Odisha: NHRC takes suo motu cognisance after 2 Dalits get assaulted over cattle smuggling
2 SC persons were beaten up, forced to eat grass & drink drain water, on suspicion of illegally smuggling cattle in Ganjam district of Odisha, on 26 June. New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India on Wednesday took suo motu cognizance of a media report revealing that two persons belonging to the Scheduled Caste were beaten up, forced to eat grass and drink drain water, on suspicion of illegally smuggling cattle by some people belonging to other community, in Ganjam district of Odisha, on June 26, 2025, as per an official release. Reportedly, their mobile phones were snatched, and their heads were also forcibly tonsured. The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights. Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Odisha, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks. The report is expected to include the action taken against the perpetrators and compensation, if any, provided to the victims. Meanwhile, in Telangana, High Court advocate Rama Rao filed a complaint with NHRC regarding the blast at the Sigachi Industries Limited pharmaceutical factory in Pashamylaram Industrial Area, which occurred on Monday. The complaint alleges that the incident, which resulted in several worker fatalities and injuries, was caused by the company’s failure to follow safety protocols and negligence on the part of management. According to the complaint, “Several workers have been killed after a suspected reactor explosion caused a fire in a chemical factory in Telangana. As per officials, the incident took place at the Sigachi Chemical Industry in Pashamylaram on Monday. As many as 108 workers were at the factory at the time of the blast, which could be heard about five km away. The explosion triggered a huge fire, and 15 fire engines were used to douse the flames. According to eye-witnesses, such was the impact of the explosion that workers were tossed in the air and fell several meters away.” “As the bodies of some victims were blown to pieces or charred beyond recognition, disaster occasioned due to failure in following the safety protocols, negligence on part of management, post disaster response of authorities was slow, indicating their unpreparedness, fire fighters had to reach the place from Secunderabad which is nearly 40 km away, necessary case may be directed to registered against Chidambarnathan Shanmuganathan, Dhanalakshmi Guntaka, Amit Raj Sinha, Sarveswar Reddy Sanivarapu, Vivek Kumar, Subbarami Oruganti Reddy, Rabindra Prasad Sinha, and Bindu Vinodhan (Directors/Management of Sigachi) for an offence of culpable homicide not amounting to Murder, direct the management to pay a sum of Rs 25,00,000 as compensation in case of deceased alongside a sum of Rs 10,00,000 for injured and disabled, investigations may be directed to be carried out with specific reference to cause of blast, safety audits may be conducted in all establishments throughout the industrial areas of Telangana for preventing any repetition,” the complaint further said. This report is auto-generated from ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. Courtesy : The Print Note: This news is originally published on https:/theprint.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
NHRC Issues Notice To Odisha Chief Secy, DGP Over ‘Atrocities’ Against 2 Dalit Men
New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to Chief Secretary and DGP of Odisha in connection with the alleged torture of two persons, belonging to the Scheduled Caste, on suspicion of illegal cattle smuggling in Ganjam district. Taking suo motu cognisance of a media report over the incident, the rights panel noted that, if true, the incident raises grave concerns about human rights violations. “…were beaten up, forced to eat grass and drink drain water, on suspicion of illegally smuggling cattle by some people belonging to another community, in Ganjam district of Odisha, on June 26. Reportedly, their mobile phones were snatched and their heads were also forcibly tonsured,” it said. The Odisha government has been asked to submit a detailed report in two weeks. “The report is expected to include the action taken against the perpetrators and compensation, if any, provided to the victims,” it added. Police have so far arrested 12 people, including the prime accused 20-year-old Rajesh Samal of Jahada village, in connection with the incident. According to the FIR, a mob intercepted Bulu Nayak (52) and Babul Nayak (43) of Singipur at Kharigumma under Dharakote police limits when they were transporting a cow and two calves to their village on a cargo auto-rickshaw as part of dowry arrangement of a family’s marriage ceremony. Accusing them of transporting the cattle illegally, the group snatched their mobile phones and cash and demanded Rs 30,000 to release the animals. When the men expressed their inability to pay, the miscreants tied their limbs, thrashed them, partially shaved their heads at a local salon, forced them to crawl for nearly two km to Jahada village with grass clamped between their teeth and had them drink sewage water. Courtesy : Odisha Bytes Note: This news is originally published on https:/odishabytes.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Kaithal News: The case of police brutality with a woman has gained momentum, Dalit society demanded strict action from SP
