Sonam Wangchuk Protest: Over 1,800 celebrities urge, “Sonam Wangchuk is a national treasure, please end your 17-day fast.”
Sonam Wangchuk’s fast at Jantar Mantar continues for the 17th day. The CJP has called several leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and JP Nadda, to express their support. Over 1,800 celebrities and several opposition leaders have appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast. Concerns over Wangchuk’s health, appeal to end fast New Delhi: The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which is protesting at Jantar Mantar against the alleged rigging and paper leak in the NEET-UG exam, on Tuesday wrote to leaders of all political parties in the country, urging them to come forward in support of the students. The party has invited leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties to reach Jantar Mantar to stand with the youth in their struggle. BJP National President and Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, as well as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, have been specially invited in this letter. Several other senior leaders, including veteran South Indian cinema actor and politician Thalapathy Vijay, have also been invited. On the other hand, several prominent figures and opposition leaders have urged environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for 17 days, to end her fast. More than 1,800 prominent figures in the country, including renowned artists, writers, academics, and social activists, have issued an open letter in support. Signatories to this letter include Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Arundhati Roy, economist Jean Dreze, Jayanti Ghosh, Nivedita Menon, and Anuradha Chinoy. Urge to End Fast Earlier, TMC MP Mahua Moitra and NCP leader Rohit Pawar expressed concern and urged him to end the fast. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party MP Priya Saroj and Bharatiya Kisan Union Chaduni leaders reached Jantar Mantar, stating that Wangchuk’s condition was deteriorating due to his fast and that he was rapidly losing weight. They called for a march to Parliament on July 20, at the start of the monsoon session. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast. ‘Nothing should happen to him’ On Tuesday, Omi Vaidya, who played Chatur in the film 3 Idiots, shared an emotional video on social media, urging Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike. He said that the popular character Phunsukh Wangdu was inspired by Sonam Wangchuk in real life. He said that nothing should happen to Phunsukh Wangdu. Kejriwal to arrive at Jantar Mantar tomorrow In a press conference on Tuesday, Kejriwal expressed his support for the ongoing protest by the Cockroach Janata Party at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Kejriwal stated that he would visit Jantar Mantar on Thursday (July 16) at 5 p.m. to express his support. Rahul and Nadda also invited Leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties invited Several senior leaders, including Thalapathy Vijay, were also invited Kejriwal said Wangchuk is a national treasure Akhilesh Yadav also appealed to break the fast Hope for change, courage not waning even at night The streets of Delhi are currently buzzing with traffic, but inside Jantar Mantar, a different world exists. The clock is striking 10 p.m. Black tarpaulins are stretched overhead, sheets are spread below, and young people sitting among them are keeping the protest alive in their own ways. The crowd isn’t very large, but those present don’t seem in a hurry to leave. A guitar riff begins in a corner. A few boys and girls begin singing revolutionary songs in unison. As soon as the song ends, applause erupts, and then a new song begins. A circle has formed a short distance away. A young man sitting in the center expresses his views on the education system with hand gestures. Those around him listen without interruption. The protesters here are between 20 and 30 years old. The main stage of the protest is quiet. Large banners hang behind the stage, with messages related to ‘hunger strike’ and education visible from a distance. Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk lies on the same stage. The fast continues. People come around the stage, stand for a while, watch, and then quietly leave. Posters are plastered all over the protest site. Some demand changes to the education system, while others demand the resignation of the Education Minister. Students have handwritten messages on many posters: “Government, let us live,” “Change the education system,” “We want transparency in exams.” Slogans are also raised, but not continuously. Occasionally, a group raises its voice, and then the atmosphere returns to songs and discussions. The protest here isn’t just in its voices, but also in its stillness. Interestingly, most of the people present appear to be between 20 and 30 years old. Some are sending live updates on social media. Some join in the discussion. Many faces are tired, but their spirits remain undiminished. Small groups have formed at the protest site. Each group has its own topic. Some are debating education policy, others are discussing unemployment, and others are discussing the Constitution. The protest isn’t limited to slogans; it’s also evident in the conversations. The night is drawing in, but Jantar