Dalit Pastors Rally for SC Status
More than a 1,000 delegates from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana participated HYDERABAD: Dalit pastors, leaders of Christian organisations, and community representatives held a meeting at the YMCA auditorium to discuss strategies for securing Scheduled Caste (SC) status for Dalit Christians. Manda Krishna Madiga, founder‑president of the Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi speaking at the protest urged unity in the struggle. More than a 1,000 delegates from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana participated. Pastors and leaders delivered messages on the role Dalit Christians must play in achieving SC recognition. Gaddapati Vijay Raju, national president of the All India Christian Federation, gave an introduction on the issue, while Madiga expressed his support and called for collective action. Courtesy : Deccan Chronicle Note: This news is originally published on https:/deccanchronicle.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
South First impact: TN SC/ST Commission seeks explanation over ‘Paracheri’ tag in Virudhunagar village
The move follows a boycott call by Dalit residents of the village for the 2026 Assembly elections. They said the caste-based name continues to humiliate them. Synopsis: The Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Commission has sought an explanation from the Virudhunagar district administration over the continued use of the caste-linked term “Paracheri” in official records of Vadakku Achamthavilthan village. The Commission said this violates a 2025 government order mandating the removal of caste-based names, and has asked officials to clarify the delay and action taken within a week. Acting on a South First ground report that shows the continued use of a caste-linked village name, the Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Commission has sought an explanation from the Virudhunagar district administration. Commission chairman Imayam (V Annamalai) has written to the District Election Officer (District Collector), asking why the term “Paracheri” still appears in official records linked to Vadakku Achamthavilthan village in the reserved Srivilliputhur Assembly constituency. The move follows a boycott call by Dalit residents of the village for the 2026 Assembly elections. They said the caste-based name continues to humiliate them. Commission flags violation of government order In a communication dated 24 April, 2026, the Commission said the Tamil Nadu government had already issued clear directions to remove caste-based names from public records. Citing Government Order (Ms) No 313 (Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, October 6, 2025), it said the state had instructed all local bodies and revenue authorities to remove or rename caste-based identifiers in habitations, streets, roads, water bodies and revenue villages. Despite this, the Commission said: The locality “Vadakku Achamthavilthan” (Ward No. 12, Part No. 280) in the Srivilliputhur constituency is still recorded as “Paracheri”. The same term remains in the voter list. Media reports and online circulation have brought wider attention to the issue. It added that residents boycotted the April 23, 2026 Assembly elections because the name was not changed. The Commission has asked the District Election Officer to submit a detailed explanation within one week, seeking: Reasons the caste-based name was not removed despite the government order. Steps taken, if any, to implement the renaming. Details of action against officials responsible for the delay or non-compliance. The letter also cites communications from the Municipal Administration, Rural Development, and the Revenue Administration and Disaster Management Commissionerate, showing the issue has been under consideration across departments since 2025. A name that marks caste, not place In the northern part of Achamthavilthan revenue village, more than 60 families from the Paraiyar community live in a segregated cluster. Over time, the locality came to be called “Paracheri”, a name residents say is now used both socially and in official records. It appears in voter lists, Aadhaar, PAN and bank records, while land records still carry the original village name. This split keeps the caste label in daily use. Residents say this has fixed caste identity in everyday life. “Wherever we go, the moment we mention our village name, people identify our caste,” said A. Abi, a PhD scholar from the village. For more than 15 years, residents have petitioned authorities—from the Tahsildar to the Chief Minister—to rename the locality “North Achamthavilthan”. S.V. Kumar, who leads the effort, said the effect goes beyond administrative inconvenience. “When we say our village name, others immediately correct it to ‘Paraicheri’. That moment is humiliating,” he said. RTI responses show the renaming proposal has moved through multiple levels of administration: Recommended by the Srivilliputhur RDO in March 2023 Forwarded by the district collector in July 2025 Pending with the Commissionerate of Revenue Administration and Disaster Management Election boycott Frustrated by delays, residents announced a boycott of the 2026 Assembly elections. The village has 113 voters. Election officials who met them on 4 April urged them to participate, saying action could follow after the elections. Residents refused. But on 23 April, most of them voted, hoping for change. For North Achamthavilthan residents, the demand is simple: to live without a name that marks them by caste. “No matter how far we progress, the moment we say our village name, people’s perception changes,” Abi said. Kumar added, “If you can say your village name without hesitation and I cannot, that itself shows the difference in dignity. That is why we are fighting.” Subash Chandra Bose Courtesy : South First Note: This news is originally published on https:/southfirst.