Andhra: Legal clinic hears Dalit atrocity victims
The clinic was presided over by DSS National Convener Jhansi Geddam and attended by 30 women victims of murder, rape, cheating, POCSO and other cases. VIJAYAWADA: Dalit Sthree Sakthi (DSS) conducted a Legal Clinic on Tuesday to hear grievances of women victims of caste atrocities, with government officials participating as jury members. The clinic was presided over by DSS National Convener Jhansi Geddam and attended by 30 women victims of murder, rape, cheating, POCSO and other cases. The jury comprised Director of Prosecutions Byra Koteswara Rao, SC Corporation Director Maridayya, psychologists Rama Devi and Praveena, Women and Child Welfare Department officer Ruksana, Bhoomika representative Anupama, and DBS representative Chitti Babu. The victims narrated their agony in accessing justice, pressure for compromise from the accused, and non-receipt of compensation. State Coordinator Jabali briefed the jury on the present status and follow-up of each case. Responding to the victims, jury members counselled them to remain resilient, and stand up for justice. Byra Koteswara Rao said the government has provided various schemes for the betterment of victims and advised them to properly utilise them. He assured all help from the prosecution side and said victims can opt for a Special Public Prosecutor as per law. Jhansi Geddam said the SCs and STs Act is a special law meant to provide total protection to victims but is not being properly implemented. She said compensation and rehabilitation is a right and not charity. She pointed out that delay in prosecution and trial is causing a lot of agony as victims are being threatened and pressured for compromise. State and district coordinators Devi, Prasanna, Sowjanya and Praveen coordinated the clinic. High Court advocate Priyanka explained cases pending in the High Court. 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
Kerala HC denies anticipatory bail to man accused of deceiving Dalit woman for sex
The case relates to allegations that Udayan had agreed to marry a Dalit woman while suppressing the fact that he was already in a relationship with another woman and had a three-year-old child with her. The Kerala High Court has refused anticipatory bail to a 39-year-old man accused of concealing his existing relationship and three-year-old child before fixing his marriage with a Dalit woman, holding that the alleged conduct prima facie amounts to sexual intercourse by deceitful means under section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Justice A Badharudee, on September 28, dismissed the appeal filed by Udayan, the first accused in a case registered at Feroke police station in Kozhikode, and directed him to surrender before the investigating officer. The court said that if he failed to surrender, the investigating officer was at liberty to arrest him and proceed with the investigation. The case relates to allegations that Udayan had agreed to marry a Dalit woman while suppressing the fact that he was already in a relationship with another woman and had a three-year-old child from that relationship. According to the prosecution, a marriage-fixation ceremony was held at the woman’s house on July 6, 2025, after both families had agreed to the proposed marriage. The woman’s family allegedly spent around Rs 10 lakh for the ceremony, which was attended by about 1,000 people. After the marriage was fixed, the woman travelled to Wayanad expecting the marriage to take place and stayed at Almaj Residency. The prosecution alleged that Udayan compelled her to have sexual intercourse on the premise that they had already decided to marry. The prosecution also alleged that the sexual relationship took place after Udayan had concealed his existing relationship and the child born from it. Udayan’s counsel argued that section 318(4) of the BNS was not attracted as there was no delivery of property. It was also argued that section 69 would not apply because the provision, according to the defence, required a promise to marry followed by a subsequent withdrawal, whereas Udayan was still willing to marry the complainant. The defence further contended that the mere existence of another relationship and a child could not, by itself, establish the offences and section 18 of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act would therefore not apply. The prosecution opposed anticipatory bail, relying on the complainant’s statement and additional statement. It argued that suppressing a relationship in the nature of marriage and a child born from that relationship amounted to “deceitful means” within the meaning of section 69 of the BNS. The prosecution also submitted that custodial interrogation was necessary for a meaningful investigation, including recording the accused’s statement, effecting seizure and recovery of the clothes allegedly worn by him at the time of the incident, and conducting a potency examination. The High Court examined section 69 of the BNS, which criminalises sexual intercourse with a woman by deceitful means, where the act does not amount to rape, as well as sexual intercourse following a promise to marry made without an intention to fulfil it. The provision carries imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine. Its explanation states that “deceitful means” includes inducement relating to employment or promotion, or marrying by suppressing identity. The court said section 69 covers two distinct situations: sexual intercourse through deceitful means, and sexual intercourse following a promise to marry made without an intention to fulfil it. It held that the prosecution need only make out the alleged offences prima facie at this stage for the corresponding offence under Section 3(2)(va) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to be attracted. In this case, the court found that the materials indicated that the marriage had been fixed on the premise that Udayan was unmarried and had no other relationship in the nature of marriage. The court noted that he was aware of his existing relationship