Dalit family alleges abuse, threats over temple entry
Rajkot: A Dalit family has alleged that they were subjected to caste-based abuse and death threats for trying to enter a Hanuman temple at Jalaram Society near the Ratanpar village turn on the Rajkot-Morbi highway. Rajesh Jadav, 55, lodged a complaint with Kuvadva Road police against four persons — Raju Ramavat, Mayur Ramavat, Hetal Bhalsod and Chandresh Bhalsod — alleging criminal intimidation and insult to provoke breach of peace under BNS, and offences under the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Jadav, a labourer, has been living with his family in Jalaram Society for two and a half years. He alleged that the temple caretaker, Raju Ramavat, had prevented his family from entering the Hanuman temple ever since they moved in. The matter was raised before the village sarpanch on June 22. The sarpanch is said to have told both sides that the temple was a public place of worship and that every resident had the right to offer prayers there. Later that evening, Jadav’s wife, Sapna, and other women from the neighbourhood, went to perform service near the temple platform. Around 7am on June 23, an argument erupted over the issue. Rajesh Jadav alleged that Raju Ramavat, his son Mayur Ramavat, Hetal Bhalsod, and her husband Chandresh Bhalsod abused him and his family and subjected them to caste-based slurs. The complaint further states that the accused allegedly told the family they had “no right to enter the temple” and said they had “defiled” the place of worship. Raju Ramavat is also accused of grabbing Rajesh Jadav by the collar and threatening to kill the entire family if Sapna approached the temple again. 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
Dalit teen goes to fields, found dead later under suspicious circumstances in UP
A 17-year-old Dalit girl who went to a field to relieve herself was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda district. Her family found her body near a clump of bushes when she did not return home. A 17-year-old Dalit girl was found dead under suspicious circumstances in a village in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda district after she went to a nearby field to relieve herself, police said on Thursday. According to police, the girl left her home on Wednesday morning but failed to return even after an hour. Alarmed by her absence, family members began searching for her and found her body lying near a clump of bushes in the field. The family alerted the police, following which senior officers and a forensic team reached the spot, inspected it and sent the body for postmortem examination. Police have not disclosed the cause of death, saying it will be ascertained after the postmortem report. Circle Officer (City) Anand Rai said the body had been taken into custody and that a panel of doctors was conducting the postmortem under videography to ensure transparency. “The Kotwali Nagar police, senior officers and the forensic team inspected the spot after receiving information about the incident. The inquest and postmortem are being conducted by a panel of doctors with videography, and further legal proceedings are underway,” he said. Investigators are examining all possible angles, while further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the forensic examination and the ongoing probe. Written By: Shipra Parashar Courtesy : India Today Note: This news is originally published on https:/indiatoday.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Chikkamagaluru temple allows Dalit entry, worship after 50 years
Expecting trouble, the district administration had deployed hundreds of police personnel in the locality; however, the caste Hindus did not put up any resistance. CHIKKAMAGALURU: Hundreds of people from the Dalit community at Nidaghatta village in Kadur taluk of Chikkamagaluru district on Tuesday entered the caste Hindu temple of Anjanaeya Swamy, where they were denied entry for decades, and worshipped the deity. Expecting trouble, the district administration had deployed hundreds of police personnel in the locality, however, the caste Hindus did not put up any resistance. Kadur Tahsildar CS Poornima, Tarikere Deputy Superintendent of police VS Halamyrthy Rao, Taluk Panchayt Executive Officer CR Praveen, Circle Inspector M Rafiq and Sakrayapatna Sub Inspector Pwan monitored the situation. Close to the Anjanaeya Swamy temple, the Dalit community has built a temple for Mahatma Gandhi and worshipped him there since independence. Educated Dalit youth and progressive protagonists of Dalit movement in the village and surroundings had been fighting for their rights, including the provision for them to gain entry into Hindu temples, for the past five decades, but villagers had always put up a stiff resistance. The Dalits leaders in the village had also taken up the issue with the Kadur taluk administration, but there were no positive steps so far. After the incident-free movement on Tuesday, Dalit leaders YT Govindapa, Raghavendra, Banur Suresh, Kadur Pramod, Banur Naganna, Y Malapaura Thammaiah, Basur Prasana, Gopal, Jayanna and Kedigere Chandrapp thanked the taluk administration and the police department for the security arrangements. 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