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalits boycott polls in Vengaivayal, hoist black flags over 2022 water contamination case
The people demanded justice in the 2022 drinking water contamination case and opposed the CB-CID findings. PUDUKKOTTAI: Black flags were hoisted at the entrance of Vengaivayal as majority of Dalits boycotted polling on Thursday, demanding justice in the 2022 drinking water contamination case and opposing the CB-CID findings. Polling remained minimal in the village coming under Muttukadu panchayat, which has over 65 Dalit voters. Only eight persons cast their vote — five of them natives who had migrated but returned to vote, and three current residents. The rest of the Dalits stayed away, adhering to the boycott. The booth at Vengaivayal elementary school has over 549 voters, including people from Erayur village, mostly cast Hindus. They had announced a poll boycott earlier, but came cast their votes. “We are the ones who suffered. Instead of finding those responsible, they have named people from our own community. We cannot accept this,” said KR Murugan. Officials held peace talks during the polling, assuring steps to address the issue. However, the talks failed. Pearson Lenekar SR 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
Kannur Dental College Student Death Case: Dalit Organizations Demand ₹10 Crore Compensation and High Court-Monitored Probe
Dalit organizations outraged over the suspicious death of student Nitin Raj at Kannur Dental College; demand ₹10 crore in compensation, a High Court-monitored investigation, and a ‘Kerala Bandh’ (state-wide shutdown) on April 28. A tragic incident in Kannur, Kerala, has shaken the entire state. Demands for justice have intensified regarding the suspicious death of Nitin Raj—a first-year BDS student at the Kannur Dental College in Ancharakandy—who died after falling from the college building. On Tuesday, an Action Council comprising several Dalit organizations in Kerala demanded that the state government provide compensation of ₹10 crore to the victim’s family. During a press conference held at the venue, the Action Council refused to accept the incident as a mere suicide, instead labeling it an “institutional murder.” They have demanded an impartial investigation into the entire affair, to be conducted under the direct supervision of the Kerala High Court. It is worth noting that on April 10, Nitin Raj was found in a critically injured state after falling from the college building; he subsequently succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment. Protesting the student’s death and seeking justice for the perpetrators, the Action Council has also called for a state-wide strike across Kerala on April 28. The organizations have categorically stated that the strictest possible legal action must be taken against the faculty members responsible for this tragic incident. Meanwhile, on Tuesday itself, Nitin Raj’s father and other family members visited the dental college. Upon seeing the exact spot within the college premises where his son had been found lying critically injured, the father could not hold back his tears. It was a deeply emotional scene that moved everyone present to tears. Given the gravity of the case, the police have registered a case against two faculty members: Dr. M.K. Ram and Dr. Sangeetha. Charges have been filed against both individuals for abetment to suicide, as well as under the stringent provisions of the SC/ST Act. Nitin’s family members and supporters allege that he was being subjected to constant harassment regarding his caste and physical appearance. Meanwhile, to evade arrest, both accused doctors have filed anticipatory bail petitions in the District Court. The case took a new turn when it emerged that the student’s death was also linked to online loan apps. The police have registered two FIRs against various online loan apps. In one of these cases, three individuals operating an illegal loan app from Noida, Uttar Pradesh, have also been arrested. However, Nitin’s family categorically asserts that pressure related to loans alone could not have been the cause of their son’s death. They firmly believe that the mental harassment he endured within the college campus was the primary reason behind this tragedy. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit History Month | ‘Panchayat’ Actor Vinod Suryavanshi Exposes the Dark Side of the Glamour World; Learn About the Film Industry Stalwarts Who Endured Caste-Based Humiliation