and the child born from it, yet concealed both from the woman and her family. The court held that the subsequent sexual intercourse, allegedly induced by the promise and premise of the proposed marriage while the earlier relationship was concealed, would prima facie fall within the first situation contemplated under section 69, sexual intercourse by deceitful means, even if the alleged act did not amount to rape. The High Court also accepted the investigating officer’s contention that custodial interrogation was necessary for the investigation. It observed that granting anticipatory bail in the circumstances could impede the investigation, particularly in relation to recording the accused’s statement and carrying out seizure, recovery and medical procedures. The court therefore held that the offences were prima facie made out and that the bar under Section 18 of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act applied. Consequently, Udayan was not entitled to anticipatory bail. Courtesy : TNM Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewsminute.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit sarpanch assault: NHRC begins probe
The charges reportedly include attempt to murder, causing hurt and obstructing a public servant. KENDRAPARA: A three-member team of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday began investigation into the alleged assault of the dalit sarpanch of Tikhiri panchayat in Mahakalapada block of the district. The team, comprising NHRC deputy SP Isam Singh, Gugan Ram and Shashi Bala Sharma, arrived in Kendrapara on Monday night for a four-day visit to conduct a detailed inquiry into a complaint filed by sarpanch Chameli Ojha (33). The team visited Mahakalapada police station on Tuesday and recorded statements of the then IIC Manas Kumar Mallick in connection with the case. The NHRC officials subsequently met Mahakalapada BDO Rabi Narayan Acharya and other staff at the block office. They also visited Ojha’s house in Tikhiri and recorded her statement. Officials said the NHRC team is scheduled to meet the district collector, SP and officials of various departments. The investigators are expected to record statements of doctors at Kendrapara district headquarters hospital, officials, villagers and others connected to the case. They may also examine videos of the incident circulated on social media and accounts provided by eyewitnesses. Ojha had reportedly been assaulted and manhandled by police personnel and the BDO on June 11 after she raised allegations of corruption against officials. On June 14, a petition was filed before the NHRC alleging that Ojha had been falsely implicated in a case registered on basis of the complaint of the Mahakalapada BDO. The charges reportedly include attempt to murder, causing hurt and obstructing a public servant. 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
UP: Dalit Woman, Husband Allegedly Attacked Days After She Filed Rape Case
Raebareli: A Dalit woman and her husband were allegedly attacked with sticks in Uttar Pradesh’s Raebareli district on Tuesday morning, days after the woman filed a rape case against a local man. Both were injured in the attack and have been admitted to a hospital. The victim’s family has alleged that some people attacked the couple with sticks and that the incident was linked to the rape case filed by the woman. Woman Alleges Rape After Land Dispute According to the woman, she had a land dispute with a man from the village. She had approached an influential person in the village seeking help in resolving the dispute. The woman alleged that she was given a substance that made her unconscious and that the man raped her. Following her complaint, a case was registered on the court’s orders, and the matter is currently under investigation. Couple Attacked After Case Was Filed The victim’s family alleged that the accused side had developed hostility towards them after the rape case was registered. On Tuesday morning, some people allegedly attacked the woman and her husband with sticks over the dispute. Both suffered injuries and were later admitted to a hospital. 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
‘Where were 300 MPs? Rahul Gandhi is doing theatrics’: BJP hits back at Congress over EC protest
BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi cites the Election Commission’s latest press release, claiming that no formal request from Congress or its delegation to meet the poll panel had been received LoP in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi being detained by police personnel after over eight-hour sit-in inside Akashvani Bhawan premises for not being allowed to march towards the Election Commission’s office, during a protest march against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, in New Delhi. (AICC via PTI Photo) BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the opposition party’s protest at the Election Commission office accusing it of creating a “theatrics” after the poll panel issued a statement clarifying its position on the proposed meeting. Trivedi cited the Election Commission’s latest press release, claiming that no formal request from Congress or its delegation to meet the poll panel had been received. He said the ECI learnt around 4 pm through the Delhi Police DCP that Gandhi wanted to meet its officials. “Rahul Gandhi asked for time, and when time was given, he did not go,” Trivedi said, adding that the Commission had offered to meet Congress representatives and had also offered to send a senior official to receive their memorandum. He questioned the Congress’ claim that around 300 MPs were part of the protest. Related news: After 8-hour standoff, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka detained from Akashvani Bhawan “Where were the 300 MPs?” Trivedi asked, arguing that the numbers visible at the protest did not match the Congress’s claim. He also questioned why senior Congress lawyers and leaders were not part of the delegation. The BJP further attacked the Congress over its reported attempt to seek a meeting with the