Dalit couple denied temple entry, family faces social boycott in MP’s Khargone
An OBC-led panchayat boycotted the Dalit family and two others, imposing a Rs 11,000 fine on anyone interacting with or selling goods to them. BHOPAL: A newly married Dalit couple were allegedly denied entry into a Hanuman Temple in Madhya Pradesh’s Khargone district on Friday when they went to offer prayers. The couple later entered the temple and offered prayers after police intervention. However, a panchayat of other castes, mostly from OBC communities, later declared a social boycott of the Dalit family and two other Scheduled Caste families associated with them. The panchayat also announced that anyone engaging with the three families or selling anything to them would have to pay a penalty of Rs 11,000. The incident began on Friday afternoon when the newly married SC couple went to the Hanuman Temple in the village. “I went to the Hanuman Temple with my wife to offer prayers, but the temple was locked and we were not allowed entry. We were asked by the people of other castes to offer prayers from outside. We informed the matter to the police, after whose intervention we were allowed entry into the temple followed by prayers there,” the newly married youth Nirmal Kanade alleged in the video posted on social media. “Just a few hours after we entered the temple and offered prayers there, the Panchayat of elders from other castes, including the Banjara and Patels, decided to socially boycott our family and two other families associated with us. No one is doing any transaction with these three families, including us. I appeal people to share this video as much as possible to render us justice,” Kanade was seen saying in the video. Police later held multiple discussions with all sides on Saturday and Sunday and resolved the issue. According to a senior Khargone district police officer, “The issue has been resolved following talks between all sides related to the matter. Restrictions imposed on the three families have been lifted and normalcy is back.” Sources said the Hanuman Temple usually remains closed during afternoon hours due to past theft incidents and to prevent stray dogs from entering the premises. “After the couple offered prayers inside the temple, those related to at least three SC families, including the newly married couple’s family, abused the other caste villagers, which prompted the calling of the panchayat of the other castes the same day. The same village houses around 40 SC families, recently another newly married Dalit couple had without any restriction offered prayers inside the same temple, as that couple was there in those hours when the temple remains opened. Even some SC families had supported the call to boycott the three Dalit families, particularly as members from those three families used abusive and intimidating language for the other castes people on Friday,” an informed source said. Recently, in Madhya Pradesh’s Damoh district, a Dalit groom was allegedly assaulted and pulled from a horse by OBC Lodhi caste men during his pre-wedding rituals. Four men were later booked by police on a complaint filed by the groom’s uncle. 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
Jully slams govt over Dalit boy’s assault, law and order
Jaipur: Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully Sunday criticised the alleged assault of a minor Dalit boy in Bhiwadi, accusing the state’s BJP govt of failing to maintain law and order and protect vulnerable communities. Referring to the incident, Jully said the brutal beating of Lokesh, a minor from Jhiwana, by police personnel was “deeply condemnable” and raised serious concerns about governance under the BJP. He alleged that atrocities against the poor, Dalits and tribals were rising and taking a “horrifying form”. Calling the incident a reflection of “dictatorial functioning”, Jully urged chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma to take immediate cognisance and ensure strict action against those responsible. Calling it a blot on humanity, he said the rule of law in the state completely collapsed and the functioning of the police is now crossing the limits of barbarity. Lokesh, who was allegedly assaulted by police, is currently undergoing treatment in the ICU of a hospital and remains in critical condition. Jully further alleged that the victim’s family is being pressured, and their complaint has not been formally registered. Jully said he spoke with the Bhiwadi SP regarding the matter and apprised him of the gravity of the case. He also spoke with the victim’s family members over the phone. “When the protectors themselves become predators, where does the common man go? Under the BJP’s rule, incidents of atrocities against Dalits, the poor and women have now become a daily affair,” he said. Jully further criticised the govt, claiming that incidents of crime and oppression were steadily increasing while the administration remained indifferent. Citing data from the Union Home Ministry, he said that between 2025 and March 15, 2026, 18 custodial deaths were recorded in Rajasthan, which is the highest in the entire country after Bihar. 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
Galla Madhavi Appoints Transgender PA Wins Praise from Lokesh
