A shameful incident in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh: Dalit maid raped for years under false pretenses of marriage, threatened with death if forced to convert.
In Ballia, an orphan Dalit girl was raped for seven years after a marriage agreement was signed, and pressure was now being exerted to convert. A case has been filed against the accused, Jalaluddin, under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Uttar Pradesh: A shocking incident has come to light from Ballia district. A Dalit woman has accused her employer of raping her for years after falsely promising marriage. The victim also alleges that the accused was constantly pressuring her to convert. Considering the seriousness of the matter, the police have registered a case against the accused and initiated an investigation. According to the police complaint, the 24-year-old accused, Jalaluddin, took advantage of the victim’s orphanhood and poverty. He kept her at his home under the pretext of providing domestic work. The woman alleges that the accused began molesting her while she was working and gradually subjected her to his lust. According to the victim, she had been subjected to forced sexual intercourse since 2017. The complaint also reveals a shocking revelation. The victim says that when she threatened to speak out against this abuse, Jalaluddin resorted to a trick to silence her. On August 10, 2021, he entered into a “written agreement” with her and allegedly staged a marriage. The girl was only 17 years old at the time. During this written agreement, the victim was assured that when she turned 20, the accused would formally marry her. She was also lured with a share in his property. However, as time passed, these promises proved to be a fraud. According to the complaint, when the woman pressured Jalaluddin to marry her as promised, he imposed the condition of religious conversion. It is alleged that when the victim flatly refused to convert, she was threatened with death. Furthermore, the woman also claims that the accused is now planning to marry another woman. Rasra Circle Officer (CO) Rajneesh stated that a case was registered against Jalaluddin on Saturday based on the victim’s complaint. The accused has been charged under sections related to rape in the Indian Penal Code (IPC), as well as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) and the SC/ST Act. The police are currently conducting a thorough investigation into the matter. The legal process of recording the victim’s statement in a local court in Ballia is underway. In compliance with the Supreme Court’s clear directives and the right to privacy in sexual assault cases, the victim’s identity has been kept strictly confidential. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Tamil Nadu: Woman allegedly abducted by kin for marrying Dalit man; four arrested
Days after seeking police protection for their inter-caste marriage, a Trichy couple allegedly came under attack, with the husband assaulted and the woman forcibly taken away by her relatives. A 26-year-old woman was allegedly abducted by members of her own family for marrying a Dalit man against their wishes in Tamil Nadu’s Trichy district. Police rescued her within hours and arrested four people, including her relatives, in connection with the incident. The woman, M Chithiravalli, from Mudukkupatti, belongs to the Most Backward Class (MBC) community. She had married P Ajith Kumar, who belongs to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, on June 25 despite opposition from her family. The couple had met while working at a plastic and vessels store owned by Chithiravalli’s brother-in-law, P Murugesan, in Manapparai. Following their marriage, the couple approached the Manapparai All Women Police Station seeking protection. Police conducted an inquiry with members of both families. After Chithiravalli stated that she wished to live with her husband, she was allowed to leave with Ajith Kumar. On July 1, however, Murugesan lodged a complaint with the Manapparai police, alleging that Ajith Kumar had threatened him. Police summoned both parties for an inquiry on July 4. While Ajith Kumar, Chithiravalli and his mother appeared before the police, Murugesan did not. After recording their statements, Ajith Kumar, Chithiravalli and his mother left the police station in an autorickshaw and were travelling towards Sithanatham. At around 1.40 pm, near Maravanur on the Trichy-Dindigul National Highway, the autorickshaw was intercepted by a group that arrived in two vehicles. According to the police, the group assaulted Ajith Kumar, allegedly abused him with caste-based slurs, threatened to kill him, and forcibly abducted Chithiravalli. Ajith Kumar and his mother tried to stop them but were unsuccessful. Based on Ajith Kumar’s complaint, the Manapparai police registered a case