‘7.5 crore students affected in 10 years’: Rahul Gandhi calls paper leaks the ‘norm’ at Chhatron Ki Goonj programme in Dehradun
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said India’s education system has reached a stage where paper leaks have become “the norm”, alleging that the issue affects millions of students and requires a political consensus to resolve. Addressing a student outreach programme, “Chhatron Ki Goonj,” in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun, he clarified that the event was not a political meeting but focused on the concerns, struggles and future of the youth. “This is not a political meet; it’s about youth, their future, struggles and difficulties,” PTI quoted the Lok Sabha leader of opposition as saying. The Raebareli MP further said that more than 7.5 crore students had been affected by paper leaks over the past 10 years, with 152 cases reported but no convictions recorded. “From top to bottom, the entire education system is involved in paper leaks,” he claimed, adding that “advanced technology” was being used to carry out such frauds. “If you have crores, you can select from a menu card of paper leaks,” the Congress leader stated. Rahul Gandhi also called for a political consensus to end paper leaks, stressing that all parties must implement measures to protect students. “There can be political consensus on ending paper leaks which everyone must implement,” he added. Calling for reforms in the examination system, he argued that the existing model was “outdated” and needed to evolve. “The current exam testing system is of the 19th century; we must evolve a 21st-century system,” the asserted. He proposed shifting from a government-centric to a student-centric examination framework, with secure question banks and randomised question papers to prevent leaks. “Today’s exam system is government-centric; we want a student-centric system,” he maintained. Rahul Gandhi also demanded protection and compensation for students affected by paper leaks, along with immediate re-examinations for those impacted by compromised tests. On educational institutions, he argued that political organisations should not control campuses and that vice-chancellors should not be appointed from a single organisation. “No political party or organisation should have a hold on any educational institution; VCs shouldn’t be from one organisation,” Rahul Gandhi stated. He further claimed that the current system benefits a small section while harming honest students. “One per cent uses the system, follows the path of paper leaks and hurts the 99 per cent others who are honest and poor,” he concluded. 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
Cong netas’ comments keep speculation about alliance with SP alive
Lucknow: Even as Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav appear aligned on fighting the BJP together in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, repeated comments by a section of Congress leaders have kept speculation alive about the future of the alliance. Over the past three months, at least three episodes involving Congress functionaries have reignited debate over the SP-Congress relationship, prompting political observers to question whether the state Congress is deliberately keeping the issue alive as part of a negotiating strategy or for other political considerations. The developments come despite Akhilesh reportedly directing SP functionaries not to make loose statements on the alliance. Political analysts say such public sparring risks projecting an image of a divided opposition. “This may not sit well with voters who backed the INDIA bloc in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when the alliance won 43 seats in Uttar Pradesh and restricted the BJP-led NDA to 36,” said a political commentator. “At the same time, it is difficult to believe state-level Congress leaders would repeatedly make such statements without approval from the party’s central leadership.” Senior SP functionaries see a pattern in the recent remarks. According to them, some Congress functionaries appear keen on generating headlines, even if it contradicts Rahul Gandhi’s publicly articulated position on opposition unity. They argue that recurring media reports suggesting friction between the two parties only benefit their political rival, the BJP. Rahul’s July 1 birthday greeting to Akhilesh on social media had briefly quelled speculation. “With the participation of PDA, we will together fulfil the resolve for social justice,” he wrote. However, the debate resurfaced on July 13 when Congress MP from Saharanpur Imran Masood suggested that any future alliance in UP should be based on a 50-50 seat-sharing arrangement. He also argued that the SP stood to gain more from the alliance than the Congress, citing the SP’s tally of 37 Lok Sabha seats in 2024. The latest controversy is not the first sign of divergence between Congress’s central and state-level functionaries. Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav finalised a seat-sharing arrangement under which Congress contested 17 seats. Subsequently, Congress sought the inclusion of Shravasti as an 18th seat, a demand the SP rejected. The matter was settled only after senior Congress leader Mukul Wasnik announced that the 17-seat formula was final. The SP went on to field Ram Shiromani Verma from Shravasti, who defeated BJP candidate Saket Misra. Another flashpoint emerged on May 20 this year when Barabanki MP Tanuj Punia and Congress Scheduled Caste wing chief Rajendra Pal Gautam tried to pay visit BSP chief Mayawati at her Lucknow residence. It came while Rahul Gandhi was in Amethi and reportedly prompted the Congress leadership to seek an explanation from the two leaders. Weeks later, Gautam was appointed the party’s Uttar Pradesh in charge. Tensions escalated further in June after Masood questioned the SP’s leadership structure, Muslim representation and future seat-sharing plans. The SP responded by urging the Congress high command to rein in the MP. While SP functionaries declined to comment officially on Masood’s latest remarks, they rejected his assertion that the SP was more dependent on the alliance. One party functionary pointed out that the idea of the INDIA bloc was floated by Rahul Gandhi and that Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar was sent to persuade Akhilesh to join the grouping. Responding to Masood’s allegation that the SP remains silent on Muslim concerns, the SP camp noted that the party had four Muslim MPs among its 37 Lok Sabha members and 32 Muslim MLAs in the Uttar Pradesh assembly. “They could not have been elected from Muslim-dominated constituencies if voters believed the party did not represent their concerns,” a functionary said. SP functionaries also disputed Masood’s contention that the alliance benefits the SP more because Congress is a national party. They pointed to Congress’s defeats in Punjab (2022) and Haryana (2024), where it contested without significant alliance support, and argued that electoral data from other states does not support such claims. For now, despite periodic flashes of discord, the Congress and SP leaderships continue to signal commitment to opposition unity. Whether the public messaging from sections of the Congress reflects negotiation tactics or deeper unease within the alliance remains an open question as both parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 battle in UP. 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
CM Yogi sends min to defuse outrage over Dalit student murder in Meerut, orders wider probe into police role
Meerut: Days after the alleged police crackdown on Dalit protesters in Meerut snowballed into a major political flashpoint, the Yogi Adityanath govt has moved to contain the fallout by deputing Asim Arun, minister in charge of Meerut, former IPS officer and a prominent Dalit face in the BJP, “to personally intervene“ in the case. The controversy erupted after videos surfaced showing Meerut SSP Avinash Pandey allegedly assaulting Dalit protesters and a lawyer inside a police vehicle during demonstrations over the murder of a 20-year-old Dalit college student. The visuals triggered sharp opposition criticism, with rival parties accusing the govt of suppressing protests over the killing. After meeting the victim’s family, Arun sought to reassure them of a fair investigation. “I discussed their demands in detail. I am confident the probe will be impartial and the family will be satisfied with the outcome,” he said on Friday. Arun said CM Yogi had “personally“ directed him to visit Meerut and expedite action. “The CM has taken the matter very seriously and asked me to come to Meerut immediately. I met the family and officials concerned. I am confident the investigation will deliver the outcome the aggrieved family expects,” he said. He added that the inquiry would not be confined to the murder accused but would also scrutinise conduct of police. “If negligence or accountability is established at any level during the investigation, action will be taken against those responsible in accordance with the law,” he said. Arun confirmed that Brahmpuri circle officer Saumya Asthana had been transferred after the family expressed a lack of confidence in the investigation. He said DIG, Meerut rRange, had also ordered a departmental inquiry to examine why no effective action was taken during the 50 days between the student’s disappearance and the July 8 protests. “Appropriate action will follow based on the findings,” he said. The minister confirmed that a PAC constable, who is related to the main accused, has been suspended, arrested and sent to jail for his alleged involvement in the case. The main accused Ankush Kumar was already arrested and another accused Ankit is also behind bars. Responding to questions about the police’s use of force against protesters, Arun said, “Everything is under scrutiny. The police must also act with sensitivity so that situations do not escalate to a flashpoint.” The minister further announced an inquiry into circumstances under which an FIR was registered against Dalit protesters after police dispersed the July 8 demonstration by force and arrested eight protesters, who were later sent to jail. The victim, a 20-year-old BA final-year student, had gone missing on May 15 after leaving home to appear for an examination. Her body was later recovered from a sugarcane field. Police arrested her alleged boyfriend, Ankush Kumar, claiming he killed her following an argument. However, the family has consistently questioned the local police investigation, alleging serious lapses and demanding a comprehensive, impartial probe. 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
