Karnataka MLA Yatnal booked for remarks against Dalit women
Dalit activist Mallikarjun Pujar filed a complaint, following which the police registered an FIR under sections relating to derogatory comments against women and promoting enmity. Karnataka MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal has been booked by the local police over his statement that Dalit women must refrain from offering floral tributes to Goddess Chamundeshwari, stating that only women of the “Sanatan religion” are allowed to do that. Yatnal had made the remarks on Monday at Koppal; however, the video emerged on Wednesday, September 17, and has since been widely shared across social media platforms. “Those who offer floral tributes to Mother Chamundi should be from the Sanatan religion. Even ordinary Dalit women are not allowed to do so,” Yatnal is heard saying in the video. He also condemned Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah’s decision to allow Booker Prize winner Banu Mustaq to inaugurate Dasara festivities in Mysuru this year. He was booked under the provisions of the SC/ST Act for derogatory remarks against women and incitement of enmity, reported Makoob Media. Dalit activist Mallikarjun Pujar filed a complaint, following which the police registered an FIR under sections relating to derogatory comments against women and promoting enmity. Following a row over the comments, Yatnal, who was previously expelled from the BJP in March, has called the video doctored and politically motivated, meant to mislead people. Karnataka Information Technology Minister Priyank Kharge, a Dalit leader, denounced Yatnal’s derogatory statement. Accusing the BJP leaders of staying silent in a post on X, he stated, “What greatness do you seek in Hinduism when you paint a religious colour in the social system and look down on a particular class of people? Do you exclude Dalits when you say we are all Hindus, we are all one? Why are the BJP leaders, who were vocal when Shri Siddaramaiah said that there is inequality in Hinduism, silent?” Police are yet to make arrests as the investigation is underway. Edited by Syeda Faiza Kirmani Courtesy : The Siasat Daily Note: This news is originally published on https:/thesiasatdaily.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
SP, BSP gear up for 2027 UP polls, eye non-Yadav OBC and Dalit voters
The outreach strategy of the SP, in particular, is to focus towards non-Yadav OBC communities, especially those that have distanced themselves from the BJP in 2024 or where the saffron party’s grip has loosened in recent years. ith more than a year and a half to go before the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have begun early preparations to consolidate their voter base. Both parties are targeting non-Yadav OBCs and Dalit communities, aiming to replicate and build upon their performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The outreach strategy of the SP, in particular, is to focus towards non-Yadav OBC communities, especially those that have distanced themselves from the BJP in 2024 or where the saffron party’s grip has loosened in recent years. A senior SP leader and former MP confirmed that the party held a key meeting this week with OBC office-bearers from the Saini, Kushwaha, and Shakya communities. These representatives have been tasked with organizing PDA Chaupals (outreach meetings) to bolster support for the party. The meeting was attended by a legislator from the Saini community in western UP, a Kushwaha MP from eastern UP, and a Shakya MP from western UP. Following the success of these grassroots initiatives, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav is expected to address dedicated rallies for these communities in the coming months. According to insiders, communities such as Gujjars, Kushwahas, and Pasis have increasingly shown signs of drifting away from the BJP since the 2022 Assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Notable examples include Pallavi Patel’s victory from Sirathu (Kaushambi) on an SP ticket, Babu Singh Kushwaha’s win as SP MP from Jaunpur, and Awadhesh Prasad’s election from Faizabad (Ayodhya). Beyond its traditional Yadav voter base, the SP’s electoral strategy now includes outreach programme to woo other OBC castes as well as Dalit castes like Jatavs and Pasis. Buoyed by its PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) coalition, which helped the party win 38 Lok Sabha seats, SP leaders believe the time is ripe to expand their influence among marginalized communities, particularly amid BSP’s declining electoral fortunes. Meanwhile, in view of its recent electoral setbacks, the BSP has also started preparing for the battle ahead. The party is particularly concerned about SP’s outreach to Dalits and its growing proximity with Congress, a trend evident in the Lok Sabha polls and expected to continue in 2027. BSP supremo Mayawati is scheduled to address a major rally of block-level workers in Lucknow on October 9, commemorating the death anniversary of party founder Kanshi Ram. A BSP source told ‘ The Statesman’ that Mayawati has decided to reorganize workers with a sharp focus on consolidating Dalit votes. Interestingly, she may also consider re-inducting leaders who had left the party earlier, with attention on figures like Swami Prasad Maurya, once her close aide. To ensure the success of the October 9 rally, BSP has arranged at least one bus per four Assembly constituencies, while party workers are tasked with organizing transport to bring supporters to the venue. 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
The false lure of sheep herding: Two tribal children from Rajasthan were trapped in a trap of advance money, with the plan to take them abroad and force them into forced labor!