Mantar hasn’t slept yet. “People have come to register their presence.” The banners flashing in the light, the youth sitting on the ground, the resounding songs, and the occasional slogans testify that while the numbers may not be large, the people present here have come to make their presence felt. Perhaps the most striking image of this night at Jantar Mantar is that the protest here is not just in voice, but also in steadfastness. There is no haste, no hurry. The only hope is that their voices will be heard, the education system will change, and the questions they are sitting here with will be answered. Contributed by: Mohd. Asgar, Edited by: Tina About the Author Tina works as a consultant at Navbharat Times Online and is in the process of establishing her identity in the world of digital journalism. Currently, she actively works on national, crime, jungle news, good news, and local news. Courtesy: Hindi News
Tehri Dalit Teen Murder Case: Case Registered Based on a Complaint from the Girl’s Mother
New information has emerged in the Tehri Dalit teen murder case. A case has been filed based on the girl’s mother’s complaint. Tehri: A new twist has emerged in the recent murder of a Dalit teen in Tehri district, Uttarakhand. According to the police, after the minor girl’s medical examination, a case has been registered at Lambgaon police station based on the girl’s mother’s complaint. A case has been filed under various sections, including the POCSO Act. The investigation will be conducted by female SI Hemlata. In fact, around 11 pm on the night of June 7-8, a minor teen from a village in the Lambgaon police station area went with his friend to a nearby village to meet his friend (a love affair case). The girl’s family members apprehended the two boys. It is alleged that the girl’s family members assaulted the two boys, leaving them seriously injured. Both were subsequently admitted to the hospital, where the minor girl’s friend (boyfriend) died. Based on a complaint filed by the deceased boy’s family, the police arrested four people, including the girl’s father and grandfather. The deceased minor boy’s friend is an eyewitness to the incident, and the police have now filed a case under the POCSO Act. The minor girl’s mother also filed a complaint with the police station, but the police did not register a case. However, the High Court later ordered the police to hear the minor girl’s side of the story. Following this, on July 11, the Lambgaon police station filed a case under the POCSO Act against the deceased’s friend, who was also an eyewitness to the incident. Investigating officer and CO Chandramohan stated that female SI Hemlata has been authorized for this purpose. Led by the former village head of the minor girl, people also met with Tehri SSP Shweta Choubey, demanding harsh punishment for the culprits and a change in the investigating officer. Courtesy: Hindi News
Congress to Protest at Jantar Mantar on July 27 over Dalit Student’s Murder: Party’s UP in-charge
NEW DELHI — Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam on Monday said that the party delegation was stopped mid-day and denied a chance to meet the family of Meerut victim Lalita Gautam. Speaking to IANS, Rajendra Pal Gautam said that the party workers will assemble at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on July 27 to raise their voice against the Dalit student’s murder and also demand justice for her. He also said that the Congress delegation led by him, which included many senior leaders and MPs like Imran Masood, was stopped by the police at the Kashi toll plaza and refused permission to meet the family of the missing Meerut victim. “Police kept us waiting for hours, giving assurances that they would allow us to meet the victim’s family but then denied permission for the same, citing law and order conditions,” he remarked. He also demanded Rs 1 crore as financial compensation to the affected family, along with a government job for one member of the victim’s family and also sought a speedy investigation to bring the perpetrators to book. The UP Congress in-charge also lashed out at the SSP’s conduct and demanded his suspension over alleged excesses on demonstrators. “Action should be taken against the SSP, who openly took the law into his own hands. Why has no case been registered against him? Why has he not been suspended?” he asked. According to police, the 20-year-old Lalita Gautam had gone missing from the TP Nagar area on May 15 and two days later, her dead body was found in the Rohta area. Ankush Kumar (23), identified as the main accused, was arrested on May 18, while another was held for allegedly destroying evidence. The incident prompted protests by her family and community members. The Congress delegation that headed to Meerut included Lok Sabha MPs Imran Masood and Tanuj Punia, Rajya Sabha MP Karamveer Singh Bauddh and AICC OBC Department chairman Anil Jaihind, among others. Earlier, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge had accused the BJP dispensation of turning a blind eye to the family woes, stating that it exposes the double engine government’s “anti-Dalit” face. Courtesy : Clarion Note: This news is originally published on https:/clarion.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rape case filed against ‘murdered’ Dalit youth after HC prod
