PM Modi announces fast-track courts for paper leak cases; Rahul, CJP hit back: 10 developments
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the Centre will set up fast-track courts to ensure “swift and stringent punishment” for those involved in examination paper leaks. In a post on X, PM Modi said the government had directed the concerned authorities to take all necessary steps to safeguard students’ interests, asserting that those responsible for compromising the future of the country’s youth “will not be spared”. The announcement triggered sharp response from the opposition with Congress dismissing it as inadequate and reiterating its demand for Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Here are the 10 key developments: PM Modi announces fast-track courts PM Modi said the Centre would establish fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials and strict punishment in paper leak cases. Announcing the move on X, he said, “Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard. This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared.” Rahul Gandhi says PM ‘harmed the future of our youth’ Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi rejected the Prime Minister’s announcement, accusing the government of presiding over the collapse of the education system. In a post on X, he wrote: “You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most. You allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction of our education system–and protected every person responsible for it.” Rahul Gandhi also reiterated the Opposition’s three demands — the immediate dismissal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, an apology to students and action against those responsible for alleged police excesses during the protests. PM will ensure that no culprit is spared: BJP President Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement, BJP President Nitin Nabin reiterated the government’s commitment to accountability. He said, “The Prime Minister has stated before and continues to state that he is prepared to investigate every issue. He will introduce fast-track courts to ensure that those responsible face action. He will ensure that no culprit is spared. The nation and the world know that Narendra Modi’s resolution means achieving it.” Protests disrupt Parliament MPs from both the NDA and the INDIA bloc staged protests opposite each other at Makar Dwar within the Parliament premises in Delhi. The uproar continued inside the Lok Sabha, where proceedings were adjourned until 12 noon following loud protests by Opposition MPs. Delhi HC to hear plea seeking NIA probe into ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest The Delhi high court will hear on Friday a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” protest over the alleged NEET paper leak. The matter was mentioned before a Bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia. Appearing for the petitioner, Advocate Barun Kumar Sinha sought an urgent hearing, following which the court agreed to list the case for Friday. The PIL also seeks the transfer of all Delhi Police FIRs related to the protest to a specialised investigating agency and action against those allegedly involved in the violence. 16 Delhi Metro stations shut amid CJP protests Sixteen Delhi Metro stations were closed from 7.30am on Thursday until further notice as security was tightened amid Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests in the national capital. According to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), entry and exit have been suspended at stations including Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Mandi House and Lok Kalyan Marg, although interchange facilities remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat. “Service Update: The below-mentioned Metro stations will be closed from 07:30 AM till further instructions. However, interchange facilities shall remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, and Central Secretariat,” the DMRC said on X. Delhi Police confirms personnel were targeted during CJP protest after viral CCTV footage Delhi Police on Thursday confirmed that police officers and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel were targeted during the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest on July 20, after CCTV footage of the violence went viral on social media. Police said the video, which they confirmed was authentic, showed protesters pelting stones and vandalising property, including smashing glass windows at shops and a petrol pump. The clashes left more than 118 police personnel, including several senior officers and women officers, injured, while around 60 protesters were also hurt. Dharmendra Pradhan must resign: CJP The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) PM Modi’s announcement on fast-track courts did not address accountability and reiterated its demand for Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke shared an image of Pradhan captioned, “Hi, my name is nothing”, while the party posted, “Dharmendra Pradhan Must Resign.” CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said, “The first thing is that it is good that after one-and-a-half months of protests, the prime minister has finally taken notice. Perhaps his foreign visits are over and he has returned to India, which is a good thing.” He added, “But what punishment are you imposing after the paper leak has already taken place? That is not going to solve the problem of paper leaks. The real question is why paper leaks are happening in the first place. That question must be answered.” Clashes erupt at Jantar Mantar, six police personnel injured On Wednesday night, fresh clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel at Jantar Mantar, with police firing tear gas shells and carrying out a baton charge to disperse the crowd. At least six police personnel, including two ACP-rank officers, were injured in separate incidents of alleged stone-pelting, according to police sources. Authorities said “anti-social” elements had infiltrated the protest, escalating tensions and attacking security personnel. Internet jammers were later activated in parts of central Delhi as security was tightened. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is
