Dalit youth’s hand broken in Barhalganj: Family threatened with death following complaint, accused booked under SC/ST Act
A Dalit youth was subjected to caste-related abuse, assault, and death threats in the Barhalganj police station area. Based on the victim’s complaint, police have registered a case against the accused under the SC/ST Act and other sections and have begun an investigation. In fact, Suraj Harijan, son of Murali Harijan, a resident of Bagaha village, stated in his complaint to the police that he was returning home from his farm at around 8 pm on June 21st. It is alleged that Prem Yadav, son of Rajkumar, a resident of Netwar Patti, stopped him at the village’s Distolia intersection and began abusing him. During the attack, the accused used caste-related slurs and insulted him. When he resisted the abuse, the accused attacked him with sticks and rods. He suffered serious injuries and a broken left arm. Hearing the commotion, people nearby rushed to the scene, and he was able to save his life. Suraj Harijan alleges that while leaving, the accused threatened to kill his entire family if he filed a complaint at the police station. The incident was immediately reported to the Patna outpost police. Based on the complaint, the police have registered a case against the accused under sections 117(2), 115(2), 126(2), 352, 351(3), 3(2)(va) of the IPC and sections 3(1)(d) and 3(1)(g) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Police say the matter is under investigation. Rajiv Jaiswal | Barhalganj (Gorakhpur) Courtesy: Hindi News
Soren, Rahul Gandhi now leaders of only 50 MLAs, not 56: JMM’s message to Left, RJD after cross-voting in RS polls
RANCHI: After the cross-voting, allegedly by RJD and CPI (ML) MLAs led to the INDIA alliance losing a crucial seat in the recently concluded Rajya Sabha elections, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Tuesday lashed out at its allies, saying Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi are not their leaders anymore. Coming down heavily on the Left and the RJD, JMM General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya said both Soren and Rahul Gandhi are the leaders of the 50 MPs who voted for the alliance candidate. In the recent RS elections in Jharkhand, BJP-backed independent candidate Parimal Nathwani retained his seat despite the JMM-led INDIA alliance having 56 MLAs in the 81-member Assembly. The BJP-led NDA has 24 MLAs, four short of the minimum of 28 first-preference votes required to get a berth in the Upper House. Meanwhile, three votes, two from BJP and one Congress were declared invalid. According to JMM, out of the total 81 MLAs, 50 voted for the Congress and JMM candidates in the elections. Of these, JMM candidate Baidyanath Ram secured a seat by winning 30 votes, while Congress candidate Pranav Jha received only 20 votes, losing to the BJP-backed candidate. “Therefore, Hemant Soren and Rahul Gandhi are the leaders of these 50 MLAs,” said Bhattacharya, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP National President Nitin Nabin are the leaders of the remaining 28 MLAs whose votes went to the BJP-backed candidate. Speaking to the media, the JMM General Secretary also noted that following his victory, BJP-backed candidate Nathwani had expressed his gratitude by specifically naming the three MLAs from the INDIA alliance who voted for him. JMM General Secretary also indicated –without explicitly naming them– that the ruling alliance MLAs who voted for Parimal Nathwani have been identified. He also talked about reviewing the Rajya Sabha election results very soon. Meanwhile, both the RJD and the CPI(ML) strongly rejected the allegations, stressing that their legislators sticked to the alliance plan and voted in favour of the Congress candidate. “As for speculations over Jharkhand Rajya Sabha voting, we can tell with full responsibility that our two MLAs voted for the Congress candidate as planned,” CPI (ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya said in a post on X. RJD MLA and Minister Sanjay Prasad Yadav also rejected the charge, saying, “RJD is not treacherous like the Congress and maintains a distinct identity.” He asserted that all four RJD MLAs voted for the Congress candidate. RJD General Secretary Bhola Yadav echoed the criticism, saying that the Congress should introspect before blaming others. Story by Mukesh Ranjan Courtesy : MSN Note: This news is originally published on https:/msn.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Stop appeasing good friend Trump’: Congress says India should not sign trade pact against its interests
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said PM Modi must stop appeasing his good friend President Trump, who has claimed that he halted Operation Sindoor over a 100 times. With trade talks in focus during US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer’s India visit, the Congress on Tuesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi must stop appeasing his “good friend” President Donald Trump. The Congress also said there is absolutely no need for India to be “bamboozled” into signing any trade pact, which at present is heavily against its interests. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the Modi government must seek inspiration from Malaysia which has rebuffed its own trade deal with America following the US Supreme Court’s verdict. “The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is in New Delhi today and tomorrow. On the request of PM Modi, while he was under pressure from Rahul Gandhi’s expose in Parliament of his cowardice in front of China, an India-US Joint statement on trade was issued on February 6, 2026,” Ramesh said on X. “The US promised to reduce tariffs on Indian exports from 25% to 18%. India promised to eliminate its tariffs or reduce them deeply on US agricultural commodities and industrial products and purchase up to USD 500 billion from the US over five years,” he said. Ramesh pointed out that on February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court of the US ruled that President Trump’s reciprocal tariff