Dehradun: In a fresh turn of events in the Tehri Garhwal suspected “honour killing” case, Uttarakhand police have registered a case of gang-rape against the deceased 16-year-old Dalit youth and his friend. The action follows a directive from the high court after the parents of the minor upper-caste girl presented a medical examination report suggesting sexual assault. The FIR was registered on Sunday after the direction of the court following a formal complaint by the girl’s mother. Tehri Garhwal SSP Shweta Chaubey confirmed to TOI that a case of gang-rape has been filed under BNS Section 70 alongside relevant sections of the Pocso Act. “On the basis of the complaint, the minor deceased youth and his friend were named in the case. However, as the minor is no more, we have taken appropriate legal action under relevant provisions while considering the medical examination report. A probe is ongoing,” said SSP Chaubey. The case dates to June 7, when the 16-year-old Dalit boy was allegedly beaten to death by the minor girl’s family members. According to the initial police investigation, the boy and his friend had gone to the girl’s house late at night after receiving a phone call from her. The girl’s family allegedly caught them, leading to the fatal physical assault. Following the teenager’s death, police had registered a case of murder and physical assault, subsequently arresting four accused individuals, including the girl’s father and grandfather. The investigations into both the murder and the subsequent sexual assault allegations are currently underway. 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
15yo Dalit rape survivor dies by suicide in Kheri
Pilibhit: A 15-year-old Dalit rape survivor was found hanging at her house in a village under Neemgaon police station limits in Kheri district on Monday, police said. Senior police officials, including SP Khyati Garg and the local CO, reached the spot as the deceased and the accused belonged to different communities. The body was sent for postmortem, and police force was deployed in the village to maintain law and order. An FIR in the alleged rape case was lodged on July 5 under BNS section 65, which deals with rape of a woman under 16 years of age, and relevant provisions of the Pocso Act, based on a complaint filed by the girl’s mother. As per the complaint, the 21-year-old accused, a resident of the same village, entered the girl’s house around 5pm on July 5 when her family members were away for agricultural work. He was arrested the same night after the FIR and sent to jail the next day. SP Garg told TOI, “Preliminary investigation by the CO has revealed that the girl and the accused were in a relationship for over two years. The victim had initially denied rape, but after the FIR was lodged, she confirmed the allegations in her statement recorded before court under BNSS section 183.” Police said they are probing the circumstances that led to the girl’s death and have not ruled out the possibility that she was under emotional distress after testifying against the accused. Further action will be taken after the postmortem report, officials added. 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
Police recommend ₹6 lakh relief for family of dalit youth died in Pudukkottai
Pudukkottai: District police have recommended a relief of ₹6 lakh for the family of a 20-year-old dalit youth who was found dead in a quarry pit in Pudukkottai under suspicious circumstances more than two months ago. On April 23, R Hariharan of Nadupatti near Thirumalairayapuram was found dead in a quarry in Vellanur. Police initially registered a case under Section 184 of the BNSS as a suspicious death. However, after the man’s family alleged foul play and claimed that he was murdered by the family of a woman from a different caste with whom he was in a relationship, police altered the case to Section 108 of the BNS read with Section 3(2) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. In the action taken report (ATR) submitted by district superintendent of police Ravindra Kumar Gupta to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), it is mentioned that the social justice and human rights (SJ&HR) wing police has been asked to disburse 50% of the relief under the SC/ST Act. The report added that the relief is yet to be distributed as a legal heir certificate from the deceased’s father is awaited. The report also stated that the accused woman was arrested and remanded in judicial custody on June 2, while her father, her brother and another man were named as accused in the case. Statements from the family members were recorded, call records were analysed, and digital devices were seized. Meanwhile, the postmortem report stated that there were no external injuries on the body and it was decomposed as it remained in water for three days, the ATR report said, and added that further investigation is on. K Muruganatham of Neelam Cultural Centre said, “We welcome police’s move to ensure transparency by providing the ATR, which has not happened in the past. However, the man’s parents feel that police should arrest other family members involved in the case and interrogate them.” 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
Uttarakhand Dalit Boy Murder: FIR Filed Against Deceased’s Friend Based On Girl’s Mother Complaint