Recently, Vinod Suryavanshi—an actor from the popular web series *Panchayat*—spoke candidly about the caste-based discrimination he endured during his early struggles, both in his village and within the film industry. His personal account sheds light on a dark facet of the Indian entertainment world—one that is often overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of the industry. Vinod Suryavanshi, who gained recognition for his portrayal of the new secretary in the fourth season of the *Panchayat* series, recently shared his painful story of falling victim to caste-based discrimination during an interview. Suryavanshi—who has worked in projects such as *Panchayat* and *Jolly LLB 3*—revealed in a recent interview that the roots of casteism run deep even today in his ancestral village in Karnataka. His statement comes at a time when voices against not only caste discrimination but also gender bias and colorism are growing increasingly louder within the film industry. In recent times, several films have been produced that brilliantly depict caste-based hatred and the hierarchical mindset prevalent in society. The most recent example is the film *Vadh-2*, in which Prakash (played by Kumud Mishra) portrays a casteist and ruthless jailer who exhibits a fanatical mindset regarding caste distinctions, even within the confines of the prison. The film depicts how he brutally murders his niece and her husband for entering into an inter-caste marriage, with the blame ultimately falling upon the protagonist—played by Neena Gupta—who subsequently endures a lengthy prison sentence. Similarly, the central theme of the 2025 film *Dhadak-2*—directed by Shazia Iqbal—revolved around caste-based discrimination, inequality, and the challenges faced by inter-caste romances. This film portrays the conservative societal attitudes toward the love shared between an upper-caste girl and a lower-caste boy. The birth month of Babasaheb Ambedkar is celebrated globally as ‘Dalit History Month.’ In keeping with this tradition, *The Mooknayak* presents a comprehensive report examining this issue in depth, drawing upon the experiences of discrimination shared by various artists within the film industry. In a recent podcast conversation with Siddharth Kannan, Vinod Suryavanshi revealed that casteism remains as entrenched as ever in his village in Karnataka. He stated, “My village is divided into two sections—one for the upper castes and one for the lower castes. The area inhabited by Dalits is segregated from the rest of the village. When I was 12 years old, I visited the village with my father; whenever we ate at a local eatery, we were required to wash our own plates—even after paying for the meal. Furthermore, there is a temple in our village to this day that we are forbidden from entering.” Vinod also spoke of the severe financial hardships he endured. He shared that his mother worked as a domestic help, while his father was a mason. Whenever his father failed to find work, he would return home intoxicated and physically abuse his mother. “Festivals were a time of tears for us,” he recalled, “because we could never afford to celebrate them.” “No one treated the junior artists with any respect. We were frequently subjected to verbal abuse and humiliation. The assistant directors, in particular, treated us very poorly. However, the established, senior actors never insulted us.” — Vinod Suryavanshi Moreover, even after entering the industry, Vinod continued to face humiliation based on his physical appearance. Once, while he was eating during a shoot as a junior artist, a senior colleague snatched the plate right out of his hands. Vinod recounted, “Even for the role of a beggar, they would specifically ask for someone with a fair complexion. I was told, ‘You have a dark complexion; you can pack up and leave.’” He added, “I was rejected on numerous occasions solely because of my physical appearance. When I auditioned for television roles, casting directors were almost always looking for someone who had an ‘affluent look.’ They wanted someone who *looked* rich—even for the role of a beggar.” “I was told that I wasn’t worthy.” Neeraj Ghaywan Opens Up About the Pain of Concealing His Identity Director Neeraj Ghaywan—known for acclaimed works such as *Masaan* and *Homebound*—has frequently spoken out against the “Savarna dominance” prevalent within the film industry. Neeraj has admitted that, during the early stages of his career, he was afraid to disclose his caste identity. He often observes that in Bollywood, Dalit characters are typically portrayed either as “pitiable victims” or as “criminals.” Through films like *Homebound* and his own storytelling, he has consistently advocated for presenting Dalits as “heroes.” In an interview, the National Award-winning filmmaker stated, “Traditionally, Hindi cinema has told stories that revolve around only 10–15% of the population—primarily the upper-caste demographic. Over the 100-year history of cinema, we have largely overlooked a vast segment of the population.” He added, “Hardly anyone from