No role in IPS postings, dalit representation in cabinet: Thiruma
Madurai: A false narrative was being built that VCK influenced IPS postings and dalit representations in cabinet, with the aim of portraying the govt as acting at his behest, VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan said at a news meet in Madurai on Friday. Terming it “100% false,” he said TVK appointed only six scheduled caste ministers, while two others were selected separately by the Congress and VCK as coalition partners. Thirumavalavan said even these appointments were being used to ask whether TVK was “a party serving a particular caste” or giving importance to one community. He denied having any role in appointments, including that of a police officer, and asked why the officer was later removed if the claim was true. He said an OBC-versus-dalit narrative was being circulated to turn other communities against the govt. He asked why DMK and AIADMK had not been questioned for failing to provide scheduled caste communities cabinet representation based on their population, while traditionally limiting posts to representatives from three communities. Thirumavalavan said VCK had sustained itself in electoral politics for 25 years while several movements that began during the same period had lost momentum. He said the Aug 17 Tamil National Awakening Conference would focus on state autonomy and abolition of caste. Asked by reporters about TVK being cordial with PMK, Thirumavalavan said there was nothing wrong with maintaining cordial personal relations. “There is a good understanding between TVK and VCK. There is no gap between us,” he said. On an Ambedkar statue kept unopened for years at Pudaiyur near Gangavalli in Salem district, he asked the govt to simplify permission procedures, empower collectors to grant approvals, remove iron cages around Ambedkar statues and quash cases filed against those who protested demanding the statue. He also condemned the late-night questioning of journalist Vijayan, saying authorities must not intimidate journalists, and urged the chief minister to consider a CBI investigation sought by the family in the Sabari custodial death case in Kanyakumari. 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 Priest in Rajasthan, Conspiracy to Evict Him from Temple
The Khakhul Dev Temple in Barana was established by the Dalit community approximately 400 years ago. As long as the temple generated no income, no one objected. However, as donations began pouring into the temple, the Manuwadis became increasingly suspicious. Manuvadvisers attack Dalit priest Vishnu Kumar Balai in Barana village, Bhilwara district. Bhilwara. There are reports of an attack on Dalit priest Vishnu Kumar Balai in Barana village, Bhilwara district, Rajasthan. The Khakhul Dev Temple in Barana was established approximately 400 years ago by a Dalit (Balai) priest family. This family has served it for eight generations. As long as the temple generated no income, no one objected. But as the temple’s income improved the lives of the Dalit priest, with children attending English schools and a permanent house being built, attempts to seize the temple began. A fake trust was formed, a dispute was created, and the temple was placed under the Tehsildar’s custody. According to the FIR, Vishnu Kumar, who had come to perform puja on July 16, 2026, was subjected to casteist slurs. He was attacked with sticks and iron pipes, and an attempt was made to kill him. Police have registered a case under sections of the BNS and SC/ST (PoA) Acts. The incident was reported by Bhanwar Meghvanshi, a social activist and member of the Dalit Adivasi and Nomadic Rights Campaign (Dagar). Meanwhile, the Dalit Adivasi and Nomadic Rights Campaign (Dagar) has demanded that the National Commission for Scheduled Castes take suo motu cognizance and send an investigation team. The temple should either be returned to its traditional Dalit priest family or placed under the Devasthan Department until a court decision. Given the continued attacks, Vishnu Kumar should also be granted a weapons license for self-defense. Dagar has sent a letter to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the Director General of Police of Rajasthan, demanding the immediate arrest of all the accused, the victim’s family security, compensation, and legal redress, and an impartial investigation of the entire matter. Bhanwar Meghvanshi says, “But the biggest question is: when the temple is under government control, who gave the violent mob the freedom to take the law into their own hands? Why was the administration unable to protect the Dalit priest? Is the law only on paper?” Courtesy: Hindi News
Innocent girls were traded for 1.5 lakh rupees: Learn about the exploits of this human trafficking gang, which spanned from Uttar Pradesh to Rajasthan.
