Firing between two groups over village headman election rivalry: Dalit woman shot in left hand, seriously injured
In Nagla Ranjita village, under the Akrabad police station area of Aligarh, several rounds of firing took place between two groups over a village headman election rivalry. A Dalit woman was shot in the hand, seriously injuring her. Police immediately rushed the injured woman to the hospital. The accused fled the scene. Upon receiving information, a heavy police force, including the SP Rural, was deployed to the scene. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Monday night. A dispute was going on between village headman representative Thakur Tanuj (son of Udayveer), a resident of Nagla Ranjita village, and the other party’s village headman candidate Thakur Bhajni (son of Surendra Singh). During this dispute, one of the two sides opened fire several times. Meanwhile, Pinky Devi (wife of Vinod Kumar), who was coming from the fields, was shot in the hand. Upon receiving information about the shooting, SP Rural Manish Kumar Mishra, Circle Officer Barla Garvit Singh, and Station House Officer Vinod Kumar arrived at the scene with police force. They immediately rushed the injured woman, Pinky Devi, to the Akrabad Health Center for treatment. Given her critical condition, doctors referred her to the medical college. Police have launched an investigation into the shooting incident. A heavy police force has been deployed to maintain peace in the village. Circle Officer Barla Garvit Singh stated that a woman was injured during a shootout between two groups in Nagla Ranjita village. Police have rushed the injured woman to the hospital. The accused have fled the village. Police are searching for them. Zainul Abedin Khan | Akrabad (Kol), Aligarh Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit woman assaulted, FIR filed on court order: Accused of casteist slurs and assault
A case has been registered in Catholia Lala village, under the Basti Nagar police station area, for assaulting a Dalit woman and her daughter, using casteist slurs, entering their home, and threatening to kill them. The city police took this action on the orders of the Special Court under the SC/ST Act. The victim, Gujarati Devi, stated in her petition to the court that the incident occurred on the morning of January 27th. Village resident Shakeela was sweeping and throwing garbage in the courtyard in front of her house. When Gujarati Devi objected, Shakeela allegedly threw garbage at her and insulted her using casteist slurs. It is alleged that as the dispute escalated, Gujarati Devi’s daughter, Shalu, tried to intervene, but Shakeela began assaulting her. Shakeela then called her husband, Yusuf, and sons, Mubarak, Saddam, Salman, and Sameer. All the accused dragged Shalu to the street, kicked, punched, and beat her with shoes, and also made casteist remarks. The victim also alleges that when she protested, the accused entered her home and assaulted her as well. During this, the accused attempted to dishonor her daughter by tearing her clothes. Hearing the noise, nearby villagers rushed to the scene, saving the mother and daughter. In her petition, Gujarati Devi stated that the accused family had been pressuring her to occupy her courtyard land for a long time and had been repeatedly hurling casteist abuses and threatening to kill her. The victim had previously filed complaints at the city police station, the Superintendent of Police’s office, and through registered mail, but when no action was taken, she had to seek legal recourse. On May 8, 2026, the Additional District and Sessions Judge/Special Judge, SC/ST Act, Basti, registered an FIR under Section 173(4) of the BNSS and ordered legal action. Station House Officer Bhanu Pratap Singh informed that in compliance with the court order, a case has been registered under relevant sections and the SC/ST Act and investigation has been initiated. Mohammad Shakeel | Nagar Bazaar (Basti Sadar), Basti Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit Teen beaten to death in Tehri Garhwal over inter-caste friendship
An 18-year-old Dalit youth, Ketan Lal, was allegedly beaten to death in Pratapnagar, Uttarakhand, over an inter-caste friendship. His friend was injured. Police have filed a murder case under the SC/ST Act and detained one suspect New Tehri: An 18-year-old Dalit youth was allegedly beaten to death and his friend severely injured over his friendship with a minor girl from an upper caste community in the Pratapnagar block here, police have said. The deceased, Ketan Lal, was a resident of Deval village. His injured friend, Diwakar Dimri, was admitted to the district hospital in Baurari. According to a complaint lodged by the Ketan’s father, Dhanpal Lal, the incident occurred on Sunday night in Kholgarh village. Ketan had reportedly been in a friendship with a girl from Kholgarh for the past six months. On Sunday at around 11 pm, the girl called Ketan on his mobile phone and asked him to come to her village. Ketan went to Kholgarh with Diwakar Dimri. When they both arrived, members of the girl’s family locked them both in a room and assaulted them with sticks, the police said on Monday. On Monday morning, the girl’s father called Dhanpal Lal to inform him about his son’s condition and asked him to take him back. Dhanpal found his son covered in blood and rushed him to a community health centre in Chaund Lambgaon where he succumbed, the police said. Irate locals and the family initially refused to claim the body from the hospital and demanded immediate action against the assaulters. Tehri Garhwal Senior Superintendent of Police Shweta Choubey said a case under the charge of murder and Section 3(2)(v) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was filed. The police had detained for questioning one of the accused, Yashveer Singh Panwar, the SSP added. Courtesy : Telangana Today Note: This news is originally published on https:/telanganatoday.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