Kaithal (Jaipal Rasoolpur): The case of alleged brutality by the police with a woman named Mamta in Siwan village of Kaithal district of Haryana has gained momentum. Regarding this matter, representatives of Dalit social organizations and Sarva Karamchari Sangh reached the Mini Secretariat of Kaithal on Tuesday and raised slogans against the police administration. The protesters demanded justice for the victim and strict action against the guilty policemen. What is the whole matter? Recently, a case of alleged assault by the police on a woman named Mamta in Siwan village came to light. The family members allege that the police brutalized Mamta, after which they demanded action against the concerned policemen. In view of the seriousness of this matter, the police administration has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT). DSP Headquarters Birbhan said that the SIT is investigating the matter thoroughly. Demonstration and sloganeering at Mini Secretariat Representatives of Dalit social organizations and Sarva Karamchari Sangh reached Mini Secretariat and raised slogans against the police administration. The protesters strongly condemned the alleged brutality with Mamta and questioned the working style of the police. They said that the police administration has failed to provide justice to the victim. Meeting with SP, delegation expressed displeasure After sloganeering, a delegation of protesters met Kaithal SP Aastha Modi. After the meeting, the delegation expressed its displeasure while talking to the media. The members of the delegation said, “We are not at all satisfied with the action of the police. Kaithal SP is trying to save her employees. When the victim woman recognizes the policemen who assaulted her, then why has a case been registered against unknown people? Warning of dharna-demonstration and siege of Chief Minister’s residence The delegation clearly warned that if the victim does not get justice in the next three-four days, then they will hold a dharna-demonstration on a large scale. Along with this, they also talked about gheroing the Chief Minister’s residence. The protesters demanded that strict action be taken against the guilty policemen immediately and a fair investigation of the case be ensured. Police administration’s stance Although the police administration has started the process of investigating the case by talking about the formation of SIT, the protesters believe that this action is not enough. The victim and her family have not yet received a satisfactory answer, due to which anger is increasing among social organizations. The Mamta episode has given rise to a big controversy at the social and administrative level in Kaithal. Dalit social organizations and local people are now eyeing the next action of the police administration. If this matter is not settled in time, then this movement can become more violent. What steps are taken by the police administration and the government in this matter will be clear in the coming days. At present, the demand for justice to the victim is gaining momentum. Courtesy: Hindi News
Maharashtra: Three members of upper-caste family booked over casteist abuse against Dalit man outside temple
Three members of an upper-caste Hindu family in Maharashtra’s Malwani, near Malad West, have been booked for hurling casteist slurs at a Dalit man and verbally abusing him outside a local temple. The incident, which occurred on June 28, took place at the Omkareshwar Mahadev temple, where the 45-year-old complainant, a plumber by profession, had gone to assist in putting up a no-parking board. According to the FIR, the confrontation began when the complainant, accompanied by the temple trust president Mithilesh Singh, was installing the signboard, and Sonu Upadhyay, a local resident, objected and began abusing the complainant, using caste-based slurs and questioning his presence at the temple due to his lower caste background. The FIR further states that Sonu’s parents, Omkarnath and Parvati Upadhyay, joined in the abuse. The complainant alleged that the family’s hostility stemmed from the fact that a Dalit family had performed the opening-day puja when the temple was inaugurated four years ago. He described the abuse as a continuation of the caste-based discrimination he has faced from the Upadhyay family. “Such a casteist and discriminatory act is shameful. We are in the 21st century. Four years ago, when the temple was being constructed, people from all communities and religions came together and worked for it. Since a Harijan family performed puja on the opening day of the temple, the Upadhyay family has been upset over this,” the complainant said. Mithilesh Singh, president of the Omkareshwar Mahadev temple foundation, said the complainant had long been offering voluntary service at the temple. “The Upadhyay family has been misbehaving with him for a long time, and they abused him when we were putting up a no-parking board,” he added. However, Omkarnath Upadhyay denied the allegations, stating that the argument was about a parking issue and no casteist language was used. He claimed to possess video evidence to prove their innocence and said they would cooperate with the police. The trio has been booked under relevant provisions of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) and the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Courtesy : Maktoob Media Note: This news is originally published on https:/maktoobmedia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Dalit profs at BU allege discrimination
Ten Dalit professors of Bangalore University alleged that they were discriminated against by only being given in-charge duties in administrative work. While they point out that they were given administrative responsibilities in addition to their academic work, in recent times, it has been restricted to just in-charge work, and are deprived of earned leave. In case their cases are not heard, the professors have threatened to relieve themselves from the administrative work. | TNN Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
‘Yogi creates fear-free environ for Dalits ’