Election Commission at Parliament, arguing that constitutional authorities cannot simply be “summoned” by Parliament or political parties. The ruling party also criticised Congress protesters for entering the Akashvani premises, asking why they did so if their objective was merely to stage a demonstration. Taking a swipe at Gandhi’s repeated political setbacks, Trivedi compared the Congress leader’s attempts to relaunch himself to satellite launch vehicles. “The Congress should now be called FSLV-Failed Satellite Launch Vehicle,” he said. Trivedi, addressing the press conference at party headquarters alleged that the Congress was trying to manufacture a confrontation with constitutional institutions after failing to substantiate its allegations against them, accusing the party of being “frustrated” and rejected by voters. Article_Author Manikant Mishra Courtesy : The Tribune Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetribune.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘This is merely the beginning’: Congress warns Gyanesh Kumar after INDIA bloc protest
NEW DELHI: Congress MP Pawan Khera on Tuesday warned the government that the INDIA bloc’s protest against chief election commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar was only the beginning, shortly after opposition MPs were released from New Police Lines in Kingsway Camp.“The words being spoken today are going to cost them dearly. The people of this country know exactly how to deal with such words and the people who utter them,” Khera told reporters after his release. He said those in power should “mend their ways right now” and warned that the public would “bring down those who are currently riding the high horse of arrogance”. #WATCH | Delhi | After INDIA bloc MPs were released from New Police Line, Kingsway Camp, Congress MP Pawan Khera said, “The words being spoken today are going to cost them dearly. The people of this country know exactly how to deal with such words and the people who utter them. They ought to realise this and mend their ways right now. The public will bring down those who are currently riding the high horse of arrogance. Narendra Modi, Gyanesh Kumar, Mohan Bhagwat and Amit Shah will not sleep tonight—nor will they sleep soundly ever again—because they have betrayed the nation. If Gyanesh Kumar thinks that just because we went home today, it is all over, he needs to understand that this is merely the beginning—nothing has ended yet”(06.10) — ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2026 Khera named Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CEC Gyanesh Kumar, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Union home minister Amit Shah, saying they “will not sleep tonight—nor will they sleep soundly ever again—because they have betrayed the nation”. “If Gyanesh Kumar thinks that just because we went home today, it is all over, he needs to understand that this is merely the beginning—nothing has ended yet,” Khera said. Earlier on Tuesday, Delhi Police detained Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi along with several other Congress MPs from near Akashvani Bhavan following a day-long protest demanding the removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. The INDIA bloc MPs had marched from the Parliament complex towards Nirvachan Sadan, the Election Commission headquarters, seeking a meeting with the election commissioners over their allegations of “vote chori”. Police stopped the march near Akashvani Bhavan, following which the MPs staged a sit-in. After nearly nine hours of protest, police moved in and detained several opposition MPs, including Khera, KC Venugopal and Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. Around 50 MPs were detained and taken to New Police Lines at Kingsway Camp, according to PTI, citing sources. “The Election Commission office is barely 50 metres away, but we were not allowed to go there. I do not understand what the problem is. The Election Commission’s job is to conduct elections properly. At least 300 MPs want to meet Gyanesh Kumar. But he is scared. I don’t know what’s happening in the country,” Rahul said. “If the representatives of the people cannot meet the Election Commission, then what is the meaning of democracy?” he said. 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
FIR registered against Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi over entry into Akashvani Bhawan during protest
NEW DELHI: Delhi Police have received a complaint from Akashvani staffers against Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, as well as the MPs and others accompanying them, for allegedly forcing their way into the Akashvani office. Rahul and Priyanka were briefly detained on Tuesday night after an over eight-hour sit-in at the Akashvani Bhawan premises. The protest began after police stopped INDIA bloc MPs from marching towards the Election Commission’s office, around 300 metres away, over allegations of “vote chori”. Rahul had entered the All India Radio premises on Parliament Street around noon and joined the protest. Earlier, during the march from Parliament towards the EC headquarters, he climbed atop barricades as opposition MPs raised slogans of “Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod”. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule and several other opposition leaders also took part in the march. Security personnel stopped the MPs near the NITI Aayog office amid heavy barricading around Parliament and the EC office. Police later forcibly removed Rahul and several other Congress leaders and MPs, including K C Venugopal, Charanjit Singh Channi, Pawan Khera, K Suresh, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Deepender Hooda, Praniti Shinde, Varsha Gaekwad and Imran Pratapgarhi, as the protesting MPs and leaders were cleared from the AIR premises. The detainees were taken to New Police Lines at Kingsway Camp. Police said around 250 people, including 50 MPs, were detained on Tuesday night following the prolonged sit-in. Gandhi and other Congress leaders were released around 10 pm, the party said. The opposition MPs were protesting over “vote chori” allegations and seeking the removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar in the wake of media reports alleging differences within the Election Commission over the SIR of electoral rolls and other issues. 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
