Dalit Rapido Driver Says Account Suspended for 99 Years After He Objected to Casteist Remarks
A 30-year-old Dalit cab driver in Lucknow has alleged that Rapido suspended his driver account for 99 years and 11 months after he confronted four passengers over alleged casteist remarks. The driver says the company took action without hearing his side of the incident. Driver says passengers made casteist remarks Ankit Kumar, a resident of Lucknow’s PGI area, said the incident took place on Monday when he picked up four passengers from Utrahtia railway station and was taking them to Charbagh railway station. According to Kumar, the passengers were initially discussing and criticising a senior railway officer. He said he did not intervene at first but objected when they allegedly began using casteist slurs and linking the officer’s abilities to his caste. Kumar, who belongs to the Chamar community, said he repeatedly asked the passengers to stop. “I requested them several times to withdraw their remarks, but they continued,” Kumar told the media. He said he reminded them that a person’s ability has nothing to do with their caste. In a video of the confrontation that circulated on social media, Kumar can be heard questioning the passengers over their language. “How can you use casteist remarks? If you have a problem with a person, use their name. Why are you defaming the entire community?” he said. Passengers asked to leave the cab Kumar said the passengers continued making the alleged remarks despite his objections. He eventually stopped the vehicle near Telibagh market, close to a police outpost, and asked all four passengers to get out. An argument reportedly followed after the passengers left the vehicle. Kumar said the incident was later recorded and the video was widely shared on social media. He also claimed that he began receiving abusive and threatening messages after the video went viral. “People are questioning why I objected and asked the passengers to leave. I have been receiving threats and abusive messages ever since the video went viral,” he said. ‘Company did not hear my side’ Kumar has alleged that the passengers later complained to the ride-hailing company, following which his driver account was suspended. According to him, the app showed a suspension period of “99 years and 11 months”. “The company should have at least heard my side of the story once. After that, whether they chose to suspend me or not was their decision. But they suspended me without even asking what had happened,” Kumar said. He added that he had no personal dispute with the passengers and objected only because of the alleged casteist comments. “They kept making casteist remarks against one of their own officers, so I objected,” he said. Suspension affects family’s livelihood Kumar holds a diploma in mechanical engineering but drives a cab to support his family. He said he is the sole earning member of his household. His father works as a daily-wage labourer, while his mother is a homemaker. 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
Jharkhand protest: Students to burn Soren and Rahul effigies, gherao CM’s residence August 20
Protesters said they will demand Soren’s resignation and urged Rahul Gandhi to withdraw support from the JMM-led coalition if the “CM is not listening” to him. Students protesting against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations on Saturday accused the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Congress of playing politics with their issues, and announced they would gherao Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s residence in Ranchi on August 20, demanding his resignation. The protesters said they would also burn effigies of the chief minister and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi across all 24 districts of the state on Sunday, alleging that the ruling JMM-Congress alliance had “failed to take concrete action” on their demands. They also demanded that Gandhi withdraw support from the JMM-led coalition if the “CM is not listening” to him. The protesters took out a ‘Tiranga Yatra’ in Ranchi on Saturday to mark the country’s 80th Independence Day and to press their demand for greater transparency and reform of the recruitment examination system. The protest under the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch entered its 22nd day, with thousands of students and job aspirants, including two wheelchair-bound demonstrators on fast, taking part in the ‘Tiranga Yatra’ from Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium — the site of the ongoing agitation — to Albert Ekka Chowk in Ranchi. Carrying national flags, the protesters raised slogans such as “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram”. “We will gherao the chief minister’s residence on August 20. We seek his resignation as both the JMM and the Congress are playing politics with us. We also demand that Rahul Gandhi withdraw support from the JMM-led coalition if the CM is not listening to him,” JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch leader Ravindra Paswan said. The protesters said they would not withdraw the demonstration until the government addressed their demands, including cancellation of examinations in which alleged irregularities were found, and an independent probe into the recruitment process. The students’ platform has sought a CBI investigation, or an inquiry by a panel of retired judges from outside Jharkhand, into the alleged