under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Police arrested Chithiravalli’s brother, M Malaisamy; her brother-in-law, P Murugesan; Murugesan’s brother, P Prakash; and N Amanullah alias Mala. All four have been remanded to judicial custody. The two vehicles allegedly used in the abduction were also seized. Chithiravalli was later traced to her grandmother’s house in Yagapuram, where she had allegedly been confined by her family. She was rescued on Saturday night and reunited with her husband. Police said Chithiravalli’s family had allegedly been pressuring her to leave Ajith Kumar and had threatened him with consequences if she refused. Further investigation is underway. Courtesy : TNM Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewsminute.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Call gets louder to name Kochi airport after former Kerala CM K Karunakaran
The UDF’s 2026 election manifesto has revived an old political proposal to rename the Kochi airport at Nedumbassery after former chief minister K Karunakaran. KOCHI: With the chorus for naming the upcoming railway terminal at Ponnurunni marshalling yard as Kochi Central gathering strength, yet another transportation hub is likely to be caught in this wrangling – the airport. The UDF’s 2026 election manifesto has revived an old political proposal to rename the Kochi airport at Nedumbassery after former chief minister K Karunakaran. The move leans on the widely accepted notion that the Congress stalwart is responsible for politically steering the project during its formative years. The proposal is not new. Similar demands have surfaced repeatedly over the past decade and a half, particularly under successive Congress-led governments. But they never moved beyond the proposal stage. As it stands, the new board has not been reconstituted after the recent election. So, it may be a while before the matter is taken up, this paper has learned. But what nudges the needle towards a positive development in this regard are two things. Congress leader and current chief minister V D Satheesan holds the airports portfolio. He is the chairman of the CIAL board, one of its members said, implying that a name change cannot be entirely ruled out. Satheesan being the first CM from the Greater Kochi area also bodes well for the proposal. The first prominent public call to rename the airport after Karunakaran emerged soon after his death in 2010, when Congress leader Shashi Tharoor proposed that the airport be named after “the man without whom it could never have been built.” “To see the airport named after the late Congress stalwart K Karunakaran is very ideal. After all, who can forget his contributions to seeing the establishment rise against multiple headwinds?” politician K V Thomas told TNIE. However, a political observer that TNIE spoke to said that the move will only open a can of worms for the Congress and will, no doubt, sap at their strength just weeks into taking office. “In the past too, the proposal had created a political storm, with certain sections of the Right wing countering the move with a proposal of their own, i.e. to name the airport after Adi Shankara, citing his association with Kalady, a place near Nedumbassery,” he said. Sudheeran backs proposal Thrissur: Veteran Congress leader V M Sudheeran on Sunday urged the UDF-led state government to name Kochi airport after the late former chief minister K Karunakaran. He was speaking after offering floral tributes at the tomb of Karunakaran at Murali Mandiram as part of his 108th birth anniversary celebration organised by DCC. “Nedumbassery airport is the symbol of will power that Karunakaran had to overcome the challenges, both political and organisational,” he said. Ronnie Kuriakose 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
New state, old script: Infighting returns to haunt Congress’s Punjab poll plan
NEW DELHI: The Congress is staring at a crisis in Punjab. Does this read as a surprise? Well, not really! It’s the same old story of infighting and power tussle between the state leaders which has played out so many times for the Congress in so many states in the last one decade. Remember Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and yes, also Punjab in the run up to the 2022 assembly elections. Each of these states had the same story unfolding almost in a similar pattern. Step 1: Making of the crisis – power tussle between state leaders. Step 2: Incubation period – a procrastinating Congress high command preferring to look the other way Step 3: Cosmetic actions – Verbal warnings and probe panels to find the obvious and delay real action Step 4: The rebellion – a delayed or at times no meaningful intervention pushing one faction to revolt Step 5: The defections – disgruntled leaders leaving the party for greener pastures making it easy for the