Attempted rape case in Barhalganj: On the orders of the SSP, a case has been registered against two named individuals based on the complaint of a Dalit woman.
Barhalganj. On the instructions of Senior Superintendent of Police Dr. Kaustubh, a case has been registered against two individuals late Saturday evening based on the complaint of a Dalit woman in Madaria village, under the Barhalganj police station area. They have been charged with attempted rape, assault, intimidation, and various sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The victim stated in her complaint that on July 5, 2026, at around 8 p.m., she had gone to the toilet behind her house when two young men from the same village arrived. The woman alleges that the two men, using casteist slurs, grabbed her, tore her clothes, and attempted to outrage her modesty. When the woman raised an alarm, her family members arrived at the scene, after which the two accused fled, threatening to kill her. The victim stated that the incident was immediately reported to the local police station, but no action was taken. She subsequently complained to the Senior Superintendent of Police. On the instructions of the SSP, the Barhalganj police have registered a case against the accused under sections 75, 76, 352, and 351(3) of the Indian Penal Code and sections 3(1)(d), 3(1)(g) and 3(2)(va) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and have begun an investigation. Station House Officer Atul Kumar Srivastava stated that further legal action will be taken based on the investigation. Attempts were made to contact the accused, but their version could not be obtained. Once their version is obtained, it will be published prominently. Rajiv Jaiswal | Barhalganj, Gorakhpur Courtesy: Hindi News
Minorities, Dalits and deprived sections must unite to fight for their constitutional rights, say intellectuals
Meeting presided over by Justice Ranjit Singh (Retd.), former Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court The representatives of the Sikh, Muslim and Dalit communities, along with intellectuals and social activists, on Saturday resolved to establish a common front to raise concerns over the constitutional rights and equal opportunities of deprived minorities and marginalised sections. The resolution was adopted at a joint meeting of Sikh, Muslim and Dalit thinkers held at Kendri Sri Guru Singh Sabha, here, to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur. The meeting was presided over by Justice Ranjit Singh (Retd.), former Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. GeographicReference Former Rajya Sabha MP Mohammad Adeeb said that the Muslims who remained in India after Partition and Sikhs who supported the Indian Union on the assurances of Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel now feel those promises have not been fulfilled. He said that if the BJP seeks to establish a ‘Hindu Rashtra’, it should obtain the people’s mandate through a national referendum. The gathering observed that although India adopted democracy, secularism and constitutional governance after Independence, the successive governments have increasingly pursued policies favouring the majority community and upper-caste interests. Former Chief Justice Iqbal Ansari alleged that the ruling establishment promotes religious polarisation by setting one community against another for electoral gains. Noted Sikh scholar Gurtej Singh, IAS (Retd.), endorsed the proposal for a united platform of minorities and deprived communities and recalled that Sant Harchand Singh Longowal had entrusted him with initiating dialogue with Muslim leaders as early as 1983. The participants further stated that many minorities and deprived communities have been reduced to second-class citizens and are being used as scapegoats for advancing Hindutva politics. They stressed the need for minorities, Dalits and other marginalised sections to unite on a common platform to safeguard their rights and dignity. Among those who addressed the gathering included Prof Sham Singh (President), Dr Pyara Lal Garg, Gurpreet Singh (Global Sikh Council), Daya Singh Delhi, Anzarul Bari, Rajwinder Singh Rahi, Senior Journalist Jaspal Singh Sidhu, Surinder Singh Kishanpura and several other distinguished speakers. Courtesy : The Tribune Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetribune.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit rights forum announces protest over ‘rise’ in atrocities across Haryana
The Dalit Adhikar Manch has announced a statewide protest in Haryana against the alleged rise in crimes against Dalits, social discrimination and what it termed government neglect. At a state-level meeting, the organisation decided to hold protests in all districts between July 20 and July 30. During the agitation, memorandums addressed to the CM will be submitted through the respective Deputy Commissioners. Dalit Adhikar Manch convener Ramkumar Bahbalpuria on Saturday alleged that the Dalits were facing increasing social, economic, political and caste-based discrimination under the present government. He claimed that several incidents of atrocities against the Dalits had been reported across the state over the past three months. Bahbalpuria also alleged an increase in cases of harassment and gang