Five booked after dalits allege humiliation at temple event in Gujarat’s Junagadh
According to multiple people, the temple event invitation included a condition requiring them to bring their own plates and bowls if they wished to attend the meal. AHMEDABAD: Dalit residents in Bhutdi village of Visavadar, Junagadh, have alleged humiliating conditions during a temple event. Police have booked five accused under the IPC and the Atrocities Act, while the state government has ordered immediate arrests and protection for the victims. The controversy erupted during the grand consecration of an idol event of a Ramji Temple in Visavadar, where the entire village had gathered for rituals and a community feast. Organisers, who visited the Scheduled Caste locality to extend invitations, allegedly did not offer respect; instead, they delivered terms that triggered outrage. According to multiple people, the invitation came with a clause: “If you wish to attend the meal, bring your own plates and bowls from home.” The victims further claimed they were told that, “You will only be allowed to eat after others in the village have finished.” Local youth Ajay Boricha alleged, “This was not just about utensils, it was about humiliation. Separate seating, separate drinking water arrangements, everything was designed to isolate us”. Boricha described the incident as a systematic attempt to enforce caste segregation even in a temple setting. People filed formal complaints at the Visavadar police station. Local leader Umeshbhai said, “If arrests are not made immediately, we will escalate this to the Superintendent of Police. Such caste-based humiliation cannot be tolerated in independent India,” he said, invoking constitutional rights and equality. With tensions rising and public anger mounting, the police moved in, registering a case against five accused residents of Bhutdi village. The charges include multiple sections of the IPC along with stringent provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Later, the state government stepped in decisively, terming the incident not just discrimination but a case of social boycott. Orders were swiftly issued to the district administration, demanding immediate arrests and strict enforcement of the law. In a parallel move, directives were sent to the District Superintendent of Police and the Deputy Director of the Scheduled Caste Welfare Department calling for urgent action, victim protection, and a high-level, impartial investigation. “Zero tolerance will be maintained in such cases. A detailed report must be submitted immediately, and strictest action ensured,” the directive stated. Meanwhile, on the ground, police surveillance has intensified, and efforts to apprehend the accused have been accelerated. Dilip Singh Kshatriya 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
Jalaun: Dalit organizations demand beautification of Dr. Ambedkar statues, submit memorandum to CM with ground report of 134 villages
At the conclusion of Dr. Ambedkar Month in Jalaun, Dalit organizations raised their demands, submitting a memorandum to the CM for the beautification and protection of statues in 134 villages. Orai (Jalaun). Dr. Ambedkar Month, organized by the Bundelkhand Dalit Rights Forum and the Dalit Honor and Justice Center, concluded today. On this occasion, a team of social organizations reached the District Magistrate’s office and submitted a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister. This memorandum raised the important demand for surveying and beautifying Dr. Ambedkar statues installed throughout Uttar Pradesh. Dalit Honor and Justice meetings were held in more than 135 villages of the district during Ambedkar Month. The 14-member team that reached the District Magistrate’s office for the closing ceremony included Tehsil Coordinator Pradeep Kumar, Saneshraja, Usha Devi, Devendra Anil, Sachin Chaudhary, Anita, and Surendra, along with Adv. Nikhat Praveen, Adv. Ajay Singh, Adv. Kiran Mehra and other activists participated. These activists conducted a campaign to educate and raise awareness among the community throughout the month of April. During the campaign, activists conducted a group recitation of the Preamble of the Indian Constitution and compiled the problems of people in rural areas. The memorandum stated that in many villages, underprivileged families lack access to government schemes. Furthermore, problems such as the accumulation of garbage near the statues of Baba Saheb and the poor condition of drains have also become prominent. The organization has prepared a detailed status report of the statues of Dr. Ambedkar installed in 134 gram panchayats of the district. The survey revealed that in many places, the statues are in urgent need of beautification. In some villages, there is controversy over the installation of statues, while in others, illegal occupation of government and village community land