If Rahul Gandhi is truly in favor of women’s reservation, why isn’t he supporting its implementation?: BJP
The political war of words between the BJP and Congress over the Women’s Reservation Bill has intensified. New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday again targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, questioning why he isn’t supporting it if he truly supports 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Accusations against Congress BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh accused the Congress of adopting a “double standard” on the issue of women’s reservation. He also targeted Congress allies, accusing them of obstructing its implementation. Congress is looking for excuses to block reservations BJP MP Tarun Chugh told PTI Video that the central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi enacted a law providing 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies. Now that steps are being taken to implement and enforce it quickly, Congress is looking for excuses. If Rahul is in favor, why is he opposing it? A Rajya Sabha member questioned that if Rahul Gandhi truly supports women’s reservation, why isn’t he supporting its implementation? He said that women need rights and representation, not just slogans. Congress should now abandon its double standards and stop obstructing women’s empowerment. It should support the Prime Minister’s efforts related to the Nari Shakti Vandan Act. Parliamentary Affairs Minister expressed hope A war of words broke out between the BJP and Congress on Saturday over the women’s reservation and delimitation bills. The accusations and counter-accusations began when Gandhi said that no country can succeed unless its women speak out openly. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju called it a “clear change of stance” and expressed hope that the opposition party would support the proposed laws. Congress MP posts on X Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, in a post addressed to Rijiju on ‘X’, said that as Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, who knows better than him that the Women’s Reservation Bill was passed unanimously in 2023 and that Congress fully supported it. He said, “The question is why it hasn’t been implemented even after three years, and why do you want to unnecessarily link it to delimitation now? Implement the 2023 law. Without any conditions.” Courtesy: Hindi News
Rahul to Amit Shah: Won’t stop demanding accountability
NEW DELHI: Congress’ Rahul Gandhi on Sunday questioned home minister Amit Shah’s silence over alleged police brutalities against protesting students, saying he would have to answer for what happened sooner or later. “I have no options left now’ — This is exactly what a student told me in Prayagraj yesterday. Years of preparation, selling the family land, parents burdened with debt and yet, nothing to show for it,” Rahul Gandhi said in a post in Hindi on X, referring to his “Chhatron ki Goonj” event on Saturday. “This is not his failure, it is the failure of a system that refused to reward his hard work,” Rahul added. Several days have passed since the students protesting at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over alleged paper leaks called off their agitation, yet there’s not a single word from Shah on the action taken by Delhi Police against them, he said. “Amit Shahji, do not think that we will stop demanding accountability…” he said. Meanwhile, with the monsoon session of Parliament entering its final week on Monday, party general secretary Jairam Ramesh on Sunday cautioned the govt that “history should not repeat itself”, recalling that significant laws were passed during the winter session of Parliament in 2023 despite 146 MPs being under suspension. Referring to the security breach which saw two men jumping into Lok Sabha on Dec 13, 2023, Ramesh said in a post on X, “Opposition repeatedly demanded a statement from the Union Home Minister. None was forthcoming. He remained silent as he is doing now on the brutalities inflicted by the Delhi Police on protesting youth last month.” 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
Rajasthan: ‘Justice’ Murdered in the Dangawas Dalit Massacre Case
On August 5, 2026, the Special SC/ST Court in Merta acquitted all 40 accused in the case, granting them the benefit of the doubt. The court concluded that the incident was proven and its perpetrators were unproven. This single sentence from the court encapsulates the entire tragedy of the Dangawas Dalit massacre. Bhanwar Meghvanshi explains.First, let’s understand what happened that day in Dangawas, a village in Nagaur district, Rajasthan. How the violence that began with a land dispute escalated into a Dalit massacre, and how the search for justice became a long struggle. Finally, a court verdict, delivered 11 years later, now appears to be a case of injustice.To simply describe the Dangawas Dalit massacre as a land dispute between two parties would be an injustice to the entire incident. If