A human trafficking racket spanning Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan has been busted. Innocent girls were traded for 1.5 lakh rupees in the name of marriage; 3 arrested. Uttar Pradesh: Police in the capital Lucknow have busted a major interstate child trafficking ring that sold innocent girls in Rajasthan under the guise of marriage. These girls were traded for up to 1.5 lakh rupees. Police have arrested three adults, including a woman, and a minor in this case. The search for the gang’s main leaders, based in Rajasthan, has been intensified. This horrific syndicate was exposed when Kamlesha, a resident of Ganiyar village in Mohanlalganj, filed a complaint with the police on May 12th. She reported that her two granddaughters, aged 16 and 12, had suddenly gone missing. The investigation revealed that the girls were kidnapped under the pretext of reuniting them with their estranged mother and providing them with a better life. Since the case involved minor girls, the police took immediate action and deployed four special teams in plain clothes. Footage from approximately 150 CCTV cameras was scanned during the investigation. Although the girls’ mobile phones were switched off, their location was traced to Rae Bareli using technical surveillance and ground intelligence. Acting swiftly, the police safely rescued both sisters on May 18th. The victims’ statements, recorded under the Indian Civil Defence Code, revealed a disturbing truth: the girls were being taken to Rajasthan for forced marriage and sold. Based on solid evidence, the police arrested the main suspects from Atrauli intersection on June 3rd. Those arrested include 25-year-old Anurag Yadav, 32-year-old Mohammad Akhtar, 23-year-old Priya Patel alias Sheela, and a 17-year-old juvenile. Additional DCP (South) Vasant Kumar Rallapalli stated that the investigation revealed several shocking revelations. This entire network had been active between Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan since 2020. During interrogation, it was revealed that accused Priya Patel had contacted a woman named Sonam, who lived in Kota, Rajasthan. Priya, along with her live-in partner Anurag and associate Akhtar, began targeting orphans or girls from poor families whose families could not easily reach the police. This vicious gang lured girls by promising them jobs, travel, and a better life. In this latest case, the accused gained the girls’ trust and took them to Rae Bareli. There, they were dressed in new clothes and photographed. These photos were then sent via WhatsApp to Sonam and her husband, Bhupendra Chaudhary, in Rajasthan. Once the girls’ faces were “approved,” the deal was finalized. According to the police, the plan was to take the girls to Bambori in Kota district, where Priya was to receive ₹1.5 lakh per girl. Investigators have also uncovered important clues indicating that two sisters from Rae Bareli were previously sold through this network. Police have also seized two four-wheelers used to transport the girls from one district to another. According to Additional DCP Rallapalli, this is a highly organized gang, with pre-determined roles. Currently, the police are focused on arresting the masterminds, Sonam and Bhupendra Chaudhary, who are based in Rajasthan, and identifying other victims, for which raids are being conducted. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
UP police, searching for a Dalit son, woke a sleeping father; his body was found hours later; a murder case has been filed against six people, including a sub-inspector and a constable.