Amethi: Case of kidnapping and conversion of a Dalit minor girl; police detain accused Jabir
A case of luring, kidnapping, conversion, and sexual assault of a Dalit girl has come to light in Sangrampur, Amethi. Amethi: A case of forced conversion and rape has come to light in Amethi district, Uttar Pradesh. A young man from a particular community kidnapped a Dalit girl from the same village and fled. He then forced her to convert and raped her. He also threatened to kill her family if they objected. Police arrest accused: Following a complaint from the victim’s family, police have recovered the accused youth and the girl and initiated legal proceedings. The mother of a Dalit girl from a village in the Sangrampur police station area of the district wrote in a complaint to the police that her fifteen-year-old daughter is unmarried. Jabir, son of Karamat Ali, had been sexually abusing her for approximately three to four years. He also pressured her to marry him. Allegation of death threats: The mother wrote in the complaint that they were poor and did not report the matter due to public shame. Jabir repeatedly insulted her and her family with casteist slurs and threatened to convert her daughter to Islam and marry her. If she or anyone in her family objected, he would kill them all. On July 20th, at 10 a.m., Jabir lured her daughter away from their home, promising to force her to convert. Terror grips the victim’s family: She informed her husband, who works in Haryana, over the phone. The family subsequently searched for her daughter in various locations, but could not find any trace of her or Jabir. Jabir had been pressuring her to convert and harassing her for a long time. Police filed an FIR: The teenager’s brother stated that Jabir had lured his sister into a love affair and fled with her on Monday. He assaulted their sister, forced her to convert, and sexually assaulted her. He was also continuously threatening to kill them. He threatened to kill them if they went to the police. Minor girl recovered, accused Jabir in custody: The victim complained to the police at Sangrampur police station, and the police immediately swung into action as the case involved religious conversion. Police recovered the accused youth and the teenager on Tuesday, registered a case, and initiated legal proceedings. However, the victim’s family remains terrified. Additional Superintendent of Police Gyanendra Kumar stated that a minor girl from a village in the Sangrampur police station area was forcibly converted and abducted by a man under the pretext of marriage. A case has been registered at the Sangrampur police station under relevant sections. Further legal action is being taken after the girl has been recovered and the youth has been detained. Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit activist passes away
Mangaluru: M Devadas,74, one of the founding functionaries of the Dalit movement in undivided Dakshina Kannada, and a participant and guide in people’s movements in Dakshina Kannada, has passed away following cardiac arrest on Wednesday. According to CPM district secretary Muneer Katipalla, when the Dalit Sangharsh Samiti (DSS) was launched in the state, M Devadas worked hard to initiate the Dalit movement in the coastal district. He travelled across the district to build the organisation. He made significant efforts to create ideological awareness and self-respect among Dalits. In the Mangaluru region, he organised several protests in association with leftist and rationalist organisations. Devadas also contributed to building platforms of like-minded groups and organising joint struggles. He was an inspiration to a new generation of activists. Following health issues, he was admitted to a hospital on July 12. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. The CPM Dakshina Kannada District Committee and other organisations have condoled his death. 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
Attack on Dalit youth in Jaunpur: Case filed against 4 under various sections including SC/ST Act
An attack on Dalit youth has been reported in the Sarpataha police station area of Jaunpur. A case has been filed against four named accused under various sections including the SC/ST Act in this attack, which occurred near the Mirzapur-Rudhauli culvert due to an old rivalry. Police have begun investigating the matter. Saurabh, son of Ramesh, a resident of Sawayan village, stated in his complaint to the police that Kuldeep, Kishan, Aman, and Deepchand Yadav attacked him on the evening of July 18th. Saurabh’s head was fractured in the attack, which involved punches, kicks, and injuries. Rakesh suffered serious leg injuries and was also strangled. The victims also alleged that the attackers used casteist slurs and threatened to kill him. The incident was reported to police on 112. Police arrived at the scene as soon as they received the information, but by then all the accused had fled. Police recovered a motorcycle from the scene. Station Head Ramasray Rai stated that based on the victim’s complaint, a case has been registered against four accused under various sections of the SC/ST Act and other sections. Further legal action is being taken in the matter. Ashutosh Dubey | Suithakalan Courtesy: Hindi News