we piece together the events, a horrific story emerges, in which an old land dispute, caste dominance, administrative inaction, open threats, the controversial role of the illegal village panchayat, armed mobs, tractor crushes, firing, alleged sexual and physical violence against women, and subsequent attacks on victims in the hospital all appear interconnected. The most important question is: was what happened on May 14, 2015, a sudden communal clash or a serious consequence of already building tensions and threats?Dangawas is a village in the Merta City area of Nagaur district. According to the 2011 census, the village had 1,578 families and a total population of approximately 7,470. Dalits constituted approximately 16.59 percent of the population. There had been a long-standing dispute in the village over the occupation of Dalit land by non-Dalits and tenancy rights. The land dispute that later became the backdrop for the Dangavas massacre is 23 bighas and 5 biswas of land. This land has been in the name of the Dalit Meghwal family since its inception in government records. Later, a dispute arose over its alleged purchase, sale, transfer, and possession. According to the occupying Jat family, they had purchased the land, but it was only in the Dalits’ names on paper. Meanwhile, the Dalit family claims the land was mortgaged and was reclaimed after making a reasonable payment. However, the Jat family continued to illegally occupy it, leading the aggrieved Dalit family to approach the courts and the administration. Ultimately, proceedings before the Sub-Divisional Officer resulted in a decision in favor of the Dalit family, ordering the transfer of physical possession.This is where the story becomes more serious. While the land belonged to the Dalits on paper, the land was in the hands of another party. The law stated one thing, while the powers that be asserted another. This cannot be explained by a single incident; it is a series of events. For example, on April 20, 2015, there was mention of an attempt to cut down trees and build a pond on the disputed land. Subsequently, on April 21, an incident of attempted rape and assault of a Dalit widow was reported. When the police failed to register a case, the victim had to go to court. Subsequently, threats against Dalits escalated.On May 11, Dalits sought protection from the local administration. Dalit families living on the disputed land were receiving threats of eviction, and several local administration officials were aware of the dispute. That same day, members of the Jat community submitted a memorandum to the local administration, demanding the removal of Dalit families from the land and threatening to remove them themselves if action was not taken. The Dalit families again sought protection from the local administration, but the local administration remained silent.This suggests that signs of danger were present before the violence of May 14. On the morning of May 14, 2015, members of the Jat community convened an illegal panchayat in the village regarding the disputed land, where a large number of people gathered. From there, this frenzied mob, armed with weapons, arrived on tractors, motorcycles, and other vehicles at the disputed land, where Dalit families were present with their relatives.A mob of hundreds of people targeted and began killing Dalit men and women present there. The violent mob not only surrounded the Dalits and hurled caste-related slurs at them, but also attacked them with sticks, rods, axes, and other weapons. Their huts and houses were set on fire. Their vehicles were burned. But the most horrific part of the violence was tractor justice. Tractors were driven over Dalits. Many were hit by the tractors. Two Dalits, Ratnaram and Pokharram, died on the spot, and nearly a dozen others were seriously injured. Pancharam also succumbed to his injuries later. Ganeshram and Ganpatram died while undergoing treatment in the hospital. Thus, five Dalits were killed in the mob lynching of May 14, 2015.To simply call the Dangawas incident a “murder” would be to minimize its full scale. Among those injured, many had broken limbs and head injuries. Several parts of their bodies also bore serious wounds and other injuries. When I visited the Dangawas victims after the incident, they also alleged that, in addition to caste-based slurs, women were assaulted, their clothes torn, and attempts were made to sexually assault them. This means that the attack wasn’t just on their bodies; their dignity and self-respect were also deeply hurt.Another horrific chapter of the Dangawas Dalit massacre involves hospitals in Merta City and Ajmer. After the incident, the injured were taken to hospitals, but due to the police’s late arrival at the scene and the tense situation at the hospital, the mob targeted the injured at Merta Hospital. Most importantly, those who should have been protected in the hospital were forced to endure fear even there.The case of Rampal Goswami’s gunshot death also came to light amid the violence on May 14th. Rampal’s family alleged that he was forcibly taken away by the mob. He later died of gunshot wounds. The Dalit community was blamed for the murder. According to the case report, the deceased Goswami had gone to Dangavas as an emissary of an illegal village council of villagers to convene