rape involving Dalit women and minor girls, claiming that victims were not receiving justice. He further alleged that attempts were being made in some areas to evict Dalit settlements to benefit land mafias. The body also expressed concern over the alleged reduction in and irregularities in scholarships for the Dalit students. It criticised the reported reduction in ration for pink ration card holders following changes to the Food Security Act and the discontinuation of mustard oil supply. Bahbalpuria said after the July protests, the organisation would launch a signature campaign in the Dalit colonies across the state in September and October. A detailed memorandum highlighting its demands will then be sent to the President during the Winter Session of Parliament. Anil Kakkar Courtesy : The Tribune Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetribune.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Chandru panel’s reforms to curb casteism in TN schools yet to be fully implemented
The latest incident of assault on a differently-abled Dalit student has led to renewed calls for the comprehensive implementation of the Justice Chandru panel’s recommendations More than two years after retired Madras High Court judge Justice K Chandru submitted a comprehensive roadmap to address caste discrimination in schools, Tamil Nadu has implemented only a part of the recommendations. While the state government cites progress, Justice Chandru says many of the report’s most significant reforms remain unfulfilled, leaving schools vulnerable to recurring tensions. The latest incident of assault on a differently-abled Dalit student by his schoolmates inside a government higher secondary school at Mallal in Sivaganga district on June 14, once again brought the issue into sharp focus. Although the caste angle behind the attack is yet to be established, the fracas renewed calls for the comprehensive implementation of the Justice Chandru panel’s recommendations. Why was the panel constituted? The Chandru committee’s recommendations extend well beyond preventing caste-based clashes on school campuses. They outline a comprehensive framework to foster equality, social justice and a more harmonious atmosphere in educational institutions by addressing the structural and social factors that contribute to discrimination. Constituted in August 2023 after two Dalit siblings were brutally assaulted by their relatively upper-caste classmates in Tirunelveli, the Chandru committee submitted a comprehensive 680-page report. Justice Chandru visited several districts, meeting teachers, educationists and students, including those who were attacked, before finalising his recommendations. The report proposed a multifaceted approach to address the deep-rooted problem. What are the hits and misses? Though the DMK government never announced which of Justice K Chandru’s recommendations had been accepted or rejected, it implemented some of the suggestions. For example, on June 25, 2024, a Government Order was issued directing the removal of caste prefixes and suffixes from school names, one of the suggestions of the panel. The move was subsequently reinforced by the Madras High Court, which directed that no school or college in Tamil Nadu should carry a caste appellation from the 2025-26 academic year. The court specifically ordered the renaming of government-run Kallar Reclamation Schools and Adi Dravidar Welfare Schools. In a subsequent order, it fixed the 2026-27 academic year as the deadline for removing caste names from all educational institutions. However, the recommendation to bring all government schools under the umbrella of the School Education Department, though announced as a policy decision in the assembly, has not been implemented. What are the steps taken by the School Education Department? The School Education Department also issued detailed guidelines to curb recurring incidents of caste-based violence in schools. These included constituting district-level monitoring committees comprising the Chief Educational Officer (CEO), District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) and Superintendent of Police (SP). However, in many districts, these committees have remained largely inactive. The department also advised schools to prohibit students from wearing coloured wristbands or using bicycles with colours that may signify caste identity. Students displaying caste pride are to be counselled sensitively, while the use of mobile phones by students on school campuses has been ordered to be strictly prohibited. Orders have also been issued to transfer teachers found promoting caste or communal sentiments, install grievance boxes in schools, and conduct value education classes, all of which were recommended by the panel. In another reform, all 2,739 government hostels run by the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department and the Backward Classes Welfare Department have been renamed Social Justice Hostels. What was the political reaction? However, the state BJP opposed the recommendations of the Chandru committee. The then state president of the BJP, K Annamalai, had argued that it would be counterproductive, adding the dominance of caste differences in schools would increase over the next five years. He suggested that the government