Transgender community protests police bid to arrest accused in assault case
Mohali: High drama unfolded at Janata Chowk late Thursday night when a Kharar police team reached the residence of Pooja Mahant to arrest her in connection with a case involving a dispute between two factions of the transgender community. According to sources, the police team faced strong resistance from transgender persons present at the house. The protesters raised slogans against the police action and allegedly stripped off their clothes in protest, leading to a tense situation in the area. The situation further escalated when the police allegedly attempted to force open the doors of the residence. The protesters opposed the move and created a commotion, forcing the police team to retreat without making the arrest. The case pertains to an FIR registered at Kharar police station on Sept 12, 2025, on the complaint of Maniksha Mahant. In her complaint, Maniksha alleged that on Sept 6, 2025, she was returning from Landran in a Bolero with her driver, Sonu Khan, when another vehicle allegedly intercepted them near Swara village. She claimed that Pooja, also known as Umar Sakir, got out of the vehicle carrying a sharp-edged weapon, dragged her out and attacked her with an intent to cause serious injury. The attempted arrest triggered opposition from members of the transgender community, who gathered outside the residence and protested against the police action. Mohali has witnessed similar demonstrations in the past, including a 2019 protest outside Mataur police station by members of the transgender community over alleged criminal activities by imposters posing as transgender persons. 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
‘Merely adopting blue colour doesn’t make anyone Ambedkarite’: Mayawati on SP’s student wing uniform
Akhilesh Yadav wearing a blue scarf around his neck during a press conference on August 21 has triggered a political row in Uttar Pradesh over Dalit interest. LUCKNOW: With the UP Assembly election inching closer, the colour blue is buzzing as the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) are engaging in verbal spats over it. It may be recalled that Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav had launched the blue uniform for the Samajwadi Party’s student wing (SP Chhatra Sabha) recently. Moreover, three days before the launch of the uniform, Akhilesh Yadav had arrived wearing a blue scarf around his neck during a press conference. The move laid the path to a common belief that SP was seeking to woo Dalit voters through it. Meanwhile, BSP supremo Mayawati hit out at Akhilesh Yadav. Without naming him, she said on Friday that adopting the BSP’s blue colour, wearing a blue scarf around the neck, dressing in blue clothes or putting blue fabric on a stage would not change a party’s casteist mindset. Taking to social media platform X, Mayawati wrote: “If you genuinely care about the poor, Dalits, tribals, backward classes and other neglected sections, then all opposition parties, including the SP and Congress, must first cleanse their hearts and minds. Merely adopting the colour blue does not make anyone an Ambedkarite.” On the purported offer to Mayawati’s nephew Akash Anand to join the Congress, Mayawati said: “Congress is like a sinking ship. Why would anyone put their political future in darkness by joining it?” After Akash was expelled from the BSP, Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam had said that the doors of the Congress were open to Akash and that he would receive due respect. At a press conference in Lucknow on Thursday, when asked whether Akash Anand could join the SP, Akhilesh Yadav said: “You are a journalist; you tell him to come, and we will take him.” Similarly, BJP ally Nishad Party president Sanjay Nishad said, “Akash Anand should join us. He will be given full respect and a major responsibility. He could even be made national president. The dream of Ambedkar and Kanshi Ram remains incomplete, and we can all work together to fulfil it.” Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai had said, “Akash Anand was speaking about his people, which Mayawati did not like.” Congress leaders also believe that decisions taken by the party have played a major role in damaging Akash Anand’s political career. Meanwhile, hitting out at the political rivals, Mayawati said: “Opposition parties have continuously changed their colours on issues concerning backward classes and Dalits. These parties say one thing and do exactly the opposite.” Questioning the Samajwadi Party’s PDA slogan, referring to backward classes, Dalits and minorities, she said the BSP was the only party working for the cause of the Bahujan Samaj. She described the BSP as the only well-wisher of Bahujan Samaj and the only Ambedkarite party. Mayawati added that those who were expelled from the BSP had switched parties several times. “This is a reflection of their selfish and opportunistic politics. Such people cannot do good for any party,” posted the BSP chief. She said a few expelled leaders, while acting at the behest of other parties, even go on to form small parties and organisations. Mayawati said: “SP and Congress cannot even contest elections without alliances. At the same time, when a major party forms the government, they cannot stay away from joining it.” Referring to Dr BR Ambedkar, Mayawati said that during his lifetime, he had warned members of the Bahujan Samaj to maintain distance from the Congress. She said it was important for the people associated with the BSP and its movement to understand those lines in the current political circumstances. Namita Bajpai 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