leadership as they no longer need to act Step 6: Electoral defeat – And finally, a loss in the elections Well, this may read harsh. But this is closer to the truth. Analyse the crisis in each of the states mentioned above and you will find this pattern playing out step by step – perhaps with some variations. In most of these states, leadership tussle was allowed to blossom into a full blown crisis because of the reluctance of Congress high command to intervene decisively at the right time. Congress Punjab crisis Now, let’s look at the crisis brewing in Punjab. Around 10 days back, Rahul Gandhi – the “Bhagya Vidhata” of the Congress – gave a pep talk to the leaders in Punjab. This is what he said: “You have to fight collectively, Punjab is an important state, and we stand a very good chance … ” Some questions: What has the Congress done to ensure that its leaders in Punjab fight unitedly? What ground work has the party done since its last defeat in the state to claim that it has a very good chance? Now, either Rahul Gandhi was not briefed about the real ground situation in poll-bound Punjab or he was intentionally ignoring the obvious and following the drill of pep talk. Whatever be the reason, the cracks in Punjab Congress are now out in the open. And it took just one decision from the high command to trigger this crisis. Ironically, a close look and you realise that even this decision, which was perhaps over four years late, steered clear of any change and focussed on maintaining the status quo in the state. Congress3 Decision four years late? Well, it was in 2022 that the Congress was decimated in Punjab by Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP. The grand-old-party came down from 77 to 18 while the AAP went up from 20 to 95. That sums up the story of the 2022 elections. The Congress had four long years to rejig the state organisation and give the new leadership time to prepare for the 2027 elections. Dissents if any would have been handled with time. But then we all know that the Congress does not believe in the age old adage : “A stitch in time saves nine.” So, nothing happened till the next elections came knocking on the doors. And finally when the leadership eventually focused on Punjab – it triggered a crisis. The fact that this decision was to “maintain the status quo” meant that the state leaders who were hoping to get a prominent role were left disappointed. Senior leader Manish Tewari, who was assigned no role in the rejig, raised the first voice of dissent with a cryptic note on X in which he wished he had an antidote for the “insecurities of individuals” and “institutions”. Then followed former chief minister and 2022’s compromise candidate Charanjeet Singh Channi – who had led the Congress to its historic defeat five years back. Channi, who lost from both the assembly seats he contested then, is unhappy with the leadership after being ignored for the post of state president. Channi was appointed as the chairman of the campaign committee but did not bother with the customary thanks to the leadership in a subtle dissent. A meeting called by “unhappy” Channi to discuss the leadership issue was attended by several important state leaders posing a question mark on the Congress’s decision to continue with Amarinder Singh Raja Warring as the state party chief. The BJP was quick to take digs at the Congress. Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, a former Congressman (remember Rahul Gandhi’s traitor jibe that stirred a storm) who joined BJP in 2024, took a swipe at Warring. Bittu recalled a famous scene from Sholay. Drawing a parallel with Asrani’s iconic jailor, whose entire contingent marches away with commands of “right, left” while he is left standing alone, Ravneet Singh said a similar situation has unfolded in the Punjab Congress with Raja Warring retained on the top post. He said almost Raja Warring’s entire team has drifted towards Charanjit Channi, leaving the state Congress chief isolated. In a tongue-in-cheek remark, Bittu advised Warring to stop resisting the inevitable, join the “Channi wagon”, and head to Channi’s residence along with the rest of his colleagues. Congress4 Does faction-ridden Congress stand a chance in Punjab? Well, theoretically “yes”, but practically perhaps “no.” Punjab has traditionally been one of the best bets for the Congress over the years. The Congress has won five of the 13 assembly elections between 1966 and 2022 and as a party has given maximum chief ministers to the state. With Akalis the only challenger for years, the grand-old-party kept returning to power in the state despite controversies and infighting. Even the scars of 1984 – the operation Blue Star and the anti-Sikh killings – did not cause a permanent harm to the party’s electoral prospects. Not any more. The 2022 assembly election changed the template.