factor in the views of all sections, and form a task force to implement the recommendations. On the contrary, the Dravidar Kazhagam, CPI, CPM, VCK, MDMK, and activists for human rights and anti-caste campaigners, welcomed the recommendations on the removal of caste names from schools, banning caste-identifying wristbands and symbols, periodic transfer of teachers, adopting a code of conduct for teachers, and creating institutional mechanisms to monitor caste discrimination. Why did the DMK government not implement it? Asked which of his recommendations needs to be implemented immediately, Justice Chandru said, “Implementation of my recommendations earlier was cosmetic, not substantive. After the submission of my report, the DMK government was in power for two years. Yet, they did not spell out their stand. They did not explain whether they would implement the report in full or issue an order stating which of the suggestions were acceptable. Except for a few like the removal of caste names from the schools, most of my recommendations remain pending.” Justice Chandru said recommendations like orientation programmes for teachers, revising the syllabus for teacher training, and recruiting teachers, should be implemented at the district level and not at the state level. The recommendation on non-posting of headmasters, CEOs, DEOs, and BEOs belonging to the dominant caste of that area in high schools and higher secondary schools is still awaiting implementation. Since his report was recommendatory, it was not placed before the assembly. As a result, the previous regime chose not to take a position on it, he said. What is the TVK’s take on it? As for the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in the state, even before coming to power, its functionaries had questioned as to why the DMK government hadn’t implemented the report in full. After wresting power, School Education Minister A Rajmohan went on record saying his government will implement the panel’s report. “So, the present government should take steps to implement both short-term and long-term recommendations. The state government can make a strong statement on implementing them in stages and start discussions with the stakeholders, which can be a good starting point,” Justice Chandru suggested.The report had also recommended holding students’ union election, conducting orientation programmes for the students at the beginning of their academic year, conducting ethics classes, teaching social
CM Yogi sends min to defuse outrage over Dalit student murder in Meerut, orders wider probe into police role
Meerut: Days after the alleged police crackdown on Dalit protesters in Meerut snowballed into a major political flashpoint, the Yogi Adityanath govt has moved to contain the fallout by deputing Asim Arun, minister in charge of Meerut, former IPS officer and a prominent Dalit face in the BJP, “to personally intervene“ in the case. The controversy erupted after videos surfaced showing Meerut SSP Avinash Pandey allegedly assaulting Dalit protesters and a lawyer inside a police vehicle during demonstrations over the murder of a 20-year-old Dalit college student. The visuals triggered sharp opposition criticism, with rival parties accusing the govt of suppressing protests over the killing. After meeting the victim’s family, Arun sought to reassure them of a fair investigation. “I discussed their demands in detail. I am confident the probe will be impartial and the family will be satisfied with the outcome,” he said on Friday. Arun said CM Yogi had “personally“ directed him to visit Meerut and expedite action. “The CM has taken the matter very seriously and asked me to come to Meerut immediately. I met the family and officials concerned. I am confident the investigation will deliver the outcome the aggrieved family expects,” he said. He added that the inquiry would not be confined to the murder accused but would also scrutinise conduct of police. “If negligence or accountability is established at any level during the investigation, action will be taken against those responsible in accordance with the law,” he said. Arun confirmed that Brahmpuri circle officer Saumya Asthana had been transferred after the family expressed a lack of confidence in the investigation. He said DIG, Meerut rRange, had also ordered a departmental inquiry to examine why no effective action was taken during the 50 days between the student’s disappearance and the July 8 protests. “Appropriate action will follow based on the findings,” he said. The minister confirmed that a PAC constable, who is related to the main accused, has been suspended, arrested and sent to jail for his alleged involvement in the case. The main accused Ankush Kumar was already arrested and another accused Ankit is also behind bars. Responding to questions about the police’s use of force against protesters, Arun said, “Everything is under scrutiny. The police must also act with sensitivity so that situations do not escalate to a flashpoint.” The minister further announced an inquiry into circumstances under which an FIR was registered against Dalit protesters after police dispersed the July 8 demonstration by force and arrested eight protesters, who were later sent to jail. The victim, a 20-year-old BA final-year student, had gone missing on May 15 after leaving home to appear for an examination. Her body was later recovered from a sugarcane field. Police arrested her alleged boyfriend, Ankush Kumar, claiming he killed her following an argument. However, the family has consistently questioned the local police investigation, alleging serious lapses and demanding a comprehensive, impartial probe. 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