exam irregularities. It has also demanded the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL test and certain Jharkhand PSC examinations it considers suspicious. The protesters appealed to students across Jharkhand to assemble in Ranchi for the proposed gherao of CM Soren’s residence on August 20, and said they would not withdraw their agitation until their demands were met. They also targeted Gandhi, saying he had expressed support for students but that “no concrete action” had followed. The students’ platform demanded that Congress withdraw support from the JMM-led government if it was unwilling to act on their concerns. “We demanded CM Hemant Soren’s resignation as the government failed to cancel JSSC-CGL and the JPSC examinations in which irregularities were found,” the student leader said. JLKM leader Devendra Mahto, who has been on a fast for 14 days, alleged that police had prevented him from leaving Sadar Hospital to take part in the march. Videos purportedly showing Mahto scuffling with security personnel while attempting to leave the hospital were widely circulated on social media. The protesters maintained that their movement was not limited to certain examinations but concerned the credibility of the entire recruitment system and the future of thousands of young job aspirants. “Independence doesn’t just mean freedom from the British, but also freedom from inequality of opportunities, corruption and injustice,” the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch said, urging young people to raise their voices peacefully for their rights. Former Jharkhand chief minister and BJP MLA Champai Soren accused the Hemant Soren government of running a “despotic government” and questioned its reluctance to recommend a CBI probe into the allegations. Speaking to journalists at Bhuiyandih in Jamshedpur, Champai Soren said hundreds of students away from their homes were compelled to remain at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium even on Independence Day. “If you are not a part of a job-selling racket, what is the problem in recommending a CBI probe?” he asked. The state government, however, sought to reassure job aspirants by announcing measures aimed at making the recruitment process more transparent and secure. In his Independence Day address, the chief minister said questions surrounding the recruitment examinations had shaken the trust of an entire generation of job aspirants. He assured students that investigations into the alleged irregularities would be conducted impartially and that anyone found guilty would face strict legal action, irrespective of influence or position. Soren also cautioned against declaring anyone guilty without evidence and said justice must be based on facts. He stressed that merely apprehending those responsible for the irregularities would not be enough, and called for systemic reforms to prevent manipulation of examinations in future. Among the measures outlined by the government are a time-bound annual examination calendar, technology-secured examinations, timely publication of answer keys and OMR sheets, and multi-level accountability in the recruitment process. The state government has also launched the “Students’ Voice with Students” campaign to seek suggestions from students, teachers, educationists and parents on reforms to the examination system. Soren said creating employment opportunities was among the government’s top priorities. He maintained that the objective was not merely to fill vacant government posts but also to create wider employment opportunities through recruitment agencies and other avenues. He described paper leaks as a national problem while stressing that Jharkhand had a responsibility to ensure fair and credible examinations. Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar also expressed concern over alleged examination malpractice, saying question-paper leaks undermine the morale and prospects of students who seek success through hard work and talent. 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
‘Nehru did a lot, but did not possess arrogance’: Kharge on Independence Day
NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday invoked India’s freedom struggle and the legacy of its first generation of leaders, remembering Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru while highlighting the Congress’s contribution to the country’s nation-building journey. Remembering Nehru’s contribution to building modern India, Kharge on Independence Day said the former prime minister had laid the foundations of a democratic and secular nation and established institutions including IITs, IIMs and public sector undertakings. “Nehru ji laid the foundation of a modern, democratic and secular India. He established IITs, IIMs, PSUs. Nehru ji did a lot for the country, but he did not possess arrogance,” the Congress chief said. The Congress party head also recalled Mahtama Gandhi’s “Do or Die” call during the Quit India Movement, highlighting the role played by young Indians when senior leaders were jailed by the British. He said, “When Mahatma Gandhi gave the slogan ‘Do or Die’ and all the senior leaders were in jail, it was the youth of the country who carried forward the ‘Quit India Movement’.” Kharge said the freedom struggle had envisioned more than independence from colonial rule, arguing that India’s freedom fighters had also dreamed of eliminating poverty, unemployment, untouchability, injustice and fear. “Our freedom fighters had not only dreamed of liberation from British rule, but also from poverty, unemployment, untouchability, injustice, and fear. Independence was not just a change of power, but a resolve to make every Indian’s life better. Every Prime Minister from the Congress has advanced this very vision,” veteran Congress leader added. ‘Someone speaking from Red Fort claims they have done everything’ Kharge also invoked the contributions of former prime ministers Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi, crediting them with strengthening India’s agricultural, military and strategic capabilities. “Shastri ji strengthened the foundations of white and green revolution in the country. Indira ji strengthened India’s military and strategic capabilities, and also played a major role in creation of Bangladesh. We also integrated Sikkim with India. All these were done by Congress party leaders, but someone speaking from Red Fort claims that they have done everything. It’s a mercy they don’t claim that whatever remains of the world has survived because of them,” he said. Taking aim at what he described as the BJP-led government’s tendency to claim credit for past achievements, Kharge asserted that Congress had played the dominant role in India’s development. “The development you see in the country today is because of Congress. Congress has 90% contribution in development you witnessed in the country today. We improved people’s financial condition, not change names. But, these people just take credit. This will not go on for long,” Congress president said. Kharge backs protesting youth, attacks BJP-RSS Kharge also trained his guns on the government’s handling of youth grievances, saying young people were being denied opportunities and their protests were being met with hostility. Rajya Sabha MP said, “Today, the dreams of the youth are being trampled. The country’s youth are agitating, and we along with our leader of the opposition — are supporting them. The Constitution grants everyone the right to protest for their cause; they are not anti-nationals. Hate campaigns are launched against those who protest.” He added, “Our leader of the opposition declared years ago that we would not spread hate but instead spread a message of love. However, the BJP and RSS oppose this. They worked against the country even before independence and continue to do so today by dividing Hindus and Muslims. The current government is crushing the poor. We will continue to fight against the government.” Kharge’s remarks came on 80th Independence Day, which he celebrated alongside Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. 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
BJP says Sonia objected to full Vande Mataram; Congress says she was seeking chair for Kharge
NEW DELHI: A political row erupted on Saturday over the rendition of the full version of Vande Mataram at the Congress’s Independence Day event, with the BJP accusing grand old party’s former chief Sonia Gandhi of objecting to the national song and the opposition party rejecting the allegation. The BJP shared video footage from the Congress’s event at Indira Bhawan and alleged that Sonia questioned party workers while Vande Mataram was being played. Congress, however, said there was no attempt to stop the full rendition and that Sonia was merely asking for a chair for party president Mallikarjun Kharge, who had been standing for some time. BJP spokesperson Gopal Krishna Agarwal, sharing the footage on X, accused the Congress of showing disrespect towards the national song. “The scene that has come to light today on Independence Day is utterly shameful.” He said, “Sonia Gandhi’s objection during the rendition of India’s national song, ‘Vande Mataram’, and her questioning of Congress workers as to why it was being played exposes the Congress party’s mindset.” Agarwal said Vande Mataram represented more than a patriotic song, calling it a symbol of India’s freedom struggle and national consciousness. “Is this the same Congress that lays claim to the legacy of the nation’s freedom struggle?” he asked. He also alleged that the Congress’s alleged approach towards the national song reflected the party’s “Emergency mindset”. “The people of the country have rejected this mindset and will continue to reject it,” he said. Congress rejects BJP’s allegation The Congress dismissed the BJP’s claim and maintained that the full version of Vande Mataram was sung at its Independence Day programme. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh cited the party’s historical association with the song and referred to a 1937 meeting of the Congress Working Committee in Calcutta, attended by several prominent leaders of the freedom movement. “On October 28, 1937, in Calcutta, a meeting of the Congress Working Committee was held in the presence of Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Jawaharlal Nehru, Govind Ballabh Pant and C Rajagopalachari, and on the advice of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, they decided that the initial stanzas of Vande Mataram would be sung at the Congress sessions,” Ramesh said. Ramesh said Tagore had advised Nehru and Bose that the opening portions of the song should be used at Congress gatherings. “Tagore gave the advice to Nehru and Bose that the first few paragraphs of Vande Mataram should be used, he said. “We have been singing those lines in every session since them, our Seva Dal sings it, our workers sing it, there