Man gets life term for crushing 2 Dalit women with car & trying to abduct girl
Bulandshahr: A special SC/ST court in UP’s Bulandshahr has sentenced a man to life imprisonment for the deaths of two Dalit women — in their 50s — who were deliberately run over by a car during a wedding in 2019. The court also imposed a Rs 51,000 fine on the convict. According to prosecution, the incident took place on June 25 when a marriage ceremony was underway and the bride’s kin were standing by the roadside. The accused, Nakul Thakur, arrived in a car with co-accused Omendra alias Oga. Thakur first tried to abduct a girl, a Dalit, from the venue and then used abusive and casteist remarks when she resisted. The accused also threatened the girl’s kin when they objected. He then drove away only to return with the vehicle at high speed. They mowed down some of the ‘baraatis’ waiting outside as a result of which two women were crushed to death. Two men were also critically hurt. The incident sparked angry protests in the area, following which police registered an FIR against Thakur and Omendra. Special public prosecutor Vipul Raghav told the court that the case was registered on June 25, 2019, on the complaint of Dharmendra Singh of Chandpur village. Police arrested the accused and after completing the investigation, filed the charge-sheet on Aug 28, that year. The case was heard before the special SC/ST Act court. During the proceedings, prosecution presented evidence and witnesses to establish the gruesome crime. Main accused Thakur died during trial on Feb 17, 2024. On Thursday, special judge Om Prakash Verma held co-accused Omendra guilty and sentenced him to life in prison. 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
Class 8 Dalit Student Alleges Caste Discrimination by Teacher at UP Government School
A Class 8 student at a government upper primary school in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri district has alleged caste-based discrimination by a teacher. The student, identified as Krishna, belongs to the Valmiki community, which is listed as a Scheduled Caste. He has accused a woman teacher at Government Upper Primary School Patrasi in Nakaha block of allegedly stopping him from sitting in class and refusing to teach him. According to the student’s account, the teacher allegedly told him to stay away from her. He also claimed that she said she would not remain in the school if he came to her class. Krishna has said that his only “fault” was being born into the Valmiki community. He said the alleged treatment has affected his studies and morale. Student Alleges Untouchability The allegations have raised concerns over caste discrimination and untouchability in a government school. People who have spoken about the matter have called for an impartial inquiry and action if the allegations are found to be true. They said such treatment could affect the child’s right to education and equality. The allegations have not been independently verified, and there is no official confirmation available so far about the teacher’s response. Call for Police and Education Department Probe Ashmit Soni, media in charge of the Bharatiya Adivasi Party in Rajasthan, shared a video related to the allegations and tagged Uttar Pradesh Police, seeking an investigation. Soni said discrimination should not be tolerated and referred to social media claims that the student was allegedly removed from the classroom after caste based remarks. He urged the police to examine the matter and take strict action if the allegations are established. There is currently no confirmed information about an FIR or a departmental inquiry into the allegations. What the Law Says Caste based discrimination against children in schools is prohibited under India’s constitutional framework and education laws. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, provides for a child’s right to education without discrimination. If an alleged act is found to amount to an offence against a Scheduled Caste student, provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act may also be considered, depending on the facts. A formal inquiry by the education authorities and, where required, the police would be needed to establish what happened. The priority, residents have said, should be to ensure that the student’s education is not disrupted while the allegations are investigated. 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
With eye on poll, BJP to begin ‘drug-free Punjab’ drive amid row over Dalit villager’s death
The campaign comes close on the heels of a row that erupted following the death of a Dalit villager, who was reportedly under pressure to apologise for questioning Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema over the supply of ‘chitta (synthetic drugs)’ in the State. With an eye on the 2027 Assembly poll, the BJP on Friday (September 11, 2026) announced the launch of ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatras’ from September 18 to “highlight the drug menace” in the State. State BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon said the yatras will cover all 117 Assembly constituencies and turn the fight against drugs into a mass movement. He was addressing a press conference along with party national vice-president Manpreet Badal and former State chief Sunil Jakhar. Rahul Gandhi, Bhagwant spar over the alleged suicide of a Dalit man in Punjab The campaign comes close on the heels of a row that erupted following the alleged death by suicide of a Dalit villager, who was reportedly under pressure to apologise for questioning Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema over the supply of ‘chitta (synthetic drugs)’ in the State. Mr. Dhillon alleged that three major challenges are confronting Punjab – growing drugs menace, deteriorating law and order situation, and corruption. “The yatras are not merely an anti-drug awareness campaign, but an attempt to confront the grave threat that it poses to Punjabiyat, our culture, values and the proud identity of the land of the gurus. The drug crisis is tearing families apart, pushing Punjab’s youth, traditionally known for their contribution to the armed forces, sports and nation-building, towards violence and gang-related activities. It is also imposing a heavy financial burden on families forced into debt or to sell their land and assets for treatment,” he said. Punjab govt treats over 90,000 drug victims in rehabilitation centres Mr. Dhillon said BJP president Nitin Nabin will flag off the first yatra on September 18 from Pathankot district. It will be followed by marches from Fatehgarh Sahib (September 19), Fazilka (September 20) and Talwandi Sabo (September 21). In March, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had sought a chance to form the next government, promising that the BJP will free the State from the scourge of drugs within two years. (Those in distress can contact Tele MANAS at 14416 to seek help) 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
Dalit couple assaulted for protesting tree felling: Case filed against constable and contractor in Basti on court order, 5-year-old case
Following an order from the Special Judge SC/ST Act Court in Basti, Walterganj police have filed a case against a former constable and a contractor from their own department. The case dates back to May 26, 2021. Reena Devi, a resident of Ganeshpur, alleges that contractor Durgesh Choubey was cutting down two green mango trees planted along the PWD road in front of her house without valid permission. When she protested, the contractor used casteist slurs. Meanwhile, Vinod, a constable at the then Ganeshpur outpost, who was in plain clothes, assaulted her husband, Rajesh Kumar Sonkar, and forcibly detained him at the outpost. Allegations of having the trees cut while her husband was locked up in the outpost According to Reena Devi, when she protested against the tree felling, the constable dragged her husband by the collar and locked him in the outpost. It is alleged that the contractor had the trees cut down while her husband was detained and took away the wood. Later, as the dispute escalated, the constable had the wood pulled by a tractor and stored at the police station. The victim alleges that her husband was released after threatening to send him to jail under false charges. Following the incident, she sent a complaint to the Chief Minister’s Portal, as well as to police officers and the District Magistrate, demanding action, but she alleges that no action was taken at the police level. Five years later, a case was filed on a court order. Following the police’s inaction, Reena Devi filed a petition in the court of the Special Judge, SC/ST Act. Following the court’s order, Walterganj police registered a case against then-constable Vinod and contractor Durgesh Choubey at 5:04 pm on September 10th. The police are now investigating the matter based on the court order and the allegations made in the victim’s complaint. Raj Prakash | Basti Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit family forced to live in hut with 5 children: Multiple complaints for housing in Achhalda, officials demand action
A poor Dalit family in Purva Ramdas, a hamlet in Bhasora Gram Panchayat of Achhalda development block, is struggling to find housing. Village resident Rajneesh Kumar, along with his wife and five children, are forced to live in a hut made of straw and tarpaulin. Family members reported that the hut floods during the rainy season, making it extremely difficult to live with the children. They have been struggling with housing for several years. Dalit woman Kalpana Devi reported that she has filed numerous complaints seeking benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme). However, her pleas have remained unanswered. She has also repeatedly appealed to the village head for housing, but the problem remains unresolved. The family has appealed to the Block Development Officer and the district administration to investigate the matter. They have demanded action against the responsible officials who were negligent in providing them with the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme). Akhilesh Kumar | Harchandpur (Bidhuna), Auraiya Courtesy: Hindi News
Hyderabad cops detain man for posing as RaGa’s aide
Police said the accused misused Kanishka’s name and identity for wrongful gain and targeted candidates who had contested Assembly elections on tickets of different political parties. HYDERABAD: Hyderabad cyber crime police brought a 45-year-old habitual offender from a prison in Punjab on a PT warrant in an impersonation fraud case in which he allegedly posed as a political aide to Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and duped 14 people across the country of around Rs 3 crore in cash and gold ornaments. The accused, Gaurav Kumar alias Gora, a native of Punjab, was brought from Central Prison, Patiala. He was brought to Hyderabad for questioning in a case registered on July 1 based on a complaint by AICC secretary Jetti Kusuma Kumar. According to the complaint, Gaurav had been impersonating Kanishka Singh, an Indian politician and political aide to Rahul Gandhi. The accused allegedly contacted the complainant through WhatsApp calls and messages, offering political favours, positions and other benefits in exchange for money. The complainant provided call details and other evidence to police. No money was lost in this case. Police said the accused misused Kanishka’s name and identity for wrongful gain and targeted candidates who had contested Assembly elections on tickets of different political parties. He allegedly promised political support, positions and other favours in exchange for cash and gold. Further investigation is under way. 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
Don’t go public about quitting electoral politics: Rahul Gandhi to Siddaramaiah
The proposed caste enumeration as part of the 2027 Census also figured prominently during Siddaramaiah’s meeting with Rahul, the sources said. BENGALURU: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday reportedly advised former chief minister Siddaramaiah not to make public statements about quitting electoral politics. At a meeting with Siddaramaiah in Delhi, Rahul told him that such remarks could hurt the Congress. The two are learnt to have discussed the political situation in the state and party organisational and electoral issues for nearly one-and-a-half hours, sources close to Siddaramaiah said. Rahul is also understood to have told Siddaramaiah that the Congress needs senior leaders of his experience. Siddaramaiah is learnt to have explained that his decision is limited to electoral politics. He wants to remain active in public life and continue to raise issues concerning people. He cited his age and the changing nature of electoral politics for his decision not to contest the 2028 Assembly elections. Siddaramaiah recently said that he would not contest the 2028 Assembly elections, triggering speculation about his political future. He subsequently clarified that he had referred only to retirement from electoral politics and not active politics. Siddaramaiah, however, downplayed the significance of his meeting with Rahul. He told reporters that he had sought an appointment with Rahul and met him. The sources said Siddaramaiah also discussed filling two vacancies in the Shivakumar Cabinet and nomination of five MLCs. He is learnt to have proposed the names of some of his loyalists. Siddaramaiah is understood to have conveyed his concerns over his role being overlooked during the recent Cabinet expansion. He had backed Byadgi MLA Basavaraj Shivannanavar, a Kuruba leader, for a cabinet berth. However, the high command considered Chikkamagaluru MLC Gayathri Shanthegowda, also a Kuruba leader, before dropping her at the last minute. Political observers said Siddaramaiah is keen that his suggestions be given weightage while choosing Kuruba leaders for important posts, given his influence among the community members. Siddaramaiah also met AICC general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal. The proposed caste enumeration as part of the 2027 Census also figured prominently during Siddaramaiah’s meeting with Rahul, the sources said. Rahul is learnt to have sought Siddaramaiah’s views on the Centre’s decision to include caste enumeration in the 2027 Census. Being a prominent Congress leader familiar with issues related to Backward Classes and member of the Congress Working Committee, Siddaramaiah could be assigned a key role in shaping the party’s response to the exercise. The sources said Siddaramaiah may have discussed the implementation of the findings of the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission’s socio-educational survey. The meeting assumes significance as the Congress seeks to build its campaign around social justice, caste representation and the rights of Backward Classes ahead of the 2028 Assembly and 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Devaraj B Hirehalli 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
Rahul Gandhi Says India’s Education System Failing Young Generation, Flags 3 Key Issues
Rahul Gandhi criticised India’s education system, stating it is failing the youth it aims to uplift due to issues like paper leaks and high fees. The Congress leader’s remarks came ahead of the fifth edition of his ‘Chhatron ki Goonj’ initiative. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said India’s education system was failing the very generation it was meant to lift and asked students, parents and teachers to tell him why they have lost hope in it. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said fixing the education system begins with listening to those who experience its failures every day. “India’s education system is failing the very generation it was meant to lift. Paper leaks. Crushing fees. Decaying infrastructure. Millions of young Indians work honestly, and the system still lets them down,” Gandhi said on X. “Fixing it begins with listening to those who experience its failures every day. Students, parents, teachers, tell me: why have you lost hope in the education system?” he said. Gandhi asked students, parents and teachers to share their experiences, evidence and ideas on an online link he shared. “Together, we will bring hope back,” Gandhi added. The Congress leader’s remarks came ahead of the fifth edition of his ‘Chhatron ki Goonj’ initiative, which will be held in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore on September 19. He has asserted that hearing the voice of every student in the country is essential to changing the system. Gandhi has held four ‘Chhatron ki Goonj’ events in Kota, Dehradun, Prayagraj and Pune. The last one in Pune on August 22 was for girl students. Courtesy : Times Now Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesnow.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights