despite the Cabinet having four Ministers from the SC community — Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, C. Damodar Rajanarsimha, G. Vivek and A. Laxman. He alleged that another Dalit youth, Yerra Shekhar, was killed in the presence of police officers in Shadnagar recently, but no action was initiated against those responsible for the two deaths so far. The former police officer demanded that the government establish a special force on the lines of Greyhounds for the safety and protection of SC, ST communities. 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
Chaos in Ratlam over stopping a Dalit bride’s Bindoli: Rituals completed under police protection, 5 people booked under the SC-ST Act
“Miscreants said, ‘The Bindoli will not pass through the village,’ police ensured the ceremony was completed under a security cover; Bhim Army raised its voice.” Ratlam. A serious case of social discrimination has come to light in Lakhmakhedi village, Ratlam district, Madhya Pradesh, where an attempt was made to disrupt the happiness of a Dalit family. Some miscreants from the village stopped the bride’s Bindoli (procession) during a wedding ceremony. However, the police acted promptly, ensuring the ceremony was completed in their presence and taking strict action against the accused. What is the whole matter? The incident is reported to have taken place on Monday night. Suresh Kataria, a vegetable vendor, was performing the wedding rituals for his elder daughter. The wedding is scheduled for November 26th. In this connection, the bride’s procession was being taken out around 9:30 pm on Monday night. According to the bride’s father, Suresh Kataria, when the procession reached the homes of members of the Rajput community in the village, some people present there blocked the way. They allegedly threatened and said, “Your procession will not pass through this village.” Allegations of indecent behavior and casteist slurs The victims allege that as the procession approached Bapu Singh’s house, Bapu Singh and Badri Singh came out and began questioning the procession. Kushal Singh, Kuldeep Singh, and Govind Singh Bhanej also arrived. It is alleged that these people began abusing the Dalit family using casteist slurs and blocked the road. The procession was carried out under police protection Upon receiving information about the dispute, Barawad Police Station in-charge Swaraj Dabi immediately arrived at the scene with the police force. They controlled the situation and ensured that the procession was conducted peacefully under police protection. A case has been registered against these five people. Acting swiftly on the complaint, the police have registered a case against five named accused. The accused have been identified as residents of Lakhmakhedi: Bapu Singh (father Parvat Singh Sondhia) Badri Singh (father Bheru Singh) Kushal Singh (father Chander Singh) Kuldeep Singh (father Lal Singh) Govind Singh Bhanej Police have registered a case against all of them under Section 176 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and various sections of the SC-ST Act. Bhim Army demands strict action The Bhim Army and the Azad Samaj Party have strongly protested the incident. Former Azad Samaj Party state president Sunil Astey and district president Gopal Vaghela have demanded the administration take the strictest possible action against the accused. Sunil Astey released a video message appealing to the state Chief Minister, Dr. Mohan Yadav, to intervene. He said, “Stopping a Dalit girl’s Binauli horse-drawn carriage at a Dalit wedding in Lakhmakhedi village, Barawad police station, Ratlam, isn’t just rudeness—it’s Manuwadi hooliganism! Those who believe a Dalit girl’s Binauli will be stopped—their thinking will be crushed. Those who disrespect daughters don’t belong in society, but directly in jail. @SP_RATLAM_MP should immediately identify the accused and the police should take immediate action, or there will be a street protest. The Bhim Army team has reached the village. They are standing with the family and the bride for security.” Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Telangana: Tension mounts over death of Dalit youth in police custody, RS Praveen Kumar alleges ‘custodial murder’
Former IPS officer claims police tortured him to death after 5 days; makes serious allegations against Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, demands ₹1 crore compensation for family Suryapet/Kodad: The death of a Dalit youth in Telangana’s Suryapet district is heating up. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) state general secretary and former IPS officer RS Praveen Kumar has leveled serious allegations against the police, calling it a ‘custodial murder’. He alleges that 32-year-old Dalit youth, Karla Rajesh, was brutally tortured at the Chilkur police station, leading to his death. Demands filing of murder case against DSP and police personnel After reaching Kodad on Tuesday and meeting and consoling the victim’s family, Praveen Kumar made strong demands to the government and administration. He demanded that a murder case be immediately registered against DSP Sridhar Reddy and other police officers involved in the case. He also stipulated that a second autopsy be conducted only after the FIR is filed. ‘1 Crore Compensation and a Government Job’ The BRS leader demanded substantial compensation from the state government