BJP’s Dalit outreach bid with Sant Ravidas ‘Kalash’
Varanasi: Intensifying it’s Dalit outreach bid ahead of 2027 UP election, BJP national president Nitin Nabin and state chief Pankaj Chaudhary will launch a countrywide Kalash Yatra from the birthplace of Sant Ravidas in Seer Govardhanpur in Kashi on Jul 29. Made of clay collected from the Sant’s birthplace 131 kalash (urns) will be taken to 98 districts of 27 states as a part of his 650th birth anniversary celebration, said BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh, adding that many other events based on the Sant will be organised between Guru Purnima and Maghi Purnima by the party. Chugh, along with state general secretary (organisation) Dharmapal Singh, UP ministers Aseem Arun, Ravindra Jaiswal, Hansraj Vishwakarma, Shivesh Kumar, Rampratap Singh Chauhan, Kashi region unit president Ashok Chaurasia, city chief Pradeep Agrahari, Mayor Ashok Tiwari and several other public representatives, visited Ravidas temple to inspect the site of the proposed event on Tuesday evening, He also held meeting with the authorities of Sant Ravidas birthplace temple. Later, Chugh informed reporters that arrival of Nitin Nabin, chief minister Yogi Adityanath, Pankaj Chaudhary and representatives of the sant community from across the country to attend the special event at the birthplace of Sant Ravidas on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima on Jul 29 has been confirmed. A public meeting will be organised after prayers and aarti of 131 Kalash to be filled with soil of the birthplace by 131 teams reaching on Jul 28. On Jul 30, the same teams will leave for BJP’s 98 organisational districts in UP, 27 states and six zones by keeping the Kalash on vehicles. The sacred soil from Sant Ravidas birthplace will be taken to villages and localities in all these districts across the country, said Chugh mentioning through Kalash worship, the message of social harmony, humanity and equality will be conveyed to the masses. He said the contribution of Sant Ravidas was not limited to Varanasi, he showed the path of harmony and equality to all humanity and will always be remembered as a great leader of social harmony. BJP will celebrate the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Ravidas at the nationwide level with enthusiasm and grandeur, he said. BJP SC wing national president Lal Singh Arya said this Guru Purnima event will give a new message to the country. He said Bhakti movement brought society out of darkness and gave it a new direction. Sant Ravidas opposed ostentation and gave the message of humanity, equality and brotherhood. A workshop regarding preparations for the event will be held in Lucknow on Thursday, while district-level workshops will be organised from Jul 25 to 27. 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
Upper-caste Hindu mob demolishes Dalit family’s home in India
Lower-caste Hindu family alleges assault, caste slurs and forced demolition of home in Uttar Pradesh as police arrest two suspects NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — A Dalit family in northern India has accused an upper-caste mob of demolishing their home, assaulting family members and hurling caste-based slurs in an attack that has renewed attention to persistent violence against historically marginalized communities. The incident took place in Muraw village in Uttar Pradesh’s Fatehpur district, according to the local media. Members of the family later approached the district police chief seeking an impartial investigation and action against those responsible. Gayatri Devi, one of the victims, alleged that six upper-caste men arrived at the family’s home with around 20 to 25 others in several vehicles before attacking the household. She accused the group of verbally abusing the family with caste slurs, physically assaulting them and forcibly demolishing their house while her husband and father-in-law were away working as daily wage laborers. Another family member, Horilal, said they had been living on the residential plot for nearly three decades and alleged that the named accused had harassed them for years in an attempt to drive them from the property. Police have registered a criminal case against six named suspects under provisions relating to assault and offenses under India’s law protecting members of marginalized communities from caste-based atrocities. Two suspects have been arrested, while efforts are continuing to apprehend the remaining accused, police said. Rights groups say disputes over land, housing and access to resources frequently trigger violence against Dalit families, particularly in rural areas where entrenched caste hierarchies continue to shape social and economic life. Courtesy : Muslim Network TV Note: This news is originally published on https:/muslimnetworktv.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
NGO urges TN CM to take steps to end caste discrimination in churches, cemeteries
