Land Eviction Case: Kerala Government Promises No Dalit Family to Be Evicted
CM V.D. Satheesan made a major statement on the Pariyathukavu land dispute in Ernakulam, Kerala, stating, “Despite the court order, no Dalit family will be deprived of their homes; the government will provide rehabilitation.” Thiruvananthapuram. Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan issued a major assurance on Monday. He clarified that no Dalit family will be left homeless in the process of resolving the long-pending land dispute involving Pariyathukavu residents in Ernakulam district. Speaking on this sensitive issue after a cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister responded to criticism from leftist parties. He stated that the government’s primary focus is on rehabilitating the affected families, even if legal compulsions require eviction action. Indeed, a private party obtained an eviction order from the Supreme Court, following which the Kerala High Court also directed the land to be vacated. Responding to this, Satheesan said that if the court order is implemented, the government will provide these families with alternative land and housing so they don’t have to wander the streets. To this end, the government has already initiated discussions with the Advocate General and senior legal officials. The aim is to find a humane and practical solution to the matter. Given the gravity of the situation, the government has also directed the Advocate General to seek more time from the court. The Pariyathukavu case involves a disputed piece of land near Kizhakkambalam in Ernakulam. Dalit families have lived there for decades, while some private parties have been claiming ownership of the land. The dispute has been escalating since the court ordered the land to be vacated based on ownership. Repeated failed eviction attempts and demands for the families’ rehabilitation have made it a major political issue in the state. Launching a scathing attack on the previous CPI(M)-led Left government, the Chief Minister said he was surprised to see two former ministers from the previous cabinet protesting there. He sarcastically remarked that this was happening just a day after the new government was sworn in. The Chief Minister explained that this was the 15th attempt to evict residents. During the previous Left government’s tenure, attempts were made to evict residents 14 times on court orders, but no concrete steps were taken toward rehabilitation. Satheeshan stressed that this was a land dispute filed by a private individual. He alleged that the Left government did not take even the slightest initiative to resolve the issue, but his government took cognizance of it the very next day after coming to power. To resolve the dispute, the government immediately sent Higher Education Minister Rosy M. John to Ernakulam to speak directly to the protesting family members. The Chief Minister concluded by stating that the government has reviewed all options and has determined that even if the court order is implemented, the eight affected families will not lose their homes. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Raped a Dalit woman under the pretext of a job, threatened her when she became pregnant; Kerala High Court denies bail to suspended Congress councilor!
The special SC/ST court had already denied Prasobh anticipatory bail after a police complaint was filed. Kochi—The Kerala High Court on Tuesday denied anticipatory bail to suspended Palakkad Congress city councilor Prasobh M in the alleged rape case of a Dalit woman. Justice A. Badruddin dismissed Prasobh’s appeal and upheld the lower court’s decision. Prasobh is accused of sexually exploiting a Dalit woman by promising her a job. A case was registered against him at the Palakkad Town South police station under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, on charges of rape and intimidation. According to the prosecution, Prasobh, despite being married, maintained a relationship with the victim for over a year and a half. He repeatedly had physical relations with her, promising her a job and lifelong support. When the relationship became public, the accused threatened the woman and used caste-based slurs. She was even threatened when she became pregnant. The victim told the court that she met Prasobh when his father, who owned a tea stall, abused her. Prasobh persuaded her not to file a complaint and then remained in constant contact with her. He lured the woman into a sexual relationship with the promise of a good job. After a police complaint was filed, the Special SC/ST Court denied Prasobh anticipatory bail in April. The trial court stated that a prima facie case was made out against the suspended councilor. Following this, Prasobh approached the High Court. Senior advocate Sasimangalam S. Ajit Kumar and other lawyers represented Prasobh in the High Court. They argued that even if the allegations were considered true, the relationship was consensual. He also argued that the elements of the crime under the SC/ST Act were not met, and that the prohibition on anticipatory bail under this law did not apply. However, Justice Badruddin rejected these arguments, stating that the trial court’s decision was correct. The High Court clarified that the case primarily lay under the SC/ST Act. Therefore, the suspended councilor was denied relief. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit woman sexual exploitation case: Kerala High Court rejects anticipatory bail for expelled Congress councilor M.A. Prasobh