to secure the future of the deceased’s family. He stated that the government should immediately provide an ex-gratia amount of ₹1 crore to the victim’s family. In addition, compensation should include a double-bedroom house, five acres of cultivable land, and a government job for a family member. Accused Minister and MLA of Protecting the DSP Speaking to the media, Praveen Kumar launched a scathing attack on Civil Supplies Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy and local MLA Padmavati. He alleged that these leaders were protecting DSP Sridhar Reddy, under whose leadership the youth was allegedly tortured. The former IPS officer claimed that the DSP’s transfer and posting were done at the local minister’s behest, “to ensure the plundering continued.” What is the whole matter? RS Praveen Kumar alleged that Rajesh was held in police custody for five days and brutally tortured. He says this was done to cover up the corruption and fraud of ruling party leaders. According to the BRS leader, Rajesh was falsely implicated in a 2022 CMRF check fraud case involving Congress workers. The police pressured Rajesh to name former BRS MLA Mallaiah Yadav and tortured him. In violation of Supreme Court guidelines and Article 21 of the Constitution, Rajesh was denied medical assistance despite his deteriorating health. Taking aim at CM Revanth Reddy Praveen Kumar criticized Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, saying he had completely failed as Home Minister and was protecting criminals. He warned that the BRS, along with other caste organizations and civil society groups, would continue its struggle until Rajesh’s family received justice. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit voices rally behind Kharge for Karnataka CM, write to Sonia
Shivakumar, a prominent Vokkaliga leader credited with bringing Congress to power, is viewed as the frontrunner to succeed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. BENGALURU: IN a political drama unfolding within the Karnataka Congress, the DK Shivakumar camp is lobbying hard in New Delhi for their leader to occupy the CM’s chair, while he is receiving endorsements from Naga Sadhus. Yet, in the middle of all this, another interesting development has surprised many. A group of Congress leaders is rallying behind AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, considered by many as a beacon of Dalit empowerment, to occupy the top chair. The high command now has to manage a delicate balancing act — one that could either consolidate the party’s diverse base or fracture it further, handing BJP and JDS an opportunity in the 2028 Assembly elections in the state. In an open letter to former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, influential voices, including KPCC office-bearers, former legislators, journalists, intelligentsia, social activists, and citizens, have made an appeal for Kharge’s appointment as CM. Dated November 22 and circulated widely in Delhi and Bengaluru, the letter states that this leadership vacuum is a historic moment to rectify decades of under-representation of Dalits. The letter laments the absence of a Dalit CM since Karnataka’s formation in 1956, despite “the community’s unwavering loyalty to Congress”. “Kharge stands out as a capable leader for this role. His long experience, integrity, and deep connection with the people of Karnataka make him uniquely suited to guide the state at this moment,” the signatories assert. Shivakumar, a prominent Vokkaliga leader credited with bringing Congress to power, is viewed as the frontrunner to succeed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. On Saturday, a group of Naga Sadhus visited Shivakumar at his residence, blessing him and urging him to ascend the CM seat. At the heart of this frenzy lies a pivotal question: Has Shivakumar’s surge positioned Kharge as the ultimate winner? As the first Dalit president of Congress in its 139-year history, Kharge has remained above the fray, issuing measured statements on the cabinet reshuffle or change in CM’s post. His recent remark urging party unity amid turmoil was interpreted by some as a subtle rebuke to Shivakumar’s overtures, but it also amplified calls for him to return to state politics as CM. Meanwhile, Shivakumar’s supporters, including a handful of MLAs like HC Balakrishna (Magadi), Nayana Motamma (Mudigere) and other MLAs, flew to Delhi. Sources close to the Shivakumar camp described the meetings as “consultations”. Meanwhile, BJP MP Lahar Singh Siroya lambasted Kharge’s recent comments on the reshuffle, alleging that Congress is suffering from dynastic rot. “Kharge ji is the party president, but who is this high command? This shows there is dynastic politics. He must be considering Rahul Gandhi as the high command,” Siroya remarked. “I hope they find a solution soon, as it is not good for both Congress and the state. Given the current conduct of Congress, it is clear that it will be in a much worse state in the coming elections. I don’t know what is happening in that party, but it is certainly affecting Karnataka,” he said. Former Congress MLC Mohan Kondajji said, “I am not a signatory to the letter, but I am aware of it. My only concern is that Congress should come out as the winner. With Kharge’s tremendous experience, he will be able to take everyone along.” Bansy Kalappa 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