The NGO appealed to the Catholic church leadership to implement a uniform policy of common churches, cemeteries, and equal worship practices, irrespective of caste. MADURAI: Evidence, an NGO working for Dalit rights, urged Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to ensure that there is no caste discrimination in churches, cemeteries, and other Christian places of worship in Tamil Nadu. It also appealed to the Catholic church leadership to implement a uniform policy of common churches, cemeteries, and equal worship practices, irrespective of caste. Evidence executive director A Kathir on Wednesday released its fact-finding report on the alleged denial of burial rights to Raju (89), a Dalit Christian, whose body was initially not allowed to be buried in the common cemetery at Thuraiyur in Tiruchy. He alleged that Kottappalayam in Thuraiyur continues to have separate churches and burial grounds for caste Christians and Dalit Christians. The Dalit Christian cemetery, measuring about 10 cents, has been in use for over a century and faces severe space constraints, while the common cemetery is much larger, around three acres, and better maintained. “A peace meeting chaired by the Musiri RDO Sushree Suvangi Khuntia on July 19 resulted in an agreement that Raju would be buried in the common cemetery. Officials also decided that funeral prayers should be conducted only at St. Sebastian’s Church in the Dalit Christian locality instead of the village’s St. Mary Magdalene Shrine, describing the arrangement as another instance of caste-based discrimination,” he pointed out. He also reiterated its demand that the state government urge the Union government to include Dalit Christians in the Scheduled Caste list, stating that the denial of constitutional benefits to Dalit Christians remains a longstanding issue. 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
Opposition wears black; holds protest outside Parliament seeking resignation of Shah, Pradhan
MPs of the Congress, SP, Left parties, RJD, TMC, JMM and other parties were present during the protest, during which they raised slogans against the government. Leaders from several Opposition parties, clad in black, staged a protest outside Parliament on Wednesday in solidarity with students protesting the alleged NEET paper leak and against the police action on MPs who had staged a sit-in demanding action over the controversy. The opposition MPs raised slogans against the government and demanded the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for the police action against protesting students. The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Priyanka Gandhi, among others were present at the protest. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said students have genuine demands and are asking for their rights. “The Education budget is Rs 1.4 lakh crores, but you are waving off Rs 16 lakh crore loans for Adani and Ambani. Students have a genuine struggle and are asking for change. Paper leaks are happening repeatedly. There is nothing undemocratic with peaceful protest, but what is happening with students and in Parliament is undemocratic,” she said. MPs of the Congress, SP, Left parties, RJD, TMC, JMM and other parties were present during the protest, during which they raised slogans against the government. Earlier, floor leaders of several parties of the Opposition INDIA Bloc held a strategy meeting in the chamber of Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge. Rahul Gandhi and leaders of various opposition parties attended the meeting. Earlier this morning, Congress MP Pawan Khera told ANI that all Opposition MPs are wearing black today as a mark of “protest against what they have done to the students of this country in… pic.twitter.com/ov8Q26p6hL 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
‘Are we not Hindus?’: Dalit priest in Rajasthan allegedly attacked twice in a year, sought help from Mohan Bhagwat
Balai told The Wire, “I donated 5,100 rupees for the Ram Temple, I used to attend RSS shakhas as a child, and during the RSS centenary celebrations, my family showered volunteers with flowers.” In May of this year, Vishnu Balai, a 40-year-old Dalit from Rajasthan’s Bhilwara district, wrote a letter to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, seeking his help, alleging that anti-Dalit elements and some associated with the RSS had tried to prevent him from working as a priest at a temple in his village. According to The Wire, Balai wrote to Bhagwat in a letter, “You talk about the entire Hindu society and mutual brotherhood. You are against caste discrimination, and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is running a campaign for ‘one well, one crematorium, one temple.’ Yet, RSS volunteers have snatched my temple from me—a Dalit priest.” He further said, “And now they want to implicate me and my family in false cases, send us to jail, and even kill us. Your volunteers are doing exactly the opposite of what you say.” ‘You are a low-caste man, we will make you drink dirty urine’ On July 16, Balai was allegedly attacked a second time near the Khakhul Dev temple while he was preparing for a puja. The FIR, lodged at the Asind police station on July 16 based on the complaint of Balai’s wife, Sita Devi, states, “…they came with weapons, iron rods, iron pipes, and sticks and illegally entered the Khakhul Dev temple. They told my husband, ‘You are a low caste man, we will make you drink dirty urine and throw you out of the temple.’” Balai says he was first taken to the Asind health center and then referred to the Bhilwara district hospital, where he was admitted for a day and discharged on July 17. Speaking to The Wire, Balai alleged, “I was assaulted and suffered injuries to my body