Guntur West MLA Galla Madhavi appoints a transgender personal assistant, earning appreciation from Minister Nara Lokesh, who calls it a strong step toward empowerment and inclusive governance. Galla Madhavi appoints transgender PA in Guntur West creating inclusive governance example Nara Lokesh praises Galla Madhavi decision on transgender empowerment and leadership Galla Madhavi transgender PA appointment highlights employment opportunities for marginalized communities A decision by Galla Madhavi, MLA from Guntur West, has sparked widespread appreciation across Andhra Pradesh, with many calling it a meaningful step toward inclusivity in public life. By appointing a transgender woman as her personal assistant, the MLA has set an example that is now being discussed well beyond her constituency. Minister Nara Lokesh publicly lauded the move, stating that true leadership lies in empowering marginalized communities. He highlighted that such decisions reflect a progressive mindset and help create real opportunities for those who are often left out of the mainstream workforce. The appointment came after a transgender woman, who had completed a BCom degree, approached the MLA’s office seeking employment. Recognizing her qualifications and need for a stable livelihood, Galla Madhavi decided to offer her the role without delay. The MLA later shared that witnessing the daily struggles faced by transgender individuals in public spaces deeply influenced her decision. She also indicated that the issue of employment for transgender communities would be raised with Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, with a focus on bringing broader policy support for their welfare. The move is being seen not just as an individual act, but as a push toward institutional change. Observers note that this initiative could encourage others in leadership roles to take similar steps, reinforcing the idea that governance can directly contribute to social dignity and equal opportunity. Courtesy : The South India Times Note: This news is originally published on https:/thesouthindiatimes.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
TMC-BJP clash as Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari rallies run parallel in Bhabanipur
KOLKATA: Clashes broke out between supporters of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kolkata’s Bhabanipur area on Saturday. Police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel to intervene and separate the two groups. The incident occurred days before polling on 29 April, as campaigning for the second phase of the West Bengal assembly elections intensified. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee and leader of the opposition Suvendu Adhikari held election meetings in close proximity, adding to the political tension in the constituency. According to officials and eyewitness accounts, the situation escalated on Chakraberia Road after Banerjee abruptly ended her speech and left the stage. She later alleged that high-decibel loudspeakers from a nearby BJP rally disrupted her address, calling it “intentional disturbance”. Expressing frustration, Banerjee apologised to her supporters before leaving the venue. Shortly after, groups of TMC workers moved towards the BJP rally site, where they confronted BJP supporters. The exchange quickly turned heated, with both sides raising slogans of “Jai Bangla” and “Jai Shri Ram”, according to news agency ANI. Security forces, including RAF personnel, formed a human chain to prevent the confrontation from turning violent. Police said the situation was brought under control without any serious injuries reported. Suvendu Adhikari, who is contesting from Bhabanipur as well as Nandigram, reached his rally site after the incident. He criticised the TMC’s reaction, describing it as politically motivated. “This is goonda raj, jungle raj. We are trying to end it. Whatever TMC does will backfire. This time it will not be one-sided. Drive away the goons, save Bengal,” Adhikari said. He also referred to the TMC’s protest as a sign of “jungle raj”. The confrontation highlights the increasingly sharp rivalry between Banerjee and Adhikari, who was once a senior leader in the TMC before joining the BJP. Bhabanipur, which Banerjee has represented since 2011, is seen as a politically significant constituency for both parties. The BJP has described the seat as a key target in the 2026 state elections, while for Banerjee it remains central to her political standing in Kolkata, often referred to by her supporters as her “Kolkata throne”. A victory for Adhikari here would be seen as a major political breakthrough, following his 2021 win against Banerjee in Nandigram. The constituency is considered demographically diverse, with significant Bengali, Gujarati, Marwari and Sikh populations, making it a closely watched battleground. With polling due on 29 April, security has been tightened across Bhabanipur and adjoining areas. Officials said drone surveillance and paramilitary deployment have been increased to maintain order during the final phase of campaigning. According to the Election Commission of India, Phase I polling concluded earlier this week with a turnout of 91.78%. The remaining phases are scheduled to continue under heightened security arrangements, with counting set for 4 May. 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
‘Not democracy, but TMC’s reign of thuggery’: Rahul Gandhi over killing of Congress worker
NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi on Sunday condemned the killing of a Congress worker Debdeep Chatterjee after the phase-1 polling was held in the state, blaming ‘TMC thugs’ for the incident. “The murder of Congress worker Debdeep Chatterjee by TMC-affiliated thugs after the elections is utterly reprehensible. My deepest condolences to his bereaved family,” said the Congress leader on X. Stepping up his attack on the ruling All India Trinamool Congress, he alleged that “thuggery” had replaced democracy in the state, accusing the party of intimidation and violence against political opponents even after voting. “In West Bengal today, it is not democracy that prevails, but TMC’s reign of thuggery. Intimidating, attacking, and silencing opposing voices after votes are cast—this has become TMC’s defining character. Congress’s politics has never been rooted in violence, nor will it ever be. We too have lost our workers, yet we have always chosen the path of non-violence and constitutionalism. This is our legacy, this is our resolve,” he added. Calling for punishment, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha said, “The demand is clear—immediate arrest of all the guilty, the harshest punishment, and full security and compensation ensured for Debdeep’s family. We will not bow before this politics that stains India’s non-violent tradition. Justice will be done.” According to West Bengal Congress, Chatterjee was was known to be working closely with Asansol North Congress candidate Prasenjit Puitandi. The party claimmed that he was attacked and beaten by “miscreants linked to the TMC” in a post-poll incident in Asansol and later succumbed to his injuries. The state unit termed the killing a sign of “complete collapse of law and order” and flagged concerns over the safety of opposition workers. It claimed that no FIR had been registered at the time of reporting and demanded immediate arrests, a fair and time-bound probe, and adequate compensation and protection for the victim’s family. 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
Telangana: RTC Under Pressure as Strike, Suicide Attempts, and EV Contracts Raise Privatization
Hyderabad, Telangana RTC is facing one of its most serious crises in recent years, as an ongoing statewide strike, repeated suicide attempts by employees, and growing controversy over electric bus contracts have raised larger concerns about the future of public transport in the state. More than 38,000 RTC employees are currently participating in the strike, leading to a near stand still in bus operations across Telangana. With an estimated 60 to 70 lakh passengers relying on RTC services every day, the disruption has created major inconvenience for commuters and highlighted the scale of the conflict. Justice News The human cost of the crisis has become even more alarming. Several RTC employees have reportedly attempted suicide during the strike period. In Narsampet, a driver sustained severe burn injuries after a self-immolation attempt and is undergoing treatment. Another driver in Miryalaguda was stopped by colleagues before he could carry out a similar act. Reports of comparable incidents have also emerged from Nalgonda and Khammam, reflecting the extreme emotional and financial distress among staff. Employees say their frustrations have been building for the last one to two years over unresolved wage revisions, lack of fresh recruitment, pending dues, and demands for stronger job security. Union representatives claim that over Rs 2,500 crore in dues remain unsettled, while staff shortages and increased workload have worsened conditions for the existing workforce. A major flashpoint in the dispute is the introduction of electric buses under a private operating model. Under this system, private companies procure and supply EV buses to RTC, which then runs them under rental agreements. Around 500 such buses are already operating in Telangana, with payments reportedly ranging from Rs 40 to Rs 60 per kilometer. Major Points: Over 38,000 RTC employees are on strike, severely disrupting bus services across Telangana. Around 60 to 70 lakh passengers who depend on RTC daily are being affected. Multiple suicide attempts by RTC staff during the strike have intensified public concern. Employees say unresolved wage revisions, job security, and pending dues have pushed them to the edge. The Central Government’s Rs 36 lakh subsidy per EV bus is allegedly benefiting private operators instead of RTC directly. Around 500 electric buses are already running under private contracts at Rs 40 to Rs 60 per km. RTC is reportedly spending Rs 10 to Rs 12 crore on charging stations and substation facilities at 96 depots. Unions argue the overall model points toward gradual privatization of RTC operations. What has sparked sharper criticism is the role of Central Government funding. Under clean mobility initiatives, each EV bus receives a subsidy of approximately Rs 36 lakh. According to unions, this subsidy is effectively flowing to private companies that manufacture or supply the buses, rather than strengthening RTC’s own fleet ownership. Employees argue that while public funds are being used to support the EV transition, the long-term financial gains are being directed toward private operators. At the same time, RTC itself is reportedly spending between Rs 10 and Rs 12 crore on charging stations, substations, and maintenance infrastructure at depots. Across 96 RTC depots in Telangana, these facilities are being established to support EV operations. However, unions allege that private operators are not paying rent for using depot land and infrastructure, adding to concerns that public assets are being leveraged for private business interests. The broader concern among employee groups is that this is not merely modernization, but a structural shift in how public transport is managed. They believe the current model reduces RTC’s operational control while increasing dependence on private firms, creating what they describe as a slow but steady path toward privatization. While the government maintains that EV adoption is part of modernization and environmental sustainability efforts, employee unions remain unconvinced. From their perspective, the combination of central subsidies, private contracts, and public infrastructure investment paints a troubling picture. Looking at the present situation, many within RTC feel that the system is moving toward indirect privatization. Whether framed as reform or modernization, the operational model increasingly appears to place private players at the center, while RTC bears the burden of infrastructure and workforce challenges.