No role in IPS postings, dalit representation in cabinet: Thiruma
Madurai: A false narrative was being built that VCK influenced IPS postings and dalit representations in cabinet, with the aim of portraying the govt as acting at his behest, VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan said at a news meet in Madurai on Friday. Terming it “100% false,” he said TVK appointed only six scheduled caste ministers, while two others were selected separately by the Congress and VCK as coalition partners. Thirumavalavan said even these appointments were being used to ask whether TVK was “a party serving a particular caste” or giving importance to one community. He denied having any role in appointments, including that of a police officer, and asked why the officer was later removed if the claim was true. He said an OBC-versus-dalit narrative was being circulated to turn other communities against the govt. He asked why DMK and AIADMK had not been questioned for failing to provide scheduled caste communities cabinet representation based on their population, while traditionally limiting posts to representatives from three communities. Thirumavalavan said VCK had sustained itself in electoral politics for 25 years while several movements that began during the same period had lost momentum. He said the Aug 17 Tamil National Awakening Conference would focus on state autonomy and abolition of caste. Asked by reporters about TVK being cordial with PMK, Thirumavalavan said there was nothing wrong with maintaining cordial personal relations. “There is a good understanding between TVK and VCK. There is no gap between us,” he said. On an Ambedkar statue kept unopened for years at Pudaiyur near Gangavalli in Salem district, he asked the govt to simplify permission procedures, empower collectors to grant approvals, remove iron cages around Ambedkar statues and quash cases filed against those who protested demanding the statue. He also condemned the late-night questioning of journalist Vijayan, saying authorities must not intimidate journalists, and urged the chief minister to consider a CBI investigation sought by the family in the Sabari custodial death case in Kanyakumari. 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
Attack on Dalit Priest in Rajasthan, Conspiracy to Evict Him from Temple
The Khakhul Dev Temple in Barana was established by the Dalit community approximately 400 years ago. As long as the temple generated no income, no one objected. However, as donations began pouring into the temple, the Manuwadis became increasingly suspicious. Manuvadvisers attack Dalit priest Vishnu Kumar Balai in Barana village, Bhilwara district. Bhilwara. There are reports of an attack on Dalit priest Vishnu Kumar Balai in Barana village, Bhilwara district, Rajasthan. The Khakhul Dev Temple in Barana was established approximately 400 years ago by a Dalit (Balai) priest family. This family has served it for eight generations. As long as the temple generated no income, no one objected. But as the temple’s income improved the lives of the Dalit priest, with children attending English schools and a permanent house being built, attempts to seize the temple began. A fake trust was formed, a dispute was created, and the temple was placed under the Tehsildar’s custody. According to the FIR, Vishnu Kumar, who had come to perform puja on July 16, 2026, was subjected to casteist slurs. He was attacked with sticks and iron pipes, and an attempt was made to kill him. Police have registered a case under sections of the BNS and SC/ST (PoA) Acts. The incident was reported by Bhanwar Meghvanshi, a social activist and member of the Dalit Adivasi and Nomadic Rights Campaign (Dagar). Meanwhile, the Dalit Adivasi and Nomadic Rights Campaign (Dagar) has demanded that the National Commission for Scheduled Castes take suo motu cognizance and send an investigation team. The temple should either be returned to its traditional Dalit priest family or placed under the Devasthan Department until a court decision. Given the continued attacks, Vishnu Kumar should also be granted a weapons license for self-defense. Dagar has sent a letter to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the Director General of Police of Rajasthan, demanding the immediate arrest of all the accused, the victim’s family security, compensation, and legal redress, and an impartial investigation of the entire matter. Bhanwar Meghvanshi says, “But the biggest question is: when the temple is under government control, who gave the violent mob the freedom to take the law into their own hands? Why was the administration unable to protect the Dalit priest? Is the law only on paper?” Courtesy: Hindi News
UP police, searching for a Dalit son, woke a sleeping father; his body was found hours later; a murder case has been filed against six people, including a sub-inspector and a constable.