allotted in Baba Saheb’s name has been discovered. High Court advocate Kuldeep Kumar Bauddh said on this occasion that true respect for Baba Saheb is possible only by following his principles. They welcomed the ₹403 crore “Dr. Ambedkar Statue Development Scheme” approved by the Chief Minister on April 7, 2026. They emphasized that this scheme must be implemented effectively at the grassroots level to ensure proper development of the statues. The memorandum primarily demanded that a district-wise survey of statues installed across the state be conducted and an official list be released. Beautification work should be completed soon by ensuring umbrellas, boundary walls, CCTV cameras, and greenery near the statues in the 134 identified villages of Jalaun district. The organizations also demanded that villagers who wish to install Dr. Ambedkar statues in their areas through the Panchayat should be granted easy permission and approval from the district administration. The memorandum clarified that the installation of new statues should be ensured with respect and administrative support. Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit community’s Bindooli attacked in Hariyav, Udaipur, pelted with swords and stones
Udaipur, The joy of a Dalit family in Hariyav village, under the Dabok police station area of the district, was disrupted last night when miscreants attacked the Bindooli while hurling casteist slurs. Applicant Bhairulal Meghwal stated in his police complaint that at around 10 pm on April 29, his daughter Pooja’s Bindooli was passing through the main road of Dhira Talai when Laxman Singh, Madhu Singh, Kishan Singh, Uday Singh, Arjun Singh, along with other family members and women from the village, blocked the way. It is alleged that Madhu Singh’s daughter, Manju Kunwar, grabbed a young man’s collar, hurled casteist insults at him, and threatened to cause bloodshed if the Bindooli continued. Then, the attackers suddenly stopped the DJ, forced the bride off the horse, and attacked the wedding party and guests with sticks, rods, and swords. In this violent clash, a man named Takhat Singh reportedly attacked with a sword, injuring several people, including Vardi Chand, Ganesh, Jitu, and Manju Meghwal. Stones were also pelted during the attack, seriously injuring women and children. The victims allege that, in addition to the assault, the attackers snatched gold mangalsutras from the women’s necks and committed robbery. The incident has created an atmosphere of tension in the entire area. The applicant has appealed to the Dabok police station officer to take strict legal action against the named accused and ensure justice. The police are now investigating the matter. By Sohail Khan Courtesy: Hindi News
Mathura Dalit woman assault: Dalit woman assaulted in Mathura, victim identified by jurisdiction; demand for protection and action
Mathura Dalit woman harassment: A Dalit woman in Magorra, Mathura, has accused villagers of assault, casteist remarks, and poisoning a goat. Citing threats to her life from the bullies, the victim has appealed to the police for protection and strict action. Mathura Dalit woman harassment: A Dalit woman in Nagla Bhuchan village, under the Magorra police station in the Govardhan tehsil area of Mathura, has accused some villagers of assault, abuse, and casteist remarks. The woman also alleges that the accused poisoned her goat to death. The victim has filed a police report and demanded strict action and protection. According to Pooja Devi, wife of Rajkumar, a resident of Nagla Bhuchan village, some villagers abused her and used casteist slurs on April 15th. She filed a complaint with the Magorra police station on the same day, but no action was taken at that time. The victim alleges that on the morning of April 28, 2026, when her husband was not at home, the accused poisoned a goat tied outside their house, causing its death. When her husband protested, the accused assaulted him. The victim’s husband was rescued only after locals arrived at the scene and intervened. It is alleged that the accused also threatened to kill her while leaving. On Thursday, the victim submitted a complaint to Circle Officer Anil Kumar, stating that the accused have a domineering nature and encroach upon the land of the poor. Because of this, her family is terrified. The jurisdictional officer stated that a complaint has been received. The Magorra police station has been directed to investigate, file an immediate report, and take necessary action. Strict action will be taken against the culprits. Courtesy: Hindi News
Protest against playing Baba Bhimrao Ambedkar songs: Violence in Dalit girl’s wedding procession, 5 booked, wedding held under police protection