The Kerala High Court has taken a tough stand in the case of sexual exploitation of a Dalit woman on the pretext of a job and lifelong companionship. Expelled Congress councilor M.A. Prasobh was denied anticipatory bail. The Kerala High Court on Tuesday dealt a major legal blow to expelled Congress councilor M.A. Prasobh. The court rejected his anticipatory bail plea in the case involving the sexual exploitation of a Dalit woman on the pretext of a job and lifelong companionship. A bench headed by Justice A. Badruddin upheld the previous order of the Special SC/ST Court, which had rejected the former councilor’s pre-arrest bail application. The lower court had clearly held that a prima facie case was made out against the accused. The case was registered at the Palakkad Town South Police Station. The serious allegations surfaced, causing significant political embarrassment for the Congress in Palakkad, leading to the expulsion of the accused from the party. This issue has also been politically sensitive. Even during the assembly election campaign, the CPI-M used this incident as a major political weapon against the Congress. According to the prosecution, despite being already married, M.A. Prasobh remained in contact with the complainant for approximately one and a half years. It is alleged that he repeatedly engaged in physical relations with her by falsely promising her employment and lifelong support. The victim, who belongs to the Scheduled Caste community, claims in her complaint that she became pregnant during this relationship. When the affair became public, she was threatened and abused. Based on the victim’s complaint, the police have registered a case against Prasobh under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). These include rape, sexual exploitation by false pretenses, and criminal intimidation. He has also been charged with stringent provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Pleading for anticipatory bail in the High Court, the defense lawyer argued that even if all the allegations are accepted as true, this appears to be a case of a completely consensual relationship between two adults. The defense also argued that the SC/ST Act had been misused in this case, and therefore, the statutory bar on bail under the Act should not apply. They claimed that the special court did not record any clear finding substantiating the rape allegation and denied bail solely on the basis of the SC/ST Act. However, the complainant’s lawyer strongly opposed the bail plea, stating that the accused had emotionally and sexually abused the woman over a prolonged period. The victim stated in her complaint that she first met Prasobh when his father, who runs a tea stall, allegedly abused her. The woman alleges that after that incident, Prasobh persuaded her not to file a police complaint. He then gradually won her trust by promising her a job and security, trapping her in his net. Now, after the Kerala High Court rejected her anticipatory bail plea, the expelled councilor’s troubles have increased significantly. As the investigation progresses, the threat of arrest hangs over M.A. Prasobh. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
A shameful incident in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh: Two minors gang-raped a 9-year-old Dalit girl.
In Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, a case of gang rape of a 9-year-old Dalit girl by two minor boys has been reported. Police have registered a case under the POCSO (Prevention of Atrocities) and SC/ST Acts and have begun an investigation. Uttar Pradesh: A deeply disturbing and shameful incident has come to light in Ballia district. A nine-year-old Dalit girl was allegedly gang-raped in a village under the Haldi police station area. Shockingly, both accused in this heinous crime are minors and hail from the same village as the victim. Based on a complaint filed by the victim’s father, the police have registered an FIR and initiated an investigation. According to the complaint, this horrific incident occurred on the evening of May 23rd. The innocent girl was grazing goats outside the village. It is alleged that the two minor boys lured her with something and then sexually assaulted her. The father has also made a serious allegation in his complaint that the accused used casteist slurs against the girl during the incident. The incident has sparked widespread outrage among local residents. Providing details of the case, Bairia Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Mohammad Fahim Qureshi, stated that the two accused boys are between 11 and 12 years old. He also confirmed that the accused and the victim were already acquainted with each other. After receiving the complaint, the police registered a case against the two accused boys on Monday under stringent sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 70(2) (gang rape), the POCSO Act, and relevant sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The DSP further stated that the victim girl was sent to the District Women’s Hospital for a medical examination on Tuesday. Currently, the police are completing the process of recording the girl’s official statement and the necessary legal action in the case is being taken promptly. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Transgender murder suspect arrested in encounter: Murder following altercation, apprehended within 24 hours
Greater Noida Police arrested the suspect in the transgender murder case within 24 hours of a shootout. The accused has been identified as Abhishek alias Mona alias Manav. Police recovered a pistol, a live cartridge, and a .315-bore cartridge from him. With the help of local intelligence, the Knowledge Park police station cordoned off the road leading from the Sector-148 Metro Line to Pushta. A gunfight ensued between the police and the accused, leading to the arrest of 26-year-old Abhishek. The accused, originally from Aligarh, was currently living in Tughlaqpur. Police investigation revealed that the accused and the deceased, Chandni alias Manoranjan Sharma, lived together in a rented house in Tughlaqpur. They often drank alcohol together. They often had arguments over coming home late at night and having affairs with other people. This conflict led to the accused killing Chandni and fleeing the scene. ADCP Greater Noida Santosh Kumar stated that the murder of a transgender person occurred in Tughlaqpur on the night of the 24th. Acting swiftly, the police arrested the accused after an encounter. Police have registered a case against the accused under the murder and Arms Act. His criminal history is also being investigated. Courtesy: Hindi News