In Ballia, UP, police, searching for a son, detained a Dalit father. Following the suspicious death, a murder case has been filed against six people, including a sub-inspector, a constable, and the village head. Uttar Pradesh: A particularly tragic incident has come to light from Ballia district. Police arrived at the home of a 22-year-old man in search of him, but when they failed to find him, they detained his 44-year-old Dalit father. A few hours later, the laborer father died under suspicious circumstances. The deceased has been identified as Kamji Gond. The family alleges that the police severely beat and tortured Kamji to extract information about their son. A named FIR has been filed against two policemen, a village head, and three others for murder. The accused policemen have been suspended with immediate effect. However, the police have completely denied any allegations of custodial assault. Following the incident, the deceased’s family and villagers staged a massive protest. They alleged that the police assaulted Kamji, threw him unconscious in a field, and fled, where he later died in the hospital. Based on a complaint by Kamji’s son, Vishal, a murder case has been registered at the Revati police station against six people: Sub-Inspector Sachin Saroj, Constable Ankit Singh, Village Head Ashutosh Shankar Singh, and three local citizens. Ballia Superintendent of Police Omveer Singh stated that the accused inspector and constable have been suspended. SP Omveer Singh also stated that the SHO of Revati police station, Raj Kishore Singh, has been removed from his post and placed on the line. Given the seriousness of the matter, a magisterial inquiry has been ordered. No arrests have been made yet, and two of the accused belong to the Dalit community. The actual conflict began on July 7th. The deceased’s son, Vishal, had an argument with shopkeeper Suraj Kannaujiya over purchasing chicken at a shop near Khedan intersection in Gaighat village. The argument quickly escalated into a scuffle, which was later resolved with the intervention of local residents. Vishal claims that under pressure from the village head and others, the shopkeeper filed a complaint of assault against him. Based on this complaint, two policemen arrived at Vishal’s house at 1:20 pm on July 8th in search of Vishal. Vishal was not at home, so the policemen picked up his father, Kamji, who was sleeping there. The son alleges that the police took his father to a nearby brick kiln and brutally assaulted him to force him to reveal Vishal’s hiding place. According to family members, when Kamji fell unconscious due to the severe beating, the policemen abandoned him in a garden near the brick kiln and fled. Around 6 pm, locals found him unconscious and informed the family. He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where a team of doctors referred him to Varanasi. Kamji died while undergoing treatment at the Varanasi hospital. On the other hand, the police version is completely different. The police department states that Kamji began experiencing breathing difficulties during interrogation. According to officials, he was left in the custody of a neighbor at around 4 pm on July 8th, and that neighbor took him away. The police have denied the allegations of assault and abandonment. The police also clarified that the post-mortem report could not confirm the exact cause of Kamji’s death. Consequently, doctors have preserved the viscera for forensic examination, the report of which is currently awaited. Furthermore, the police also informed that the complainant, Vishal, already faces several serious criminal charges, including murder. Following this incident, the angry family refused to cremate the body, demanding strict action against the accused. After massive protests, when the police filed a murder case against the named accused, the family agreed to proceed with the funeral. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Madras HC sternly remarked on the prohibition of temple processions in the Dalit-dominated North Street: Stopping religious processions in the name of caste amounts to untouchability!
High Court rebukes caste discrimination at temple festivals, orders Dindigul Collector to investigate within 12 weeks Madurai – In a landmark judgment, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has held that any practice or custom that excludes any class of citizens on the basis of caste from any public religious festival cannot be constitutionally valid. The Court clarified that Article 17 of the Constitution completely abolishes untouchability and this prohibition is not subject to any custom, tradition, or social acceptance. The Bench headed by Justice L. Victoria Gauri issued these important directions while hearing a petition filed by Bakkiyaraj. Petitioner Devendra belongs to the Kula Vellalar community and alleges that during the annual festival of the Arulmighu Ayiram Aruval Kottai Karuppasamy Temple in Muthalapuram village, Nilakottai taluk, Dindigul district, a wooden casket decorated with silk cloth is prevented from entering North Street, which is dominated by his community. Why the procession is not taken to North Street? Petitioner Bakiyaraj Devendra, belonging to the Kula Vellalar community and a resident of Muthalapuram village’s North Street, filed a petition in the High Court, stating that the village deity is a public deity and is worshipped by people of all castes. Every year during the Thai month, a wooden casket decorated with silk cloth is taken out in a procession