Adivasi-Dalit groups to hold rights declaration, gathering for fresh push for justice in Muthanga case
Adivasi and Dalit organisations are demanding a comprehensive inquiry into the death of Yogi (Jogi), who was reportedly killed in police firing during the 2003 Muthanga land agitation and and the alleged human rights violations in connection with the stir Adivasi and Dalit organisations will intensify protests demanding a comprehensive inquiry into the death of Yogi (Jogi), who was reportedly killed in police firing during the 2003 Muthanga land agitation and the alleged human rights violations in connection with the stir. An Adivasi-Dalit gathering and Declaration of Rights will be held at Municipal Town Hall in Sulthan Bathery (Jogi Nagar) on Sunday (August 9) on the occasion of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. Bommi Amma of Cheeral, the oldest surviving participant in the Muthanga struggle, will inaugurate the gathering at 9 a.m. Sivan Yogi, son of Jogi, will preside over the event. 2003 Muthanga land struggle: two decades later, all accused who faced trial in constable murder case acquitted; Geethanandan, three others convicted in related offences Cultural procession The programme is being organised by the Muthanga Solidarity Committee, a collective of several organisations and individuals led by the Adivasi Gothra Mahasabha (AGMS) and the Ambedkarite Democratic Front (ADF). Participants in the Muthanga struggle will share their experiences at the meeting. A cultural procession will subsequently be taken out through the town, followed by a public meeting at Jogi Nagar (Town Hall) at 4 p.m. ADF State working chairperson K. Ambujakshan will inaugurate the public meeting, while AGMS general secretary P.G. Janardhanan will make the Declaration of Rights. The Muthanga land agitation has returned to the limelight after the Kalpetta Principal Sessions Court, on July 31, acquitted all the accused who stood trial, including social activist M. Geethanandan, in the case relating to the murder of police constable K.V. Vinod. However, the court convicted Geethanandan and three others on other charges related to the case and sentenced each to five years of rigorous imprisonment. In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the organisers said the programme was being held against the backdrop of nearly 25 years of struggles by indigenous communities for land, control over natural resources, self-governance and justice. They said that under the agreement reached following the historic Kudilketty Samaram in 2001, the government was bound to distribute between one and five acres of land to landless Adivasis. However, the failure to implement the agreement led to the Muthanga agitation, during which Adivasi families erected huts on their “ancestral land” inside the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary in Wayanad and launched a “peaceful” protest. The subsequent police firing on and attack against the protesters, allegedly carried out without negotiations or warning, shocked the conscience of the world, the organisers said. Jogi, who was killed in the firing, was yet to receive justice as no proper investigation had been conducted into his death, they said. The organisers also alleged that around 55 people, including an eight-month-old child, died later after being subjected to police atrocities. They further said that even a direction issued by the then National Human Rights Commission to conduct a comprehensive probe into the alleged human rights violations, including those against women and children, was not implemented. 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
Death threats to family in Soraon: Allegations of demolition of ancestral thatch, no action even after a week
Shyamlal, a Scheduled Caste resident of Abdalpur (Pakditar) village in the Soraon police station area, has alleged that his ancestral thatch was demolished, he was assaulted, and threatened with death. He has filed a complaint against the opposing party. The victim alleges that even after a week has passed, no action has been taken in the matter. According to Shyamlal, a thatched house covered with cement sheets is located on his ancestral plot number 608. He stated that a settlement was not reached during the hearing in the SC/ST court on July 12th. Subsequently, at around 1 a.m. on July 31st, six people from the neighborhood entered his house and began demolishing the thatch and breaking the cement sheets. When Shyamlal protested, it is alleged that the accused, armed with sticks, abused him and chased him with the intention of killing him. Shyamlal saved his life by running into his house. The victim also alleged that the next morning, when he went to lay bricks with his