Rahul Gandhi appears before Bhiwandi court in defamation case
BHIWANDI: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi appeared before a court here on Saturday in connection with a criminal defamation case stemming from remarks made during the 2014 Lok Sabha election campaign.Sources said Gandhi’s personal appearance was largely procedural and necessitated by the recent demise of his former surety, Shivraj Patil Chakurkar, who had stood guarantee for his bail. With the earlier surety holder passing away last month, fresh surety formalities were required to be completed before the court. The case dates back to a public rally in Sonale village in Bhiwandi taluka during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, where Gandhi allegedly stated that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was responsible for the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Following the speech, RSS office-bearer Rajesh Kunte filed a private complaint under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code, accusing Gandhi of defaming the organisation. Advocate Narayan Iyer, representing Gandhi, said the appearance was mandated due to the submission of a new surety. “Gandhi was required to be present as a new surety has been furnished following the demise of his earlier surety. The hearing was primarily procedural,” Iyer told TOI. On Gandhi’s behalf, Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal was presented as the new surety before the court.Iyer said that after Sapkal’s surety was submitted, Gandhi signed the bond. Iyer added that the matter has reached an advanced stage. “The chief examination and cross-examination of the complainant, Rajesh Kunte, have been concluded. The trial is progressing,” he said. In view of Gandhi’s visit, Thane Police had deployed additional personnel around the court premises to manage crowds and ensure law and order. 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
Congress vote share rising in Telangana, says Revanth
Hyderabad: Chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Saturday termed the Congress as the soul of the country and the Gandhi family as the voice of the SCs, STs, BCs and minorities. He accused the BJP of attempting to finish off the Congress and politically wipe out the Gandhi family. Addressing district Congress committee (DCC) presidents from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Revanth alleged that parties that emerged after Independence under the Constitution framed by the Congress were now calling for a ‘Congress-mukt Bharat’. “The country and the Congress could not be separated,” he said, alleging that the BJP was conspiring not only to finish off the Congress and politically wipe out the Gandhi family, but also to change the Constitution and remove reservations. The TPCC organised a training programme for DCC presidents of the two Telugu states as part of the ‘Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan’ initiative of the AICC. Pradesh Congress committee presidents of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, B Mahesh Kumar Goud and YS Sharmila, also addressed the DCC chiefs. “The BJP is conspiring against Rahul Gandhi and is not allowing him to speak in Parliament. Members of the Gandhi family, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, are being harassed and insulted through cases foisted against them. When Rahul Gandhi was made to vacate his official residence, he did not have a house of his own to go to and stayed with his mother,” Revanth alleged. He told the DCC presidents that the 10-day training programme was being held at a time when, he alleged, there was a conspiracy to change the Constitution and remove reservations. He urged them to use the programme to learn facts and expose what he described as BJP conspiracies against the Congress, the Gandhi family, the Constitution and reservations at the doorsteps of the people. Referring to electoral performance, Revanth said the Congress vote share was 2% higher than that of the main opposition in the 2023 assembly election results, and that it increased to 4% within six months in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. He added that in the recent municipal elections in Telangana, the Congress vote share was 12% higher than that of the party that came second, attributing the performance to the hard work of party workers and the confidence reposed in the Congress govt by the people. He said 63% of BCs were elected in the recently held municipal elections and that 49.8% of BCs won sarpanch posts in panchayat elections. He added that Telangana was the first state in the country to conduct a caste survey and complete SC categorisation. Revanth appealed to DCC presidents to focus on people’s issues and stay away from lobbying for personal gains, saying there was only a merit quota in the Congress. He said DCC chiefs should work to strengthen the Congress in Andhra Pradesh and ensure that it emerged as a formidable force in the two Telugu states. Referring to YS Sharmila, he said she could have secured posts using the name of her father, former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, but was instead carving a niche for herself by working hard, fighting for the people’s welfare and strengthening the party in Andhra Pradesh. He asked the new DCC chiefs to take Sharmila and Rahul Gandhi as examples. 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
Rahul Gandhi, Kharge to address farmers’ convention in Bhopal on February 24