BRS Delegation in Delhi: A Push for SC Status for Dalit Christians
A delegation from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) is in Delhi to meet the Justice K. Balakrishnan Commission to advocate for Scheduled Caste status for Dalit Christians. The move, supported by prior resolutions from the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, aims to ensure parity and social justice. The BRS delegation visited New Delhi to advocate for Scheduled Caste status for Dalit Christians. They aim to gain support from the Justice K. Balakrishnan Commission on this matter. Key members of the delegation include Rajya Sabha Deputy Floor Leader Vaddiraju Ravichandra and former minister Koppula Eshwar. This initiative follows a plea from the YSR Congress Party emphasizing equality and the struggles of Dalit Christians. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) delegation arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday with the agenda of advocating for Scheduled Caste (SC) status for Dalit Christians. This initiative seeks to gain the backing of the Justice K. Balakrishnan Commission, which holds jurisdiction in these matters. Prominent figures in the delegation include Rajya Sabha Deputy Floor Leader Vaddiraju Ravichandra and former minister Koppula Eshwar. Their visit follows a recent meeting by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) with the Commission’s chairperson, where they submitted a detailed plea seeking SC inclusion for Christian Dalits. In a compelling letter, YSRCP MP Maddila Gurumoorthy emphasized the constitutional principles of equality and non-discrimination, urging Justice Balakrishnan to recognize the similarity of social and economic struggles faced by Dalit Christians, akin to other SC groups. The appeal highlights ongoing resolutions, such as the support from former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. Courtesy : Devdiscourse Note: This news is originally published on https:/devdiscourse.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Bengaluru development portfolio pared, it’s Minister Krishna Byre Gowda’s turn to sulk
Gowda’s portfolio is devoid of BDA, BMRDA, which are with CM DK Shivakumar. BENGALURU: Just as the Congress high command resolved the issue of senior leader and Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy by convincing him to withdraw his resignation, Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda reportedly went into a sulk as his portfolio is devoid of the prominent Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) and Bengaluru Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA). Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has retained his hold on BDA and BMRDA. Sources said Gowda spoke to LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over phone, apprising him that without BDA and BMRDA, the portfolio lacks significance. There is no scope or potential to deliver the goods, and he doesn’t want to be the manager of five city corporations under Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), including Bengaluru North, Bengaluru South, Bengaluru East, Bengaluru West and Bengaluru Central city corporations. BWSSB and BMRCL are also part of his portfolio. This is the reason he has not taken charge of Bengaluru Development as yet and is anticipating a call from the high command, sources said. As the CM is unlikely to give up BDA and BMRDA, Gowda will seek a change in portfolio. The issue has also been brought to the notice of AICC general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, sources said. The Bengaluru Development portfolio has caused much heartburn. Ramalinga Reddy had resigned, insisting that it had been promised to him by CM Shivakumar. But after several rounds of talks, the high command humbled Reddy who eventually took charge but with the condition that during cabinet expansion, he should be allotted an additional portfolio or a separate one. Sources within the Congress government told The New Indian Express that Krishna Byre Gowda’s name was not on the first list of 13 ministers sworn in last Wednesday, as there was a lobby against him. As Revenue Minister in the Siddaramaiah regime, Gowda had executed the clearance of illegal encroachments on government lands, about 50 acres worth hundreds of crores of rupees in and around Bengaluru. It did not go down well with some legislators, including Congress leaders, sources informed. Which is why Gowda paid the price and lost the Revenue portfolio in the new regime, despite revolutionising the department, they added. The counselling system in transfer of sub-registrars and assistant commissioners left many leaders red-faced as there was no scope for influence, sources elaborated. Byre Gowda met Shivakumar at the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) office at Vidhana Soudha and held talks. Later, he refused to react to the media, saying his meeting was to do with the party and government, and the media has the liberty to interpret his meeting. But sources said his meeting revolved around the Bengaluru development portfolio and he insisted that BDA and BMRDA should be incorporated in it. Devaraj B Hirehalli 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
Opposition to write to CJI on SIR, ‘poll theft’, makes unity pitch