Dalit or Adivasi communities—whether in front of the camera or behind it—has been represented. I am, perhaps, one of the very few individuals from this community to have gained recognition. This is a monumental issue. We must make amends for it.” Pa. Ranjith Transformed Cinema into a Weapon of Resistance Pa. Ranjith, a stalwart director of South Indian cinema, not only endured discrimination but also made it the central theme of his films (*Kabali*, *Kaala*, *Sarpatta Parambarai*). The Rajinikanth-starrer blockbuster *Kaala* portrays the lives of the urban poor. “Land is a right”—this is the core idea that *Kaala* champions. Our urban policies forcibly evict slum dwellers overnight, displacing them and shattering their lives. Furthermore, these policies implicitly convey the message that there is no place for slum dwellers within the urban landscape. Pa. Ranjith believes that even on a film set, people’s attitudes shift based on one’s caste and background. He established “The Casteless Collective”—an initiative utilizing music and art—to provide a platform for marginalized artists. Set against the backdrop of the Kolar Gold Fields in Karnataka, his upcoming film *Thangalaan* is significant not merely for its attempt to rewrite and reclaim Dalit history; it is particularly remarkable because it is rooted in a largely unheard and unexplored history—the story of how Dalits
Justice first, votes later: Dalit hamlet in Vengaivayal boycotts Tamil Nadu polls after human faeces found in drinking water tank in 2022
Anger and distrust kept voters away in Vengaivayal as residents raised black flags and refused to step out on polling day. Villagers say justice remains denied in the 2022 water contamination case and are demanding a fresh, fair investigation. The small village of Vengaivayal woke up on election day not with excitement, but with black flags. While most of Tamil Nadu stepped out to vote on April 23, 2026, this Scheduled Caste hamlet chose to stay away from polling booths, not out of apathy, but out of anger that has been building for years. Just a few kilometres away, life looked very different. In neighbouring Irayur, people who had earlier threatened to boycott the election quietly changed their minds and turned up to vote after rounds of negotiations. But in Vengaivayal, the mood remained stiff, emotional, and unshaken. This is not just about an election. It is about a wound that villagers say has not healed since 2022. A protest rooted in pain and distrust Boycott in Vengaivayal goes back to an incident in December 2022. Residents say their drinking water supplied through an overhead tank was deliberately contaminated with human faeces. The incident caused outrage across the state and raised serious questions about caste discrimination and safety. Even today, that memory lingers. Villagers claim the investigation has failed them. The case is being handled by the CB-CID, but many residents believe the real culprits are still free. Instead, they say, suspicion has unfairly fallen on the very people who suffered. As a mark of protest, black flags were raised across the hamlet. Streets that would usually see voters lining up remained empty. The boycott, villagers say, is their way of demanding accountability and dignity. Peace talks work next door, but not here In the weeks leading up to polling day, tensions had been high between communities in the region. Protests were held, and the atmosphere was uneasy. District officials and police stepped in holding multiple rounds of peace talks to calm situation. Their efforts saw some success but not everywhere. In Irayur, residents who had earlier planned to boycott elections eventually agreed to vote. The administration’s outreach appeared to have eased tensions there. But in Vengaivayal, the response was different. Officials from Keeranur invited villagers for a peace committee meeting. The residents attended and clearly stated their position. They said they would not participate in the election until their core demand is met: a fresh and fair investigation. Their stand remained unchanged even after the meeting. For them, voting without justice would mean accepting what they see as a flawed process. Wider boycott, demands, and official version The protest is not limited to one hamlet. In parts of Muttukadu panchayat under Kulathur taluk, both Dalits and caste Hindus have joined the boycott by citing the same issue: lack of justice in the Vengaivayal case. Meanwhile in Irayur, residents from caste Hindu communities have their own demands. They are not questioning the investigation in the same way, but they are unhappy with the lack of action. Villagers say that even though suspects have been identified, no arrests have been made. At the entrance of the village, banners have been put up demanding immediate arrests. Apart from the case, Irayur residents also raised everyday issues like poor road connectivity between Kavery Nagar and the village via Vellanur and Konjampatti, and lack of proper bus services. For them, the election is also about basic infrastructure. On the other hand, the CB-CID has presented a different picture. According to investigators, three individuals (J Muraliraja, B Sudharshan, K Muthukrishnan) were allegedly involved in the contamination incident. The motive, they say, was personal enmity linked to the dismissal of a tank operator, not caste-based hatred. The case earlier under SC/ST Special Court was transferred in February 2025 to Judicial Magistrate Court-II in Pudukkottai. But for people of Vengaivayal, these official explanations have not brought closure. 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