through the village streets. However, for the past several years, the respondents (Kumanesan, Raghupathi, Seeni, Satish, Kathinisan, and Kannan) have deliberately prevented the procession from entering North Street. The petitioner alleges that this restriction is based solely on caste grounds. The private respondents allege that the deity’s procession through North Road will be defiled and polluted. Furthermore, members of the Devendra Kula Vellalar community are not included in the temple administration, are prevented from offering offerings, and are excluded from making decisions related to the festival. The petitioner sought directions to officials, including the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, Revenue Divisional Officer, Tehsildar, and Police Inspector, to ensure the procession enters North Road and ensure a peaceful celebration by including some members of the Devendra Kula Vellalar community in the festival committee. Respondents stated that there is no discrimination based on caste in the village. Each community has its own temple and its own customs. The procession route has remained the same for centuries and has never been diverted through the petitioner’s community’s road. People from all communities can enter and worship at the temple, and there are no caste-based restrictions. Citing an earlier order, they argued that this petition attempts to reopen the same issue. The government stated that maintaining law and order was its priority and that all devotees, regardless of caste, would be allowed to worship and participate in religious activities at the temple. The court did not consider this matter merely a dispute over the route of a village procession. Rather, it was an issue of constitutional morality and social democracy. In its order, the court clearly stated: “The Constitution of India does not merely establish political democracy. It envisions a social democracy based on liberty, equality, and fraternity. The framers of the Constitution consciously recognized that caste discrimination had deprived a large section of Indian society of dignity and equal status for centuries. Therefore, the Constitution guaranteed equality before the law under Article 14, prohibited discrimination under Article 15, and abolished untouchability in all its forms under Article 17.” The court further stated that when members of a Scheduled Caste community are prevented from participating in a public religious festival or having equal access to a public temple, it is not merely a private dispute. “Such allegations strike at the very core of constitutional morality.” Interpreting Article 17, the Court wrote – “Article 17 abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form. This constitutional prohibition is absolute. It is not subject to custom, usage, local tradition, or social acceptance. The Constitution does not merely prohibit physical segregation. Any disability imposed on a citizen on account of caste identity falls within the broad constitutional scope of Article 17, which it seeks to eradicate.” Regarding Article 25, the Court stated that religious freedom is subject to public order, morality, health, and other provisions of Part III. “No religious practice or customary usage can withstand constitutional scrutiny if it violates equality, dignity, or fraternity. Constitutional morality must always take precedence over social morality when the two conflict.” The Constitution does not recognize hierarchical participation in public religious life based on caste hierarchy. Faith cannot be divided street by street along caste lines. – Justice L. Victoria Gauri ‘Temple festivals are not just religious events, they are also social institutions’ Citing Article 51A(e), the court stated that temple festivals are not merely religious events. “It is also a social institution meant to unite people. If a festival becomes a means of exclusion, the very purpose of community worship is defeated.” The court, noting the petitioner’s allegations and the respondents’ denials, stated that disputed questions concerning historical routes, practices, and festival administration cannot be decided solely on the basis of affidavits in a writ petition. However, it also clarified: “When allegations of caste-based exclusion from a public religious festival are made, constitutional courts cannot simply relegate the petitioner to a civil forum. Constitutional courts cannot remain silent spectators to issues of equality, dignity, and fraternity.” These instructions were given to the District Collector The court assigned primary responsibility to the District Collector, stating: “The District Collector must remember that the issue is not merely about route management. It is linked to the constitutional promise of equal citizenship. The Constitution does not recognize hierarchical participation in public religious life based on caste hierarchy. Faith cannot be divided street by street along caste lines. Deities worshipped by the entire village belong to the entire village. Public religious institutions cannot become instruments for perpetuating social exclusion.” The court ordered a detailed investigation within 12 weeks, directing the Collector to convene a meeting of all stakeholders (petitioner community, private respondent, village elders, revenue,
Ramnarayan Baghel Murder Case | The family will receive an additional compensation of ₹8.25 lakh in the lynching case of a Dalit migrant worker in Kerala, but shortcomings in the police investigation have exacerbated the trouble!