and ear. This was the second time I was attacked. I was attacked on August 14th last year, and I filed an FIR. My family has been serving as priests at the Khakhul Dev Temple for the past 400 years. But some people in our village, patronized by Asind MLA Jabbar Singh Sankhla and affiliated with the RSS, want to remove me from the position of temple priest.” The FIR filed at the Asind police station on July 16th names six accused: Ramprasad Vaishnav, Govind Vaishnav, Bhagwan Lal Vaishnav, Ratan Lal Vaishnav, Sammu Jat, and Norat Vaishnav. A case has been registered against them under sections 189(2) (unlawful assembly), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 126(2) (wrongful restraint), and 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. ‘They don’t want a Dalit as a priest’ Balai further stated that this is his second FIR in this matter. He added that the Rajasthan High Court had previously stayed the arrest of the accused in the FIR filed by Balai in August last year. Balai told The Wire, “They don’t want a Dalit to become a priest. The temple receives significant donations from devotees. The accused tried to create a trust and remove me from the priest’s position to seize the temple’s funds. I had previously sought help from Mohan Bhagwat. I donated 5,100 rupees for the Ram temple. I used to attend RSS shakhas as a child, and during the RSS centenary celebrations, my family showered flowers on volunteers. Am I not a Hindu? Am I being targeted just because I am a Dalit? Is this the Hindu unity the RSS talks about?” Officials said the case is still in court, so the government has appointed a receiver for the Khakhul Dev Temple. After Balai’s wife filed an FIR on July 16 regarding the alleged assault, the accused also filed a counter-FIR against Balai, alleging that he had attacked her. Bhilwara Superintendent of Police Sagar told The Wire, “Both parties have filed FIRs against each other, and the investigation is ongoing. We are also examining CCTV footage. Any decision on arrests will be taken only after further investigation.” Activists have criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Rajasthan over the incident. Activist Bhanwar Meghvanshi said, “If the case is in court and the government has appointed a receiver for the temple, how can a mob interfere and attack a Dalit man? What right do the villagers have to attack a Dalit priest? We demand strict action against the accused named in the FIR filed by Balai’s wife. Furthermore, the counter-FIR filed by the accused should also be quashed. This is an attempt to prevent a Dalit man from becoming a priest in the temple.” BJP MLA denies allegations When contacted, Jabbar Singh Sankhla, BJP MLA from Asind, denied the allegations made by Balai. Sankhla said, “About 90% of the people in Barana village are RSS supporters. Balai’s family has traditionally been the priest of the Khakhul Dev Ji temple. Some educated villagers felt that this is such a popular temple, where thousands of quintals of grain are offered and lakhs of rupees are received from donations, yet there has been no development there. Even toilets for women are not built. They asked Balai to build toilets to stop open defecation and ensure cleanliness, which led to this controversy.” Sankhla further said that the villagers formed a committee and decided that the money and grain received as offerings during religious rituals would belong to the priest, but a separate donation box (Daana Patra) was kept, the money from which would be used for the development of the temple. He said, “The controversy escalated when Balai refused to install a new donation box or hand over its keys to the villagers. The allegations against me are false, and it is completely wrong to say that Balai was targeted because he is a priest. There is no truth in this. Priests do not
Administration Removes Illegal Encroachment in Sahajanwa Chandbari: Dalit Leaseholders Regain Rights to Their Allotted Land After 30 Years
On Tuesday, the administration took major action in Chandbari Gram Panchayat, located in the Pali Block of Sahajanwa Tehsil in Gorakhpur district. A team from the Revenue Department removed years-old illegal encroachments from government land in Naveen Pariti. This action restored rights to Dalit leaseholders who had been waiting for their land for 30 years. The matter began with a complaint from Village Head Pradeep Srivastava. He submitted a written complaint to officials at the Sampoorna Samadhan Diwas. The complaint stated that in the 1990s, under a government scheme, Naveen Pariti land was allotted to poor Dalit families in the village for housing construction. However, it is alleged that in 1995, a villager illegally occupied this land. As a result, eligible families were deprived of their legitimate land and right to build homes for nearly three decades. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) took the complaint seriously and ordered an immediate investigation and strict action. Following these instructions, a joint team of the Revenue Department and police, led by Tehsildar RK Kannaujiya, arrived in Chandbari village on Tuesday. The team thoroughly verified revenue records on the spot. Upon confirming illegal occupation, the illegal construction and encroachment were demolished with the help of a JCB. Several officers and employees, including Revenue Inspector Buddhiram Chaudhary, Law Officer Satish Tiwari, Accountant Sujit Dwivedi, Satendra Pratap, and Ashish Singh, were present during the operation. Vishnu Dutt Shukla | Sahajanwan Courtesy: Hindi News