is no controversy over that,” Ramesh said.” He stressed that the complete version was sung at Saturday’s event and said the issue had already been debated extensively in Parliament. “This was discussed in Parliament for 16 hours. We put forward our views. I narrated the whole history around it which the prime minister and the home minister did not know. I informed MPs of the context in which the Vande Mataram decision was taken,” Ramesh said. “But today, at Indira Bhawan, the full version was sung, there is no question of a controversy over it,” he added. Asked specifically about the BJP’s allegation that Sonia had tried to stop the full rendition, Ramesh offered a different explanation for what was seen in the video. “As the Congress president was standing for a long time, Soniaji was asking for a chair for him,” he said. BJP escalates attack BJP spokesperson R P Singh also targeted Sonia over the controversy, questioning her alleged opposition to the national song. “Why does Antonio Maino Ji hate Vande Mataram so much? When Vande Mataram was being sung, Antonio Maino Ji reportedly became so angry that she allegedly got agitated and asked her party workers to stop it. Why such hatred for Vande Mataram The row over Vande Mataram comes shortly after Parliament passed legislation dealing with disrespect towards the national song. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was passed by the Lok Sabha through a voice vote on July 30, a day after the Rajya Sabha cleared it. The legislation grants Vande Mataram a status on par with the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana. 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
Rahul Gandhi to take ‘Chhatron ki Goonj’ to Pune on August 22, focus on women’s issues
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that the next edition of “Chhatron ki Goonj” event, highlighting student issues, will be held in Pune on August 22. Rahul launched the campaign from Kota, a coaching hub in Rajasthan, on June 17 to highlight issues in the education sector and problems faced by students. He addressed the second and third segments of the outreach programme in Dehradun and Prayagraj on July 17 and August 8, respectively. “The fourth segment of ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ (voice of students) will be held in Pune on August 22 in the presence of Rahul Gandhi, who will address issues which are women-centric,” MPCC president Harshwardhan Sapkal said. Rahul urged students to join the “Chhatron ki Goonj” campaign and said that what the girls of the country needed was equality, safety and opportunities, but instead, they got insecurity, discrimination, and a long wait for their real rights. “What do the girls of the country need? Equality, safety, opportunities, and the freedom to speak their minds. What have they received? Insecurity, discrimination, and nothing but waiting for their real rights. No more,” he said. During the ‘Chhatron ki Goonj’ event in Prayagraj last week, Rahul described India’s youth as the country’s biggest strength, but said a lack of jobs, expensive education, paper leaks, poor access to credit and the growing use of AI were holding them back. “You are the power and pride of India; when I say this, I talk about every Indian citizen,” he had said. He said he wanted to speak about “dard (pain), data, and daulat (wealth)”, framing his address around the problems facing young Indians and the economic resources he believes should belong to 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
Rahul Gandhi to visit Pune on Aug 22
Pune: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will visit Pune on Aug 22 to participate in ‘Chhatron ki Goonj’ initiative by the Congress. Announcing Rahul’s visit to Pune, state Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal on Friday said Gandhi will interact with students during his visit. “Before Pune, Rahul participated in ‘Chhatron ki Goonj’ initiative in Kota, Dehradun and Prayagraj cities where he spoke to the students to understand their issues. In a similar manner, he will interact with girl students in Pune to understand the challenges being faced by them in regards with the education system,” Sapkal said. Rahul’s interaction with the younger generation in Pune will take place against the backdrop of the recent Cockroach Janata Party’s protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi where he and other opposition members raised the issue of violence against the protesters. During his visit to Pune, the Congress leader is expected to target the centre on the recent NEET paper leak issue. 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
Freedom fighter who opened Rajasthan’s first Dalit school:Rampratap Sharma quit police job after hearing Netaji’s speech, fought two battles in Pali