The DMK, a key INDIA bloc constituent, was conspicuous by its absence, while the AAP had distanced itself from the grouping. NEW DELHI: Calling for greater unity against the BJP, the Opposition INDIA bloc members on Monday unanimously decided to demand Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s immediate resignation over the NEET-CBSE paper leak row and write to the Chief Justice of India on alleged anomalies in the SIR exercise and allegations of ‘vote theft’. Leaders of 22 Opposition parties and Independent MP Kapil Sibal were part of the deliberations that lasted for more than 150 minutes at the Constitution Club in New Delhi. The DMK, a key INDIA bloc constituent, was conspicuous by its absence, while the AAP had distanced itself from the grouping. The deliberations began with a call to forge unity and rework the Opposition strategy to take on the BJP, while ironing out the differences within after the drubbing of the Trinamool Congress and DMK in the recent Assembly polls in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said, “A letter will be sent to the CJI soon on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, ‘vote loot’, and ‘stealing of elections’.” It was also agreed to demand the immediate resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan,” he said. According to sources, Rahul Gandhi stressed unity and said one must bring everyone together with love and affection. Akhilesh Yadav, who spoke about “vote chori” and said the Bengal polls were “robbed”, appealed to the Congress to show a big heart and back strong regional parties. The meeting was attended by Shiv Sena-UBT’s Uddhav Thackeray, and JMM’s Hemant Soren joined virtually. Others include Sonia Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav from SP, Tejashwi Yadav from RJD, Omar Abdullah from NC, and Mehbooba Mufti from PDP, along with Left leaders. Preetha Nair 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
LPG price hike adds to household burden in Karnataka
This is the second hike in the past three months. BENGALURU: The recent increase in the price of domestic LPG cylinders by Rs 29 has pushed the cost in Bengaluru to Rs 944 from Rs 915, adding to the burden on consumers already grappling with a series of price hikes in recent months. This is the second hike in the past three months. In March, LPG prices were increased by Rs 60 per cylinder following disruptions in global energy markets linked to tensions in West Asia. The price of a 5-kg LPG cylinder has also risen by around Rs 10, from Rs 340 to Rs 351. Speaking to TNIE about the impact of the hike, Ravi Richard, a retired professor, said, “The LPG price hike affects lower-middle-class and economically weaker sections in a serious way. “The Union government should ensure that low-income groups are protected from such increases through a differential pricing system. Those who can afford higher prices may be charged more, while poorer sections should be shielded from the burden.” “The repeated increase in LPG prices is putting significant pressure on household budgets, particularly those of middle-class and poor families. For families like ours, every rupee matters. The rising cost of essentials such as milk, cooking oil and now cooking gas is making daily life increasingly expensive,” said Shrikant, a resident of Horamavu. He added that the impact is being felt across the economy, with hotels and restaurants already raising prices. “Coupled with higher electricity tariffs, garbage collection charges and the implementation of the new labour code, food prices are likely to rise further,” he said. Suresh Kumar, an employee of a private company, said, “Given the trend of frequent LPG price hikes, it will not be surprising if the price crosses Rs 1,000 per cylinder. We are already bearing the burden of rising fuel costs and the increase in prices of essential commodities driven by higher diesel prices.” 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
INDIA bloc holds key meeting: Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav among top leaders present; DMK stays away
The meeting is being held against the backdrop of recent assembly polls in four states and the Union territory of Puducherry. While non-BJP parties secured victories in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the results were seen as a setback for the opposition, with the BJP winning West Bengal and Assam and retaining power in Puducherry alongside its ally, the All India NR Congress. The meeting has been convened at the request of Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC), which was defeated in West Bengal after 15 years in power and is now facing internal dissent. The TMC has had an on-off relationship with the INDIA bloc and contested the Lok Sabha polls in the state on its own. The leaders will address a joint press conference at 2:30 pm. Here are some key takeaways: Opening remarks and agenda Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge welcomed the leaders and outlined the agenda in his opening remarks. The discussion includes the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleged misuse of investigative agencies by the BJP-led Centre, perceived discrimination against non-BJP state governments, inflation, privatisation, unemployment, paper leaks, and what the opposition described as the Centre’s “weak” foreign policy, among other issues. Who are attending A total of 23 parties are participating in the INDIA bloc huddle. Opposition leaders present include Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge; TMC chief Mamata Banerjee; Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav; RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav; National Conference leader Omar Abdullah; and Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti, along with leaders from Left parties. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray is in attendance virtually. Who are missing The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) had already announced that it will boycott the meeting, citing the Congress’ “betrayal.” The decision comes after the Tamil Nadu elections, in which the DMK lost power after a single term, following which the Congress aligned with newcomer Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form the government in the state. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is also absent. Anti-Rahul posters Posters targeting Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi appeared at multiple roundabouts in New Delhi ahead of the meeting. The posters highlighted past remarks made by opposition leaders against the Congress MP. They featured statements attributed to NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, TMC’s Mamata Banerjee, DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin, and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal criticising Rahul Gandhi and the Congress. Tension between Congress and Left CPM’s John Brittas expressed serious concerns over the approach and conduct of the Congress, alleging that top leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Priyanka Gandhi, had accused the Left party of having an “understanding” with the BJP during the Kerala assembly elections. “We have serious reservations concerning the approach, attitude and conduct of the Congress party. Now it’s been three years since the inception of the INDIA bloc. We all came together to fight the BJP. But there is a murky situation that has happened in Kerala wherein people like Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Priyanka Gandhi accused us of having some sort of an alliance with the BJP,” Brittas told ANI. He questioned, “If that is the charge and approach of the Congress, then what is the whole purpose of us sitting together?” Brittas added that the CPI(M) does not seek validation from Congress regarding its commitment to opposing the BJP.” There were also tensions between the Congress and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) over seat-sharing for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. The dispute has since been resolved. 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
Gehlot says September 2022 incident was indication of disagreement against Sachin Pilot, not Congress leadership
Ashok Gehlot alleged that Pilot’s associates were responsible for creating a perception that the MLAs supporting him had revolted against the Congress high command, leaving him with a bad reputation. Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday criticised Congress leader Sachin Pilot and stated that the incidents that unfolded in September 2022 were not a revolt against the party high command but an indication of strong disagreement among the MLAs against Pilot’s elevation as the CM. The senior Congress leader alleged that Pilot’s associates were responsible for creating a perception that the MLAs supporting him had revolted against the Congress high command, leaving him with a bad reputation. Gehlot was speaking about the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting that was called in Jaipur on September 25, 2022, to discuss the leadership of the Rajasthan government if Gehlot were to be elected president of the party. Several MLAs close to Gehlot did not attend the meeting and opposed any move to make Pilot the chief minister. Gehlot on Sunday said that he was in line to become the Congress President, but such a situation unfolded that appeared to be a conspiracy, and he ended up with a bad reputation. However, he felt sorry in front of Sonia Gandhi for not being able to get a resolution passed in the CLP meeting. “It is repeatedly asked what happened on September 25. There can never be a revolt against the high command,” he said, adding that the incident was against “Sachin Pilot, whose name was being circulated” that he could take oath as the chief minister. He said the MLAs’ stance was that they had demonstrated loyalty to the high command. They stayed confined in hotels and saved the government. “They wanted any of them to be appointed as the chief minister and they would accept it, but Pilot was unacceptable to them because he was the one who took his MLAs to Manesar,” he said. Pilot, who was serving as the deputy chief minister in the Gehlot government, had rebelled against his leadership in 2020. It is alleged that he and some MLAs stayed in Haryana’s Manesar. The rebellion led to a political crisis in the state, which the party leadership resolved through intervention. Gehlot had alleged that it was a conspiracy orchestrated by the BJP to topple his government, using Pilot and other MLAs as pawns. In September 2022, a CLP meeting was called in Jaipur to discuss the leadership of the Rajasthan government if Gehlot were to be elected president of the Congress party. Sachin Pilot was considered the top runner to replace him. But MLAs loyal to Gehlot did not attend the meeting. Instead, they held a parallel meeting and went to Assembly Speaker C P Joshi’s residence to submit their mass resignations. Gehlot said there was no question of rebellion against the Congress high command. “Sonia Gandhi had offered me the chief minister’s post three times without me even asking for it. I was in line to become the Congress President, and I am not uneducated. I am well-educated. If Sonia Gandhi and the Congress party were making me Congress President, would I have refused?” he asked. “The situation that unfolded…I feel it was a conspiracy. AICC observers arrived suddenly, a spectacle ensued, and I ended up with a bad reputation,” he said. “People believe that Ashok Gehlot wanted to remain the chief minister rather than