In Ballia, UP, police, searching for a son, detained a Dalit father. Following the suspicious death, a murder case has been filed against six people, including a sub-inspector, a constable, and the village head. Uttar Pradesh: A particularly tragic incident has come to light from Ballia district. Police arrived at the home of a 22-year-old man in search of him, but when they failed to find him, they detained his 44-year-old Dalit father. A few hours later, the laborer father died under suspicious circumstances. The deceased has been identified as Kamji Gond. The family alleges that the police severely beat and tortured Kamji to extract information about their son. A named FIR has been filed against two policemen, a village head, and three others for murder. The accused policemen have been suspended with immediate effect. However, the police have completely denied any allegations of custodial assault. Following the incident, the deceased’s family and villagers staged a massive protest. They alleged that the police assaulted Kamji, threw him unconscious in a field, and fled, where he later died in the hospital. Based on a complaint by Kamji’s son, Vishal, a murder case has been registered at the Revati police station against six people: Sub-Inspector Sachin Saroj, Constable Ankit Singh, Village Head Ashutosh Shankar Singh, and three local citizens. Ballia Superintendent of Police Omveer Singh stated that the accused inspector and constable have been suspended. SP Omveer Singh also stated that the SHO of Revati police station, Raj Kishore Singh, has been removed from his post and placed on the line. Given the seriousness of the matter, a magisterial inquiry has been ordered. No arrests have been made yet, and two of the accused belong to the Dalit community. The actual conflict began on July 7th. The deceased’s son, Vishal, had an argument with shopkeeper Suraj Kannaujiya over purchasing chicken at a shop near Khedan intersection in Gaighat village. The argument quickly escalated into a scuffle, which was later resolved with the intervention of local residents. Vishal claims that under pressure from the village head and others, the shopkeeper filed a complaint of assault against him. Based on this complaint, two policemen arrived at Vishal’s house at 1:20 pm on July 8th in search of Vishal. Vishal was not at home, so the policemen picked up his father, Kamji, who was sleeping there. The son alleges that the police took his father to a nearby brick kiln and brutally assaulted him to force him to reveal Vishal’s hiding place. According to family members, when Kamji fell unconscious due to the severe beating, the policemen abandoned him in a garden near the brick kiln and fled. Around 6 pm, locals found him unconscious and informed the family. He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where a team of doctors referred him to Varanasi. Kamji died while undergoing treatment at the Varanasi hospital. On the other hand, the police version is completely different. The police department states that Kamji began experiencing breathing difficulties during interrogation. According to officials, he was left in the custody of a neighbor at around 4 pm on July 8th, and that neighbor took him away. The police have denied the allegations of assault and abandonment. The police also clarified that the post-mortem report could not confirm the exact cause of Kamji’s death. Consequently, doctors have preserved the viscera for forensic examination, the report of which is currently awaited. Furthermore, the police also informed that the complainant, Vishal, already faces several serious criminal charges, including murder. Following this incident, the angry family refused to cremate the body, demanding strict action against the accused. After massive protests, when the police filed a murder case against the named accused, the family agreed to proceed with the funeral. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Madras HC sternly remarked on the prohibition of temple processions in the Dalit-dominated North Street: Stopping religious processions in the name of caste amounts to untouchability!
