Telangana: Dalit Woman Sets Example by Becoming Unopposed Sarpanch from General Seat in Maratha-Majority Village
A unique example of social harmony in a Maratha-majority village, SHG member Gangubai elected from a general seat. Kamareddy/Hyderabad: A new dawn has broken in the backward Jukkal mandal of Kamareddy district in Telangana. 40-year-old Waghmare Gangubai of Bijjalwadi village has made history. An active member of a Self-Help Group (SHG), Gangubai has set a powerful example for society by becoming the first Dalit woman to be elected unopposed as Sarpanch from a general seat. Geographical and Social Dynamics Located 190 kilometers from the state capital and 112 kilometers from the district headquarters of Kamareddy, Bijjalwadi Gram Panchayat is situated near the Maharashtra border. Looking at the social dynamics of this village, there are a total of 931 voters, of which only 230 are Dalit voters. The remaining population mainly comprises influential Maratha, Hatkar, and Lingayat communities, along with some Muslim, Gowda, and other backward class (OBC) families. Traditionally, the politics and leadership of this village have been decided by the influential Maratha residents, but this time the tide turned. MLA’s Initiative and Social Justice Congress MLA from Jukkal, Thota Laxmikanth Rao, explained that the Maratha community dominates the village and owns most of the agricultural land. He said, “I wanted to instill a new level of confidence in the people. I planned this experiment and held several gram sabhas (village meetings). We educated and explained to both Scheduled Castes (SC) and upper castes that by giving a chance to a deserving SC person, an ideal example could be set for others.” The MLA’s idea worked. Bijjalwadi elected its first Dalit woman Sarpanch unopposed from the general category seat. Villagers say that electing a Dalit as Sarpanch from a general seat reflects their commitment to social justice and harmony. Gangubai’s Emotional Reaction Ms. Gangubai, who has no formal education and was elected Sarpanch, is still overwhelmed by her new responsibility and the honor bestowed upon her. Her interaction with the outside world had so far been limited to her role as a member of the village’s Self-Help Group (SHG). When her name was announced as the Sarpanch, tears of joy welled up in her eyes. Expressing her emotions, she said, “This is something I never expected in my life. I have been helping women with childbirth for so many years, taking them to nurses and hospitals, but I never thought that one day I would become a Sarpanch.” A Wave of Development and Change The Jukkal MLA stated that 25 candidates supported by the ruling party in this constituency have been elected unopposed as Sarpanches. He attributed this to the development and welfare programs of the Revanth Reddy-led Congress government. Mr. Laxmikant Rao said that he ensured that deserving candidates from poor and underprivileged communities got the opportunity to contest even from general seats. He said, “The response was mixed. Not everyone appreciated it immediately, but I managed to bring them together and convince them.” Incentives for Development The MLA announced that the Gram Panchayats elected unanimously would be given a grant of ₹10 lakh as announced by the government. In addition, extra funds would be provided from the MLA’s fund to ensure their comprehensive development. He also appealed to the voters to elect Congress-supported candidates with a huge majority in the elections. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit Community Protests Against Chandrashekhar Azad, Levels Serious Allegations
Members of the Dalit community protested against Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad in the capital on Friday. The protest was led by former councilor Chhattar Singh Rachhoya from Nangloi. The protesters carried banners and placards. During the protest, they chanted “Jai Bhim” slogans. The protesters demanded the cancellation of Azad Samaj Party president Chandrashekhar Azad’s party and his membership of Parliament. The protesters accused Chandrashekhar Azad of exploiting Dalits and spreading misinformation. Protest organizer Chhattar Singh Rachhoya said that MP Chandrashekhar Azad is a fraud. He also demanded an investigation into the allegations leveled against Chandrashekhar by Rohini Ghavari. Protester Sonu said that Chandrashekhar Azad is not fit to represent Dalits. He should be expelled from Parliament. He said that Chandrashekhar Azad no longer stands with the Dalit community. Meanwhile, protester Priya claimed that Chandrashekhar Azad is a fake. She said that there is no proof of his marriage or even his name. People from all sections of society participated in this protest. Finally, the protesters demanded action against Chandrashekhar Azad for exploiting Dalits. Rahul Tiwari Courtesy: Hindi News
UP News: Uproar at Minister’s House in Muzaffarnagar, Protest Over Missing Dalit Girl; Hindu Organizations to Hold Mahapanchayat Tomorrow
Uttar Pradesh News: The news of a Dalit teenager’s disappearance in Muzaffarnagar is gaining momentum. Angry over the police’s lax response, Hindu organizations staged a major protest on Friday. The enraged crowd surrounded the house of State Minister Kapil Dev Agarwal. The protesters staged a sit-in on the road and raised slogans against the police administration. The ASP arrived at the scene, calmed the crowd, and assured them that the girl would be found soon. 11th Grade Student Missing Since December 5 A Dalit girl from Mimlana village in the city police station area went missing on December 5. She is an 11th-grade student. Despite several days passing, the police have made no progress. This news has caused deep resentment among the local people. Driven by this anger, activists under the banner of the United Hindu Front reached the minister’s residence in Gandhinagar. Minister Kapil Dev Agarwal was not in the city, so the protesters could not meet him. The people camped there and demanded immediate action. Allegations of Love Jihad and Police Claims Upon receiving information about the commotion, CO City ASP Siddharth Mishra arrived at the scene with a large police force. The police stated that a case has been registered based on the girl’s father’s complaint. The accused is a young man from another community, and a search is underway for him. Meanwhile, Hindu organizations have termed it a case of ‘love jihad’. Leaders alleged that the police are deliberately delaying the matter. This news has become a topic of discussion throughout the district. Mahapanchayat to be Held on December 13 United Hindu Front president Manoj Saini and VHP leader Lalit Maheshwari have warned the police. They said that the organizations themselves will now take to the streets to ensure the safety of Hindu girls. In this regard, Swami Yashveer Maharaj has announced a panchayat in Mimlana village on December 13. Several office-bearers of Shiv Sena, Hindu Jagran Manch, and VHP participated in the protest. All of them demanded the immediate arrest of the accused from the administration. Poonam Sharma Courtesy: Hindi News
UP News: Khaki uniform shamed, constable rapes Dalit woman after mixing drugs in her food; case registered on court order
Uttar Pradesh News: A very shameful incident has come to light from Ambedkarnagar district. Here, the protector became the perpetrator. In Akbarpur, a police constable drugged a Dalit woman and raped her. The landlady also supported the accused in this heinous act. This UP News has created a stir in the police department. When the police did not listen, the victim approached the court. Now, on the orders of the court, a case has been registered against the accused constable and the landlady under serious sections. Lust fulfilled by drugging the woman The victim woman and the accused constable Rajesh Yadav lived in the same rented house in Johardih locality of Akbarpur. The woman is a resident of Jalalpur and studies here. It is alleged that the constable obtained the student’s number with the help of the landlady. He started harassing her by sending lewd messages. One day, the constable mixed drugs in her food and gave it to her. When she became unconscious, he raped her. When she regained consciousness, the victim found herself without clothes. The accused threatened to tell her husband if she revealed anything. Husband abandoned her, police ignored her plea The accused constable continued to physically exploit the woman for several months by blackmailing her. When the victim protested, the accused told everything to her husband. After this, the husband also abandoned the woman. The victim appealed for justice from the police station to the SP office. But the police did not take any action against their own department’s employee. This UP News has raised serious questions about the functioning of the police. The accused continuously hurled casteist abuses at her and pressured her for a compromise. Case registered on court order Disappointed by the police, the victim sought refuge in the court. After the strict orders of the court, the Akbarpur Kotwali police have registered a case. A case has been registered against constable Rajesh Yadav and the landlady under the SC/ST Act and sections related to rape. Station house officer Srinivas Pandey said that an FIR has been registered on the court’s direction and the matter is being investigated. Poonam Sharma Courtesy: Hindi News
Crime News: Dalit Youth Murdered and Dismembered, Body Hidden in House for 80 Days; People Demand Death Penalty for Killers
Jharkhand News: A shocking crime has come to light in Ramgarh. People’s anger has erupted over the brutal murder of Sonu Kumar Ram. On Friday, family members and local residents staged a massive protest at Subhash Chowk. The protesters are demanding the death penalty for the killers. The brutality of this murder has shaken the entire city. The crowd has appealed to the administration for swift justice. Body Hidden in House for 80 Days The truth behind this crime is extremely horrific. Former Congress District President Munna Paswan said that the Dalit youth was brutally murdered. The accused dismembered the body into several pieces. In a shocking act of cruelty, the accused kept the body hidden in his house for about 80 days. Later, he disposed of the body parts in different locations. People have described it as an inhuman and cruel crime. Trial in Fast Track Court Former Cantonment Board Vice President Sardar Anmol Singh also participated in the protest. He said that this is a heinous crime. It seems unlikely that only one person was involved. He demanded that the police immediately arrest all the accused. Anmol Singh said that the case should be tried in a fast-track court. The culprits should be given a harsh punishment as soon as possible. Demand for Compensation and Job The protesters demanded rehabilitation for the victim’s family from the district administration. They appealed to the SDO and Deputy Superintendent of Police to intervene. People have demanded that the deceased’s family be given land for a house. They also demanded compensation and benefits under the family welfare scheme as per government rules. In addition, the demand for a contractual job in the municipal council was also prominently raised. Poonam Sharma Courtesy: Hindi News