In Sambhal, people protested against the playing of Baba Bhimrao Ambedkar songs during the wedding procession of a Dalit girl. An altercation broke out between the two parties, which later escalated into a physical altercation. Eight to ten people from the bride’s side were injured in the incident. The incident occurred in Allipur Buzurg village, located in the Baniyatheer police station area of Chandausi tehsil in Sambhal district. The wedding procession of Tejpal, son of Lakhan, a resident of the village, arrived in Allipur Buzurg from Akbarpur Chitauri village at around 5:30 pm on April 29th. The procession was passing by the post office in the village. It is alleged that songs related to Baba Bhimrao Ambedkar were being played on a Tata Magic DJ system, which was objected to by Ram Bahadur, son of Pati, Ajay, son of Khempal, Aman, son of Subhash, Bablu, son of Dinu, and Prempal, son of Jagatpal. They are also accused of assaulting members of the Dalit community. Several videos of the altercation have surfaced, showing a young man standing on the roof holding a stick while people standing below are fighting among themselves. Acting police station in-charge Roshan Singh stated that a named report has been filed against five people based on a complaint from the bride’s father, Tejpal, regarding the altercation during the wedding procession in Allipur Buzurg village. Police are investigating the matter and efforts are being made to arrest the culprits. Tejpal Singh stated that police arrived in the village after the altercation. His daughter’s wedding was conducted under police protection, and the wedding procession departed the next morning. He has demanded strict action against the culprits from the police administration. Sunny Gupta, Sambhal Courtesy: Hindi News
Meet Rithika Sri: Tamil Nadu’s first transgender cricket umpire breaking barriers
Indian cricket is slowly seeing new names and new roles, not just on the pitch but also in decision-making roles like umpiring. These changes may look small at first, but they carry meaning for many people who have long been outside the system. One such story coming from Tamil Nadu is now drawing attention for all the right reasons, where Rithika Sri has stepped into cricket umpiring and created a quiet milestone. Rithika Sri becomes a new name in Tamil Nadu cricket umpiring Rithika Sri, who comes from Salem, has become the first transgender umpire from Tamil Nadu. Her entry into this field is being seen as a notable moment in state cricket, especially in terms of inclusion. A key development that supported this change came from the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association. It introduced an “other” category in the gender section of its State Panel Umpire exams. This change made the application process more open for different candidates. Early life and background of Rithika Sri Rithika Sri was born as R. Muthuraj in Salem, Tamil Nadu. She later transitioned and identifies as a transwoman. She has completed a diploma in Mechanical Engineering. Before entering cricket, she worked at a call centre in Mohali. Her interest in cricket umpiring started while watching the Indian Premier League. What began as casual interest slowly turned into something she wanted to pursue seriously. How her umpiring journey started During the COVID period, she returned to her hometown. This was when she decided to focus on cricket umpiring. From 2021 onwards, she began officiating matches in Salem and Coimbatore. She continued building experience in local matches over time. In 2024, she completed her transition in Coimbatore. She was also involved in discussions that supported the inclusion of the “other” gender category in the TNCA umpire exam system. Difficult moments during her journey Rithika Sri has shared that her path was not easy. She faced difficult situations while trying to establish herself in cricket umpiring. She also recalled an incident in Coimbatore where she was denied entry into a cricket ground. Speaking to The Hindu, she shared her experience in her own words: “The first time in Coimbatore, I went to watch because they wanted me to get familiar with the new district, but I was denied entry, and there were hurtful comments. I went back home crying after an hour, but not before fighting back against them. People often accuse trans people of begging, but then, at the same time, they don’t allow us to pursue a dignified livelihood. Can’t a transperson become an umpire?” Despite such experiences, she continued her journey without stepping away from the sport. Support from cricket associations Along with challenges, she also received support from cricket authorities. The Coimbatore District Cricket Association helped ensure that she was not discriminated against at venues. Officials including R. Chandramouli and K. Mahalingam worked to manage the situation and support fair access. She also mentioned that matches were shifted from a venue that did not allow her entry. 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
Is India’s new transgender law not grounded in scientific knowledge?