After Delhi and Mumbai, Bengaluru to protest against SIR on Thursday – all you need to know
NEW DELHI: After massive protests in Delhi and Mumbai over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, civil society groups in Karnataka are set to hold a “People’s Tribunal” in Bengaluru on October 8 to document concerns over voter deletions and alleged discrepancies in the electoral rolls. Unlike a conventional political rally, the People’s Tribunal is expected to provide a public platform for people affected by the SIR exercise to share their experiences at Freedom Park. The Bengaluru event will focus in particular on voters categorised under the Absent, Shifted, Dead, Duplicate and Others (ASDDO) categories. The tribunal comes amid growing concerns over the SIR process. The event has also drawn support from actor Prakash Raj. In a social media post, Raj said, “People’s Tribunal by Cockroaches..Dipke.Ashuthosh.. Sourav and all the youth organisations and the civil society.. The victims of SIR from across the state will be present.” People’s Tribunal by Cockroaches..Dipke.Ashuthosh.. Sourav and all the youth organisations and the civil society.. The victims of SIR from across the state will be present . requesting all the citizens to participate in this fight to save our Democracy.. come join us tomorrow 8 th October at Freedom Park .. Bengaluru #ScrapSIR #ResignGyaneshKumar #justasking — Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) October 7, 2026 He urged citizens to participate in what he described as a fight to “save our Democracy”. CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka reacted to Raj’s post with “See you Bengaluru!”, signalling his participation in the gathering. The tribunal follows protests in Delhi and Mumbai, where opposition parties, and student groups raised concerns over the SIR exercise and demanded resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. Thousands gathered for the CJP-led protest at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, while demonstrations in Delhi were met with heavy police restrictions and detentions. 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
Nestlé India launches transgender culinary internship
Nestlé India has launched a new culinary internship called Kaabil, giving transgender people the chance to learn professional cooking skills and explore careers in the food and hospitality industry. The 15-day programme is designed to help participants build confidence in the kitchen while picking up practical skills that employers are looking for. Training covers everything from kitchen basics and regional dishes to international cuisine, recipe development, live cooking, and workplace readiness. Participants will also receive career guidance to help them take the next step into the industry. Kaabil is led by Nestlé Professional with support from the company’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group, BEACON. The programme is being delivered in partnership with the Sahodari Foundation and the Tweet Foundation, with training taking place in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. As part of the internship, participants will also be mentored by Nestlé chefs and get a closer look at the hospitality industry through the Indian School of Hospitality. By focusing on hands-on training and real career opportunities, Kaabil aims to open more doors for transgender people looking to build a future in one of India’s fastest-growing industries. Korina Estrada A writer and an advocate of self-love and body positivity. She loves baking cookies, practicing her calligraphy, and creating short stories of local folklore. Courtesy : Transgenderfeed Note: This news is originally published on https:/transgenderfeed.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit Literature Hits Lucknow Book Fair: Readers Appreciate Parliamentary Democracy, ‘Nagvanshi Bharat’ Sees Good Demand
On the fifth day of the 23rd National Book Fair at Balrampur Garden, Lucknow, books on Dalit discourse were a major draw. Along with Dalit literature, books on Ambedkar, the Constitution, and Buddhist literature also sold well. At Samyak Prakashan’s stall, R.L. Chandrapuri’s ‘Brahmin Raj and the Backward Class Movement in India’, Rajkumar Historian’s ‘Nagvanshi Bharat’, and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Singh and Dr. Shashikala’s ‘Excavating Kabir with New Tools’ are being appreciated. Both volumes of ‘Yadav (Jatav) Jivana’ by Sunderlal Sagar, published in 1929, are also available in a new edition. Discussion on History and Sanatan Traditions Ashok Gopal’s translated book, Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar: Life and Thoughts, is in the news at Setu Prakashan. Readers are liking ‘Ambedkar and Parliamentary Democracy’, edited by Ratanlal, at Rajpal’s stall. At the Constitution Promotion stall, Dr. Devendra Pratap Yadav’s “Zahreela Bahumat” and the exhibits on “Bahujan” edited by Ramkumar Gautam are also attracting attention. In Buddhist literature, Dr. Jagannath Upadhyay’s “Buddhism’s Contribution to India” is prominent. At Prabhat Prakashan’s stall, author Mahendra Kumar Agarwal was seen providing information about the history and eternal traditions of Sambhal through his book “Mera Sambhal Mahaan.” Literary figures honored in his memory The Uttar Pradesh Sahitya Sabha’s Pranam Parivar Samman ceremony was held on the main stage. Conceived by Sarvesh Asthana, literary figures were honored in his memory. This was followed by a poetry festival conducted by Mukul Mahan. In the morning, the Navsarjan ceremony released “Sadchitta Anand” and “K Se Kavi.” Literary figures, including Padmashree Vidyavindu Singh, shared their views in a dialogue on Awadhi literature. Courtesy: Hindi News