Dalit newlyweds denied temple entry in Karnataka’s Tumakuru:Accused tells couple to worship at home
A Dalit couple was stopped from entering a temple in Tumakuru district, Karnataka. The young couple had recently married. When they arrived at the temple, a man named Narayanappa prevented them from entering. He told them that Dalit people should worship at home and not come to the temple. The incident occurred on 21 February at the Arasamma temple in Tumakuru village. The couple filed a police complaint against five people. They said that Narayanappa had publicly threatened them, and others present at the temple had supported him. Following the complaint, police arrested the main accused, Narayanappa. The other accused are still absconding, and police say the search for them is ongoing. A dispute broke out between people of Hindu and Muslim communities during Shivaji Jayanti in Bagalkot. A dispute broke out between people of Hindu and Muslim communities during Shivaji Jayanti in Bagalkot. February 20: Hindu-Muslim dispute erupted on Shivaji Jayanti A Shivaji Jayanti procession was held in Bagalkot on Thursday night around 10 PM. When it passed the Panka Mosque area, stones and slippers were thrown at the procession. Bagalkot SP Siddharth Goyal said a policeman was injured in the stone-pelting. The SP said police are reviewing CCTV footage. Action will be taken against the culprits once the footage is examined. Section 163 of BNS will remain in force in the area until midnight on 24 February. The situation is under control. Eyewitness Umesh said the incident occurred near the mosque during the procession. Around 8–10 people threw stones and slippers. No arrests have been made yet. Meanwhile, police confirmed that on 20 February, during the Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti procession in Bagalkot district, shoes, slippers, and stones were thrown at the procession near a mosque. Courtesy : Bhaskar English Note: This news is originally published on https:/bhaskarenglish.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Without Mamata di …’: Mani Shankar Aiyar’s advise to Rahul Gandhi on INDIA bloc leadership
NEW DELHI: Days after publicly hoping for Pinarayi Vijayan’s victory in the upcoming Kerala elections, veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar claimed West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is central to the survival of the opposition INDIA bloc. While talking to news agency IANS, Aiyar suggested that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi should allow leaders of smaller parties to steer the INDIA bloc. “Without Mamata di, the ‘I’, ‘N’, ‘D’, ‘I’, ‘A’ of the INDIA alliance will all be gone. Because Mamata Banerjee is the leader of this alliance,” Aiyar said. “I hope that instead of trying to remain in this position, which belongs to smaller parties — be it MK Stalin, Mamata Didi, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, or someone else — Rahul Gandhi should let them handle it,” he added. Recalling his early political association with Mamata Banerjee, Aiyar said he briefly joined the Trinamool Congress in 1997 and served as its first National Secretary but left within weeks, concluding that the party was rooted in Bengali identity. Responding to whether he is still in Congress, Aiyar said he still considers himself in the party but suggested possible disciplinary action against him. “I consider myself to be in Congress, but it seems they may have decided to expel me. However, I have not received any formal letter,” Aiyar said. He added that although reports suggested he had been expelled, he had received no official communication. “If you want the Congress’ view, ask a Congressman,” Aiyar remarked, while also saying that he believed many within the Congress support Mamata Banerjee. Earlier, Aiyar praised the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala, led by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Things escalated rapidly when Aiyar, speaking to ANI, dismissed the authority of the current Congress leadership and declared: “I am a Gandhian, I am a Nehruvian, I am a Rajivian, but I am not a Rahulian.” Invoking BR Ambedkar’s description of dissent as being “a part but apart,” Aiyar positioned himself as an ideological insider with the right to rebel. The tone, however, soon turned confrontational. Targeting Congress spokesperson **Pawan Khera**, Aiyar said: “I have absolutely no respect and complete contempt for Pawan Khera… He is not a spokesperson, he is a parrot.” Within hours, Congress distanced itself from the remarks and publicly severed any association with Aiyar. Khera issued a statement on X distancing the party from Aiyar’s comments: “Mr Mani Shankar Aiyar has had no connection whatsoever with the Congress for the past few years. He speaks and writes purely in his personal capacity.” 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
Aiyar, Rahul and the dynasty politics of leadership