A mere physical examination is not enough to certify a person as transgender, according to experts Is India’s new transgender law not grounded in scientific knowledge? Parliament last month passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026. The new legislation significantly amends the 2019 Act. According to the new law, an examination by the medical board is mandatory to confirm transgender identity. Is India’s new transgender law not grounded in scientific knowledge? It only recognises certain socio-cultural identities.Photo: Vikas Choudhary/CSE However, critics have pointed out that the new law leaves out many trans men, trans women and non-binary individuals, who do not fall into law’s definition of a ‘transgender person’ which only includes socio-cultural identities like hijra, kinner, aravani. Is India’s new transgender law not grounded in scientific knowledge? This, say critics, leaves out many trans men, trans women and non-binary individuals.Photo: Vikas Choudhary/CSE Experts have said that the new law is not based on scientific knowledge. Vikas Choudhary Courtesy : Down To Earth Note: This news is originally published on https:/downtoearth.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Former Air Chief says Greater Nicobar project important for ‘military footprint’
In pushback against Rahul Gandhi’s opposition to the project, retired Air Chief Marshal says ecological concerns will be mitigated; notes that proposed port is 150 km from Malacca Strait, the route for 75% of China’s energy trade The Greater Nicobar project is “important for India’s military footprint” in the area, a former chief of the Indian Air Force said on Thursday (April 30, 2026), as part of the BJP’s pushback against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s comments against the project and its harmful ecological footprint. Air Chief Marshal (Retd) R.K.S. Bhadauria, who is now a member of the BJP, pointed to the strategic importance of having a port near the route of China’s energy shipments, with the conflict in West Asia demonstrating the impact of such maritime leverage. Nicobar project largest theft of Indian property to fulfil fantasies of one businessman: Rahul Gandhi He added that environmental concerns are taken on board as a matter of course whenever such projects are mooted. “There are statutory clearances and committees are made. They look at all the factors and all these are mitigated,” he said in a statement. The project, being built at a cost of around ₹81,000 crore, includes a transhipment terminal, a power plant, and a township. The Union government expects it to boost maritime trade, connectivity, and security, and play a key role in promoting India’s geo-strategic and economic interests. The Great Nicobar project | Between the sea and the state Strategic location The retired Air Chief Marshal said that was “surprised” by Mr. Gandhi’s views on the project, noting that it was “important that such a project be understood.” “[The project] is important for India to set a militarily strategic footprint in that region. From a defence and strategic perspective, this development is very crucial. After Strait of Hormuz closure, we have realised the importance of straits and sea route blockades, and such a statement after all this is surprising. If the port is made, it will be only 150 km away from the Malacca Strait, which serves as the route for 75% of China’s energy trade. It will boost India’s maritime and air front dominance to a great extent,” he said. His response on behalf of the BJP came after Mr. Gandhi characterised the project as “one of the biggest scams and gravest crimes against the natural and tribal heritage of the country”. After visiting the area, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha had said that the project would entail the axing of millions of trees in 160 sq. km of rainforest. Terming it as “destruction dressed in development’s language”, Mr. Gandhi vowed to raise the issue in Parliament. The Hindu Bureau Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul Gandhi Flags Great Nicobar Connectivity Project As ‘Destruction Dressed As Development’ During Island Visit
Rahul Gandhi also mentioned that this project aims at the destruction of enormous ecological properties, and that he would raise this matter in the Parliament Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi strongly condemned the Union Government’s proposed infrastructure project on the Great Nicobar islands. He is currently visiting Andaman and Nicobar, where he is assessing the environmental impact the project could have, and talking to indigenous communities about the same. On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, he said: “What is being done in Great Nicobar is one of the biggest scams and gravest crimes against this country’s natural and tribal heritage in our lifetimes.” See Also: Hardoi School Principal Booked Under BNS and SC/ST Act After Viral Video of Her Shouting at Parents Rahul Gandhi: Destruction Dressed In Development’s Language The Rae Bareli MP described the Nicobar islands as one of the most beautiful forests he has seen in his lifetime, hosting a rich flora and fauna. In a post on X (April 29, 2026), Gandhi talked about his visit to the region. He said: “These are the most extraordinary forests I have ever seen in my life. Trees older than memory. Forests that took generations to grow. The people on this island are equally beautiful – both the adivasi communities and the settlers – but they are being robbed of what is rightfully theirs.” Flagging the ecological loss, he mentioned that this project ignores the livelihoods and aspirations of the local tribal communities living in the area. He also visited Campbell Bay on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, to talk to the tribal leaders opposing the project. “This is not development. This is destruction dressed in development’s language,” he added. Targeting Crony Capitalism Highlighting the scale of the deforestation as a major ecological loss for the region’s indigenous communities, the Lok Sabha MP said: “It’s amazing that 160 square kilometres of these forests is being chopped up, so that one businessman, Mr. Adani, can fulfill his fantasies.” The Adani Group has expressed interest in developing a trans-shipment project in the region. Rahul Gandhi has previously, on multiple occasions, targeted Gautam Adani for building projects that would pose harmful disadvantages to local communities. The Opposition recently targeted the BJP government in Assam for handing over a thermal power contract to Adani for procuring 3,200 MW power in the region, a move that could potentially deprive the state exchequer of thousands of crores of rupees. The ₹81,000-Crore Great Nicobar Connectivity Project The Great Nicobar Connectivity Project, officially known as the “Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island” project, is a massive strategic and commercial initiative piloted by NITI Aayog. Now estimated at over ₹92,000 crores, the ambitious plan aims to transform the southernmost island into a global maritime and defense hub. The development includes the construction of a deep-water International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Galathea Bay, a greenfield dual-use international airport, a gas-and-solar power plant, and a new coastal township projected to house over 3,00,000 people. Recent data indicate that the present population of the Great Nicobar Islands is around 8,000. To accommodate this sprawling infrastructure, the project could result in the mass felling of nearly 8.5 lakh trees, clearing approximately 160 square kilometres of pristine rainforests. See Also: Governments Come and Go, But Burari’s Fate Remains Same: Dust All Around, Long Pending Sewer Work and Collapsed Administration, It’s What US President Trump Would Call a HellHole Will Raise The Issue In Parliament, Says Rahul Gandhi Gandhi mentioned that this project aims at the destruction of enormous ecological properties, and also said that he would raise this matter in the Parliament. The project has already seen immense backlash from local tribal communities and environmentalists, who have raised concerns over the lack of transparency of the project, severe environmental risks, and the alleged neglect of tribal rights by the central government. Ultimately, the push for the Great Nicobar project highlights a growing conflict between the government’s aggressive infrastructure ambitions and the urgent need to protect India’s most vulnerable indigenous populations and irreplaceable natural heritage.India travel guides ParliamentAuthor:Gaurav Pandey, Edited by :Dhruv Sharma Courtesy : News Gram Note: This news is originally published on https:/newsgram.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul Gandhi: “Youth’s homes have been turned into a police state”; Rahul Gandhi said on Ladakh, “Democratic rights have also been crushed.”
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has targeted PM Modi and the central government on the issue related to the Union Territory of Ladakh. In a post on Instagram, he wrote, “The youth of Ladakh told me how their beautiful home has been turned into a police state. Their voices have been suppressed, democratic rights have been crushed, and their land and fragile environment are being handed over to Modiji’s billionaire friends.” The people of Ladakh want employment and industry. Rahul wrote, “The people of Ladakh are not against development. They want employment and industry, but development that benefits the local people. I hope the Home Minister understands this truth during his visit.” Published by: Jyoti Bhaskar Courtesy: Hindi News