strategy was illegal. The very tariff concession that the US had offered India in the February 6, 2026, joint statement effectively disappeared overnight, he said. “Within hours of the US Supreme Court ruling the US imposed a temporary 10% tariff on all its trading partners including India. The legal basis for this expires on July 24, 2026. There is considerable uncertainty on what will happen thereafter,” Ramesh said. However, India along with about 60 other countries is under investigation by the US for unfair trade practices that supposedly violate US laws, he said, adding that final outcomes from this investigation are expected in the coming weeks. The US is clearly using this investigation as a threat to get India to formally sign the agreement as announced on February 6, 2026, he said. “Such an agreement is not a deal but a steal by the US. Indian farmers in different states that include J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra will be very adversely impacted. The US makes very little firm commitments whereas India commits to at least trebling its present levels of annual imports from the US,” Ramesh said. Despite having trade agreements with Japan and the EU, the US has threatened increased tariffs on them, he said. Even if a deal is signed, what and where is the guarantee that tariffs will not be unilaterally imposed or threatened to be imposed thereafter, Ramesh asked. “There is absolutely no need for India to be bamboozled into signing any trade agreement which as it stands now is heavily against India’s interests,” Ramesh said. “PM Modi must stop appeasing his good friend President Trump, who has claimed that he halted Operation Sindoor over a 100 times and is yet to be challenged by Mr Modi on that claim,” the Congress leader said. Greer is visiting India to take forward the discussions on the interim trade deal agreed to by Prime Minister Modi and President Trump in February. Trump and Modi met on the sidelines of the G-7 meeting in France last week where the US president said that India and the US were very close to finalising the trade agreement. 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 : News On Air Note: This news is originally published on https:/newsonair.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
How Karnataka can set a model for rest of India by protecting transgender rights
Karnataka has not enacted any state-specific rules under the 2019 Act. The 2026 amendment, however, gives the DKS government the perfect opportunity to do so. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2026, notified in March, marked a significant regression from the rights framework built through the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and affirmed by the Supreme Court in NALSA v Union of India. It narrowed the definition of ‘transgender person’ to four socio-cultural groups, intersexed persons, and persons ‘compelled’ to present as transgender. It omits the right to self-perceived gender identity, and makes a medical recommendation mandatory for transgender identity cards. Finally, it inserts a new set of criminal offences based on harmful stereotypes about the transgender community by criminalising causing hurt by mutilation, emasculation, castration, amputation, or any surgical, chemical, or hormonal procedure with the intent to compel such person to ‘present a transgender identity’. Against the backdrop, what can the Karnataka state government do? The 2019 Act empowers state governments to make rules to operationalise the Act. Such rules must remain within the bounds of the parent Act. However, they do carry wide latitude to prescribe procedures, fill any silences, and protect rights on the ground. Currently, Karnataka has not enacted any state-specific rules under the 2019 Act. The 2026 amendment gives the Karnataka government the perfect opportunity to do so. First, the 2026 amendment restricts the definition of the term ‘transgender’ to four socio-cultural groups: hijras, jogta, aravanis and kinners. While jogta is a socio-cultural group in Northern Karnataka, it does not represent all transgender groups in the state. Further, these four terms do not have fixed or stable meanings. As the 2019 Act is a welfare law, it must be interpreted broadly, and, thus, it can be argued that the definition seeks to capture transgender groups by their indigenous names. Consequently, the Karnataka government can, through a government order, clarify which socio-cultural groups prevalent in the state fall within the scope of the definition. For this, it must consult diverse transgender groups. Further, it can also issue a Karnataka State Transgender Card, a la Tamil Nadu, and link all welfare benefits to it. Second, the 2026 amendment makes it mandatory for the district magistrate to account for the recommendations of a medical authority before issuing a certificate of identity to a transgender person. The Karnataka government cannot override this, but it can limit the role of the medical authority by mandating that the authority will not carry out a physical examination. Instead, self-declaration, and a Third, while the 2026 amendment omits the right to self-perceived gender identity, it is still a fundamental right. Karnataka must continue to recognise and uphold it. Fourth, unlike the 2019 Act, medical institutions where transgender persons undergo gender affirming procedures are now mandated to share such information with the district magistrate. This raises concerns about privacy, since personal data is being shared without the person’s consent. Karnataka must put in place rules for the manner in which this data will be processed, aligned with the Supreme Court’s judgment, which recognised the fundamental right to privacy. Only data which is necessary for verification of an applicant’s identity and change of gender marker must be processed, and such data must be stored in a secure manner. The data must be stored in a secure manner. The data must be shared only with authorities who play a role in issuing the identity card. Finally, the issuing authority must destroy the data once its purpose