Dalit Hamlet in Vengaivayal Boycotts Tamil Nadu Polls After Human Faeces Found in Drinking Water Tank in 2022
Polling day in Tamil Nadu saw a sharp contrast between two neighbouring villages, as Dalit residents of Vengaivayal boycotted voting and raised black flags, while people in nearby Irayur stepped out to cast their votes after earlier hesitation. The boycott in Vengaivayal, a Scheduled Caste hamlet in Pudukkottai district, is linked to the 2022 incident in which the village’s drinking water tank was allegedly contaminated with human faeces, an episode that had triggered outrage across Tamil Nadu. Protest driven by anger over lack of justice On April 23, 2026, while voters across the state queued at polling booths, Vengaivayal’s streets remained empty. Black flags were seen across the hamlet, reflecting a protest that residents say is rooted in pain and anger. Villagers have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the ongoing probe by the CB-CID, saying the real culprits have not been arrested. “We are the victims, but suspicion is being cast on us,” a resident said, highlighting the sense of injustice in the village. Many residents believe that voting without accountability in the case would mean accepting a flawed investigation. Pain of 2022 incident still unresolved The boycott traces back to December 2022 when the contamination of the overhead tank raised serious concerns about caste discrimination and the safety of marginalised communities. Even after more than three years, villagers say the trauma remains fresh. Investigators have named three individuals and claimed the motive was personal enmity rather than caste bias. However, this explanation has not convinced the residents. The case was earlier being heard under provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act before being transferred to a magistrate court in 2025, a move that has further deepened mistrust. Peace talks succeed in Irayur but not in Vengaivayal In contrast, Irayur saw improved participation after several rounds of talks between officials, police and local residents. People who had initially planned to boycott the election eventually decided to vote. Authorities also held meetings with Vengaivayal residents, including a peace committee discussion. While villagers attended, they remained firm on their demand for a fresh and fair investigation. Their position did not change even after repeated outreach. Wider unrest and local concerns The protest has also extended to nearby areas such as Muttukadu panchayat, where both Dalits and caste Hindu communities have raised concerns linked to the case.Dalit community support In Irayur, residents have also highlighted everyday issues such as poor road connectivity and lack of transport facilities, adding another layer to their grievances. At several points in the area, banners demanding arrests in the contamination case were visible. Official version and public response Officials maintain that the contamination incident was linked to personal disputes involving a dismissed tank operator and was not caste-driven. However, residents of Vengaivayal remain unconvinced. For them, the boycott is not just about elections. It is a way to demand justice and assert dignity, showing that unresolved grievances continue to shape public participation in democracy. Courtesy : TOP Note: This news is originally published on https:/theobserverpost.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
MP caste brutality: Handicapped Dalit groom dragged off horse, beaten up
Golu’s family claimed that the attack was a result of deep-rooted caste heirarchy and not a spontaneous incident. Bhopal: A 23-year-old physically handicapped Dalit groom was dragged off a horse and assaulted during his baraat in Madhya Pradesh’s Damoh on Tuesday, April 21, raising concerns about the shocking realities of caste discrimination. The incident occurred during the Rachwai, a pre-wedding ritual of Golu Ahirwar. While he was seated on a horse as the groom, and passing through the village with his family and relatives, local vigilantes intercepted and objected to the procession. A video of the incident, recorded by the family of the groom, has since gained traction on social media, showing the casteist attack conducted in broad daylight. Groom brutally assaulted despite being handicapped The individuals, identified as Guddu Singh, Krishna, Hakam and Palty Lodhi, allegedly pulled him off the horse with force and attacked him with sticks and clubs. Golu’s family claimed that the attack was a result of deep-rooted caste hierarchy and not a spontaneous incident, according to local media reports. The groom’s sister, Manisha Ahirwar, described the