Bhopal: Lok Sabha LOP Rahul Gandhi and AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge will visit Bhopal on Tuesday to address a farmers’ convention. The Congress is organising a massive farmers’ rally to protest the recent India-US interim trade deal. The decision to oppose the deal was taken at a meeting in the AICC office. On Thursday, the US Supreme Court struck down American President Donald Trump’s tariff policy. Congress argued that, if PM Narendra Modi waited for 18 days more and did not accept the interim trade deal, Indian farmers’ interests could be protected. Now Congress will protest PM Modi’s trade deal with Trump across the country, starting from Madhya Pradesh. Speaking to reporters, state Congress President Jitu Patwari said on Saturday, “The deal signed under pressure from Trump is a betrayal of farmers. A sword was placed on the throats of our farmers cultivating soyabeans, cotton, maize and other crops to sign a trade deal of compromise. The Congress’ nationwide protest against the deal will start from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.” 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
14-Year-Old Dalit Girl Dies by Suicide in Meerut After Accused Molester’s Release From Jail
A 14-year-old Dalit girl died by suicide in Lakhimpur Kheri near Meerut. Her family alleges that she was under immense stress after the man accused of molesting her was released on bail and threatened to kill her. The Incident The teenager was found hanging from the roof of her house on Wednesday afternoon. Her parents were not at home at the time, with her father working as a farm labourer and her mother collecting firewood. When they returned from work, they discovered their daughter’s body. Speaking about the circumstances leading to his daughter’s extreme step, the victim’s father recounted the traumatic events of the past month. He explained that on January 10, his daughter had gone to a nearby field to collect fodder when the accused, identified as 25-year-old Lavlesh Kumar, dragged her into the bushes and molested her. “When she raised an alarm, the accused hurled casteist slurs and fled,” the father said. Legal Action and the Accused’s Release Following the incident, the girl returned home and informed her parents about the assault. They immediately filed a police complaint, leading to the registration of a First Information Report. The accused was arrested and sent to judicial custody. However, the situation took a devastating turn after Lavlesh Kumar secured bail approximately one week ago. According to the family, his release from prison marked the beginning of fresh terror for the teenage survivor. “After getting bail, Lavlesh met my daughter when she had gone out to a nearby shop and threatened to kill her if we did not take back the case,” the grieving father told reporters. Mental Trauma and the Aftermath The father described how his daughter was deeply affected by this encounter. “My daughter then told us that she was terrified and was under mental stress. But before we could do anything, she took the extreme step,” he said, his voice filled with grief and helplessness. The family maintains that the constant fear of the accused and his threats pushed the teenager to take her own life. The incident highlights the vulnerability of survivors, particularly those from marginalised communities, even after they muster the courage to report sexual crimes. Police Response and New Charges Following a fresh complaint lodged by the family, police registered a case against Lavlesh Kumar on Thursday. Circle Officer Shivam Kumar provided details about the legal action taken. An FIR has been filed under section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with abetment of suicide, and section 3(2)(v) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. “The accused was arrested and sent to jail on Friday,” Kumar confirmed. 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
DSS marks 20 years of struggle for equality
Vijayawada: Dalit Sthree Sakthi (DSS), which has been championing the rights of Dalit and Adivasi women for the past two decades, celebrated its 20-year journey here on Friday with the slogan ‘Justice, Equality and Self-Respect’. Addressing the gathering, national convener Geddam Jhansi described the occasion as a milestone in DSS’s sustained efforts to achieve social, political and economic equality for Dalits and Adivasis. She said the organisation has consistently worked to protect vulnerable communities from atrocities and to ensure access to quality education for Dalit and Adivasi children. Jhansi thanked the Social Welfare Department, the PCR Department, the Directorate of Prosecutions and the media for their continued support. She also expressed gratitude to her team members for their relentless commitment. Senior IAS officers B Rajasekhar, Kaki Sunitha and Udayalakshmi, Director of Prosecutions Byra Ramakoteswara Rao, Dr Swarajya Lakshmi, Ramadevi, Dr Tabitha, AP Transco Divisional Engineer Anuradha and the Resident Editor of ‘The Hans India’ attended the event. Ex-officio principal secretary of Agriculture B Rajasekhar lauded DSS for undertaking initiatives that often extend beyond the government’s reach and urged women to embrace emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance employment prospects for Dalit and Adivasi youth. He also encouraged a shift towards natural farming for sustainable outcomes. Kaki Sunitha highlighted the challenges faced by vulnerable communities, noting that legal loopholes sometimes hinder justice under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. Coordinators Satyakama Jabali, Roja, Prasanna, Hemalata and Sara were also present. 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
JNU VC’s ‘Dalit Victim Card’ Statement Sparks Row On Campus, JNUSU Demands Resignation