High Court rebukes caste discrimination at temple festivals, orders Dindigul Collector to investigate within 12 weeks Madurai – In a landmark judgment, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has held that any practice or custom that excludes any class of citizens on the basis of caste from any public religious festival cannot be constitutionally valid. The Court clarified that Article 17 of the Constitution completely abolishes untouchability and this prohibition is not subject to any custom, tradition, or social acceptance. The Bench headed by Justice L. Victoria Gauri issued these important directions while hearing a petition filed by Bakkiyaraj. Petitioner Devendra belongs to the Kula Vellalar community and alleges that during the annual festival of the Arulmighu Ayiram Aruval Kottai Karuppasamy Temple in Muthalapuram village, Nilakottai taluk, Dindigul district, a wooden casket decorated with silk cloth is prevented from entering North Street, which is dominated by his community. Why the procession is not taken to North Street? Petitioner Bakiyaraj Devendra, belonging to the Kula Vellalar community and a resident of Muthalapuram village’s North Street, filed a petition in the High Court, stating that the village deity is a public deity and is worshipped by people of all castes. Every year during the Thai month, a wooden casket decorated with silk cloth is taken out in a procession through the village streets. However, for the past several years, the respondents (Kumanesan, Raghupathi, Seeni, Satish, Kathinisan, and Kannan) have deliberately prevented the procession from entering North Street. The petitioner alleges that this restriction is based solely on caste grounds. The private respondents allege that the deity’s procession through North Road will be defiled and polluted. Furthermore, members of the Devendra Kula Vellalar community are not included in the temple administration, are prevented from offering offerings, and are excluded from making decisions related to the festival. The petitioner sought directions to officials, including the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, Revenue Divisional Officer, Tehsildar, and Police Inspector, to ensure the procession enters North Road and ensure a peaceful celebration by including some members of the Devendra Kula Vellalar community in the festival committee. Respondents stated that there is no discrimination based on caste in the village. Each community has its own temple and its own customs. The procession route has remained the same for centuries and has never been diverted through the petitioner’s community’s road. People from all communities can enter and worship at the temple, and there are no caste-based restrictions. Citing an earlier order, they argued that this petition attempts to reopen the same issue. The government stated that maintaining law and order was its priority and that all devotees, regardless of caste, would be allowed to worship and participate in religious activities at the temple. The court did not consider this matter merely a dispute over the route of a village procession. Rather, it was an issue of constitutional morality and social democracy. In its order, the court clearly stated: “The Constitution of India does not merely establish political democracy. It envisions a social democracy based on liberty, equality, and fraternity. The framers of the Constitution consciously recognized that caste discrimination had deprived a large section of Indian society of dignity and equal status for centuries. Therefore, the Constitution guaranteed equality before the law under Article 14, prohibited discrimination under Article 15, and abolished untouchability in all its forms under Article 17.” The court further stated that when members of a Scheduled Caste community are prevented from participating in a public religious festival or having equal access to a public temple, it is not merely a private dispute. “Such allegations strike at the very core of constitutional morality.” Interpreting Article 17, the Court wrote – “Article 17 abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form. This constitutional prohibition is absolute. It is not subject to custom, usage, local tradition, or social acceptance. The Constitution does not merely prohibit physical segregation. Any disability imposed on a citizen on account of caste identity falls within the broad constitutional scope of Article 17, which it seeks to eradicate.” Regarding Article 25, the Court stated that religious freedom is subject to public order, morality, health, and other provisions of Part III. “No religious practice or customary usage can withstand constitutional scrutiny if it violates equality, dignity, or fraternity. Constitutional morality must always take precedence over social morality when the two conflict.” The Constitution does not recognize hierarchical participation in public religious life based on caste hierarchy. Faith cannot be divided street by street along caste lines. – Justice L. Victoria Gauri ‘Temple festivals are not just religious events, they are also social institutions’ Citing Article 51A(e), the court stated that temple festivals are not merely religious events. “It is also a social institution meant to unite people. If a festival becomes a means of exclusion, the very purpose of community worship is defeated.” The court, noting the petitioner’s allegations and the respondents’ denials, stated that disputed questions concerning historical routes, practices, and festival administration cannot be decided solely on the basis of affidavits in a writ petition. However, it also clarified: “When allegations of caste-based exclusion from a public religious festival are made, constitutional courts cannot simply relegate the petitioner to a civil forum. Constitutional courts cannot remain silent spectators to issues of equality, dignity, and fraternity.” These instructions were given to the District Collector The court assigned primary responsibility to the District Collector, stating: “The District Collector must remember that the issue is not merely about route management. It is linked to the constitutional promise of equal citizenship. The Constitution does not recognize hierarchical participation in public religious life based on caste hierarchy. Faith cannot be divided street by street along caste lines. Deities worshipped by the entire village belong to the entire village. Public religious institutions cannot become instruments for perpetuating social exclusion.” The court ordered a detailed investigation within 12 weeks, directing the Collector to convene a meeting of all stakeholders (petitioner community, private respondent, village elders, revenue,
Ramnarayan Baghel Murder Case | The family will receive an additional compensation of ₹8.25 lakh in the lynching case of a Dalit migrant worker in Kerala, but shortcomings in the police investigation have exacerbated the trouble!