Deadly attack on Dalit teenager in Bhagalpur: Case filed under serious sections including SC/ST Act after two months
Nearly two months after the fatal attack on a Dalit teenager in Bhagalpur village, located in the Mail police station area of Deoria, the police have filed a case. Based on the complaint of the victim, an FIR was registered at the Mail police station under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the SC/ST Act. An investigation has been initiated. According to the FIR, Satish Kumar, a resident of Bhagalpur, stated that his 17-year-old son, Ashish, was on his way to a medical store to buy fever medicine between 9 and 10 pm on April 20, 2026. Near the primary school, some youths stopped him and attacked him with a sharp weapon, using casteist slurs. Ashish suffered serious injuries to his abdomen. The attackers, believing him dead, fled the scene. Ashish, who was seriously injured, was first taken to the Primary Health Center in Lar, from where he was referred to the district hospital. As his condition worsened, he was taken to Gorakhpur Medical College and later referred to Lucknow for better treatment. The teenager is currently undergoing treatment at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Lucknow, where he underwent a second operation. The victim’s father has alleged that Vishal, Ashutosh Yadav, Akhilesh Sahni, and some of their associates were involved in the incident. Based on his complaint, the police have registered a case. The police have registered a case against the accused under sections 109(1), 191(2), 191(3), 351(3), 352 of the IPC and section 3(2)(v) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The investigation has been initiated under the direction of the Circle Officer, Barhaj. The police stated that an impartial investigation is being conducted and further legal action will be taken based on the evidence. Jay Mishra | Bhagalpur, Deoria Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit anganwadi worker alleges caste boycott over meals in Odisha village
The kitchen helper claimed villagers urged beneficiaries to reject food prepared by her and pressured her to resign, forcing officials to intervene after the centre was locked. BARGARH : A dalit woman appointed as kitchen helper at an anganwadi centre in Jharbandh block has accused a section of villagers of persuading beneficiaries to boycott the food prepared by her because of her caste and pressurising her to quit the job. The woman, 23-year-old Padmini Jagat, was appointed as a kitchen helper at the anganwadi centre in Dewanpali village around two months ago. She alleged that since her joining, some villagers have been asking parents not to send their children to the centre and discouraging beneficiaries from consuming meals, eggs and chhatua prepared by her as she belongs to the Scheduled Caste community. Padmini further alleged that the villagers have organised two meetings to pressurise her father Abhadut Jagat into asking her to resign from the post. The controversy escalated on Wednesday when a group of villagers allegedly locked the anganwadi centre, disrupting its functioning. The closure deprived children, pregnant women and lactating mothers of supplementary nutrition and other services provided through the centre. Padmini said she was among three candidates who had applied for the post and appointed through due process. “Soon after my appointment, some villagers tried to force my father to ask me to withdraw. However, I joined the centre and continued working. After the schools reopened recently, they again tried to intimidate us following which my father asked them to give a written letter stating that they were unwilling to send their children to the anganwadi centre because I belong to the dalit community.” Recalling the village meetings, Abhadut said, “Villagers repeatedly pressurised me and said they would seek appointment of someone else after Padmini resigned. ‘Do you want us to eat food cooked by a Ganda? How can we send our children there?’ they questioned.” Jharbandh CDPO Susama Patel said the newly-appointed helper had not informed her about such an incident. “After learning about it, I visited Dewanpali along with the local tehsildar on Thursday and held discussions with the villagers. They assured us of their cooperation following which the anganwadi centre was unlocked.” The CDPO said she will make a follow-up visit to the village to ensure that such incidents are not repeated. 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
In A First, Kerala-Based Mar Thoma Church To Give Membership To Transgenders