On the initiative of Gayatri Seva Sansthan, a total of five children were freed from bonded labor this month. Shepherds were forcing young children from tribal areas to work. Udaipur/Salumbar – The case of child labor involving tribal children under the false lure of sheep herding has once again come to light. In Salumber district, Rajasthan, two innocent children were rescued from the clutches of shepherds who were being forced to graze sheep in bondage for advance money. Acting on information from the local voluntary organization, Gayatri Seva Sansthan, the police took major action against child labor and human trafficking, filing a case against two accused. The rescued children have been placed in a safe place under the supervision of the Child Welfare Committee. In a major action against child labor and human trafficking in Salumber district, two tribal children were rescued from the clutches of shepherds through the ingenuity of the local voluntary organization, Gayatri Seva Sansthan. A case was registered against two individuals under the Jawar Mines police station on Thursday. It is noteworthy that a few years ago, upon receiving a similar complaint, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Government of India, and the Rajasthan Child Commission, Government of Rajasthan, took it seriously and formed an investigation team to take action. Various organizations associated with Rebari, Raika, and shepherds were also appealed to identify those who employ child labor. Since then, such incidents have not been seen or heard of. In this direction, the then Chairman of the National Child Commission, Government of India, Priyank Kanoongo, and Rajasthan Child Commission member, Dr. Shailendra Pandya, also interacted with over 2,000 representatives of this community in the Bali Panchayat Samiti of Pali in the state. Payal Kenaria, Salumber District Coordinator of Gayatri Seva Sansthan, reported that Ravi Joshi, a conscious citizen of the society, had called the helpline. It was reported that three groups of shepherds were herding sheep on the Udaipur-Salumbar road, being attended to by two young children. The children were in critical condition, with their parents unaccompanied. Considering the seriousness of the information, the organization immediately informed Yashoda Paniya, Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, Udaipur, and the Jawar Mines Police Station. Investigation revealed that the children belonged to the Bhil community in the tribal region of Sirohi district, who were forced into bonded labor by paying them advance payments. Acting on the organization’s report, the police filed a case against Jaiparam Gadaria and Asaram Gadaria under serious sections of various laws. The accused are accused of luring children to work by promising them money and food, and then planning to take them out of the state for forced labor. The children rescued from the scene were handed over to the Child Welfare Committee, Udaipur, where they were sheltered. On this occasion, child rights expert and former member of the Rajasthan Child Commission, Dr. Shailendra Pandya, stated that the police have registered a case against the accused under sections 75, 79 of the Juvenile Justice Act, sections 16, 17, and 18 of the Bonded Labor Abolition Act, 1976, and various sections of the Indian Penal Code and have initiated an investigation. Previous cases of child labor by shepherds were reported in Banswara, Dungarpur, Udaipur, and Pali districts. Prominent members of society are strongly against child labor, but some individuals are still actively exploiting children’s childhood for greed. Strict action against them and better rehabilitation of the children is absolutely necessary. Amit Rao of the organization stated that the Gayatri Seva Sansthan is continuously working to eradicate social evils like child labor, child marriage, and human trafficking. A few days ago, the organization also freed three children from Pratapgarh district in a similar case. So far, a total of five children have been freed from bonded labor this month. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
Priyanka Gandhi ventured into the dense forests of Wayanad at the call of tribals, revealing shocking facts.