Lucknow: In a strong endorsement of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s governance, MLC and former chairman of the UP scheduled caste finance and development corporation, Lalji Prasad Nirmal, met the CM at his official residence on Wednesday to express gratitude for creating a fear-free environment for Dalits and marginalised communities in the state. Nirmal praised the Yogi govt’s zero-tolerance policy against land mafias, stating that no goon or criminal now dares to usurp the land of Dalits or the underprivileged. “Incidents of Dalit oppression are a thing of the past. Under Yogi ji’s leadership, UP has taken a decisive turn towards building an egalitarian society,” he said. Highlighting the inclusive approach of the state administration, Nirmal said under Yogi’s leadership, Dalits and backward communities have been appointed to key departments such as health, family welfare, and irrigation — often without any recommendation or political backing. He commended the govt for naming Kannauj medical college and the new polytechnic institute in Pratapgarh after BR Ambedkar, calling it a tribute to the legacy of the Dalit icon. He also highlighted the decision to name Ayodhya International Airport after Maharishi Valmiki, reflecting the govt’s respect for both Dalit and Hindu cultural symbols. During the meeting, Nirmal also briefed the CM on the progress of the world-class Ambedkar Memorial being constructed in Lucknow. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Mayawati Picks Nephew Akash Anand To Lead BSP Troops In Bihar Ballot Battle, Win Dalit Votes
The Bihar assignment is also being seen by political observers as Mayawati’s bid to give Akash a base to prove his worth and regain stature within the party Akash Anand, who is the BSP’s chief national coordinator, has been tasked with not only winning over the Dalit voters but also other backward castes through ‘Bhaichara Committees’ (brotherhood committees) and strengthening the party in Bihar. File pic Another Dalit outfit has thrown its hat into the ring for the battle of Bihar votes. Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati, considered a Dalit messiah and a four-time chief minister of neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, has made her intentions clear to contest all 243 seats in the upcoming Bihar assembly polls. She has entrusted her nephew, Akash Anand, with the task, once considered her successor but later fell from grace, only to be brought back into the party fold. Akash Anand, who is the BSP’s chief national coordinator, has been tasked with not only winning over the Dalit voters but also other backward castes through “Bhaichara Committees” (brotherhood committees) and strengthening the party in Bihar. Party veteran and Mayawati’s trusted aide Ramji Gautam, a Rajya Sabha lawmaker, has also been deputed to assist Akash. Both held a party cadre meeting in Patna on June 26, and since then, the formation of Bhaichara Committees has begun. BSP has made it clear that it will not ally with any party in the Bihar polls and will contest all 243 seats. Akash Anand has the onerous task of picking the right candidates for all 243 seats and putting up an impressive fight to regain his stature within the party. The BSP, which formed the government four times in UP with Mayawati as the chief minister, has had a continuous downfall since 2012. The BSP has only one MLA in UP right now. The party peaked by winning five assembly seats in the 2000 Bihar assembly polls, and since then has managed to pick up a few odd seats in subsequent elections, failing to win any in the 2020 edition. Akash Anand, once considered Mayawati’s successor, was suddenly expelled from the party by her aunt earlier this year in March. Just before that, Akash’s father-in-law and senior BSP leader Ashok Sidharth was also expelled. Mayawati had accused Ashok Sidharth of factionalism and anti-party activities. But it was her expulsion of nephew Akash Anand that shocked the political class. Mayawati said that Akash was under the undue influence of his father-in-law and running a parallel structure within the BSP. As shocking as the expulsion was, within weeks, Akash Anand publicly apologised and was swiftly reinstated by Mayawati, who appointed him as the chief national coordinator, albeit with a warning to keep away from party affairs in UP and his father-in-law. Akash had then stated that he would devote his life to the party and that Mayawati was the supreme leader. Since then, he has been keeping a low profile and maintaining a distance from his father-in-law. On June 26, he was sent by Mayawati to the Bihar party workers’ meeting, and this would be his first big assignment since the comeback. The Bihar assignment is also being seen by political observers as Mayawati’s bid to give Akash a base to prove his worth and regain stature within the party. With union minister Chirag Paswan of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and Jitan Ram Manjhi of HAM also vying to consolidate Dalits behind them in Bihar, it would be a challenging task for Akash Anand. Reported By : Manmohan Rai Edited By : Pathikrit Sen Gupta Courtesy : News18 Note: This news is originally published on https:/news18.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
NHRC seeks government report on dalit torture in Ganjam
On June 26, the two SC persons were beaten up, forced to eat grass and drink drain water by some people belonging to other communities, on suspicion of illegal cattle smuggling in Ganjam district. BHUBANESWAR: The NHRC on Wednesday asked the state government to submit a detailed report in connection with the brutal torture of two dalit men over illegal cattle smuggling suspicion in Ganjam district. Taking suo motu cognisance of a media report, the apex human rights panel issued notices to the chief secretary and the director general of police directing them to submit report on the action taken in this matter within two weeks. On June 26, the two SC persons were beaten up, forced to eat grass and drink drain water by some people belonging to other communities, on suspicion of illegal cattle smuggling in Ganjam district. Their mobile phones were snatched and their heads forcibly tonsured. The Commission observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights. “The report is expected to include the action taken against the perpetrators and compensation, if any, provided to the victims,” the order stated. The incident led to nation-wide outrage after its video went viral on social media. Police have arrested nine persons so far. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
MP: Arson in tribal hut in Ashoknagar, bloody conflict between two sides over occupation of forest land!