attack. “As we were proceeding, they blocked our path in the lane by parking a vehicle across it. When we asked them to move it, they rushed at us. They threw him off the horse and beat us up. Four people attacked us,” she said. “They said a horse cannot enter the lane and they will not allow us to pass. They made it clear that a procession like this is not meant for people like us,” she added. Despite the groom being physically disabled, the assailants showed no restraint, said Golu’s mother Vidya Ahirwar. “They dragged my son off the horse and beat him mercilessly. Even my daughter was assaulted when she tried to intervene.” Some of Manisha’s gold jewellery items also went missing during the altercation. Station In-charge Sudhir Kumar Begi confirmed the incident while speaking to the media and said, “The complainant reported that during the Rachwai procession of Golu Ahirwar, as the group reached near the village shrine, Vishwanath Lodhi, Chintu Lodhi and others objected to the groom riding a horse.” “They assaulted the group, abused them, and forcibly threw the groom off the horse. A case has been registered under relevant sections, including the SC/ST Act, and investigation is underway.” Authorities deployed police officers in the village to maintain order and prevent further escalation for the smooth proceedings of the remaining wedding ceremonies. Golu and his family left for Chhatrapur’s Cudhi Semra village to conclude the traditional rites. 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
Dalit groom pulled off horse, beaten during pre-wedding procession in Madhya Pradesh
DDAMOH: A 23-year-old physically handicapped Dalit groom was pulled off a horse and beaten during a pre-wedding procession in Damoh district on Tuesday evening. The wedding procession could continue only after police were deployed in the village.Police said that all four accused named in the case have been arrested and will be slapped with the National Security Act. “This is a clear case of caste discrimination. All four accused named in the complaint have been arrested. The National Security Act will be invoked against them. This will be the first time such action is being taken in a case like this. We have sent our recommendation to the DM,” said Damoh SP Shrut Kirti Somavansh. The incident took place in Bijori Pathak village when the groom, Golu Ahirwar, was taking out his ‘Rachwai’ procession, a Bundelkhandi custom where the groom goes around the village on a horse before the baraat. A group of men objected to him riding a horse and allegedly used caste-based abuses. Police said four villagers — Ghuppu Lodhi, Vishwanath Lodhi, Bichhu Lodhi and Chinnu Lodhi — stopped the procession around 5 pm and blocked the path by placing a motorcycle in front of the horse. They then pulled the groom down and assaulted him. When his family members intervened, they were also beaten. His sister Manisha was among those injured. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. After the attack, members of the Dalit community took the injured groom to the police station and filed a complaint. Police have registered a case under relevant sections, including the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Golu’s sister Manisha alleged that the accused blocked their way by parking a vehicle in the lane, rushed at them when asked to move, dragged her brother off the horse and assaulted the family, saying a “horse would not be allowed in the lane and that such a procession was not meant for people like them”. Another family member said, “They said the procession would not be allowed. When we objected, they attacked us and beat my daughter.” She added that some of her jewellery went missing during the incident. Additional police force has been deployed in the village. 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
Ambedkar Jayanti Controversy: Dalit Professor at CURaj Held in Police Custody for 4 Hours; Had Written in Email: ‘I Will Not Attend the Political Gathering’
Professor States: ‘We Are Not for Sale’ Ajmer—A serious incident has come to light at the Central University of Rajasthan (CURaj), where Dr. Rakesh Kumar, an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics, was forcibly removed from his own office by the police and detained for approximately four hours. It is alleged that this action was taken without any FIR or formal complaint, solely because he had expressed his intention not to attend an event featuring the Deputy Chief Minister. Dr. Kumar has termed this a conspiracy to stifle his voice and has alleged that the university administration, in collusion with the police, subjected him to communal and discriminatory treatment. Professor Dr. Rakesh Kumar—who himself belongs to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community—was accused of conspiring to disrupt the Deputy Chief Minister’s event on April 15. However, according to his written complaint, the reality is quite different. The police allegedly barged into his office, snatched his mobile phone, threw aside his laptop bag, issued threats, and held him in custody within the university administration building for four hours. Is this the appropriate