Priyanka met with the Cholanayakan community in the dense forests of Karulai, discussed their demands with officials, and also reviewed development projects such as roads and railways. Malappuram, Kerala: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra continued her campaign to connect with people at the grassroots level in her parliamentary constituency, Wayanad. On Wednesday, she took a long walk through the dense forests of Karulai in Kerala’s Malappuram district and met with the Cholanayakan tribal community, which is on the verge of extinction. During the visit, she listened attentively to the community’s concerns and assured them of all possible support. Priyanka Gandhi has been touring her Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency since September 11. According to a party release, her forest visit came at the request of C. Vinod, a member of the tribal community. Vinod, who is pursuing a PhD in tribal economics, had informed Priyanka about the serious problems facing his community during the election campaign. During her visit to the forest, Vinod also briefed her on the conditions and challenges there. After meeting with the people in the tribal settlement, the Congress MP brought some of their representatives to the Forest Department’s inspection bungalow. There, she held a detailed meeting with Forest Department officials and community representatives regarding the community’s key demands, such as housing and a bridge. She also met with social activists working for the development of the tribal community. During her busy tour, Priyanka Gandhi visited the famous Nilambur Teak Depot after meeting the Cholanayakan community. She inspected the entire depot premises and eagerly inquired about the activities of the museum located there. Earlier in the day, Priyanka also reviewed the infrastructure development in the area. She visited the Nilambur Railway Station and reviewed the ongoing development work there. According to the release, she also held important discussions on the Vaniyambalam Railway Flyover, the renovation of Nilambur Station, and other railway-related needs in the area. Priyanka Gandhi shared a video on the social media platform ‘X’, detailing her visit to the construction site of the proposed Padinjarathara-Poozhithodu road in Kottiyambayal, Wayanad district. In her post, she wrote, “Visited the proposed Padinjarathara-Poozhithodu road site in Kottiyambayal along with the District Collector, District Forest Officer, and Executive Engineers of the Public Works Department (PWD). This new road will make a huge difference by providing an alternative route to the Thamarassery Ghat Road, improving connectivity in Wayanad district.” Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit man dies in police custody: Allahabad High Court seeks response from Yogi government, demands ₹25 lakh compensation
Nawabganj Police Station death case: Petitioners demand ₹25 lakh compensation for the family and a High Court-monitored investigation. Prayagraj: Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking an investigation into the death of a Dalit man in police custody at Nawabganj police station in Prayagraj, the Allahabad High Court has directed the state government to file its reply (counter affidavit) within two weeks. The petitioners have also demanded compensation of ₹25 lakh for the deceased’s family members. The family has alleged that the man died due to custodial torture within the police station premises, while the police claim he died of a heart attack. Hearing a PIL filed by the Advocates Forum and two others, a division bench of Justice Siddhartha and Justice Santosh Rai, in its order on Wednesday, directed the PIL to be listed before the appropriate court for further hearing on October 10. According to the petitioner’s lawyer, Charlie Prakash, on May 27, the police picked up Hira Lal, a laborer, from his home in connection with a theft case in which no one was named. It is alleged that no member of Hira Lal’s family was allowed to meet him, and the police later informed him that he had died. Family members were asked to go to the mortuary at Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital. The PIL alleges that Hira Lal’s body was not handed over to his family members, and the police cremated him at Daraganj Ghat in Prayagraj. The petitioner’s lawyer, Charlie Prakash, argued, “This is a case of brutal custodial death and murder by the police within the police station premises, in violation of Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty).” He demanded the formation of a high-level, independent, and impartial committee headed by a retired High Court judge to investigate the illegal detention, custodial torture, and custodial death of Hira Lal, a resident of Narrepar village, Budauna, under the jurisdiction of the Nawabganj police station. The PIL also states, “The investigation should be conducted under the supervision of the High Court and should submit its report within a stipulated time.” Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit girl raped in Mau on the pretext of marriage: Threatened to kill, case filed against accused