Keshav Upadhye, a young, dynamic and prominent face, has been working with the Bharatiya Janata Party for over two decades. In 2014, the then state president Devendra Fadnavis … MORE Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar has recently exposed the internal unrest within the party. “I am not a ‘Rahulian’”, said Mani Shankar Aiyar. Only he can tell why he chose this particular time to make this statement. Aiyar is known to be a part of late former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s inner circle. He also served as a Union Minister for some time. Even before Aiyar, several senior Congress leaders had written a letter to Sonia Gandhi a few years ago, urging her not to make Rahul Gandhi party president and not to hand over the reins of the party to him. Through a letter, they demanded that the Congress must have a full-time president. Over the past 25–30 years, several limitations of Rahul Gandhi as a leader have been repeatedly exposed. After realizing that he cannot be a strong alternative to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi has begun spreading false narratives about the Modi government at both national and international levels. Be it demonetization, the surgical and air strikes on Pakistan, Operation Sindoor, the purchase of Rafale aircraft or the Agniveer scheme of the Defence Ministry, Rahul Gandhi has attempted to spread blatant lies on several such issues over the past 12 years. He tried to accuse Prime Minister Narendra Modi by alleging irregularities in the purchase of Rafale aircraft. After reviewing all documents related to the Rafale aircraft purchase, the Supreme Court clearly stated in its judgment that there was no irregularity in the deal. While delivering its judgment, the Supreme Court not only cleared all doubts concerning the deal but also exposed Rahul Gandhi’s falsehood. But even after that, the Congress prince kept on lying about this deal. As a result, he had to tender an apology before the Supreme Court. Despite this big blow from the Supreme Court, Rahul Gandhi continued his campaign of spreading false narratives against the Modi government. Rahul Gandhi does not miss a single opportunity to malign the country and the Modi government on the international stage, based on lies. He has every right to criticize the government’s policies and decisions not only as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, but also as an ordinary citizen. Prime Minister Narendra Modi never expresses his opinion on the allegations made by Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi persistently tried to poison the minds of the country’s youth regarding the Defence Ministry’s Agniveer scheme. Many former officials of the armed forces have analysed in detail how beneficial this scheme is for the country’s internal security. Despite that, Rahul Gandhi, with the aim of creating doubts in the minds of youngsters, stated that the martyred Agniveers were not receiving compensation from the government. The families of the martyred Agniveers had dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s claim. For Rahul Gandhi, being aggressive against the government means giving priority to creating unrest by spreading baseless allegations. Rahul Gandhi has started the same game of spreading utterly false narrative about the India-US trade deal. Experienced leaders within the Congress do not agree with his tactics. Yet, he is dragging the party along in the name of aggression. Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are always extremely vigilant about not letting anyone outside the Gandhi family assume the reins of the Congress party. In 1997-98, senior leader Sitaram Kesri refused to step down as Congress president even though it was a wish of the Gandhi family. Back then, Mrs. Gandhi wanted to take the reins of the party by becoming its president. Several senior party leaders know how Kesri was confined to a room at that time. Sonia Gandhi had considered the age and several political limitations of Mallikarjun Kharge while appointing him as the party president. Former External Affairs Minister Shashi Tharoor contested the election for the post of party president against Kharge. Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi systematically pulled all the strings behind the scenes to make sure that Kharge gets elected. Rahul Gandhi was afraid that Shashi Tharoor would become more popular than him. For the same reason, young and dynamic leaders like Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sachin Pilot were denied the post of Chief Minister in their states. Unaware that leadership can be proven through constructive and constitutional ways, Rahul Gandhi has chosen a path of disruptive aggression. Although the Modi government had assured, by releasing the details of the India-US trade deal, that the agreement would not harm the country’s dairy producers or farmers, Rahul Gandhi still blatantly lied in Parliament. Rahul Gandhi does not care that his opposition tarnishes the country’s image on the international stage. It should not be a surprise if Congress leaders who do not agree with such extreme politics unite in the near future. Keshav Upadhye 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