way to celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti, or is it a conspiracy to crush the voices of the SC/ST community? In a detailed written complaint, Dr. Rakesh Kumar has leveled serious allegations against ten individuals. These include Ajmer SP Harsh Vardhan Agarwal, Inspector Dayaram Chaudhary, Constables Ram Gopal, Bajrang Lal Morya, and Anil Kumar; as well as University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Anand Bhalerao, Registrar Amardeep Sharma, Dr. Pramod Kamble, Dr. Anand Kumar, and PRO Anuradha Mittal. According to the professor, on the morning of April 15 at 9:30 AM—just as he stepped off the university bus and reached his office—four police personnel barged in. They alleged that the professor was planning to disrupt the Deputy Chief Minister’s event. Dr. Rakesh Kumar immediately demanded to know which specific email contained such a statement. The police responded by saying that the email was written in English and that they were unable to read it. The professor showed his email, in which it was clearly stated: “I can’t be a part of a crowd, especially for a political gathering. Sorry!” In other words, he did not wish to be part of the crowd at a political event. Nevertheless, the police created a commotion inside his office. Inspector Dayaram Chaudhary threw aside the bag containing his expensive laptop, pulled up a chair to sit right next to him, and completely hemmed him in. He threatened to send him to jail. The professor responded that if he were indeed a criminal, they should go ahead and send him to jail—but only after first showing him a copy of the complaint or the FIR. Despite this, the police snatched away his mobile phone, denied him the opportunity to close his office door, and dragged him out in full view of the students and faculty members. Once he had been placed inside the police vehicle, Inspector Dayaram Chaudhary spoke with SP Harsh Vardhan Agarwal and Registrar Amardeep Sharma. Dr. Rakesh Kumar overheard Amardeep Sharma praising Dayaram Chaudhary. Subsequently, he was held in custody for four hours—until 1:30 PM—in a room located near the offices of the University’s Vice-Chancellor and Registrar. Upon regaining access to his mobile phone, he discovered that the media had already covered the incident. However, the University’s PRO, Anuradha Mittal, falsely told the media that the University had not sent any email to the police. Dr. Rakesh Kumar alleges that he had sent the email to only 34 individuals (32 SC/ST faculty members, the Vice-Chancellor, and the Registrar). Who, then, forwarded it to the police? He has accused Prof. Anand Bhalerao, Amardeep Sharma, Dr. Pramod Kamble, and Dr. Anand Kumar of conspiring against him. Is Raising Questions the Real Reason for the Harassment? Dr. Rakesh Kumar has long been raising questions regarding students, faculty members, and academic scandals within the university. He told *The Mooknayak* that Prof. Anand Bhalerao and Amardeep Sharma never respond to his emails. Amardeep Sharma’s emails frequently contain serious grammatical and typing errors—an issue about which Dr. Kumar has complained on multiple occasions. Recently, he raised the issue of academic scandals within the university. Prior to this, a professor in the Department of Biotechnology faced allegations of sexual harassment involving several female students (including those from SC/ST backgrounds). This matter dragged on for months, but Prof. Anand Bhalerao allegedly suppressed it because the accused faculty member was a close associate of his. Despite the allegations leveled against him, the said professor was appointed as the Dean of Student Welfare and, subsequently, as the Head of the Department. “As a symbolic gesture of protest, I refused to participate in this event. This stance was clearly articulated in my email correspondence. Consequently, the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar conspired to stifle my voice and subject me to indirect harassment.” — Dr. Rakesh Kumar The email read: “The SC/ST community is not for sale.” On April 12, Dr. Anand Kumar, the Convener of the SC/ST Cell, sent an email stating that Ambedkar Jayanti would be celebrated on April 15, and that every SC/ST faculty member was expected to bring at least five students to the event attended by the Deputy Chief Minister. Dr. Rakesh Kumar argued that since Babasaheb was born on April 14, there was no justification for holding the commemorative event a day late. He replied to the email stating that the SC/ST community is not for sale. He questioned how they could expect him to mobilize students for a political event when they had failed to stand up for SC/ST female students in cases involving harassment allegations. He explicitly stated that he would not participate in a political event. Four other SC/ST faculty members voiced similar concerns, but neither Dr. Anand Kumar nor Dr. Pramod Kamble (the SC/ST Liaison Officer) offered any response. Dr. Rakesh Kumar alleges that this was, in fact, the real reason behind the harassment. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Anand Bhalerao and Registrar Amardeep Sharma attempted to stifle their voices by