At an age when most children are busy playing, 12-year-old Rampratap Sharma lost both his parents. Jagirdars (landlords) seized his ancestral land, while incidents of oppression against weaker sections deeply disturbed him. After listening to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s speech in Jodhpur, he resigned from his police job and joined the freedom struggle. He faced lathi charges during various movements and was also jailed. At a time when untouchability was widespread and schools refused admission to Dalit children, he opened Rajasthan’s first Dalit school in a rented house. He persuaded his younger brother to leave his job and take responsibility for teaching at the school. It later developed into a full-fledged school. Today, a Government Senior Secondary School operates in the same bungalow that once housed British officers. The Bhaskar team visited his village to trace the story of freedom fighter Rampratap Sharma, who fought not only against British rule but also campaigned against untouchability. Read this special report. Lost his parents at the age of 12 Gundoj village is around 20 kilometres from Pali. In the Brahmpuri area of the village stand the ancestral homes of freedom fighter Rampratap Sharma and his younger brother, Magraj. When we visited the house, his grandson and Magraj’s son recounted stories from that era. Grandson Mahesh Joshi recalls that Rampratap Sharma was 12 when he lost his parents. Under the feudal system, jagirdars had seized the family’s ancestral land. In these circumstances, he had to take refuge in his maternal grandparents’ village, Bagri. The land belonging to his maternal grandparents was also under the control of feudal lords. Assault on weaker sections deeply disturbed him In 1934, an open court was held in Bagri, his maternal grandparents’ village. There, prominent moneylenders and traders, along with people from weaker sections of society, were openly and brutally beaten. The incident deeply shook Rampratap. It was then that he decided to free both his family’s land and his maternal grandfather’s land from the control of the feudal lords. Sharma wanted to join the Indian Army and rise to a position of authority. However, according to the book Vande Mataram, Brahmins were not recruited into the British-Indian Army at the time. As a result, Rampratap Sharma joined the police and was appointed as a head constable. Quit police job after hearing Netaji’s speech in Jodhpur In 1938, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who had returned from abroad, addressed a public meeting in Jodhpur. Head Constable Rampratap Sharma was responsible for maintaining law and order at the gathering. After hearing Bose’s speech, Sharma was deeply inspired by his nationalist spirit. The following year, in 1939, Rampratap Sharma resigned from the police service. He returned to his ancestral village, Gundoj, and began raising his voice against the jagirdari and feudal systems. That same year, he became a member of the Marwar Lok Parishad. Jailed during the Satyagraha movement Under the guidance of Jamnalal Bajaj and Hiralal Shastri, the Satyagraha movement was in full swing. For actively participating in the movement, the British government arrested Rampratap Sharma in 1943 and sent him to jail. Cases were registered against him under several sections, including robbery. After spending two years in jail, Sharma was acquitted in 1945 by Hakim Roopsingh Rathore and Gordhan Singh Bhandari. After being released from Jodhpur jail, he returned to his village and once again joined the farmers’ movement. He was also assaulted several times for opposing British rule and the feudal system. Opened Rajasthan’s first Dalit school in a rented house According to his biography published in Vande Mataram, Rampratap Sharma was a strong supporter of Vinoba Bhave’s movement against untouchability. He was therefore firmly opposed to the practice. At the time, Dalit or Scheduled Caste children were not admitted to Gundoj’s school. To educate these children, Sharma rented the house of Seth Pukhraj Jain, who had supported him during the Satyagraha movement. In 1945, an education committee was formed and the state’s first Dalit school was established. The responsibility for teaching was given to his younger brother, Magraj. He brought to the school children for whom getting an education had been little more than a dream. At the time, small bungalows for British officers stood near the village bus stand. After India gained independence, Sharma shifted the school to these bungalows in 1955. Today, the same school is known as Government Senior Secondary School, Gundoj. Adopted a Dalit girl as his daughter and arranged her marriage Badri Lal Joshi, 73, nephew of freedom fighter Rampratap Sharma, says Jaianarayan Vyas, under the guidance of Mathuradas Mathur, led a campaign against untouchability. He travelled on foot to several villages in Pali district to spread awareness. Badri Lal Joshi says, “Before independence, the first Dalit school in the state was opened by my uncle Rampratap Sharma. My father was a government teacher at the time. He left his job and taught at that school.” Became the village’s first sarpanch Freedom fighter Rampratap Sharma’s grandson, Mahesh Joshi, says his grandfather was the voice of the poor and deprived. After India gained independence, Sharma hoisted the Tricolour at the Dalit school and later became the village’s first sarpanch. Mahesh Joshi says his grandfather, Rampratap Sharma, became the first District Congress President in 1954. He also took a Dalit girl from the village into his family and raised her as his own daughter. He educated her and arranged her marriage. Even today, the family maintains regular contact with her family and continues to share a relationship based on mutual respect. Virendra Udesh/ Gundoj, Courtesy : Bhaskar English Note: This news is originally published on https:/bhaskarenglish.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Mayawati expressed concern for Dalits and the most backward classes while extending greetings on August 15th, saying, “Higher institutions should be vigilant.”