Four people, including the father and grandfather of the girl, were arrested based on a complaint lodged by the family of the deceased boy. Tehri: The police in Uttarakhand have registered a case in the killing of a Dalit minor boy based on a formal complaint filed by the minor girl’s mother. Charges under the POCSO Act and other sections have been filed at the Lambgaon police station. After the killing of a Dalit minor boy in Tehri district, the police have filed a case under the POCSO Act on July 11 against the deceased’s friend, who is an eyewitness in this case. The incident took place on the night between June 7 and 8, when the Dalit minor boy, along with his friend, went to the nearest village around 11 pm to visit a minor girl with whom he had a romantic affair. However, the family of the minor girl found the boys and assaulted them brutally. The victims were taken to a hospital, and later, the boyfriend of the girl died due to injuries sustained. Four people, including the father and grandfather of the girl, were arrested based on a complaint lodged by the family of the deceased boy. The mother of the minor girl had also complained to the police at the time, but no case was registered immediately. The turning point arrived when the High Court directed the police to listen to the side of the minor girl. According to the investigating officer and CO Chandramohan, Hemlata, a sub-inspector, has been given the responsibility of investigating this aspect of the case. In the meantime, there have been tensions both politically and locally due to the case. A delegation visited Tehri SSP Shweta Chaubey demanding severe action against the accused as well as a replacement of the investigating officer. Previously, protestors belonging to the Bhim Army, along with MP Chandrashekhar Azad and MLA Umesh Kumar, went on a hunger strike following their interception by the police in Haridwar while trying to proceed towards Tehri. Courtesy : ETV Bharat Note: This news is originally published on https:/etvbharat.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Modi Government is Committed to the Empowerment of Transgenders: Union Minister Ramdas Athawale
National Seminar on Awareness of Transgender Identity and Issues Concludes at Savitribai Phule Pune University The two-day National Seminar on Awareness of Transgender Identity and Issues successfully concluded today at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) with a valedictory session addressed by Shri Ramdas Athawale, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. Addressing the audience, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to promoting the rights, dignity, and inclusive development of transgender persons. He emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among government institutions, educational establishments, and civil society organizations to ensure equal opportunities, social acceptance, and the effective implementation of welfare initiatives for the transgender community. “The Modi government is fully committed to the empowerment and welfare of transgender persons,” stated Shri Ramdas Athawale. “The government is working for every oppressed community, and transgender empowerment is a major point on our national agenda.” The Minister highlighted key central initiatives, including the SMILE (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) Scheme, which is actively working to bring transgender individuals into the mainstream and include them in national development by facilitating education, healthcare, livelihood, rehabilitation, and social security. The national seminar was jointly organized by the School of Education, Department of Education and Extension (DEE), and the Department of Gender Studiesat SPPU, in collaboration with the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, Government of Maharashtra. The seminar held on July 11–12, 2026, provided a vital platform for deep deliberations on crucial topics, including transgender identity, social inclusion, education, legal rights, healthcare, livelihood opportunities, and policy interventions. The two-day event drew active participation from academicians, researchers, policymakers, government officials, students, and members of the transgender community across various technical sessions. Distinguished dignitaries present on the occasion included Minister of state for Social Justice Madhuri Misal, Prof. (Dr.) Suresh Gosavi (Vice Chancellor, SPPU) and Prof. (Dr.) Parag Kalkar, (Pro-Vice Chancellor, SPPU), alongside other university officials and regional leaders. Harshal Akude/Parshuram Kor Courtesy : PIB Note: This news is originally published on https:/pib.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Uddhav announces support for CJP protest, appeals to Wangchuk to end hunger strike