UP News: Doctor performs kidney stone surgery on Dalit woman after watching YouTube video, intoxicated doctor causes death; Case registered under SC-ST Act
Uttar Pradesh News: A shocking incident that has brought shame to the medical profession has come to light from Barabanki district. Here, a quack doctor performed surgery on a woman after watching a YouTube video. Due to this negligence, the woman died a painful death. This UP News has become a topic of discussion throughout the region. It is being said that the doctor was heavily intoxicated with alcohol at the time of the operation. The clinic owner and his associate have been absconding since the incident. The police have registered a case of culpable homicide and under the SC/ST Act. The deal was settled for 20,000 rupees The incident took place in the Kothi police station area of Barabanki. Munishra Rawat, wife of Fateh Bahadur, a resident of Dafrapur, complained of stomach pain. Her husband took her to ‘Shri Damodar Aushadhalaya’ in Kothi market. Here, Gyan Prakash Mishra and Vivek Mishra diagnosed her with kidney stones after an examination. The surgery was agreed upon for 20,000 rupees. It is alleged that after receiving the money, Gyan Prakash consumed alcohol. After that, he started the surgery while watching YouTube videos on his mobile phone. Notice pasted on the hospital Upon receiving the information, the police and health department team reached the spot. The body has been sent for post-mortem. Assistant Chief Medical Officer Dr. L.B. Gupta inspected the illegal hospital. A notice has been pasted there, and a reply has been sought within a week. Station House Officer Amit Singh Bhadauria said that teams have been formed to arrest the accused. Since the woman belonged to the Dalit community, sections of the SC/ST Act have also been added to the case. Poonam Sharma Courtesy: Hindi News
Sajjanar warns of strict action against extortion by sections of transgender community
Hyderabad: Amid a surge in extortion complaints, Hyderabad police commissioner VC Sajjanar on Friday issued a stern warning to sections of the transgender community, stating that police would take firm legal action against anyone involved in harassment or forced collection of money. Sajjanar delivered the warning at a meeting organised by Hyderabad police in coordination with the Crime Investigation Department and Hyderabad collectorate, attended by around 250 members of the transgender community. “There have been several complaints from the public regarding groups of transgender persons descending on households during auspicious occasions and demanding huge money. Harassing residents and forcing them to give money is unacceptable,” he said. The commissioner also raised concerns about internal conflicts within the community, driven by attempts to dominate specific areas, which he said was contributing to law and order issues. He referred to a recent incident in which a transgender person died during such disputes. “Police would deal strictly with violators and at the same time, the department would always stand by those seeking to live respectfully,” he said. Additional director general of police, CID, Charu Sinha urged community members to make use of ‘Pride Place’, a system established under the women safety wing to address their concerns and support their integration into society with dignity. Jobs for transgenders Hyderabad district additional director (transgender welfare) Rajender said efforts are underway to help transgender persons secure employment in corporate companies. Telangana is home to nearly 50,000 members of the community, he said. “We advised the community members to obtain identity cards issued by the central govt to avail themselves of reservations and welfare schemes,” Rajender said. 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
Transgender empowerment initiative: Amarjeet Singh aids 133 transgenders securing jobs; Ongoing efforts for housing and social acceptance persist
Jamshedpur: Amarjeet Singh, a transgender and a city-based human rights activist, is helping transgenders turn their life around and live with freedom and dignity. In 2014, Amarjeet founded Utthaan, a community-based organisation. For a decade now, the NGO has been providing transgenders a platform to voice their rights. “We took off our campaign right after the Supreme Court upheld NALSA’s judgement in April 2014. In the last decade, we achieved breakthroughs on several fronts, but our struggle is still ongoing to earn a dignified life for the transgender community,” Amarjeet said. It is her team’s effort that presently 133 transgenders from different states got jobs on permanent rolls in Tata Steel’s operating plants in Jamshedpur, Noamundi, Ghato, and Kalinganagar. Besides, 15 school dropout transgenders are receiving formal education with the support of Tata Steel Foundation (TSF). Another six skilled transgenders will be observed on rolls at Electro Steel Ltd (ESL) Bokaro in January. The journey was not easy for Amarjeet, who is a transgender. “The rudimentary mindset of the people is still a major obstruction in securing a dignified space for the transgenders in society. At every step, I experienced objections and opposition from society, but my resilience helped me achieve the goals,” she said. Aamrjeet recalled that it took five years of