become Congress president, and that is why the revolt happened. How do I explain it to them?” he said. “The media spread this narrative, and I remained silent,” Gehlot said. Gehlot said he stayed silent because he needed to convey to Sonia Gandhi that he was the leader of the Legislature Party, and AICC observers had arrived. He added that he was unable to get the resolution passed and “expressing his regret to her”, he “apologised” for the situation that had arisen. Asserting that truth has no alternative, Gehlot said, “I have placed the truth before everyone and will continue to do so.” He said that historically the Congress high command had maintained strong trust in the Rajasthan unit. He alleged that the perception of revolt against the party high command was created by Pilot’s associates, which was incorrect. He said that when the party high command decides to change a chief minister, a majority of MLAs tend to align with the one who is going to become the new chief minister. “Whenever the high command decides that the chief minister should be replaced, 90 per cent of the MLAs who were previously with the incumbent chief minister switch their allegiance to the new one. What was the reason that when the new chief minister’s name began circulating — whether floated by Pilot’s associates — MLAs did not go to him,” he said. “Sachin Pilot needs to understand this. He has been in politics for about 15-20 years now. He has gained considerable experience. We are not his enemies. I used to visit his family since his childhood,” he said. Pilot made a mistake, and he should acknowledge it. He has not learned to accept the truth, which is why this issue persists, he said, adding that he does not want this issue to persist. Gehlot said, today, the Congress is in crisis, the country is in crisis. Only Congress can save the country and all leaders of the party should be united for this. The former chief minister said that he had helped Pilot become a union minister in the UPA government, but he never acknowledged this help. He is no longer chasing any post, Gehlot said, adding that “it would be a different matter if a position were to come my way unsolicited. I am not vying for any post.” Serving as chief minister three times is no small feat, he said, adding that his message is “Do not erase my line. Instead, draw a line longer than mine.” As for who becomes the chief minister and who
‘PM wants youth to keep making reels, fry pakodas’: Rahul slams Modi on CBSE OSM row
The Congress leader highlighted the students’ efforts to investigate the issue and raise concerns about the examination evaluation process. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday praised student whistleblower Sarthak Sidhant and his associate Nisarga Adhikary for exposing what he described as the “collusion” between the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and COEMPT, while stepping up his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the OSM controversy. Sharing a video of his meeting with the two on X, Gandhi said PM Modi wants young people to keep “making reels and fry ‘pakodas’”, but added that the students chose to question the system and seek answers. Gandhi met Sidhant, an 18-year-old student affected by the CBSE’s onscreen marking system (OSM), last week. Sidhant has alleged irregularities in the tendering process used to select a vendor for the OSM exercise for Class 12 board examinations. The Congress leader highlighted the students’ efforts to investigate the issue and raise concerns about the examination evaluation process. In his post in Hindi accompanying the video, Gandhi said, “Sarthak is 18 years old, yet, in terms of mindset, courage, and principles, he is second to none. He and his associate, Nisarg, accomplished what the country’s major media houses and investigative journalists could not: they exposed the collusion between CBSE and COEMPT to the nation.” An 18-year-old from the country proved faster and sharper than the CBI; this victory for the youth is, in the true sense, a defeat for the government, Gandhi said. “Modi ji wants our youth to keep making reels and frying pakodas, without asking questions or opening their eyes. But these young men did ask questions, and they found the answers, too,” the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said. “This is India’s true youth power — inquisitive, aware and informed. And remember, the country’s future will not be led astray,” he said. While the government has shunted out two top CBSE officials following the on-screen marking system row, the opposition Congress has dismissed it as an eyewash and a cover-up, with Rahul Gandhi demanding that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan be sacked and an independent judicial inquiry be ordered immediately. In the video, Gandhi asks Sidhant how he was able to find out information about alleged irregularities in the OSM tendering process. Gandhi also hails him for doing the job of investigative journalists. After meeting Sidhant and his family last Tuesday, Gandhi had posted pictures from the meeting and said, “Sarthak, stay firm on your principles.” Sidhant also made a presentation before a parliamentary panel on Tuesday on the alleged irregularities in the OSM tendering process. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) replaced the traditional method of checking papers with digital evaluation for Class 12 through the on-screen marking system. However, a controversy erupted after some Class 12 students alleged that the scanned copies of their answer sheets uploaded by the board did not match their handwriting, raising concerns over possible answer-sheet mismatch in the OSM system. 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