Insisting that his life was precious, Uddhav appealed to Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike while attacking the Centre for being unconcerned and insensitive about his protest. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday extended support to the Cockroach Janta Party’s protest in Delhi demanding the residnation of the Union Education Minister over examination irregularities including the NEET-UG paper leak. He also urged Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, to support the movement. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Uddhav appealed to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose hunger strike in solidarity with the students entered its 16th day on Monday, to end his protest while insisting his life was precious. The senior politician attacked the Centre, claiming it appeared unconcerned and insensitive about Wangchuk’s protest. “Today, I announce my complete support to the protest of (CJP founder) Abhijit Dipke and Sonam Wangchuk,” the former Maharashtra CM said. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)’s protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi over alleged examination irregularities has been underway for 24 days now. Educator and climate activist Wangchuk (59) joined the protest on June 28 and began an indefinite hunger at the site in support of the CJP stir. The CJP has been demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of students who died by suicide since the NEET paper leak in May. The medical entrance examination was re-conducted last month. The CJP, whose protest began on June 20, on Monday said Wangchuk has lost 8.2 kg since his indefinite hunger strike, and his blood glucose level has dropped to 67 mg/dL. The fledgling outfit, founded by political communication strategist Abhijeet Dipke, has announced a march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session. Thackeray said parties should back the CJP protest “without any political flag” and suggested even Congress MP Rahul Gandhi should support it. He urged political parties to hold protest in their respective states on this issue. “All political parties should do something in their respective states and awaken the country because till that time these people will not know their place,” Thackeray maintained. He pointed out that the government was yet to send a high-level delegation to talk to Wangchuk to end the deadlock. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said Dipke has claimed there is a conspiracy to scuttle the protest and added all youths and their parents should join the protest as it is not a political issue, but concerns the country. There was nothing lowly in asking Union Education Minister Pradhan to resign and appointing someone more capable than him, the Sena (UBT) leader argued. On July 20, when the CJP undertakes a march to Parliament, the Sena (UBT) will stage a protest in Maharashtra to extend support to their cause, he declared. Sena (UBT) MPs will raise the issue of the CJP protest during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Thackeray said. He appealed to Wangchuk to withdraw his hunger strike, saying his life is precious as the government is insensitive and unconcerned and doesn’t seem to care about the protest. Thackeray said the country should have used the Ladakh-based activist’s talent, but instead he was dubbed a “traitor” and jailed. The educator-climate activist was detained last year after violent protests over demands for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution rocked Leh in September. He was released from Jodhpur Central Jail on March 14, 2026, after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs revoked his detention under the National Security Act. Thackeray informed that he will go to Nagpur on July 18 to take part in the ‘Ram Raksha’ protest, which he launched earlier this month against the alleged embezzlement of donations to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Talking to reporters earlier in the day, Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut alleged the government does not want Wangchuk to be alive. 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 likely to summon CM Shivakumar, state netas to Delhi
Back home, aspirants such as Ramdurg MLA Ashok Pattan, Sringeri MLA T D Raje Gowda, and Arsikere MLA K M Shivalinge Gowda called on Kharge. BENGALURU: With LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi having returned to India from his foreign trip and AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge back to New Delhi from Bengaluru, the countdown has begun for the expansion of the Shivakumar cabinet.“It will happen as soon as possible, as we will discuss the matter with Rahul after he returns (from abroad),” Kharge told reporters in Bengaluru before leaving for the national capital. According to sources, AICC general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal, who was in his home state, Kerala, is also bound for Delhi. Also, former CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM Dr G Parameshwara and KPCC president BK Hariprasad are likely to be summoned by the party top brass before a final decision is taken. Meanwhile, Rahul is likely to travel to Dehradun on Thursday, where his family members, including his mother Sonia Gandhi, are vacationing. Hence, the decision on the cabinet expansion is likely to be taken before Thursday, a legislator, who is camping in Delhi, told TNIE. Back home, aspirants such as Ramdurg MLA Ashok Pattan, Sringeri MLA T D Raje Gowda, and Arsikere MLA K M Shivalinge Gowda called on Kharge. “Let us see how things pan out in the next two to three days. The CM may go to Delhi tomorrow. The session will be held from August 6, and by then, the cabinet expansion will be done. What is the connection between the month of Aashada and cabinet expansion?” Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy said. 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