‘Is Rahul Gandhi from Jandiala Guru?’: AAP taunts Congress over high command
Chandigarh: Mocking the Congress over its continuing internal turmoil in Punjab, the ruling AAP on Sunday accused the party of “double standards”, asking why it was waiting for directions from the high command after repeatedly attacking AAP over alleged remote control from Delhi. Addressing a press conference, AAP Punjab media in-charge Baltej Pannu said the Congress had criticised AAP by claiming it was being run from Delhi, but was now itself looking to the central leadership to resolve its internal crisis. “Is Rahul Gandhi from Jandiala Guru?” Pannu asked, taking a swipe at the Congress amid AICC in-charge Bhupesh Baghel’s visit to Punjab to meet party functionaries. Pannu said the Congress had become “directionless”, with its leaders consumed by an internal leadership battle instead of presenting an agenda for Punjab. He also alleged that the Congress, BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal had become “Team A, B and C”, united only in targeting chief minister Bhagwant Mann because they had “no answer” to the AAP govt’s performance. Taking another swipe at the BJP, Pannu claimed the party had effectively become a “Congress wing” in Punjab, saying most of its prominent faces had crossed over from the Congress while its original leadership had been sidelined. 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
‘System failed our children’: Congress holds candle march in Dehradun over paper leaks
The march began from the residence of 23-year-old Riya Thapa in Pooja Vihar. Riya, a resident of Dehradun, was found dead at her home a few days ago. DEHRADUN: Congress workers took out a candle march in Dehradun on Saturday to protest recurring paper leaks, corruption and mismanagement in competitive examinations across the country. The march began from the residence of 23-year-old Riya Thapa in Pooja Vihar. Riya, a resident of Dehradun, was found dead at her home a few days ago. A Class 12 topper with 97.6% marks, she was preparing for NEET after completing school. Family members, relatives, local residents and Congress workers paid tribute to her and observed a two-minute silence for the peace of her soul. Party leaders said the protest was held both to demand justice for Riya and to highlight the plight of lakhs of aspirants facing uncertainty in national examinations. Congress leader Vaibhav Walia said Riya’s death reflects a larger crisis in the education system. “Riya Thapa’s untimely death is not just the tragedy of one family. It is a symbol of the failure of the country’s education system,” Walia said. He alleged that repeated paper leaks in NEET and other examinations, along with corruption and administrative negligence, have pushed the future of millions of students into darkness. “Students who work for years have lost faith in the government’s system. Their dreams are being toyed with again and again,” he said. “The government has completely failed to secure the future of the country’s youth.” The Congress organised a torchlight procession in Dehradun, led by State Mahila Congress president Jyoti Rautela. Students, parents, youth and citizens joined the march to demand accountability and a fair examination system. Rautela said the participation showed that young people will no longer accept any tampering with their future. “By joining this people’s movement, the youth have sent a clear message that they will not accept any kind of manipulation with their future,” she said. She added that the student campaign being led by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has now become the voice of the common people. “This is not just a fight for justice for Riya Thapa. It is a fight for a fair and transparent examination system, for accountability, and for the dignity of every student in the country,” Rautela said. The Congress said similar protests will be held in other districts to press for strict laws against paper leaks and for the protection of students appearing in competitive examinations. Narendra Sethi 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
Parliament passes Transgender Persons Amendment Bill, 2026 with Rajya Sabha approving it today
Parliament has passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, with the Rajya Sabha approving it today. The bill was passed by the Lok Sabha yesterday by a voice vote amid an Opposition-led walkout. The bill seeks to redefine the category of transgender, removes the provision of self-perceived gender identity and excludes several socio-cultural identities as well as transmasculine individuals from its ambit. It also further defines transgender persons within a biological framework, based on intersex variations and differences in sexual development. Replying to the discussion on the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar said the government is compassionate towards the well-being of the transgender community. He said the Bill has provisions to empower the transgenders and give them dignity. The Minister said that the NDA government has taken several initiatives to bring transgender people to the mainstream and stop discrimination against them. Starting the discussion in the Upper House, Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury said this bill dilutes the privacy of an individual provided under the Constitution. Opposing the Bill, Ms Chowdhury said self-identification cannot be taken away through bureaucratic certification. Criticizing the government, she said that the proposed bill undermines the fundamental rights and dignity of transgender persons. Calling such a move wrong and illegal, she argued that forcing transgender persons to provide their identity through official certificates is against the spirit of equality and dignity guaranteed by the constitution. She also questioned the government’s approach for