family, the same men returned and assaulted his daughter-in-law, Bachni Devi, and son, Kamlesh. The victim immediately called the police on 112. After the police arrived, the family was able to escape safely. The accused fled the scene, threatening life and property. Shyamlal alleges that after the incident, he filed several complaints with the Soraon police station and the Soraon Circle Officer. However, even after a week, neither the police arrived at the scene nor a case was registered. The victim has demanded immediate action and protection for his family. In this regard, Inspector-in-Charge Deendayal Singh stated that the matter will be investigated seriously. Whoever is found guilty in the investigation will be prosecuted as per the law. Shyam Babu Gupta | Mauaima (Prayagraj), Prayagraj (Allahabad) Courtesy: Hindi News
Lakhimpur Kheri: Dalit Woman Found Dead, Family Alleges Rape and Murder; 12 Police Teams Deployed
12-Year-Old Dalit Girl Allegedly Gang Raped by Five Juveniles in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur A pall of grief and anger has descended over the Neemgaon police station area of Lakhimpur Kheri district in Uttar Pradesh following the suspicious death of a young Dalit woman. Her distraught family has leveled serious allegations, claiming she was raped and then murdered by strangulation. They further alleged that her body was dragged after the killing. Police have launched a large-scale investigation, though they have stated that these allegations remain unconfirmed until the postmortem report and forensic findings are complete. Family’s Anguish and Allegations The father of the deceased woman has spoken out about the brutality he believes his daughter suffered. He said that simply looking at the condition of the crime scene gives a clear indication of the seriousness of the incident. “The way things were at the spot, one can understand what happened to my daughter,” he expressed, his voice heavy with grief. However, he has not yet named any specific individual as a suspect. Police are considering all possible angles as the investigation unfolds. Massive Police Operation Underway Upon receiving information about the incident, a police team immediately rushed to the location and conducted a thorough inspection of the crime scene. A forensic team was also called in to gather scientific evidence. According to police, several items including the deceased woman’s sickle were recovered from the spot. Investigators are now meticulously scanning footage from CCTV cameras installed in the surrounding areas.The scale of the police response is significant. Neemgaon Station House Officer Praveer Kumar Gautam and Circle Officer Mitauli Yadavendra Yadav confirmed that over a dozen police teams have been formed to crack the case. These include SWAT teams, the Local Intelligence Unit, and police station-level squads, all working on different aspects of the investigation. Teams under the leadership of the Mitauli Inspector are also gathering information on the activities of suspects. Forensic and Technical Evidence Key to Probe Police officials emphasized that they are making progress. “We are receiving important clues and are getting closer to solving the case. Efforts are being made to reveal the truth very soon,” said a senior officer. Raids are being conducted continuously to locate and detain suspects, and several people have already been questioned. Despite the swift police mobilization, the final truth behind the young woman’s death remains shrouded. Authorities have made it clear that the exact cause of death and the identification of the perpetrators will depend entirely on the postmortem report, the forensic evidence collected from the scene, and the technical data still being analyzed. 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
Indian-origin trans MSP Q Manivannan under fire after calling rape a ‘spectrum’ in viral podcast clip
An Indian-origin transgender, non-binary Scottish Greens MSP has come under fire after a clip from a podcast interview recorded last year resurfaced on social media and went viral. Q Manivannan, who was elected to the Scottish Parliament in May, made the comments during an episode of The Subjective Space, a podcast hosted by Dr Sindhu Rajasekaran. The interview was recorded in February 2025, months before Manivannan entered Holyrood. In the clip circulating online, Manivannan discusses how society views rape and people who commit sexual offences. They argue that rape should not simply be understood through the image of a stereotypical “monster rapist” and question what circumstances could lead an individual to commit such a crime. Manivannan also said rape exists on a “spectrum” and argued that focusing only on extreme portrayals of offenders can limit deeper discussion about why such crimes happen. The remarks have since drawn criticism from politicians and social media users, with critics accusing the MSP of minimising the seriousness of rape. Scottish Greeens pervert Manivannan thinks rape is overly demonised as it