has been served. Fifth, the 2026 amendment has a chilling effect on the provision of legitimate gender affirming healthcare, as healthcare professionals fear prosecution. This, despite the refusal and discontinuation of healthcare to transgender persons, constitutes discrimination. The Karnataka government must issue a clarification that the provision of legitimate gender-affirming is not an offence and must be continued. Finally, the newly-inserted offences enable natal families to file criminal complaints against those extending support to transgender persons, claiming they are carrying out conversions. Karnataka must issue guidelines to the police to ensure that they carry out a preliminary inquiry when such a complaint is filed. If such an inquiry reveals that the individual is an adult and has voluntarily sought assistance or gender affirming care, such a statement must be recorded, no FIR must be registered, and the matter must be closed. Namrata Mukherjee Palomi Chaturvedi Disclaimer: The views expressed above are the author’s own. They do not necessarily reflect the views of DH. Namrata Mukherjee is Specialist, Governance & Rights, Vidhi, and Palomi Chaturvedi is Research Fellow, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy Courtesy : DH Note: This news is originally published on https:/deccanherald.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Andhra Pradesh: Suspended Inspector, embroiled in murder case, now faces charges of abetting Dalit youth’s suicide; YSRCP demands CBI investigation
Chief Inspector Nagaraju, embroiled in a custodial death case, is now accused of abetting Dalit youth Kranti Kumar’s suicide; YSRCP demands CBI investigation in the matter. The troubles of suspended Circle Inspector Nagaraju, embroiled in the alleged custodial murder of Gade Sai Krishna in Andhra Pradesh, have worsened. He now faces serious charges of abetting the suicide of a Dalit man. Following this new development, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has strongly demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation into the entire matter. A video of Perugogu Kranti Kumar, a resident of Vijayawada, recently went viral on social media. In the video, he accuses Circle Inspector Nagaraju of harassment and threatens to take his own life. On Saturday, June 20th, two days after the video surfaced, YSRCP leaders met with the deceased’s family and demanded a CBI investigation into his death. Kranti Kumar was the son of Perugogu Venkateswara Rao, president of the Andhra Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi (MRPS). On May 21st, 42-year-old Kranti had recorded a video expressing his intention to commit suicide. He clearly stated that he could no longer tolerate the alleged harassment by Circle Inspector Nagaraju of the Krishna Lanka police station. This harrowing video began spreading rapidly on June 18th, after Inspector Nagaraju was suspended in connection with the disappearance of another man named Gade Sai Krishna. In the viral video, Kranti Kumar can be clearly seen consuming purple-colored grains (poison). Just before consuming the poison, Kranti says in the video that CI Nagaraju is solely responsible for his death. He emotionally stated that his only fault was being born into the Madiga community. Kranthi alleged that he has been targeted and severely beaten for the past three months, and that he no longer wants to live. Another murder and missing person case has been filed against suspended CI Nagaraju based on a complaint by Gade Sai Krishna’s mother, Gade Vijaya Lakshmi. Sai Krishna had been missing for over a month before the complaint was filed. Police now suspect he has been murdered. The case has been registered under sections 127(4) and 127(6) (wrongful confinement), 103(1) (murder), and 238 (destruction of evidence) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Vijaya Lakshmi has made serious allegations that her son was tortured and beaten to death in police custody. She has demanded that the state government conduct a judicial inquiry into the entire incident and take strict action against all those responsible. On June 17, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu took a strong stance, citing the seriousness of the matter. He ordered a high-level investigation by a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. Following this order, Circle Inspector Nagaraju was suspended with immediate effect. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit woman’s house bulldozed: Administration accused of taking action without notice, woman demands investigation
Mala Devi, a Dalit woman in Chhidi village of Prayagraj’s Bara tehsil area, has leveled serious allegations against the tehsil administration. She alleges that the administration bulldozed her house without notice. Mala Devi, calling this action illegal and unconstitutional, has demanded an impartial investigation and action against the culprits. According to Mala Devi, her family had been living in a makeshift house built on Arazi number 1014 for generations. This land is registered as barren land. She claims that her family had been living in this house for years. The woman alleges that after a complaint from the village head, the tehsil administration arrived at the scene with police force, bulldozers, and some local residents. Her house was subsequently demolished. Mala Devi stated that the administration did not provide her with any prior notice nor did they provide her with an opportunity to present her side of the story. They allege that their house was demolished without following any legal procedures, leaving their entire family homeless. Mala Devi filed her complaint at the Sampoorna Samadhan Diwas held on June 20th, pleading for justice. She says no effective action was taken on this complaint, and a bulldozer was used to demolish her house shortly thereafter. The victim and her family have demanded an impartial investigation of the entire matter from the district administration and the government. They have also stated that if rules were violated in the action, legal action should be taken against the responsible officials and those involved. The family has also demanded adequate compensation and rehabilitation. At present, the administrative authorities have not officially released their statement on this matter. Only after receiving their response will it become clear under what circumstances this action was taken. Shivam Verma | Bara Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit farmer denied land despite measurement: Opponent builds wall at disputed site, seeks DM’s help