not properly consulting with the transgender community before bringing the Bill. She also referred to the Supreme Court’s landmark NALSA judgement of 2014, which recognized the right of transgender persons to self-identify their gender. Ms Chowdhury said the proposed Bill violates the principles laid down in that judgement and fails to respect an already established legal framework. DMK MP Tiruchi Shiva also opposed the Bill, saying that even if the Bill is passed in Parliament with a majority, it will be struck down by the Supreme Court. He further added that the Bill violates Articles 14, 15, 19 and 21 of the Constitution and it deprives the community of the right to freedom, dignity and self-determination. Supporting the Bill, BJP MP Medha Vishram Kulkarni said, ” This Bill ensures justice, dignity, protection from criminalisation and legal safeguards for transgender persons. She also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing this bill with certain amendments in order to ensure that the benefits reach the deserving people in a proper manner. She said there is a need for a law that brings justice to real transgender individuals and punishes fake ones. Mrs Kulkarni said the benefits should be extended to those who are transgender by birth. She said that the amendment to extend punishment will bring down the rate of crime and forced identities. TMC’s Saket Gokhale said that 31% of Transgender people in India have attempted suicide because of the discrimination that they are facing. He alleged that now the government is going to start discriminating against them as though social discrimination were not enough. He called it unacceptable. Mr Gokhale expressed concern that gender is going to be decided by the Chief Medical Officer and a District Magistrate, and the bill does not prescribe any qualifications for the Chief Medical Officer. Sanjay Singh of AAP said the Bill is a big let-down for the transgender community. He accused the government of not doing anything for the community. RJD’s Manoj Kr Jha said that prejudices against transgender people should stop, and they should be able to live with dignity. He added that self-determination of gender should not be taken away. CPI(M)’s John Brittas said it is a black-letter day and the Bill is taking India a century back. He pleaded with the government to either withdraw the Bill or refer it to a Select Committee. Jaya Bachchan of the Samajwadi Party also questioned the government over the legislation. She sought to know what the urgency was in bringing the Bill, without examining it with the depth and care that it deserved. Courtesy : NOA Note: This news is originally published on https:/newsonair.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Anaya Bangar Undergoes Transgender Verification Test; Says She Was ‘Asked To Undress In Front Of Male Doctors, Felt Exposed’
Anaya Bangar, the daughter of former Indian cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar, has shared a deeply personal account of the transgender verification process she recently underwent as part of a legal gender recognition procedure. In an emotional video posted on Instagram, Anaya described the medical assessment as invasive and said the experience left her feeling vulnerable and exposed. Anaya Bangar, the daughter of former Indian cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar, has shared a deeply personal account of the transgender verification process she recently underwent as part of a legal gender recognition procedure. In an emotional video posted on Instagram, Anaya described the medical assessment as invasive and said the experience left her feeling vulnerable and exposed. Speaking about the process, Anaya revealed that she was required to appear before a medical panel at a government hospital following the implementation of the recent transgender amendment law. According to her, the assessment involved a full physical examination conducted in the presence of multiple doctors. Explaining what happened, she said, “Because of the recent trans bill being passed and as part of the process I had to stand in front of a medical panel at a government hospital. They asked me to undress and have my whole body assessed in a room full of doctors, which included men as well at the same time. An invasive gynaecological assessment was also performed as part of the assessment.” Recalling the emotional impact of the experience, Anaya shared, “I remember lying there thinking, why do I have to prove my body to be recognized as who I am on the paper? This whole experience was very invasive and I felt very vulnerable and exposed at the same time.” She said she chose to speak publicly about the ordeal to create awareness about what many transgender individuals may encounter during the legal recognition process. “I’m sharing this cause not all of us know what this process can involve, and I hope that we all can agree that legal recognition respects people’s dignity,” she added. Earlier this year, Anaya underwent gender-affirming vaginoplasty surgery and has since been documenting her recovery while continuing to advocate for transgender rights and inclusion. What Is The Transgender Verification Process? Under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, individuals seeking legal recognition of their gender identity may be required to undergo verification by a state-appointed Medical Board as part of the certification process. The procedure, often referred to as medical board certification or state verification, is intended to validate an applicant’s gender identity for official documentation. Courtesy : TFPJ Note: This news is originally published on https:/thefreepressjournal.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Alleged rape of a Dalit girl in Neemgaon: Family apprehended the accused and handed him over to the police, a case has been registered.