With this, it has become the first Christian church in India to allow transgender persons to become members of the church. Thiruvananthapuram: In a historic decision, the Mar Thoma Church leadership in Kerala has decided to give church membership to transgender persons. The Episcopal Synod of the church held on Wednesday decided that there is no legal obstacle in granting membership to transgender persons. With this, the Mar Thoma Church has become the first Christian church in India to allow transgender persons to become members of the church. Dr Theodosius Mar Thoma Metropolitan, the Supreme Patriarch of the Mar Thoma Church, told ETV Bharat that the church had not previously banned transgender people. The transgender persons were never restricted from freedom of worship in any church before. However, the act of granting new membership to a church is considered a first in the history of Christian churches in India, he said. The decision to grant church membership to transgender persons in the Mar Thoma Church has been warmly welcomed, according to Father Mathew Philip Idivi, Director of the Mar Thoma Navodaya Movement Society, which works for transgender individuals under the church. There are very few transgender believers in the Marthoma Church. With this decision, people from other churches are expressing interest in joining the Mar Thoma church, he said. He said that there are nearly 25,000 transgenders in Kerala and a quarter of them are likely Christians. Mathew Philip clarified that he has been working among them for 12 years. Although funeral rites and other prayers could be conducted for those born into the church or who have become members, the church has not yet authorized marriages for transgender persons. The church still believes that altering any part of the human body is against divine will. At the Maramon Convention in 2018, two transgender persons, Selin Thomas Lakshmi and Sreekutti, addressed the convention, speaking about gender justice and the need to accept the transgender community. The Mar Thoma Church has historically organized conventions such as this. The church had previously taken revolutionary decisions, such as allowing funeral services and care for believers who committed suicide, which other churches followed. Until then, many Christian churches refused to perform funeral rites or provide care for believers who committed suicide, arguing that it was against divine will. 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
Karnataka CM Shivakumar tells ministers to tour all districts, review drought
The CM said the cabinet has decided to hold a 15-day monsoon session of joint legislature in August, though it is usually convened in July, after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. BENGALURU: The State cabinet on Thursday discussed the impending drought situation in the state due to scanty rain. After the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said he has instructed his 13 ministers to visit all 31 districts and conduct review meetings. “I, too, will tour all four administrative divisions and review the situation on the ground,” he said, briefing the media.” The PM has already issued a strong warning. There is a possibility of a severe shortage of both water and electricity across the country due to the prevailing weather conditions. At present, reservoirs such as Tungabhadra, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, Almatti, Narayanpur and Vanivilas Sagar are recording zero inflow,” he remarked. “Even in the Cauvery basin, inflow has reduced drastically. Last year, Hemavathi had 88tmcft of water, but today it has come down to 40tmcft. KRS had 100tmcft last year, whereas today it is at 22tmcft; Kabini had 79tmcft but it is now at 26tmcft. Overall, reservoir inflows have fallen to just 20 per cent,” he elaborated. 15-day monsoon session in August after SIR “This is a matter of serious concern. I appeal to farmers not to sow crops relying solely on reservoir water. If there is no water, we will not be able to release water for irrigation,” Shivakumar warned. He suggested that farmers should decide on raising water-intensive crops based on the progress of the monsoon and until reservoirs are adequately filled. Terming it a major concern across the country, he hoped for good rainfall during the rest of the season so that water can be released for agriculture. The Centre has warned about the possibility of a severe drought in the country, Shivakumar said, adding that he has already directed departments to stock adequate coal and other essential resources to ensure there is no shortage. A gas-based power facility in Bengaluru will also be kept ready for use if required,” he said. The CM said the cabinet has decided to hold a 15-day monsoon session of joint legislature in August, though it is usually convened in July, after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The process will conclude with the announcement of the draft roll on August 5, and until then, MLAs and officials will be engaged in ensuring that eligible voters remain on the electoral rolls in their respective constituencies, he reasoned. “Leaders from all political parties are also occupied with this exercise, and we don’t want to disturb them. I will fix a date for the Assembly session, either in the first or second week of August,” he said. Shivakumar stressed BLOs are required to deliver the forms at doorsteps, and no MLA or political party worker is authorised to distribute them. BLOs must visit each household and make three attempts if the voter is unavailable, and political parties may assist through their Booth Level Agents, but actual distribution of forms must be done only by BLOs, he said. ‘Prajaseva’ to address woes The CM said ‘Prajaseva’, a new department set up to address public grievances, will have a designated minister. He instructed all ministers to hold grievance meetings twice a month in every assembly constituency on the first and third Saturdays along with the MLAs concerned. The department will serve as a platform for people to present their problems, including those raised through protests, and will resolve public issues and ensure the concerns are communicated to the appropriate departments and officials. “Wherever protests take place, ministers and officers will receive applications, and wherever legally permissible, process them and provide assistance. The grievances will then be forwarded to the department,” he elaborated. Harsh Gupta, Chairman, Karnataka Appellate Tribunal, Bengaluru, was posted as principal secretary, Prajaseva department. He will also hold concurrent charge of the post of KAT Chairman. 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