TN CM Vijay to visit Delhi tomorrow; likely to meet PM, Congress leaders
The Tamil Nadu chief minister is likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at around 4.30 pm and is also expected to meet Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay will visit New Delhi on Wednesday. This will be his first visit to the national capital after becoming the CM. He is likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at around 4.30 pm. During the meeting, the Chief Minister is expected to submit a detailed memorandum on Tamil Nadu’s requirements, including allocation of funds for various schemes, pending clearances for developmental projects, the Mekedatu issue, and the PM Shri scheme, among others. The Chief Minister is also likely to meet Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. According to the tentative schedule, he is expected to return to Chennai on May 28. 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
Congress dismisses Karnataka leadership change buzz after high-level Delhi meeting
Senior leaders insist Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council polls were the only issues discussed during the high level Delhi meeting attended by Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar. NEW DELHI: The Congress on Tuesday dismissed speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka, asserting that discussions between the party’s central leadership and state leaders were focused solely on the upcoming Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections. The issue gained attention amid the continuing leadership tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar, both of whom were summoned to Delhi along with supporting MLAs, triggering speculation over a possible power sharing arrangement in the state. Though Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had convened a meeting to decide party candidates for the two elections, the point of interest remained the protracted leadership tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar, who were summoned to Delhi, and whether there would be any resolution. Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had arrived in the national capital accompanied by the MLAs supporting them. At the core of the leadership tangle in the southern state is Shivakumar’s demand that he be elevated to the chief minister’s post in accordance with a “promise” which his supporters claim was made to him during state assembly elections in 2023. The Congress’s central leadership held deliberations for several hours with its Karnataka state leaders, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, who is also the state party chief, at the Indira Bhawan headquarters. The party leaders, however, insisted that the issue of any leadership change was not discussed at the meeting attended by Congress president Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, AICC general secretary, Organisation, K C Venugopal and AICC General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka Randeep Surjewala, among others. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, left, with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar at Indira Bhavan ahead of consultations with the Congress leadership. “Today, the entire discussion was only concentrated on the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections and (Legislative) Council elections of Karnataka. Whatever speculation you people are doing, that is only speculation, no reality at all. Today we discussed about the Rajya Sabha seats and the Council seats of Karnataka,” Venugopal told the media after the meeting. He was flanked by Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. He said the candidates of the Rajya Sabha and Council seats of Karnataka will be announced along with the other seats like Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. “This is what we have decided today, and nothing else was discussed,” he asserted. Asked about any leadership change, Siddaramaiah also said, “It is only a speculation”. Asked if there was any discussion on leadership change, he replied emphatically with “No”. On a possible cabinet reshuffle, the chief minister said, “It did not come up for discussion. Of the four Rajya Sabha seats getting vacant in Karnataka, the Congress can win three seats and the BJP one. Kharge’s Rajya Sabha seat is getting vacant in June and he is likely to be re-elected from Karnataka.” The party may also field Shivakumar’s brother D K Suresh as one of the Rajya Sabha candidates, as well as a woman or an OBC nominee. Suresh has been a former Rajya Sabha member from the state. Besides, the Congress leaders are also learnt to have discussed the party candidates for the legislative council seats. The Congress is likely to get four seats in the legislative council out of the seven vacancies, going by its present strength in the state assembly. 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
Congress to put Dalits at centre of party politics, says Rahul Gandhi
In what appeared to be a significant political signal ahead of key state elections, he asserted that Dalits would now occupy a central role within the Congress organisation. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday acknowledged that the party’s failure to adequately address Dalit concerns in the 1980s and 1990s contributed to the rise of regional parties built around Dalit politics and support bases. Addressing a meeting of the Congress Scheduled Castes Department at the party headquarters, Rahul Gandhi said that had the Congress acted decisively for Dalit communities during that period, caste-based regional formations may not have emerged, nor would Dalit voters have shifted away from the party. In what appeared to be a significant political signal ahead of key state elections, he asserted that Dalits would now occupy a central role within the Congress organisation. According to sources present at the meeting, Rahul Gandhi also praised Kanshi Ram for uniting Dalits politically and instilling self-confidence within the community. He further alleged that the BJP was simultaneously attempting to weaken regional parties while undermining the rights of Dalits, claiming that atrocities against the community were increasing. In response, he said, the Congress would position itself as a defender of Dalit rights and work toward fulfilling the vision of B R Ambedkar. The remarks mirror Rahul Gandhi’s earlier outreach to Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Last year, he publicly admitted that the Congress had failed to adequately represent OBC interests and even expressed regret over the party’s past approach. More recently, he has intensified demands for a nationwide caste census as part of the Congress party’s broader social justice plank. Political observers believe the Congress benefited electorally from this strategy during the Lok Sabha elections, particularly among Dalit and backward-class voters. Rahul Gandhi repeatedly campaigned with a copy of the Constitution in hand, accusing the Modi government of threatening constitutional values — a message that appeared to resonate with sections of marginalised communities. With the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections approaching, Rahul Gandhi has stepped up his outreach efforts in the state. Last week, during a visit to his parliamentary constituency of Raebareli, he unveiled a statue of Dalit freedom fighter Veera Pasi and addressed a Bahujan community gathering. Meanwhile, a recent attempt by Rajendra Pal Gautam, the Chairman of the Congress party’s Scheduled Castes Department, to meet Mayawati at her residence in Lucknow did not materialise. Whether Rahul Gandhi’s renewed emphasis on Dalit and backward-class politics — coupled with an acknowledgment of the Congress party’s past shortcomings — translates into electoral gains will become clear only in the coming elections. 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
Why did petrol, diesel become costlier despite fall in crude oil prices in last 12 years, asks Kharge
While crude oil has become cheaper, petrol has become approximately 42.8% more expensive, and diesel about 67.9% more expensive, Kharge said. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday slammed the central government over the increase in fuel prices and asked why relief was not provided to people when crude oil prices fell during the last 12 years. Kharge cited an official statement by the PIB to state that exactly 12 years ago today — on May 26, 2014 — when Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office, the price of crude oil in the Indian basket stood at USD 108.05 per barrel, and the Dollar-Rupee exchange rate was Rs 58.59. At that time, petrol was available at Rs 71.51 per litre, and diesel at Rs 56.71 per liter, he said in his post in Hindi on X. Today, the price of crude oil is below USD 99 per barrel; yet, the prices of petrol and diesel have surged to Rs 102.12 and Rs 95.20 per litre, respectively, Kharge said. In other words, while crude oil has become cheaper, petrol has become approximately 42.8% more expensive, and diesel about 67.9% more expensive, he said. “Every economist knows that the rising cost of petrol and diesel impacts every sector. From transportation to food commodities, the burden of inflation on the common man continues to intensify. Despite this, the government’s profiteering continues unabated,” Kharge said. “The question is straightforward: When crude oil prices have fallen, why have petrol and diesel become more expensive?” he said. Why is there no relief for the public, Kharge asked. The Congress on Monday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the latest fuel hike, with Rahul Gandhi alleging that the “mehangai manav” has struck again and he has just one job of making promises during elections and attacking people’s pockets at other times. Kharge also lashed out at the Modi government over the issue and asked who is benefitting from this “daily robbery”. Petrol and diesel prices were raised by Rs 2.61-2.71 per litre on Monday, marking the fourth increase in less than two weeks as state-owned fuel retailers continued to pass on rising international oil prices to consumers. 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
Congress submits memorandum on Mahoba student case: Demands arrest of culprits, fast-track trial, and stringent punishment
Congress leaders in Kushinagar expressed deep outrage over the alleged kidnapping and gang rape of a Dalit student in Mahoba. Led by District Congress Committee Kushinagar Vice President Md. Zaheeruddin, the workers submitted a memorandum addressed to the Governor through the District Magistrate, demanding strict action against the culprits. The memorandum states that a Dalit student returning from NEET coaching in Mahoba was abducted and gang-raped. The incident has been described as extremely shameful and inhuman, shocking the entire state. The Congress party has raised serious questions about the safety of women, especially Dalit daughters. Congress District President Md. Zaheeruddin said that crimes against women are continuously increasing in the state, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the general public. He appealed to the government to take immediate and strict action against such incidents to prevent recurrence in the future. In the memorandum, Congress leaders demanded that the victim student be given speedy justice. All accused involved in the incident be immediately arrested and tried in a fast-track court. They also demanded the harshest punishment for the culprits, ensuring the safety of the victim and her family, and providing adequate financial assistance and government support. In addition, Congress workers demanded effective and concrete steps for the safety of women and Dalit daughters in the state. They stressed that strengthening law and order is the need of the hour. Numbers of Congress workers, including NSUI Kushinagar District President Anuj Mishra, Parvez Alam, Ramzan Ali, and Keshav Gupta, were present on the occasion. Sajid Ansari | Padrauna (Kushinagar), Kushinagar Courtesy: Hindi News