JNU VC Shantishree Dhulipudi Pandit remarked that Dalits “cannot always progress by portraying themselves as victims or playing the victim card,” leading to student protests. JNU VC Dalit Statement Controversy: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Vice Chancellor Shantishree Dhulipudi Pandit has sparked significant controversy on campus with a statement made in a podcast. She remarked that Dalit and Black communities “cannot always progress by portraying themselves as victims or playing the victim card,” leading to student protests and calls for her resignation. The Vice Chancellor clarified that her statement had been misunderstood, noting that she herself is from the Bahujan Samaj. What is the whole matter? The statement was made in a podcast released on February 16. The Vice Chancellor was discussing the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) Equity (Anti-Discrimination) Rules of 2026, aimed at preventing caste-based discrimination in higher educational institutions. However, following protests from some upper caste groups, the Supreme Court has currently stayed these rules. In the podcast, the Vice Chancellor described the UGC regulations as “unnecessary and irrational.” She mentioned that “it’s not easy to move forward by demonising someone or constantly portraying yourself as a victim. It’s like a temporary addiction.” This statement quickly went viral on social media, sparking controversy. What explanation did the Vice Chancellor give? As the controversy grew, the Vice Chancellor clarified that her statement had been misrepresented. She asserted that she did not intend to imply that the Dalit community always plays the victim card. She said that some people use such language as part of a “woke” ideology. She also expressed that unnecessary controversy had been created in this matter and that due care had not been taken in formulating the rules. She reiterated, “I myself am a Bahujan.” Protest on campus, demand for resignation The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) labelled the Vice Chancellor’s statement as “blatantly casteist.” The student union demanded her resignation and called for nationwide protests on Saturday. They argued that such statements promote caste discrimination and inequality in universities. The student union also criticised the Vice Chancellor’s affiliation with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). In the podcast, she had expressed pride in her RSS affiliation, saying it provided her with insight into diverse views and diversity. Following this statement, the atmosphere on the JNU campus has become tense. Student organisations have stated that protests will continue until the Vice Chancellor apologises or resigns. Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor maintained that her words were taken out of context. The matter remains a topic of discussion within academic and political circles. Courtesy : News18 Note: This news is originally published on https:/news18.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
15-year-old Dalit in Rajasthan assaulted for entering temple bookmark_border text_fields
The complaint further alleges that the man continued to hurl casteist abuse, threatened to kill the minor if he returned to the temple, and then assaulted him by slapping, kicking and punching him. Chittorgarh: A 15-year-old Dalit boy from Rajasthan’s Chittorgarh district has alleged that he was verbally abused and physically assaulted on caste lines at the Laxmi Narayan Temple in Ghosunda village. In his complaint, Chetan Prakash Regar, the son of Mangilal Regar, said the incident took place on the morning of February 7 when he went to the temple to pray. While he was returning, an upper-caste man, identified as Shubham Sukhwal, allegedly stopped him and used caste slurs, objecting to his presence in the temple. The FIR accessed by Mooknayak states that the accused questioned how someone from the Dalit community could enter the temple and reacted aggressively when the boy asserted that the place of worship was open to everyone. The complaint further alleges that the man continued to hurl casteist abuse, threatened to kill the minor if he returned to the temple, and then assaulted him by slapping, kicking and punching him. It also names another man, Pawan, as having joined in the attack and allegedly attempted to cause serious harm, Siasat Daily reported. The boy told the police that even as he managed to escape, the accused continued issuing threats warning him and others from his community against visiting the temple in the future. The FIR also mentions the temple priest, alleging that he too used caste-based threats against the minor. Police have registered a case under sections 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 115(2) (intentionally causing harm) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (Atrocities) Act. However, the family has said no arrests have been made so far and that they feel unsafe following the incident. Chetan belongs to the Regar community. Local Dalit organisations, including the Dr Ambedkar Civil Association in Rajasthan, have submitted a memorandum to the State Human Rights Commission through the district administration, condemning the attack and calling for strict action against those accused. 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
OPSC adds 3rd gender category to OCSE application