is a spectrum. pic.twitter.com/Ag82MOzywl — Benjamin 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@BProudPatriot) August 7, 2026 Who is Q Manivannan? Manivannan is an Indian-born Scottish Greens politician who identifies as a queer Tamil immigrant and uses they/them pronouns. They were elected on 7 May 2026 as an MSP for Edinburgh and Lothians East, becoming one of the Scottish Greens’ representatives at Holyrood. The Scottish Parliament lists Manivannan as a current MSP for the region. Before entering politics, Manivannan was a doctoral student in Scotland and has described their political work as focused on marginalised communities, social justice and environmental issues. Their election also attracted attention because Manivannan was living in Scotland on a student visa, which is due to expire later this year. They have said they are pursuing a new visa to remain in the UK. What did Manivannan say in the podcast? During the interview, Manivannan questioned the common idea that people who commit rape are fundamentally different from everyone else. They said the difficult question was understanding what conditions could cause “individuals like ourselves” to commit such an act. The comments were made while discussing the way rape and perpetrators are viewed by society. The podcast conversation was not recorded as part of Manivannan’s work as an MSP, as they had not yet been elected. Politicians criticise comments Scottish Labour MP Tracy Gilbert said she was “alarmed” by the remarks and rejected the suggestion that rape should be viewed as existing on a spectrum. She called on Manivannan to retract the comments and apologise, while also urging Scottish Greens leaders Gillian Mackay and Ross Greer to clarify that the remarks do not represent party policy. Reform UK MSP Senga Beresford also criticised the comments and called for Manivannan to be suspended while the party investigates. The controversy comes only months after Manivannan entered the Scottish Parliament following the Scottish Greens’ strongest-ever election result, when the party returned 15 MSPs. 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
HC seeks compliance report from TN on rehabilitation scheme for transgenders
Madurai: Madras high court has directed Tamil Nadu chief secretary to file a compliance report to an order passed by the court directing the state to formulate a comprehensive rehabilitation scheme for transgender persons at the taluk level. In April, the court observed that members of the transgender community continue to face entrenched social stigma, resulting in deprivation of basic dignity and meaningful livelihood opportunities. Hence, the court directed the state to formulate a comprehensive rehabilitation scheme, ensuring avenues for self employment and sustainable livelihood and restoring dignity and ensuring meaningful inclusion of transgender persons in society along with necessary welfare schemes tailored to their specific needs. The court directed the chief secretary to coordinate with all relevant departments to ensure effective and time-bound implementation of the aforesaid measures. The court passed the order while hearing the anticipatory bail petition filed by a YouTuber, V Sarathkumar, who is to have published a video on digital media concerning an incident of self-immolation by a transgender within the precincts of Srivilliputhur Town police station in Virudhunagar district. When the case was listed before the court for reporting compliance, Justice K K Ramakrishnan took note of a status report filed by the state where there was no compliance of the directions issued by the court. Hence, the judge gave the direction to the chief secretary. 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
Three arrested in linked cases involving Dalit woman in Kollur
Byndoor: Kollur police have arrested three people in connection with two separate but related cases involving alleged caste-based abuse of a Dalit woman and a subsequent assault on a youth in Bellala village. The incidents reportedly occurred on Thursday, August 6, within the limits of Kollur police station. Police have registered separate cases based on complaints from both sides and are investigating the allegations. Youth arrested under SC/ST Act In the first case, police arrested Sanath Kundapur following a complaint filed by a Dalit woman. According to the complaint, Sanath allegedly approached the woman near her residence and behaved in a manner that outraged her modesty. She also alleged that he verbally abused her using casteist slurs. Based on the complaint, Kollur police registered a case under provisions of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and arrested Sanath in connection with the allegations. Police are examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident and recording statements as part of the investigation. Counter-case filed after alleged assault Meanwhile, a counter-case was registered following a complaint filed by Sanath Kundapur. In his complaint, Sanath alleged that