Varanasi: ‘Amit’ turns out to be ‘Aftab’… Married posing as a Hindu, then began a game of conversion and brutality.
Varanasi News: A sensational case of love jihad has come to light in Varanasi. A young man named Aftab, posing as ‘Amit’, lured a Dalit woman into a love trap and married her according to Hindu customs. Everything was fine until the truth was hidden, but once the truth was revealed, the woman was pressured to convert and was tortured when she resisted. The victim has also filed a serious rape charge against her brother-in-law. Police have registered a case and deployed teams to search for the absconding accused, Aftab. Varanasi News: A case of love jihad and fraud has come to light in the religious city of Kashi, which has shocked everyone. A Muslim man, posing as ‘Amit’, not only lured a Dalit woman into his love trap but also married her according to Hindu customs. But before the wedding vermilion had even dried, the young woman discovered Amit’s true identity as “Aftab,” and her life became a living hell. A trap was laid under the pretext of providing employment. The entire incident took place in the Kotwali police station area of Varanasi. The victim, a Dalit, works as a waiter at weddings to support herself. In 2024, she met a young man named Amit, who contracted waiters at weddings. Under the pretext of providing employment, Amit obtained her mobile number and gradually began to grow closer to her. A temple ritual revealed his true identity. The accused first engaged in physical relations with the young woman under the pretense of marriage. In March 2025, he solemnly married her according to Hindu rituals. The victim believed she had found her life partner, but the reality was far different. A few days after the wedding, when the young man took her to his original home in Harhua, Varanasi, the young woman was devastated by the conditions there. She discovered that the man she thought was ‘Amit’ was actually Aftab. Pressure to Convert and the Brutality of Her Brother-in-law As the truth came out, Aftab and his family changed their stance. The victim alleges that Aftab began pressuring her to convert (marry him). When she resisted, she was brutally beaten. The victim has made another shocking allegation: Aftab’s elder brother (brother-in-law) also raped her. She managed to escape the clutches of the brutal men and reached her parents’ home and told her family the entire incident. Police registered a case; the accused is still at large. The police have taken the matter seriously following the victim’s complaint, who accompanied her family to the Kotwali police station. Police have registered a case against accused Aftab and his family under serious charges including fraud, forced conversion, and rape. Accused Aftab has been absconding since the incident. Police have formed several teams to arrest him and are conducting raids at possible hideouts. Varanasi police claim that the accused will soon be behind bars. Reported by: Ravi Pandey, Edited by: Rahul Goel About the Author Rahul Goel works for News18 Hindi Hyperlocal (UP, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh). He has over 16 years of experience in the media industry. Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit teen girl’s rape and murder in Ghazipur sparks political storm ahead of PM Modi’s UP visit
The case intensified politically after a Samajwadi Party delegation visiting the family on April 22 was attacked with stones in the village, leaving several people, including police personnel, injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Uttar Pradesh on April 29 to inaugurate the Ganga Expressway, even as a political controversy continues to escalate over the death of a teenage Dalit girl in Ghazipur district. The incident has triggered sharp political reactions and competing visits to the affected village, with Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav set to meet the bereaved family on the same day as the Prime Minister’s visit to Hardoi. Opposition parties have demanded swift justice and strict action against those found responsible. The girl, reportedly around 17 years old, went missing on the night of April 14. Her body was later recovered from the Ganga river on April 15 in the Karanda area. While the family has alleged sexual assault and murder, police have said they are investigating all possible angles, including initial findings that point to drowning and a possible suicide linked to a prior relationship with the main accused. A case has been registered and the principal accused has been arrested, officials said. Police have also stated that the post-mortem report indicated drowning, and further investigation is underway. The case intensified politically after a Samajwadi Party delegation visiting the family on April 22 was attacked with stones in the village, leaving several people, including police personnel, injured. Authorities have arrested 10 individuals in connection with the violence. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi alleged that the victim belonged to the Vishwakarma community and claimed she had been raped and murdered, adding that the family was threatened to deter them from filing a complaint. He also called for action against police officials and demanded a high-level investigation. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also criticised the administration, alleging that rising atrocities against women and delays in registering cases reflect administrative failure in the state. Senior police officials, including the Additional Director General of Police for Varanasi zone, visited the village and met the family. They said the family had expressed satisfaction with the ongoing investigation and requested a fast-track trial. Authorities have meanwhile urged political parties to avoid statements or actions that could inflame tensions in the area, warning that strict action will be taken against those attempting to disturb public order. 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