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) added a third gender or transgender category in the online application form for the Odisha Civil Services Examination (OCSE)-2025. The commission also extended the deadline for registration and fee payment to Feb 27 up to 5 pm. Candidates who complete registration will be able to submit their final online application by March 7. In a notice issued on Feb 19, OPSC said the required change was made in the gender selection column. It also clarified that applicants choosing the third gender or transgender option must upload an identity certificate or card issued by the competent authority. They must also provide supporting documents for any name change after obtaining third gender or transgender status. The move followed recent directions from the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC), which urged the state govt to introduce a third gender or transgender option in recruitment application forms and to extend the OCSE application timeline. The OHRC’s intervention came after a petition filed by a transgender person from Cuttack, who alleged that the absence of a third gender category in the OCSE form effectively blocked transgender candidates from applying. The petitioner argued that this exclusion amounted to discrimination and violated constitutional guarantees of equality and non-discrimination. On Jan 22, after hearing the matter, the OHRC recommended that the state ensure 1% reservation for transgender candidates in recruitment examinations, including OCSE. It also advised the general administration and social security departments to take steps to include the third gender or transgender option across govt recruitment forms. The commission further recommended that all recruiting agencies and boards, including OPSC, be instructed to implement the change. Additionally, the OHRC asked the govt to extend the application deadline by at least 15 days to allow affected candidates adequate time to apply. 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
BJP shows black flag to Rahul Gandhi after Congress’ shirtless protests at AI Summit
NEW DELHI: BJP workers showed black flags to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Mumbai on Saturday after Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers protested at the AI Summit in New Delhi. Video from the incident showed the workers shouting, “Rahul Gandhi haye haye.” The leader of opposition in Lok Sabha arrived in Mumbai to appear before the Bhiwandi Additional Sessions Court in the 2014 RSS defamation case. Ahead of his appearance, the local administration in Bhiwandi has tightened security arrangements. Meanwhile, BJP’s Yuva Morcha also held a protest against the Congress in New Delhi. Around 10 IYC workers were detained Friday after they tricked their way into Bharat Mandapam and briefly raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, police said. The protesters had marched into the venue wearing or holding white T-shirts with images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, along with slogans such as “India-US Trade Deal” and “PM is compromised,” leading to heated exchanges with some attendees. Officials said those detained are being identified, and appropriate legal action is being taken. The Indian Youth Congress defended the protest, calling it the “voice of millions of angry unemployed youth” aimed at the “compromised” Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The youth wing added that they are “not against the AI Summit” and “will no longer sit quietly.” The “topless” nature of the protest drew sharp reactions, with BJP leaders accusing the Congress and Rahul Gandhi of orchestrating the disruption. The BJP also called the protest a “topless, brainless and shameless” ruckus and alleged it was planned at Rahul Gandhi’s residence. 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
Defamation case: Rahul Gandhi records statement in Sultanpur court over remarks on Amit Shah
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Friday appeared before the MP MLA court in Sultanpur and recorded his statement in connection with a 2018 criminal defamation case linked to his alleged remarks about Union home minister Amit Shah. He later left the court premises after attending the hearing. Next hearing for the case is scheduled for March 9. The case stems from statements Gandhi allegedly made during the 2018 Karnataka Assembly election campaign. A complaint was filed on August 4, 2018, by Vijay Mishra, a BJP leader in Sultanpur, alleging that Gandhi made objectionable and defamatory remarks against Amit Shah at an election rally in Bengaluru. According to the complaint, Rahul Gandhi had said that while the BJP claims to believe in honest and clean politics, it is led by a “party president who is an accused in a murder case”. At the time, Amit Shah was serving as the BJP national president. The remarks referred to the 2005 Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case. However, in 2014, a special CBI court in Mumbai had discharged Shah in the matter when he was Gujarat’s home minister. The complainant contended that Gandhi’s statement was defamatory and harmed Shah’s reputation. The Sultanpur MP MLA court later took cognisance of the complaint. In December last year, the court issued a warrant against Gandhi after he failed to appear in person. On February 20, 2024, Gandhi appeared before the court, surrendered and was granted bail. His counsel moved an application seeking bail, which was allowed after two sureties of Rs 25,000 each were submitted. The court subsequently fixed March 2 for the next hearing. In July 2024, Gandhi recorded his first statement before the court, denying the allegations and terming the case politically motivated. Following the cross examination of the complainant and witnesses, the court in January 2026 directed Gandhi to appear personally for examination under Section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. This stage allows the accused to explain the evidence presented against him. His appearance on Friday was in compliance with that directive. The case is among several defamation matters filed against the Congress leader over remarks made during political campaigns. Gandhi has maintained that such cases are politically driven, while Congress leaders have said they have faith in the judiciary. Further proceedings in the matter are expected as the court continues to examine the evidence and hear arguments from both sides. 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