As soon as the information about the incident was received, Chanderi police reached the spot and handled the situation. Later, Collector Aditya Singh and SP Vineet Kumar Jain also reached the village and inspected the spot. Bhopal. In Sirsaud village of Chanderi police station area of Ashoknagar district of Madhya Pradesh, a dispute between tribal and Yadav community over occupation of forest land on Sunday turned into a bloody conflict. During the dispute, a hut of tribal women was set on fire, due to which tension spread in the village. A tribal woman was injured in the incident, while a person from the other side has been seriously injured by an axe. Women of the tribal community alleged that former village sarpanch Suryabhan Yadav arrived with several people and a tractor to occupy the forest land. When the tribals told them to stop and not remove their hut, the Yadav side abused and assaulted them. The women say that the hut was set on fire and they were threatened to vacate the house. The tribal woman injured in the incident has been admitted to Chanderi Civil Hospital. On the other hand, information has come to light that Suryabhan Yadav of the Yadav side was hit by an axe in the stomach. He was referred to the district hospital after first aid. The Yadav side alleges that the tribal youths suddenly attacked them when they went to sow. The Yadav side also claims that the tribal women themselves set fire to the hut so that false cases could be made. A video has also surfaced regarding this claim, in which a man is telling the women that “You are setting fire yourself, I am making a video.” However, after the video, the women are seen moving away from the hut. As soon as the information about the incident was received, the Chanderi police reached the spot and handled the situation. Later, Collector Aditya Singh and SP Vineet Kumar Jain also reached the village and inspected the spot. Police force has been deployed in view of the seriousness of the dispute. On the complaint of the complainant Ajay son of Palla Adivasi (23 years), a case has been registered against 15 named and some unknown people of Yadav community under section 115(2), 296, 351(2), 191(3), 326(g) of BNS and section 3(1)(R), 3(1)(S), 3(2)(v-a) of SC/ST Act. On the other hand, on the complaint of Suryabhan Yadav, a case has been registered against 9 named and 4-5 unknown people of tribal community under section 115(2), 118(1), 296, 351(2), 3(5), 191(2), 191(3) of BNS. At present, the situation in the village is under control under police surveillance, but this incident of burning of huts and violence is raising many serious questions about the safety of the tribal community and forest land rights. Courtesy : Ankit Pachauri, Hindi News
Wife of tribal professor who wrote a letter to PM seeking ‘justice’ appeals to media: ‘Please support us in our fight against caste discrimination in MNNIT’
In her letter, Vanaja has urged the media to play the role of the “fourth pillar of democracy” and highlight the matter. Hyderabad- Media is called the fourth pillar of democracy and at a time when the hope of justice from the executive and judiciary is lost, many people consider media as their last hope and appeal for help. Nimmakayala Vanaja, wife of Assistant Professor Dr. M. Venkatesh Nayak, who wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi complaining about caste discrimination in MNNIT Allahabad (Prayagraj), has also taken such a step. She has written an open letter to media organizations and appealed to highlight her husband’s struggle that has been going on for 8 years. Dr. Nayak belongs to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community and has alleged caste discrimination, ban on promotion and administrative harassment in the institute since 2017. Dr Nayak had detailed the attempts at the institute to “deliberately ruin” her career. According to Vanaja, no action was taken despite “all evidence and documents” provided to all concerned authorities, including the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST). In her emotional letter to the media, Vanaja lamented the neglect of teachers from the underprivileged community: “When honest, hardworking ST teachers are subjected to injustice, no one listens to their voice. Despite repeated attempts by my husband to approach the media, no one came forward to highlight their struggle. If honest, dedicated and hardworking teachers like him are not given a platform to express the injustice they are facing, how can they expect justice?” She referred to earlier cases such as that of Dr Subrahmanyam Saderla of IIT Kanpur and Dr Vipin Veetil of IIT Madras, where reports of caste discrimination made national headlines. In the letter, she wrote, “This is not the first time such discrimination has taken place in premier institutes. We have seen similar cases before – Dr Subrahmanyam Saderla at IIT Kanpur, Dr Vipin Veetil at IIT Madras and many others whose painful experiences made headlines. Today my husband is facing a similar situation. Despite giving his best in education and research, he is harassed only because of his caste identity.” Institutional neglect a trend? Dr Nayak says her promotion to the post of associate professor in 2025 was deliberately withheld. Complaints to MNNIT’s SC/ST cell and the education ministry were met with no action. Allegations of “misrepresentation” were levelled by her lawyer in the Allahabad High Court. Vanaja, in her letter, has urged the media to play the role of the “fourth pillar of democracy” and highlight the matter. “After every avenue is closed, we have come to you,” she wrote, seeking media coverage to pressurise the authorities. Courtesy : Geetha Sunil Pillai, Hindi News