persistent efforts to obtain Aadhar cards for the transgenders in 2019. Gradually, the community members also obtained Pan and ration cards. Most recently, 50 transgenders in East Singhbhum district received their voter cards in December last year. “Initially, the Election Commission rejected their applications as the transgenders failed to provide their permanent residential address. But following our request, state chief electoral officer K Ravi Kumar agreed to issue voter cards based on identification done by us. On our letterhead, voter ID cards were issued. In fact, I also got the voter card on the same letterhead,” Amarjeet said. “The Transgender Welfare Board, which was constituted in the state in 2024, paved the way for the transgenders to be covered under the universal pension scheme, helping them avail Rs 1,000 every month,” Fernandez Sundi, a community member, said. “Our grievance with the govt is that we are still struggling to get a shelter home for transgenders. Besides, there’s no Abua Awas or Pradhan Mantri Awas for our community,” said Arpity, an Utthaan member. 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
Raipur to host national transgender sports meet
RAIPUR: A decade after India last witnessed a major national sporting platform for transgender athletes, Raipur is set to script a new chapter in inclusion and equality. The national transgender sports meet 2025, themed ‘Samta Ka Mahotsav’, will take place on Dec 19–20, bringing together participants from Punjab, Delhi, UP, Jharkhand, Odisha and other parts of the country for two days of competition, culture and dialogue. Organised by Chhattisgarh Mitwa Sankalp Samiti- a community for transgenders and LGBTQ, with support from the department of social welfare, the event is being hailed as one of the most significant national initiatives for the transgender community in recent years. The sports festival aims to give transgender athletes a stage to demonstrate their strength, discipline and sporting excellence—transforming sports from a field of competition into a platform of dignity and identity, one of the organisers Vidya Rajpur said, the meet will help challenge stereotypes, build visibility and inspire confidence within the community. The event also comes at a time when the transgender community in Chhattisgarh and across India has been achieving notable breakthroughs. These include the introduction of a dedicated transgender column in govt job application forms, successful participation in the 2021 police recruitment and Bastar Fighter selections, and consistent performance in competitive examinations. Activists describe these milestones as proof of what inclusion can achieve when opportunities are equitable. The meet will be held at Swami Vivekanand athletic stadium in Raipur, and will feature athletics and other sporting events beginning both the mornings. “When transgender athletes run, compete and win on the field, society learns to see them through the lens of ability rather than identity,” said Vidya. 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
We tore them to shreds, they were under pressure… Rahul Gandhi targets the government again
Rahul Gandhi once again launched a scathing attack on the Modi government. He said that there was a heated discussion on Vande Mataram and SIR. I was quite pleased because we tore them to shreds during both discussions. New Delhi: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has once again strongly criticized the government. Rahul said that there was a heated discussion on Vande Mataram and SIR. I was quite pleased because we tore them to shreds during both discussions. They were under mental pressure. There shouldn’t be such a heated discussion on pollution because it is a kind of national emergency. Just a day earlier, Rahul Gandhi had targeted Amit Shah in Parliament. He had said that Amit Shah was nervous yesterday. He used inappropriate language and his hands were also trembling. On Friday, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said that he spoke about the pollution in Delhi and other big cities. This is a subject on which all parties can agree that our future, our children are being harmed, people are getting cancer, and diseases are spreading. Can work together on pollution Rahul Gandhi further said that he suggested in the House that we should discuss the issue of pollution in the House and discuss it in a different way. The Congress MP said that on this subject, we should be unanimous that we will talk about the future and discuss how to solve this problem. We will also take the opinion of experts and we will show the country that we can work together on the issue of pollution. Something concrete should come out of the discussion Apart from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi also targeted the government on the issue of pollution. She said that I completely agree. I think everyone agrees. The government also said that we should all discuss this and an action plan should be made. Every year its (pollution) level is increasing. When other subjects are discussed, this should also be discussed, and something concrete should come out of it, not just talk. It would be good if the government creates a sound action plan in this regard. Curated by: Akshay Srivastava About the Author Akshay Srivastava is a Principal Digital Content Producer at Navbharat Times Online. He has over 12 years of experience in journalism. He has been working with NBT Digital since March 2025. He covers national news for the NBT news team. Courtesy: Hindi News