A case of rape of a Dalit girl under the pretext of marriage has come to light in the Doharighat police station area of Mau. The girl has alleged that when she pressured him to marry her, the accused used casteist slurs and threatened to kill her. Police have registered a case in this matter and have begun searching for the accused. The victim, a resident of a village in the Doharighat police station area, stated in her complaint to the police that a young man from her village had been raping her for the past three to four years under the pretext of marriage. When she began pressuring him to marry her, he began to evade the allegations. According to the victim, when she went to the accused’s house, he used casteist slurs and threatened to kill her. Station in-charge Rajkumar Singh stated that based on the victim’s complaint, police have registered a case against the accused under relevant sections and further action is being taken. Mithilesh Kumar Rai Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit youth attacked with sword: Bullies slit his vein after he stopped him from drinking alcohol; Chandrashekhar Azad threatens agitation
A case of a sword attack on a Dalit youth by bullies has come to light in the Bachhrayun police station area of Amroha. The incident occurred on August 17th, when Shivam Singh, a resident of Musallepur village, stopped some people from drinking alcohol outside his house. A man named Siddhant Deora was drinking alcohol with his friends outside the victim’s house. When he objected, the accused called his other friends. The bullies beat Shivam and his father, attacking them with a sword, severing a vein in Shivam’s hand. The victim was admitted to a private hospital in Meerut in critical condition, where he remained for 15 days. According to doctors, the severed vein in his hand will no longer function. Shivam works as a scrap dealer with his father, and their home is located on the roadside outside the village. Azad Samaj Party chief Chandrashekhar Azad has raised the issue on the social media platform X. He has demanded the state government arrest the accused. Chandrashekhar has warned that if the culprits are not arrested soon, his organization will launch a mass movement. Rohit Prajapati Courtesy: Hindi News
‘Honour killing’ of Dalit man: Mom of girlfriend arrested under SC/ST Act
To investigate the case further, the deputy superintendent of police, Balaji, has been appointed the investigation officer. MAYILADUTHURAI: Following up on the murder of Dalit youth K Vairamuthu on Monday by a gang allegedly led by the brothers of a woman with whom he was in a relationship, the Mayiladuthurai police on Wednesday booked her mother K Vijaya, under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and arrested her along with three others. With their demand for Vijaya’s arrest having been met, Vairamuthu’s family members gave up their protest and received his body, which was kept at the Mayiladuthurai government hospital, for last rites. Vairamuthu (28) of Adiyamangalam was hacked to death on Monday night by a six-member gang over his relationship with K Malini, the daughter of an inter-caste couple, sources said. According to Vairamuthu’s family members, Malini’s mother Vijaya, who is from the BC community, was against her daughter’s relationship with a Dalit. According to Vairamuthu’s family members, Malini’s mother Vijaya, who is from the BC community, was against her daughter’s relationship with a Dalit. Alleging that Malini’s mother may have instigated Vairamuthu’s murder, the family members of the deceased and members of political parties refused to receive his body until she was arrested. On Wednesday, the Mayiladuthurai town police arrested Vijaya, her son K Gugan (21), A Anbunithi (19) and S Baskar (42) in connection with Vairamuthu’s murder. Following this, Vairamuthu’s family members and others demanding Vijaya’s arrest ended their protest and received his body from the GH. To investigate the case further, the deputy superintendent of police, Balaji, has been appointed the investigation officer. 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
Protest against quota for other castes in Gorakhpur’s Dalit hostel: Students and MLCs take to the streets, demanding immediate intervention from the administration.