Mayawati: BSP chief Mayawati extended Independence Day greetings to the nation. She urged those holding high constitutional and legal positions to be mindful of their responsibilities. Lucknow: The nation is celebrating its 80th Independence Day on Saturday. Bahujan Samaj Party National President Mayawati extended her best wishes to everyone on this occasion. She also raised the issue of the welfare of millions of Dalits, tribals, the most backward classes, and other religious minorities. On her X handle, Mayawati wrote, “Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to all Indian citizens and their families living across the country and the world on the 80th Independence Day today.” No matter how much joy and enthusiasm everyone celebrates Independence Day with, in harmony and brotherhood, it will be insufficient. It would be better if those in high constitutional and legal positions are more mindful of their responsibilities, as the public has come to expect more from them about their true and genuine responsibility towards the nation and public interest. “Higher Institutions Will Fulfill Their Responsibility Honestly” The BSP supremo further wrote, “On special occasions like Independence Day, people expect that the higher institutions here will fulfill the purpose and responsibility of the checks and balances of the Indian Constitution with complete honesty and integrity. Only then will the true benefits of India’s republic, especially the millions of Dalits, Adivasis, the most backward classes, Muslims and other religious minorities, as well as the poor, laborers, farmers, youth, women, and other working people, accrue in the form of a life free from unemployment and corruption, a life of happiness and prosperity, and that India’s democracy and sacred Constitution will prove meaningful as per everyone’s expectations. This is the message of today.” Vaibhav Pandey About the Author Vaibhav Pandey is a Senior Journalist/Assistant News Editor at Navbharat Times Online. He has 18 years of experience in the media industry. Vaibhav Pandey joined Navbharat Times Online in 2018. He currently covers news in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Courtesy: Hindi News
DSS condemns ‘purification’ ceremony at Haldwani Ramlila ground after Kharge’s rally
Dalit Sangharsha Samithi (DSS) State convener D.G. Sagar has condemned the reported purification ritual conducted at Haldwani’s Ramlila ground in Uttarakhand on August 10, two days after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a public rally there. Mr. Sagar, addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi city on Friday, said that the purification ritual performed at the Ramlila ground was not only an insult to Mr. Kharge but also to the Scheduled Caste community. He said the incident showed that caste discrimination and untouchability continued despite constitutional safeguards. Recalling Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Mahad Satyagraha of 1927, Mr. Sagar said that similar purification rituals were performed after Dr. Ambedkar and Dalits drank water from the Chavdar Tank. “Nearly 100 years later, if such practices are repeated, it shows that the fight against caste discrimination is not over,” he said. Mr. Sagar said that the reported ritual at the Ramlila ground raised concerns about the constitutional values of equality and dignity; he urged Uttarakhand authorities to register cases under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and laws relating to untouchability, and arrest those responsible. He warned that the Samiti would intensify its agitation across the State if action was not taken. The Hindu Bureau Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
A new twist has been taken in the Tehri Dalit teenager murder case, with the government taking this decision.
The investigation into the much-discussed Tehri Dalit teenager murder case has been handed over to the CBI. A fresh investigation is now underway, and it is expected that all the facts will be revealed. Tehri: The Dalit teenager murder case in Pratapnagar block is once again in the headlines. Amidst the ongoing police investigation, the government has taken a significant decision. As a result, the government has agreed to hand over the case to the CBI. Consequently, a fresh investigation will be conducted into the murder of the Dalit teenager. The Tehri Dalit teenager murder case, which garnered national and not just Uttarakhand headlines, has taken a major turn. The case was being investigated at the police level, but now the government has agreed to have the CBI (Crime Branch Criminal Investigation Department) investigate it. Consequently, the investigation into the murder will now proceed anew at the CBI level. The CBI will investigate the case: In fact, on August 3rd of this month, a letter was sent to the government by the Inspector General of Police, Crime and Law and Order, at Police Headquarters, requesting the CBI to investigate the case. Considering the gravity of the case and the current circumstances, the Police Headquarters’ proposal was considered at the government level. Following this, the government agreed to a CBI investigation. An order regarding this has been issued by Additional Secretary Tripti Bhatt. The order requires Police Headquarters to prepare an investigation report and provide it to the government as soon as possible. Based on this report, the CBI will proceed with the investigation. What is the full story? A Dalit teenager, resident of a village in the Pratapnagar block, died on June 8th. The night before, the teenager, along with his friend, had gone to the home of a minor girl. It is alleged that the girl’s family members locked them in a room and severely beat them with sticks. The seriously injured teenager was taken to the hospital, but died on the way. His friend was also seriously injured. On the complaint of the teenager’s family, the police registered a case and arrested four people, including the girl’s father and grandfather. This sparked outrage in the area, and demands for a fair investigation arose. The case later took a new turn when, based on the High Court’s directive and the minor’s mother’s complaint, the police also filed a case against the teenager and his friend under the POCSO Act. The case also received significant political and social backlash. On June 30, Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad met with the Dalit teenager’s family and demanded a CBI investigation. Now, following the government’s decision to conduct a CBI investigation, the entire case will be investigated by a new investigating agency. In this context, the CBCID will be crucial in examining the facts revealed during the investigation, previous actions, and allegations against both parties. Now, all eyes will be on what new facts emerge from the new investigation and the direction the case progresses. It’s worth noting that this case has been in the news for quite some time. Courtesy: Hindi News