A case of alleged rape of a 15-year-old Dalit girl has come to light in the Neemgaon police station area of Lakhimpur Kheri. It is alleged that on the night of July 5th, a young man named Mehboob, a resident of the same village, entered the house and forcibly raped the girl. The family apprehended the accused on the spot and handed him over to the police. According to the police, the accused, Mehboob, son of Ahmed Raja, entered the house by jumping over the wall at night. The girl was sleeping inside at the time. It is alleged that the accused tore her clothes and raped her. The family members were awakened by the girl’s screams. The family members apprehended the accused Mehboob on the spot and immediately informed Dial 112 police. Upon receiving the information, a police team arrived at the scene and took the accused into custody and took him to the police station. Based on the complaint filed by the victim’s mother, a named FIR has been registered against the accused at the Neemgaon police station. Neemgaon Police Station Chief Praveer Kumar Gautam stated that a named case has been registered based on the complaint filed by the victim’s mother, and further legal action is underway. Tension prevails in the village due to the case involving two communities. Ashwani Bajpai | Behjam (Lakhimpur Kheri), Lakhimpur Kheri Courtesy: Hindi News
Following the High Court’s reprimand, Bihar Police took major action: 7, including 5 officers, arrested in the case of a Dalit youth missing for 10 months.
Following the Patna High Court’s strictness, Bhojpur Police took major action, with Excise Department officials facing serious charges of custodial death and concealment of evidence. New Delhi: Following the Patna High Court’s strictness, the police have taken a major step in the case of a Dalit youth missing for 10 months in Bhojpur district, Bihar. A total of seven people, including two Excise (Excise) Department officials and three Home Guards, have been arrested in this sensational case. Court and Judiciary Bhojpur Superintendent of Police (SP) Raj confirmed that six of the seven arrested accused have been sent to judicial custody, while one has been taken on police remand. The arrested officers include Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) Dheeraj Kumar and Raj Kumar. In addition to these, Home Guards Dharmendra Paswan, Umesh Kumar Yadav, and Raju Kumar Singh have also been arrested. Along with these five government employees, two private drivers, Surendra Kumar Singh and Vikas Kumar, have also been arrested. The entire case is related to the disappearance of Sanoj Kumar, a 31-year-old Dalit youth. In August 2025, the Excise Department conducted a raid in Dharhara Musahar Toli near Bihiya in Bhojpur district in connection with a liquor case. The family alleges that Sanoj has been missing since he was taken into custody on August 13, 2025. The Excise Department has consistently claimed that the youth escaped from their custody, but the family has made serious allegations of murder and destruction of evidence in police custody. The High Court took a tough stand while hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Sanoj’s father, Gauri Shankar Ram. Citing the July 2 order before a division bench of Justices Rajiv Ranjan Prasad and Kumar Manish, the Bhojpur Superintendent of Police made a shocking revelation. Law Enforcement The Superintendent of Police informed the court that interrogation of the arrested excise department personnel revealed contradictory versions of the incident. The investigation revealed that Sanoj was manhandled while in custody, and that a private driver driving the excise department vehicle had pulled him upwards by putting a towel around his neck. Excise officials also relied on CCTV footage to support their theory of Sanoj’s escape in court. They claimed that the young man escaped by opening the rear door of the vehicle. However, after reviewing the footage, the Patna High Court, in its oral observation, stated that the vehicle was a fully enclosed Bolero. The court clarified that escaping by jumping out without opening the rear door was impossible. Given the sensitivity of the case, the court directed adequate security for key witnesses. The police informed the court that two other individuals detained with Sanoj were afraid to speak the truth. The court also recorded the statement of Sanoj’s father, Gauri Shankar Ram, in which he stated that several people were pressuring him to hush up the case. The court directed the police to conduct an impartial investigation into these allegations. In the previous two hearings, the High Court had raised serious questions about the investigation’s conduct. On June 30, the court recorded that on the day of the raid, Sanoj had called his father at 6:35 and 6:43 pm to inform him that he had been apprehended by excise department officials. Investigators also discovered that the last tower location of one of Sanoj’s mobile phones was at the Jagdishpur Excise Police Station. South Asians and Expatriates The court expressed strong displeasure that excise officials handed over the mobile phone to the police the next day but did not send it for forensic examination. On June 24, the court remarked that despite being identified as suspects 10 months earlier, no seven members of the team had been questioned or arrested. The High Court has warned that if the investigation continues to be slow, the case may be handed over to an independent agency. The next hearing in the case will be held on July 7, where the Bhojpur police will have to present a further investigation report to the court. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News