Manipur: Violence erupts again, 20 village houses burnt
The Kuki Inpi Jiribam, Tamenglong and Noney condemned Thursday’s early morning arson attack at Leikot Kuki village in Noney district, allegedly carried out by the rebel group NSCN-IM. GUWAHATI: After a lull for a few days, violence in Manipur involving Naga and Kuki communities has resumed. The Kuki Inpi Jiribam, Tamenglong and Noney condemned Thursday’s early morning arson attack at Leikot Kuki village in Noney district, allegedly carried out by the rebel group NSCN-IM. The organisation said the village volunteers had attempted to defend the village with “limited resources and licenced single-barrel firearms” but the attackers used sophisticated weapons, including mortar shells. “Unable to withstand the assault, the village volunteers were compelled to withdraw, following which Leikot Kuki Village was reportedly set ablaze and extensively damaged,” the organisation alleged in a statement. It appealed to state and Central governments to immediately institute a “thorough and impartial” investigation into the incident, identify the perpetrators, and ensure that justice is delivered at the earliest. “Failure to address the grievances of the affected people and bring the perpetrators to justice may further aggravate the prevailing situation and lead to undesirable consequences,” it warned. Prasanta Mazumdar 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 calls on ‘Gen Z comrades’ to join mega rally in Kota, targets Centre over paper leaks and jobs
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to address a mega rally in Kota today, accusing the BJP government of “shattering millions of dreams” through paper leaks and exam mismanagement, even as a political row erupted over allegations that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s office tried to derail the event. Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot claimed on Tuesday that calls were being made from Birla’s office to Kota coaching centres and guest houses, warning them against allowing students to attend Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled interaction at Dussehra Maidan. Videos circulating on social media showed posters publicising Gandhi’s event being removed in Kota, triggering sharp reactions from the Congress. “LoP is visiting the constituency of the Lok Sabha Speaker and he should be welcomed. Instead, an atmosphere has been created where Birla ji himself is opposing the visit and wants to ensure no one attends the programme,” Gehlot said. “It does not befit the Speaker to create such circumstances that instill fear in the minds of educational institutions and ordinary people.” The BJP staged a counter-protest, with former minister Rajendra Rathore calling Gehlot’s allegations “extremely irresponsible and unfortunate.” Also read | Om Birla’s office tried to derail Rahul Gandhi’s Kota event, says Ashok GehlotOm Birla’s office tried to derail Rahul Gandhi’s Kota event, says Ashok Gehlot Congress: Youth face ‘two examinations’ Congress leader Pawan Khera asserted on Wednesday that Indian youth have to face “two examinations” — one at the examination center whose papers get leaked, and the other of “their patience, their courage, and their perseverance” for having to deal with dual struggles. “Our youth don’t face just one, but two examinations. One is the one that takes place in the examination center, whose papers get leaked. And the second is of their patience, their courage, and their perseverance,” Khera said in a post on X. He added that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress Party “will not remain silent on this injustice,” calling it “a major issue in our political agenda, because it is not just a question of the students, but of the entire society and the future of India. Nationwide movement to expand According to All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary K C Venugopal, the first phase of the “Chhatron Ki Goonj” campaign commences today from Kota and will continue with protests scheduled for Prayagraj, Patna and Delhi. According to the campaign website, rahulgandhi. in, “Chhatron Ki Goonj is a nationwide movement led by Rahul Gandhi, bringing together millions of students and young Indians whose hard work, dreams, and futures have been undermined by paper leaks, examination irregularities, and rising fees.” The site describes it as “a platform for young people to raise their voice, share their experiences, and demand accountability for repeated failures in India’s education system.” Rahul