Infant dies in Nagar Kurnool after caste-based temple assault
The family claims they were barred from entering the temple, beaten by organizers, and denied police help Hyderabad: A two-month-old infant succumbed to injuries from an alleged castedriven attack at the Kummera Mallanna Jathara in Nagar Kurnool mandal on February 21. The family claims they were barred from entering the temple, beaten by organizers, and denied police help. Chakali Chandrakala, her son Ganesh, daughter-in-law, and daughter arrived for Mallanna darshan during the jathara. Organizers—including village sarpanch Tukaram Reddy, Undyala Srinivas Reddy, Srikant Reddy, Satish Reddy Kannireddy, and Kufender Reddy—allegedly stopped them at the gate. When Chandrakala protested, the group reportedly hurled caste-based abuses and assaulted the family, ignoring pleas to halt due to the infant’s presence. The family alleges one assailant kicked the two-month-old child, who fell critically ill and was rushed to a hospital. Despite treatment, the infant died. They attribute the denial of temple entry to their backward caste status. Approaching Nagarkurnool Police Station for justice, the family says officers threatened them and refused to file a report. Victims claim the organizers, from an upper caste and linked to the Congress party, used their clout to evade accountability. The family now seeks protection, a thorough probe, and severe punishment for those responsible. Courtesy : Madhyamam Note: This news is originally published on https:/madhyamam.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
UP govt teacher assaults 10yo Dalit girl for refusing toclean toilet, threatens to strike her name off school
Agra: A govt primary school teacher at a village in Aligarh allegedly threatened to strike a 10-year-old Dalit girl’s name off the rolls if she did not clean the toilet. When the Class 5 student still refused, citing ill health and her father’s objection to do such work, she was allegedly thrashed by the 40-year-old woman teacher. The incident took place at Aligarh’s Karsua village in Lodha area on Thursday, and came to light after a local villager recorded a video of the girl’s experience at school and uploaded it online, triggering public outrage and a police inquiry. In the short video, the girl could be heard saying the teacher asked her to clean the toilet and fill buckets with water. When she refused, the teacher became angry and started beating her, she alleged. She also claimed that other children at the school were routinely made to clean furniture and perform chores. “The teacher sometimes even asks the students to massage her feet,” the student says in the video clip. Later when the 10-year-old’s father, Joginder Singh, a daily wager, confronted the teacher in school, the latter called her brother, who then allegedly assaulted him on its premises. “The teacher thrashed my daughter and the teacher’s brother thrashed me; so I decided to approach the cops. When some elderly villagers requested me to withdraw my complaint, I agreed to do so, only in my case. But, I won’t compromise in my daughter’s case,” the father said on Saturday. He added: “A sub-inspector visited my house on Saturday and asked me to file a fresh police complaint.” DSP (Gabhana) Dhananjay Singh said that they had taken note of the video, and local cops had initiated an inquiry and were in touch with the family. “We’re exploring the necessary legal steps in this matter. We’re also corresponding with the education department,” Singh added. SHO (Lodha), Hemant Mavi, said that a case will be registered under relevant sections once they receive a written complaint. 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
JNU VC’s remarks on Dalits sparks criticism from legal fraternity
Senior advocate Jayaraju says such statements undermine JNU’s cherished legacy as a bastion of academic freedom, inclusivity, pluralism, and social justice Kurnool: Senior Advocate Y Jaya raju has sharply condemned recent remarks by Jawaharlal Nehru University Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, who stated that ‘Dalits and Blacks cannot progress by being permanently a victim or playing the victim card.’ In an interview with The Hans India on Saturday, Raju called the comments deeply disturbing, casteist, and antithetical to constitutional principles. He argued that labeling Dalit assertion as mere ‘victimhood’ trivialises the enduring realities of structural oppression faced by historically marginalized communities. Such statements, he said, undermine JNU’s cherished legacy as a bastion of academic freedom, inclusivity, pluralism, and social justice. The advocate emphasised that social justice is a core constitutional imperative, not sentiment. He invoked key provisions of Indian Constitution—guaranteeing equality (Article 14), abolishing untouchability (Article 17), and providing for affirmative action for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Articles 15, 16, 46)—as evidence of the State’s recognition of systemic injustice and its duty to implement corrective measures. He also highlighted a troubling pattern during Pandit’s tenure, including her reported opposition to UGC equity regulations aimed at curbing caste discrimination, perceived alignment with RSS-affiliated student groups, and statements perceived to downplay caste-based bias. These, he noted, have fuelled concerns among faculty and students about eroding democratic spaces, ideological bias, and inconsistent application of disciplinary norms—contrary to JNU’s tradition of robust, open debate. Drawing on BR Ambedkar’s vision, Raju stressed that constitutional morality must supersede entrenched social hierarchies. He urged the Vice-Chancellor to issue a public apology, recommit to equity policies, bolster anti-discrimination mechanisms, and ensure institutional neutrality. Raju framed the issue as transcending party politics: safeguarding Dalit dignity is integral to upholding Indian democracy itself. Failure to address such remarks, he warned, risks further eroding public trust in premier institutions. By V Narendra Kumar Courtesy : THI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehansindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Kanpur clash turns violent: Tractor dispute leaves 5 seriously injured, Dalit family’s hut burned
The attackers went further, setting fire to a hut outside the house of a Dalit family. The hut was completely destroyed, leaving the family with significant loss. In Sargaon village of Ghatampur, a minor disagreement over moving a tractor escalated into a violent clash between two groups. What began as a heated argument quickly turned into a physical fight involving sticks, rods, and even axes. At least five people were reported seriously injured in the incident. The attackers went further, setting fire to a hut outside the house of a Dalit family. The hut was completely destroyed, leaving the family with significant loss. The police rushed to the scene after receiving information about the incident and managed to control the situation. The injured were first admitted to the community health center (CHC) in Ghatampur and later referred to a major hospital in Kanpur for advanced treatment. MLA Saroj Kuril visits victims Upon learning about the attack, Saroj Kuril, MLA of Ghatampur, visited the hospital to meet the victims and inquire about their condition. The injured told the MLA that the attack was carried out by the son of the Sargaon village head along with his associates. According to the Dalit family, the attackers used sticks, rods, and other weapons, pulling hair and physically assaulting them. The family claims that the tractor dispute was only an excuse, and the attack was premeditated. The hut being set on fire destroyed all their belongings, causing severe financial and emotional loss. MLA Saroj Kuril condemned the incident. She said she was informed while attending a wedding ceremony and immediately rushed to the hospital upon learning about the atrocities and the fire. She spoke to DCP South, Deependra Nath Chaudhary, demanding strict action against the perpetrators. The MLA also instructed the officer in charge of Sajeti police station to take immediate steps. The DCP assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted and the guilty would be arrested and punished. Police investigation underway The police confirmed that the case falls under the jurisdiction of Sajeti Police Station. Complaints from both parties are being recorded, and an investigation is ongoing. Initial findings suggest that the clash may be linked to an old rivalry between the groups. With inputs from Anurag Srivastav Edited By: Isha Bhandari Courtesy : India TV Note: This news is originally published on https:/indiatv.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Karnataka man held for shooing away Dalit couple from temple