A Dalit migrant worker from Chhattisgarh was murdered seven months ago by a mob after being branded a “Bangladeshi.” Thrissur – Ramnarayan Baghel’s family has received a major relief in their fight for justice. The district-level monitoring committee has made a historic decision to award them an additional ₹8.25 lakh in compensation, in addition to the previously approved amount. Earlier last year, the Kerala government had announced a grant of ₹30 lakh to Ramnarayan’s family. While the additional compensation decision will provide relief from financial hardship, the family is concerned by the court’s findings of flaws in the ongoing police investigation. During a recent press conference in Thrissur, Baghel’s family appealed to the Kerala government to ensure that the investigation into Ramnarayan’s alleged mass murder is not derailed, that the investigation be expedited, and that all culprits be brought to justice. The family stated that they were deeply saddened by the court’s finding of deficiencies in the police chargesheet, which was evidence of repeated lapses in the investigation. They stated that the court’s finding of deficiencies in the chargesheet was evidence of repeated lapses on the part of the police during the investigation, and that it was deeply concerning that the police had shown such negligence in such a serious case. The family demanded that the Kerala government and police conduct the investigation in a manner that ensures justice and that such a brutal ethnic massacre does not occur again in the state. They stated that the government should intervene to expedite the legal process and immediately appoint a special public prosecutor, as demanded by the family. The family also urged the police to address all deficiencies in the chargesheet already filed in court and submit a new, legally correct chargesheet as soon as possible. Addressing the media, Ramnarayan’s wife Lalita Baghel, his mother Shyamabai Baghel, brother Shashikant, Justice for Ramnarayan Baghel Action Council President K. Sivaraman, and convener Advocate K.S. Nisar, member M. Sulaiman Palakkad, and Advocate Nikhil Chandrasekaran, who is also the family’s lawyer, reiterated that ensuring a fair investigation and punishing the accused is essential not only for justice in Ramnarayan’s case but also to prevent such crimes in the future. The case was registered under Section 103(2) of the Indian Penal Code, the first in Kerala since the enactment of new criminal laws criminalizing mob lynching. A case was also registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The Tragic Incident That Shamed Kerala It is noteworthy that on December 17, 2025, Ramnarayan Baghel, a 31-year-old Dalit migrant laborer from Karahi village in Sakti district, Chhattisgarh, was allegedly beaten to death by a mob in the Walayar area of Palakkad district, Kerala. Baghel had come to Kerala in search of employment and was suspected of theft in the Attapallam area of Walayar. The attackers called him “Bangladeshi” and began brutally beating him. According to the post-mortem report, he had over 40 serious injuries on his body, including repeated blows with sticks and batons on his head, face, chest, and back. Ethnic and Identity Groups Police arrested five people in connection with the case, including four BJP workers. Two more accused were later arrested. The case was registered under Section 103(2) of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalizes mob lynching, and is the first such case in Kerala. A case was also registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Legal hurdles in providing compensation to migrants under the SC/ST Act The Action Council, which provides legal assistance to Ramnarayan Baghel’s family, welcomed the decision of the district-level monitoring committee to award the family an additional compensation of ₹8.25 lakh (approximately $8.25 million) in addition to the previously approved amount. The committee made this decision at its meeting on July 2nd after considering an application submitted by Ramnarayan’s mother through the Action Council. Discrimination and Identity Relationships According to the Action Council, this decision also removed a legal hurdle that typically faced individuals from outside Kerala receiving compensation under the SC/ST Act when they faced caste-based atrocities within the state. The Action Council called this decision a historic milestone in the fight for justice and demanded that this benefit be extended to all victims of caste atrocities in Kerala. The family stated that the government’s prompt approval of compensation in Ramnarayan’s case and the release of funds under the SC/ST Act should become the norm in all cases of atrocities against Dalits. They credited the Action Council’s continued intervention with prompting the government to take swift action. However, they stressed that compensation alone cannot erase injustice. They said this is the first case registered under Section 103(2) of the IPC, which criminalizes mob lynching, in Kerala since the implementation of new criminal laws. They urged the government to ensure that all the accused are punished to prevent such incidents from happening again. The Action Council also demanded that senior police officials investigate whether there were any lapses in the investigation and demanded that everyone involved in the crime be prosecuted and given the maximum punishment under the law. The family stated that they expect a fair, transparent, and professional investigation, leaving no room for allegations of negligence or bias on the part of the police. They stated that they would soon meet with Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and other officials to present their demands and vowed to continue their struggle until justice is achieved. Initial allegations of delay, but later, the government bowed to public pressure It is noteworthy that initially, allegations of delay and procedural lapses in the investigation were raised in this case. The family stated that key legal provisions were implemented only after sustained public pressure, while the appointment of a special public prosecutor and other measures sought by the family also took time. Following protests and memorandums, the Kerala government implemented the mob-lynching provisions under the Indian Penal Code, began implementing the Supreme Court’s Tehseen S. Poonawala guidelines, and granted compensation to the