Gandhi’s message to students “My young and Gen Z comrades, one thing is clear in my mind, and you too should etch it in your heart: securing the future of every youth in India is the government’s responsibility. But responsibility and honesty — both are beyond the Modi government’s way of thinking,” Rahul Gandhi said in a social media post. He listed paper leaks, exam mismanagement, cancelled recruitments, skyrocketing fees, privatisation and scams as “tools” the government is using to destroy students’ futures. “Every paper leak, every canceled exam, every stalled recruitment – these aren’t just failures of the system, but blows struck against the dreams of millions,” he said. “I know you’re exhausted. You’re angry. But remember this – when the government refuses to listen, you have to raise your voice louder. That’s why I’m calling on all of you – June 17, Kota. Students’ Echo. Let’s come together and become a roar that can’t be ignored. Starting from Kota – then reaching every corner of the country,” he said. “This is a fight for your future. And I’m with you,” he added. NEET re-exam scheduled for June 21 The rally comes just days before the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21, from 2.00 pm to 5.15 pm. The National Testing Agency scheduled the retest following the cancellation of the May 3 exam due to paper leak controversies. The issue has also drawn attention to the temporary ban on Telegram imposed by the NTA ahead of the re-examination, which the agency said was necessary to prevent fraudsters from circulating fake question papers. 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
“Following Ambedkar’s ideas is so…” 14-year-old Dalit content creator receives open rape threats! Why she became an online target, read the full story
A case has come to light in Delhi where a young man named ‘Gaurav Hindu’ publicly threatened and abused a minor. Nishu appealed to the Delhi Police for help in a video released on June 30. Delhi – Nishu Azad, a 14-year-old Dalit social media creator, is receiving open rape threats. Earlier, during the CJP’s Jantar Mantar protest, her father was attacked in an organized attack, his head was torn apart with a rod, and he received stitches in three places. Nishu is in trauma, and the family is pleading for justice and protection. Nishu Azad was active in the CJP movement. She and her father had declared themselves separate from Hinduism. They clearly stated that they do not consider themselves Hindus. This statement went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage among conservative groups. This led to online trolling and then a physical attack. On June 23rd, Nishu’s father was recording a video at Jantar Mantar when a gang of about 15 people attacked him. One attacker smashed the camera, then took out a bracelet and repeatedly struck him on the head, causing deep injuries to three parts of his head. Following the attack, Nishu Azad released an emotional video, identifying the accused, who were roaming in the high-security zone. She stated that the attack was carried out because of her statements and her active participation in the CJP protests. Now, Nishu is receiving repeated rape threats from individuals, including Gaurav Hindu. In a video released on June 30th, Nishu herself appealed to the Delhi Police for help. In her video, Nishu says, “I’m in trauma. I’ve been tolerating this for three days… People are abusing me, saying I won’t live long… Gaurav Hindu is threatening me… I don’t want to speak for myself… He’s making such threats.” Crying, Nishu continues, “I’m not scared, but I’m in trauma… Can showing people the truth and telling them the truth… Can following Ambedkar’s ideals be so costly? The police aren’t taking any action on this.” Expressing her helplessness, Nishu asks what she should do, against whom should she file an FIR. Following Nishu’s video, several Bahujan handles have voiced their support. Social media users are demanding the arrest of the accused who made rape threats and casteist abuses against the minor. What the Law Says: Strict Provisions on Rape Threats Indian law is very strict on the abuse of minor children. Any accused who openly made rape threats to a 14-year-old Dalit content creator like Nishu Azad can be charged with several serious sections. Sexual threats or attempts to commit a crime against a minor (under 18 years of age) also fall under the POCSO Act. Threats of rape are punishable under Sections 11 (sexual harassment) and 12 (criminal intimidation). The punishment can be a minimum of 3 to 5 years in prison and a fine. If the threat clearly contains sexual intent, it is considered more serious. Since Nishu belongs to the Dalit community, if the threat involves caste-based insults or hatred, sections of the SC/ST Act can also be invoked. This Act provides additional protection and speedy trial for such crimes. Action can also be taken for rape threats made on social media. The victim or their guardian can file a written complaint at the police station. Delhi Police should immediately register an FIR. POCSO cases require timely investigation and trial in a child-friendly court. Screenshots, videos, messages, and witness statements are important as evidence. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News