The accused pretended as if he was possessed by a deity, Arasamma, and drove the Dalit couple, Pankaja and Puneeth, out of the temple. TUMAKURU: Police arrested a man for allegedly ousting a newly-wed Dalit couple from a temple at Goni Tumakuru village in Turuvekere taluk. The police booked the accused Narayanappa under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Six other persons in the village who had allegedly backed the accused in practising untouchability against the couple were also booked. The accused pretended as if he was possessed by a deity, Arasamma, and drove the Dalit couple, Pankaja and Puneeth, out of the temple. A video in which the accused is seen yelling at the couple saying that Dalits are not allowed to enter the temple went viral on social media. Perform rituals elsewhere, go away, says the accused in the video. The priest was found performing the pooja while the accused created the scene. Upset by the behavior of the accused and other villagers, the younger brother of Pankaja, Jagadish, had lodged a complaint with the Turuvekere police. An FIR was filed against Narayanappa, Prabha, Kanthanna, Amulya, Puttegowda, Padma and others. Police are on the lookout for the remaining accused. Meanwhile, tahasildar NA Kunhi Ahmed and DySP Omprakash held a peace meeting involving the Dalits and other members of the village in the temple premises on Friday evening to create awareness about untouchability which is an offense. 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
AIADMK MLA’s son, Dalit leader’s daughter among new TVK joinees
Logesh was AIADMK’s candidate from Nilgiris constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, contesting against DMK’s A Raja, but failed to sceure a victory. CHENNAI: Son of former assembly speaker and AIADMK MLA P Dhanapal, Logesh Tamilselvan, was among the three who joined TVK on Saturday in the presence of actor-turned politician Vijay. Chackravarthy, grandson of civil rights activist Immanuel Sekaran, and Catherine, daughter of Dalit leader Ezhumalai, also joined the party. Logesh was AIADMK’s candidate from Nilgiris constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, contesting against DMK’s A Raja, but failed to sceure a victory. In a post on X, addressed to party cadre, Vijay named general secretary N Anand, former minister and head coordinator of the party’s executive committee KA Sengottaiyan, and general secretary for election campaign management Aadhav Arjuna as principal observers for the Assembly election. At the district level, former MLA JCD Prabhakar has been appointed for Tiruvallur; former MP Sathyabama will oversee Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, The Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Erode and Tiruppur districts; former IRS officer KG Arun Raj has been assigned Salem and Namakkal, while CTR Nirmal Kumar will monitor Madurai, Theni and Dindigul. Other functionaries have been appointed for the remaining districts. 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
Transgenders, sexual minorities should be judges: Justice Bhuyan
Hyderabad: Justice Ujjal Bhuyan of the Supreme Court said on Saturday that the judiciary must be an inclusive “rainbow institution” that reflected India’s diversity, moving beyond being a bastion of a single gender or dominant communities. Delivering the keynote address on constitutional morality and the role of the district judiciary at the Telangana Judicial Academy in Hyderabad, he said he wanted to see transgenders and sexual minorities serving as judges. He recalled his tenure as Telangana Chief Justice, where he and Justice CV Bhaskar Reddy declared the Telangana Eunuchs Act unconstitutional in 2023, asserting that constitutional morality must supersede cultural prejudices. The 1919 Act ordered eunuchs to register with the authorities and provide details such as residence, for they were “reasonably suspected of kidnapping boys”. It allowed transgender people to be arrested without a warrant. Justice Bhuyan further noted that LGBT individuals had been stereotyped and prejudiced. “Constitutional morality does not permit such discrimination and must supersede cultural morality,” he told judicial officers from across the state. He emphasised that the district judiciary was the backbone of the system and the primary interface with citizens. He described Article 227 as a “shield, not a sword”, positioning the high court as a mentor rather than a mere court of appeal. He noted that justice must not only be done but be seen to be done. To illustrate societal fault lines, he cited a 2025 incident in Delhi where his daughter’s friend, a PhD student, was denied housing due to her community, and a recent protest in Odisha against a Dalit woman preparing midday meals.”This is the tip of the iceberg showing the societal fault lines that persist even after 75 years of Independence,” he said. Justice Bhuyan highlighted icons who began in trial courts, including Justices Hansraj Khanna, AM Ahmadi, and M Fathima Beevi. He made special mention of Kanya Nathan, who topped the Kerala civil judge exam despite visual impairment, following a 2025 Supreme Court ruling that impairment is not a disqualification. Finally, he urged the judiciary to address “metaphorical distance” caused by high fees and legal illiteracy, noting the common confusion between the granting of bail and acquittal. Calling Hyderabad his second home, he thanked the fraternity for their openness. Judges of the Telangana High Court, members of the Telangana Judges’ Association, and the Academy Board of Governors also participated in the event. 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