Dalit students in Gorakhpur today protested against the state government’s order. The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to reserve 30 percent of seats in the state-run Scheduled Caste hostel for students from other castes. Students say this move will affect their rights and the learning environment. The protest started from Town Hall Chowk and reached Ambedkar Chowk. A large number of students participated in the protest and protested the government’s order through sloganeering. Students say that giving a 30 percent quota to students from other castes in a hostel built solely for Dalit students’ studies and accommodation is completely unjust. The students warned that if the order is not withdrawn, the agitation will intensify. MLC Devendra Pratap Singh extends support Gorakhpur MLC Devendra Pratap Singh was also present at the protest with the students. He said that this order is not only unjust but also violates the rights of Dalit students. He assured the students of justice and his support for their struggle. Indeed, MLC Devendra Pratap Singh was injured in a road accident yesterday. Despite this, he participated in the protest with the students today. He said, “Just as Rana Sanga suffered 80 wounds in the war and still continued to fight, today I stand up for the rights of Dalit students.” Students threatened to intensify the agitation. The students insisted that the hostel was built solely for the convenience of Dalit students and that the 30 percent quota for students from other classes was wrong. They warned that if the government did not withdraw the order, the agitation could escalate. The students reiterated their demand for justice from the local administration and the state government. Abhijeet Singh Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit man hacked to death by lover’s family in Tamil Nadu; four arrested
“After ten years of love, everything has been destroyed. He couldn’t even live peacefully in the house he built,” his inconsolable lover told reporters. Posted by Veena Nair In yet another disturbing caste killing case in Tamil Nadu, a 28-year-old Dalit man was hacked to death by the family of the woman he loved. K Vairamuthu from Adiyamangalam village of Mayiladuthurai district was brutally attacked with sickles on the night of September 15, sustaining serious injuries on his neck and wrists. He was rushed to the Mayiladuthurai Government Hospital but he succumbed to his injuries. Vairamuthu, a two-wheeler mechanic, was in a decade-long relationship with 26-year-old Malini, an MBA graduate from Chennai. However, her family, especially her mother, Vijaya, vehemently opposed it. Reports suggest that Vijaya once turned up at the Dalit’s workplace and hurled casteist slurs at him.”My life has already been ruined like this; at least my daughter’s life should not be wasted,” she reportedly told him. Vijaya belongs is a Chettiar (OBC) who married Malini’s father, from the Paraiyar community. On September 14, two days before the murder, both families were counselled by the police. At that time, Malini expressed her desire to marry Vairamuthu and reportedly moved in with him. Her family disowned her and submitted a written statement that they would not interfere in the young couple’s matter hereafter. Excited to start a new chapter in their life, Malini went to Chennai to collect documents for her registered marriage. However, her dreams were shattered as on the very same night, Vairamuthu was hacked to death by her family. On Wednesday, September 18, police arrested Vijaya, K Gugan, 21; A Anbunithi, 19 and S Baskar, 42. A case under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was registered. Following the arrest, the Dalit man’s distraught family accepted his body. They staged a roadblock on the Mayiladuthurai–Kumbakonam highway, demanding the immediate arrest of his murderers. However, an inconsolable Malini cannot fathom a life without Vairamuthu. “After ten years of love, everything has been destroyed. He couldn’t even live peacefully in the house he built. Police assured us of safety, but no one protected us,” she told reporters. The killing of Vairamuthu is another caste horror coming from the southernmost state of India. In July, a 27-year-old Dalit software engineer working in Chennai was allegedly hacked to death by his girlfriend’s brother in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district. Kavin Selvaganesh was murdered by his girlfriend’s brother, Surjith Saravanan, in front ot the former’s mother at a Siddha hospital in Tirunelveli. The young Dalit’s mother, Tamilselvi, witnessed the brutal murder of her son. “While he (Surjith) was shouting, he suddenly attacked my son with a machete, injuring his arm. Kavin then started running, and Surjith chased him and hacked him to death. He told me to take the body and leave. ‘My parents will be peaceful only after this,’ he said,” her police complaint stated. Police arrested Surjith and his father Saravanan, who worked as a sub-inspector in the Tamil Nadu police force. 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