A Dalit farmer in Mainpuri has appealed to the District Magistrate for justice over the lack of demarcation and permanent fencing of his land. The farmer alleges that due to the negligence of the Revenue Department and the dominance of the opponent, a permanent fencing has not been completed on his land despite the measurement. The opponent has also illegally constructed a wall on the disputed land, deepening the dispute over ownership. This case is from village Adupur in the Mainpuri tehsil area. Village resident Ganesh, son of Lalaram, stated in his complaint letter to the District Magistrate that he had applied to the Sub-District Magistrate, Mainpuri, for demarcation of his land on September 30, 2025. According to the complaint, the revenue team arrived at the site and measured the land and also erected a temporary fencing. Ganesh says that the measurement was correct and he hopes that a permanent fencing will be completed soon. Ganesh alleges that on May 18, 2026, when revenue officials arrived at the site to construct a permanent boundary wall, they colluded with the opponent, Jaiveer Singh. According to the farmer, the revenue officials left the process incomplete and returned without properly measuring the land. Ganesh also alleged that the officials threatened him and threatened him with threats from the opposing party if he exerted more pressure. Ganesha then filed a second complaint with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate. Based on the complaint, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, along with a revenue team, arrived at the site under the Mission Samadhan Yojana and inspected the land. Ganesh alleges that it became clear on the spot that the opponent, Jaiveer Singh, had illegally erected a wall on the disputed site. However, the process of removing the wall and constructing a permanent boundary wall has not yet been completed. Abhishek Jain | Mainpuri Courtesy: Hindi News
Bulandshahr: Dalit Youth Allegedly Beaten, Caste Slurs Used in Balrampur Village
A case of alleged assault on Dalit youths has been reported from Balrampur village under Narasena police station in Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh. The victims have accused several villagers of attacking them, using caste-based slurs, and issuing death threats. According to a written complaint submitted to the police, the victims have demanded strict action against the accused. Victims Name Four Accused in Complaint In their police complaint, Ankita Kumar (son of Dharmveer), Dharmendra (son of the late Sukhdev Singh), and Bobby Kumar (son of Vijendra Singh) alleged that they were attacked by Shivam (son of Kiranpal Singh), Shailesh, Mainpal, and others from the same village. The complainants said the accused assaulted them with sticks and sharp weapons, including a spade (phawda), causing serious fear and injuries. Caste Slurs and Death Threat Alleged The victims further alleged that when they tried to resist the attack, the accused abused them, used caste-based derogatory language, and threatened to kill them. They also claimed that the accused are “dominant and influential” in the village, which has created an atmosphere of fear among their families after the incident. Police Begin Investigation Following the incident, the victims approached Narasena police station and submitted a written complaint naming the accused. They have demanded that an FIR be registered and strict legal action be taken. Station House Officer Ram Kishore Gautam confirmed receipt of the complaint and said the matter is under investigation. “The complaint has been received and the case is being examined. Further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation,” the SHO said. Courtesy : TOP Note: This news is originally published on https:/theobserverpost.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit woman’s land illegally occupied, construction demolished: Casteist slurs and death threats for protesting in Shahabad
A Dalit woman in Shahpur Dev village, Shahabad tehsil of Rampur, has alleged illegal occupation and demolition of a construction on her purchased land. The woman says that some villagers occupied her land and, when she protested, used casteist slurs and threatened to kill her. The victim has filed a complaint with the authorities and demanded strict action against the accused. Demand for action against the accused Complainant Kranti, a resident of Shahpur Dev, stated that she purchased 0.0162 hectares of land in plot number 408 from Sonia of the village on May 11, 2026. After the sale deed, the seller handed over possession of the land to her. Kranti constructed the foundation and boundary wall on her purchased land. After this, she went to Chandigarh (Punjab) to work as a laborer. Some time later, she received information that some villagers had broken the foundation and boundary of her land and taken possession of it. The accused behaved rudely When Kranti returned home and questioned these people, they claimed the land as theirs and admitted to the occupation. It is alleged that when she protested, the accused behaved rudely with her, used casteist slurs, and threatened to kill her. Family terrified after the incident The victim stated that her family has been terrified since this incident. They have demanded the administration free the land from illegal occupation and take strict legal action against the accused. In this regard, Sub-District Magistrate Ashutosh Kumar stated that upon receiving the complaint, the matter will be investigated and necessary action will be taken. Vishal Kumar Joshi | Shahbad, Rampur Courtesy: Hindi News