A Dalit migrant worker from Chhattisgarh was murdered seven months ago by a mob after being branded a “Bangladeshi.” Thrissur – Ramnarayan Baghel’s family has received a major relief in their fight for justice. The district-level monitoring committee has made a historic decision to award them an additional ₹8.25 lakh in compensation, in addition to the previously approved amount. Earlier last year, the Kerala government had announced a grant of ₹30 lakh to Ramnarayan’s family. While the additional compensation decision will provide relief from financial hardship, the family is concerned by the court’s findings of flaws in the ongoing police investigation. During a recent press conference in Thrissur, Baghel’s family appealed to the Kerala government to ensure that the investigation into Ramnarayan’s alleged mass murder is not derailed, that the investigation be expedited, and that all culprits be brought to justice. The family stated that they were deeply saddened by the court’s finding of deficiencies in the police chargesheet, which was evidence of repeated lapses in the investigation. They stated that the court’s finding of deficiencies in the chargesheet was evidence of repeated lapses on the part of the police during the investigation, and that it was deeply concerning that the police had shown such negligence in such a serious case. The family demanded that the Kerala government and police conduct the investigation in a manner that ensures justice and that such a brutal ethnic massacre does not occur again in the state. They stated that the government should intervene to expedite the legal process and immediately appoint a special public prosecutor, as demanded by the family. The family also urged the police to address all deficiencies in the chargesheet already filed in court and submit a new, legally correct chargesheet as soon as possible. Addressing the media, Ramnarayan’s wife Lalita Baghel, his mother Shyamabai Baghel, brother Shashikant, Justice for Ramnarayan Baghel Action Council President K. Sivaraman, and convener Advocate K.S. Nisar, member M. Sulaiman Palakkad, and Advocate Nikhil Chandrasekaran, who is also the family’s lawyer, reiterated that ensuring a fair investigation and punishing the accused is essential not only for justice in Ramnarayan’s case but also to prevent such crimes in the future. The case was registered under Section 103(2) of the Indian Penal Code, the first in Kerala since the enactment of new criminal laws criminalizing mob lynching. A case was also registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The Tragic Incident That Shamed Kerala It is noteworthy that on December 17, 2025, Ramnarayan Baghel, a 31-year-old Dalit migrant laborer from Karahi village in Sakti district, Chhattisgarh, was allegedly beaten to death by a mob in the Walayar area of Palakkad district, Kerala. Baghel had come to Kerala in search of employment and was suspected of theft in the Attapallam area of Walayar. The attackers called him “Bangladeshi” and began brutally beating him. According to the post-mortem report, he had over 40 serious injuries on his body, including repeated blows with sticks and batons on his head, face, chest, and back. Ethnic and Identity Groups Police arrested five people in connection with the case, including four BJP workers. Two more accused were later arrested. The case was registered under Section 103(2) of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalizes mob lynching, and is the first such case in Kerala. A case was also registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Legal hurdles in providing compensation to migrants under the SC/ST Act The Action Council, which provides legal assistance to Ramnarayan Baghel’s family, welcomed the decision of the district-level monitoring committee to award the family an additional compensation of ₹8.25 lakh (approximately $8.25 million) in addition to the previously approved amount. The committee made this decision at its meeting on July 2nd after considering an application submitted by Ramnarayan’s mother through the Action Council. Discrimination and Identity Relationships According to the Action Council, this decision also removed a legal hurdle that typically faced individuals from outside Kerala receiving compensation under the SC/ST Act when they faced caste-based atrocities within the state. The Action Council called this decision a historic milestone in the fight for justice and demanded that this benefit be extended to all victims of caste atrocities in Kerala. The family stated that the government’s prompt approval of compensation in Ramnarayan’s case and the release of funds under the SC/ST Act should become the norm in all cases of atrocities against Dalits. They credited the Action Council’s continued intervention with prompting the government to take swift action. However, they