after the earlier incident, members of the woman’s family tied him up, assaulted him and attempted to kill him. Acting on his complaint, police registered a separate case under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including the section relating to attempt to murder. Following the complaint, police arrested two people identified as Ram Kumar and Nandish Kumar in connection with the alleged assault. The arrests have resulted in three people being taken into custody in the two connected cases. Police investigate both complaints Police are now investigating the allegations made by both parties to establish the sequence of events and determine the circumstances that led to the two incidents. The cases involve serious allegations on both sides, including offences under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and an alleged attempt to murder. Investigators are expected to examine witness statements and other available evidence before taking further action. Police have stated that the investigation into both cases is currently underway. Officials are also working to identify and apprehend any other people allegedly involved in the incidents. Police said remaining accused persons, if their involvement is established during the investigation, will be apprehended in accordance with the law. Investigation underway The linked cases have drawn attention because of the serious allegations made by both sides. While the first complaint concerns alleged caste-based abuse and behaviour against a Dalit woman, the counter-complaint alleges that the accused in the first case was subsequently assaulted and subjected to an alleged attempt on his life. Police are treating the two complaints separately while examining whether and how the incidents are connected. Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses. Authorities have not yet disclosed additional information regarding the condition of those involved or the specific circumstances surrounding the alleged assault. The Kollur police are continuing their investigation and are expected to take further legal action based on the evidence gathered. Courtesy : News Karnataka Note: This news is originally published on https:/newskarnataka.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Health officials wash hands off Dalit girl’s life with Rs 2L
Private hospitals in Pebbair “settling” deaths due to alleged medical negligence Wanaparthy: Recent incidents of deaths resulting from alleged medical complications and negligence at private hospitals in Pebbair have caused public alarm. Allegations are surfacing that settlements regarding the deaths are being negotiated over the bodies in the presence of intermediaries to prevent the matter from becoming public and/or legal. Recounting a horrifying incident that occurred on September 28, 2025, locals informed that a young girl, who visited a private corporate hospital in the municipality with stomach pain, died following a medical complication. This incident occurred near the Subhash Chandra Bose Crossroads. Ramudu and Shirisha, a couple from the Dalit colony in Govardhanagiri village (Veepanagandla mandal), brought their five-year-old daughter, Ramya, to the hospital after she suddenly complained of stomach pain. Without conducting any tests, the doctor allegedly administered two injections; upon noticing foam coming from the child’s mouth, he took an X-ray and administered two more injections. As her condition deteriorated, the doctor advised the parents to take her to Mahbubnagar and sent her there in a private ambulance. However, doctors at the Mahbubnagar hospital examined the child and declared her dead. Alleging that the girl died due to the doctor’s negligence, family members and relatives staged a protest at the hospital. The price of a Dalit girl’s life settled by the hospital was Rs 2 lakhs. When questioned, DMHO Sainath Reddy said, “The medical officer conducted ground-level inspections and submitted a report to the Deputy DMHO who in turn also inspected the hospital. However, the submission of the report was delayed because he fell ill (fever). As there are holidays from tomorrow through Monday, the report is expected to reach me on Tuesday. I will take action once the report is received.” Meanwhile, many such incidents are being revealed by locals, such as the one on July 7 involving Sabera Begum (35) of Etigadda Sagapuram village, who came for delivery of twins after 16 years of marriage but was instead sent to the grave. Doctors had allegedly applied sutures without removing the placenta, which the family says attributed to the complication of her uterus. Residents of the municipality and district are criticising the situation, questioning whether anything can be done when medical officials appear to place a monetary value on human lives. They lament that officials, who ought to ensure such incidents don’t recur, are merely settling for paperwork instead of taking concrete action to prevent future occurrences 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