Dalit murder case: YSRCP MLC Ananta Udaya Bhaskar sent to 14-day judicial custody
Udaya Bhaskar was taken into custody for intimidating four witnesses in the 2022 Dalit youth murder case and violating the bail conditions of the Supreme Court, say police The court has sent YSRCP MLC Ananta Udaya Bhaskar, who is facing the charges of criminal conspiracy, criminal intimidation and extortion of four witnesses in the Dalit youth murder case in Kakinada city, to 14-day judicial custody on Saturday. The Sarpavaram police, who arrested Mr. Udaya Bhaskar in Rajamahendravaram on Friday, produced him before the court on Saturday. “Mr. Udaya Bhaskar has been sent to Rajahmundry Central Prison on a 14-day judicial custody,” Kakinada District Superintendent of Police G. Bindu Madhav said. On May 19, 2022, Mr. Udaya Bhaskar allegedly dumped the body of his former car driver, Veedhi Subramanyam, and a 26-year-old Dalit youth, in Kakinada city. He was arrested on May 23, 2022. In December 2022, the Supreme Court granted him bail in the case. Investigation Officer G. Chenna Kesava said that Mr. Udaya Bhaskar was taken into custody for intimidating the four witnesses in the 2022 Dalit youth murder case and violating the bail conditions of the Supreme Court. The Sarpavaram police (Kakinada city) registered the case under Section 61 BNS (Criminal conspiracy) and 351 (2) (Criminal Intimidation) and Extortion (308 (5) against Mr. Udaya Bhaskar. 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
Khargone: Dalit bride and groom denied entry into temple; police forced them to visit, community cuts off access to food and water.
In Padlya Gawli village, Khargone, a Dalit couple was punished for worshipping at a temple, leading the entire village council to turn against them. The police reopened the temple, but the village shops have now refused to supply the family with milk and rations. Khargone: Shocking news has emerged from Padlya Gawli village, under the Gogawan police station area of Khargone district, Madhya Pradesh. A newlywed Dalit couple has alleged that they were barred from entering the local Hanuman temple. Furthermore, they were subsequently socially boycotted as per the panchayat’s decision. Video released on social media Farmer and dholak player Nirmal Kanade alleged in a video released on social media that he and his wife and family had visited the temple on Friday, the day after their wedding, but the committee closed the temple gates and asked them to worship outside. A complaint was subsequently filed on Dial 112, prompting police to arrive at the scene, opening the temple and allowing the couple to perform puja. Police Opened the Temple and Allowed the Couple to Perform Darshan Khargone SP Ravindra Verma stated that upon receiving the information, the Ahirkheda police outpost in-charge was dispatched to the scene, and the temple was opened, allowing the bride and groom and their families to perform the puja and perform the rituals. The dispute escalated after the temple reopened. According to Gogawan Police Station in-charge Deepak Yadav, the other parties objected to the temple being opened after the scheduled time and special arrangements being made for the darshan. Community Seniors Provide Explanation Senior members of the Patel, Banjara, and Gawli communities, among others, offered a different perspective, stating that the temple’s darshan time had expired, which is why the gates were closed. They also alleged that the couple and their family were attempting to enter the temple wearing slippers. Furthermore, local tradition prohibits women from approaching the Hanuman statue, which is why they were denied permission. Even tea leaves and milk were not available. According to the police, after the darshan, some members of the Dalit community allegedly used offensive language against other communities. Following this, a panchayat was called in the village. According to the station in-charge, the panchayat decided to not employ certain individuals and impose a social boycott. Upon receiving the complaint, the police immediately reopened the temple and performed the puja. The social boycott complaint is serious. Both parties are being counseled and counseled. Maintaining peace in the area is our priority. Following the boycott decision, members of the groom’s community recorded videos of goods being denied at three different shops. The family says that shopkeepers, citing the panchayat’s decision, refused to provide even tea leaves and milk. Some shopkeepers threatened to pay fines if they provided goods. Police trying to reach a compromise SP Ravindra Verma stated that after receiving the complaint of social boycott, the police arranged a meeting between the two parties. In the meeting held on Saturday evening, both parties were counseled separately. Police say efforts are underway to reconcile the two communities so that the situation can return to normal. Edited by: Akash Sikarwar•Reported by: Animesh Jain About the Author Akash Sikarwar works as a consultant for the Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh digital team of NavbharatTimes.com. He has over seven years of experience in print, web, and broadcast journalism. Courtesy: Hindi News