stressed that compensation alone cannot erase injustice. They said this is the first case registered under Section 103(2) of the IPC, which criminalizes mob lynching, in Kerala since the implementation of new criminal laws. They urged the government to ensure that all the accused are punished to prevent such incidents from happening again. The Action Council also demanded that senior police officials investigate whether there were any lapses in the investigation and demanded that everyone involved in the crime be prosecuted and given the maximum punishment under the law. The family stated that they expect a fair, transparent, and professional investigation, leaving no room for allegations of negligence or bias on the part of the police. They stated that they would soon meet with Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and other officials to present their demands and vowed to continue their struggle until justice is achieved. Initial allegations of delay, but later, the government bowed to public pressure It is noteworthy that initially, allegations of delay and procedural lapses in the investigation were raised in this case. The family stated that key legal provisions were implemented only after sustained public pressure, while the appointment of a special public prosecutor and other measures sought by the family also took time. Following protests and memorandums, the Kerala government implemented the mob-lynching provisions under the Indian Penal Code, began implementing the Supreme Court’s Tehseen S. Poonawala guidelines, and granted compensation to the
Neo-Nazi Who Claims to Be Transgender Sent to Women’s Prison in Germany Amid Mockery Concerns
The 55-year-old far-right activist failed to report to prison last August to serve a 1.5-year sentence for slander and incitement to hatred. They were placed in a women’s prison in Chemnitz, Saxony, despite suspicions of exploiting gender laws. Liebich legally changed gender while appealing the sentence, a move widely seen as mocking Germany’s self-determination act introduced under Olaf Scholz. A self-proclaimed transgender neo-Nazi has been transferred to a women’s prison in Germany amid accusations of exploiting the country’s gender self-identification laws. Marla-Svenja Liebich, born male and originally named “Sven” before legally registering as a woman, was extradited on Wednesday from the Czech Republic to a prison in Chemnitz, Saxony. The German far-right provocateur, who has been photographed at rallies wearing a Nazi-style uniform, had gone on the run last August after failing to report to serve a one-and-a-half-year jail sentence for slander and incitement to hatred. While appealing the 2023 conviction, the 55-year-old changed legal gender under a reform that eased the process. Liebich’s “transition” was widely seen as a deliberate mockery of the self-determination act, triggering intense debate over possible abuse of the law. The reforms, introduced by Olaf Scholz’s centrist coalition, simplified changing one’s name and gender on official documents. Appearing publicly in women’s clothing while sporting a moustache, Liebich claimed the change and request for a female prison were needed to avoid “discrimination” from male inmates. Sven Liebich was a prominent figure in Germany’s anti-vaccine movement during the Covid pandemic before adopting a woman’s name. Credit: Craig Stennett/Getty Images In 2022, Liebich disrupted an LGBTQ pride parade in Halle, labelling participants “parasites on society”, according to activists. A local prosecutor said Liebich was “co-operative” during extradition. Prison authorities are now deciding how to carry out the sentence. German officials previously confirmed the placement in a women’s prison was based on registered gender, not biological sex. Liebich has been a longstanding activist in eastern Germany’s right-wing extremist circles and is classified by Saxony’s intelligence services as a “Right-wing extremist” operating statewide and nationally. Photos show the activist at protests featuring black-clad marchers with red, white and black flags, wearing an armband reading “Sicherheits-Abteilung” (“security department”) — the same initials as the Nazi Brownshirts (SA). Former Chancellor Olaf Scholz had defended the gender reforms, stating: “We show respect to trans, intersex and non-binary people, without taking anything away from others. This is how we continue to drive the modernisation of our country. This includes recognising realities of life and making them possible by law.” The case has since drawn sharp criticism, prompting the new government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz to commit to reviewing the law. (inputs from The Telegraph) Courtesy : Outlook India Note: This news is originally published on https:/outlookindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights