Dalit student murder protests get louder, 63 booked
Meerut: A day after using force to disperse Dalit demonstrators, the Meerut police have booked 13 named and 50 unnamed people on severe charges, including attempt to murder and outraging the modesty of women cops. Seven people have been arrested and remanded in 14 days of judicial custody. Police claimed 11 cops were injured and women personnel were harmed.The police crackdown on Wednesday targeted protesters demanding justice for Lalita Gautam, a BA final year Dalit student who went missing on May 15 and her body was found in a sugarcane field the next day in Rohta area of Meerut district. The victim’s family and local outfits alleged a shoddy police investigation. Tensions escalated when negotiations failed, and protesters blocked roads near the collectorate after being denied a personal audience with the DM VK Singh and SSP Avinash Pandey. The situation turned volatile when a police force led by SSP Pandey initiated a baton charge to clear the roadway. During the crackdown, SSP Pandey was seen assaulting a Noida-based lawyer, Ravi Gautam, inside a police transit van. Police have also invoked an attempt to suicide charge against Gautam, claiming he tried to hang himself inside the vehicle.Authorities allege that external, anti-social elements orchestrated the unrest. SP (Rural) Abhijeet Kumar identified Digvijay Singh Bhati, an externed history-sheeter from Amroha, as the mastermind behind the unauthorised blockade. Officials also linked some accused to the notorious Amit Miranda gang, claiming they intentionally placed local women and minors in the front. Police stated that local residents were spared, but strict legal action would continue against outside agitators.On Thursday, police sealed the deceased woman’s village Thiraut for outsiders to prevent any escalation of the situation.The accused have strongly denied the allegations. In a released video, Bhati claimed complete ignorance and challenged authorities to prove his presence in Meerut. Hemant Pradhan, a Congress functionary named in the case, stated that the protest was entirely peaceful. “The authorities shut the main gate of the collectorate and carried out the assault, which itself is illegal,” Pradhan said.Defending the police action, SSP Pandey stated that the primary suspect in the murder—who was in a relationship with the victim—had already been arrested and jailed before being released on bail. He alleged that external elements, including Ravi Gautam, were instigating the victim’s family with inducements like money and weapon licences to spread anarchy.The incident has triggered sharp political reactions. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticised the police action, while Azad Samaj Party MP Chandrashekhar Azad announced plans to visit the victim’s family. Additionally, activist and former IPS officer Amitabh Thakur filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) against the Meerut police. 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
Ahead of cabinet expansion, MLC BK Hariprasad gains Siddaramaiah’s backing
The argument is that if Hariprasad wields power, it would also help organise the party, drawing a parallel to Shivakumar, who held both the DCM and KPCC chief’s posts. BENGALURU: As the countdown begins for cabinet expansion, and Chief Minister DK Shivakumar gears up to fill 20 berths, the name of KPCC chief and MLC BK Hariprasad has come to the fore, springing a surprise. According to sources, former CM Siddaramiah has been backing Hariprasad to be made minister and also floor leader in the Council. The argument is that if Hariprasad wields power, it would also help organise the party, drawing a parallel to Shivakumar who held both the DCM and KPCC chief’s posts. It is to be seen whether Siddaramaiah’s plan materialises when he along with Shivakumar and Hariprasad, call on the high command after LOP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi returns from his foreign trip on Sunday. If Hariprasad misses out on becoming minister, Siddaramaiah’s son and Urban Development Minister Dr Yathindra is likely to be the floor leader. Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi was also aspiring to be KPCC chief while keeping his ministerial berth, but the high command turned it down. Now, Satish is feeling let down as Siddaramaiah did not back him to the hilt. Sources said Satish’s relationship with Siddaramaiah began to sour a couple of months before the latter stepped down as CM, after Satish held talks with Shivakumar and his brother DK Suresh, former Bengaluru Rural MP, , say political analysts. Meanwhile, DK Suresh, who is now Bamul Chairman, hosted dinner for select Congress MLAs at a hotel in Bengaluru on Wednesday evening. The legislators, who were were vocal in backing Shivakumar’s claim the CM’s post, included Magadi MLA HC Balakrishna, Channagiri MLA Basavaraj Shivaganga, Maddur MLA Kadaluru Uday, Sira MLA TB Jayachandra, Hoskote MLA Sharath Bachegowda, Ranebennur MLA Prakash Koliwad, Srirangapatna MLA Ramesh Bandisiddegowda and newly elected MLC Vinay Karthik, sources said. In fact, Balakrishna hosted the dinner on behalf of Suresh as a goodwill gesture to keep the MLAs in good humour, they added. 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
NC invites 52 leaders across party lines for J&K statehood protest at Jantar Mantar
Farooq Abdullah reaches out to INDIA bloc, BJP, regional parties and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq ahead of Parliament’s Monsoon Session SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir’s ruling National Conference has invited 52 political leaders of the country within and outside INDIA Bloc including J&K’s Grand Mufti and Hurriyat Conference chairman and cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to join the protest at Jantar Mantar for statehood restoration to J&K on the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon session. NC president Farooq Abdullah has reached out to political parties across J&K and leaders from across the country, inviting them to join the peaceful, democratic protest at Jantar Mantar on the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. “This is not about one party, one region, or one people. It is about defending India’s federal spirit, upholding the Constitution, and demanding the long-overdue restoration of J&K’s statehood as repeatedly promised,” he said. “We hope every democratic voice across the country will stand united in this collective cause”. Among the 52 prominent political leaders invited for the statehood restoration protest include Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Tamil Nadu CM C Joseph Vijay, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, Asaduddin Owaisi, Y S Jagam Mohan Reddy, Sukhbir Singh Badal, Arvind Kejriwal, M A Baby CPI(M) General Secretary, D Raja of CPI, Kapil Sibal, BSP chief Mayawati, BRS President K. Chandrashekar Rao, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, former J&K Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, J&K Apni Party Chief Altaf Bukhari, J&K Congress chief G A Mir, J&K BJP president Satpal Sharma, Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone, Hurriyat Conference chairman and cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and J&K Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam. In his letter, NC president said the central government had repeatedly assured in parliament that statehood would be restored after abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the erstwhile State into two Union Territories by centre on August 5, 2019. He said despite successful conduct of Assembly elections in 2024 and formation of an elected government under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the promise of restoring statehood remains unfulfilled. “This is not merely a delay. It is an affront to the democratic will of an entire people,” he said, adding that the continued denial of statehood undermines the federal character of the Constitution and weakens democratic institutions. “Our protest shall be peaceful, democratic, and constitutional — as it must be, and as it shall be. We are not asking for anything beyond what was promised. Our demands shall not transgress from those which have already promised to us. The cause of federalism is not the cause of one party, one people or one region. It is the cause of every citizen of India who believes that the genius of our constitutional order lies in the balance it strikes between unity and diversity,” Abdullah said. He said the stand for restoration of statehood to J&K is to stand for the integrity of that balance — for the proposition that no people should be governed without their consent, and no promise made in parliament should be allowed to lapse into convenient oblivion. “People of J&K have chosen hope — we have chosen the ballot, the Constitution, and the democratic process that all of us in some way or another have been a part of. We deserve to be treated with the same dignity and respect,” the NC president said. “Together, let us send an unambiguous message that the people of J&K remain the guardians of the voice of those who have been made to wait too long,” he added. It would be interesting to see how many of the 52 leaders attend the NC leader’s protest for statehood restoration on July 20 at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on the opening day of parliament’s monsoon session. After forming the government, CM Omar in his first cabinet meeting passed a resolution on restoration of statehood and handed copies of the resolution to PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other central leaders but there has been no forward movement on the issue in over one and half year’s rule of NC government. Fayaz Wani 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
Signs of thaw: Will abide by Cong poll strategy, says Channi; pressure won’t work on party high command, warns Baghel, says he’s ready to meet dissidents even if they don’t
Chandigarh: In the first sign of softening of stance, former CM Charanjit Singh Channi signalled on Wednesday that his camp would ultimately abide by Congress’s election strategy. Describing Rahul Gandhi as his leader, Channi said, “Elections are seven months away. Whatever strategy the party adopts, we will work accordingly and contest the elections.” This was preceded by a clear message from Punjab Congress affairs in charge Bhupesh Baghel during the day that “no pressure works on the party high command”. Baghel has been here for three days, trying to resolve the crisis, but Channi and former deputy CM Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa have not yet met him. On Wednesday, Baghel reiterated that he was ready to meet Channi, Randhawa and any of the dissident group members even if they don’t come to meet him. According to sources, the Channi camp is meeting on Thursday to chart its next course of action and decide whether to meet Baghel. They had earlier decided to approach Congress high command directly with their concerns instead of routing them through Baghel. Baghel told mediapersons that he has spoken with Channi and Randhawa over phone. “They told me they were busy with some work and were out of town, but would get in touch with me after they returned. Either I will visit their homes for tea or they can come to the PCC office,” he said. Baghel, however, ruled out any possibility of the high command revisiting its decision under pressure. “No pressure works on the party high command. I do not believe decisions are made under pressure, nor should they be. Therefore, the decisions that have already been taken will remain in effect. Once the high command has taken a decision, it will not be changed. Is it a ‘gudda-guddi ka khel’?” he said. Warring too reiterated his willingness to engage with the dissenting leaders, saying he would personally meet each of them. He said that if anyone was dissatisfied with him, he was prepared to make every effort to win their support. “They are all more capable than me and senior to me,” Warring said. Back-channel efforts to break the impasse gathered pace. Former cabinet minister Razia Sultana, who attended the Channi group meeting in Mohali, met Baghel on Wednesday. Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla also met Channi a day after Punjab Congress working president Raj Kumar Verka had spoken with the former CM. Aujla told TOI that he urged Channi to place the grievances before the senior leadership so that issues be resolved at the earliest. “We are trying to resolve the grievances so that everyone comes on the same page and launches a collective campaign against AAP govt,” Aujla said. Describing the issue as a “family matter”, Verka said there was flexibility in the process of dialogue. “They can come to us or we can go to them. Those who still want to meet Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge or KC Venugopal will have their meetings facilitated. Discussions are on. Our effort is to speak to everyone who has grievances and address their concerns,” he said. However, former MLA Karan Kaur Brar, daughter-in-law of former Punjab CM Harcharan Singh Brar, who hails from Muktsar, Warring’s home district, hit out at him, saying: “Whoever Congress high command appoints as state president, I will accept. However, I believe the current president has created a great deal of discord within the party.” Congress national spokesperson Udit Raj said factionalism has often proved costly for the party and urged leaders to resolve their differences through organisational mechanisms. “The fault lies with us. We lost Uttarakhand election because of infighting and factionalism. Whenever we lose, factionalism is the primary reason. If there are grievances, they should be raised on the appropriate platform. In my view, the leaders should have met Bhupesh Baghel. By taking these matters into the public domain, it’s only strengthening BJP,” he said. Channi On Jalalpur Asked about the showcause notice issued to former MLA Madan Lal Jalalpur, who attended the Channi camp meetings, the former CM said he would comment only after examining the matter. 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
TN: After being sent to jail for a bike theft complaint three years ago, a Dalit woman journalist became the target of casteist hatred and police indifference.
The entire family, including her pregnant sister-in-law, was beaten up. The family alleges that the police deliberately withheld action despite video evidence. Villupuram – A 27-year-old Dalit woman journalist, who filed a theft complaint three years ago in V. Sithamur village in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, is now facing “punishment” for that very complaint. She has been a constant target of casteist hatred since two influential caste brothers were jailed. On June 22nd, her brother and entire family were fatally attacked, including her pregnant sister-in-law, who was beaten with slippers. Two weeks later, the main accused remain at large, and the Tamil Nadu police’s callousness is evident. What is the whole matter? In January 2023, two bikes were stolen from the journalist’s home. She filed a complaint and named two local youths, Raghu and Ambu. Police investigations revealed that the two brothers were habitual bike thieves. Fifteen bikes and two tractors were recovered from them. However, the journalist’s bike was not recovered. Both brothers were arrested and later released on bail. Since then, the brothers had been angry with the female reporter. They threatened her that she would pay the price for complaining against influential caste people. On June 22, a fight broke out between Ambu and an insurance agent in front of a shop outside the journalist’s house. The woman’s brother, Sanju (31), asked them to peacefully leave the shop. Ambu left, but returned a short time later with Raghu and other associates. The gang began hurling casteist abuses at Sanju and assaulting him. Hearing the noise, Sanju’s pregnant wife, his brother’s wife, and his mother (58) came out of the house. The accused men also hurled casteist abuses at the women and attacked them. Raghu hit the pregnant woman three times with a slipper and pushed her. The mother’s saree was torn. The accused openly threatened the family, “Whenever the journalist goes out for work, they will target her too.” The entire incident was captured on CCTV installed at home. On June 23, the victims filed a complaint at the Arakandanallur police station. Police charged the accused under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the Prevention of Women Harassment Act, and the BNS Act. However, two weeks later, Raghu, Ambu, and another key accused remain at large. Police have only arrested the fourth accused, Kumar. Police claim the accused are in Bengaluru, but their exact location is unknown. The family and activists allege that despite video evidence, the police are deliberately withholding action. Human rights activist V. Lalitha, who is providing legal assistance to the family, told TNIE that several villages (Vadakaraithalanur, Vasantha Krishnapuram, Veerapandi Pulikkal, Kadakkanur, etc.) under the Arakandanallur police station have witnessed cases of gang violence and murder against Dalits over the past decade, but none have resulted in convictions. Lalita says, “Immediate arrest is required under the SC/ST (PoA) Act. Excuses like ‘can’t be traced’ point to police complicity. This police station continues to fail in cases involving Dalits.” The victim, a female journalist, says, “My sister-in-law is in her second trimester of pregnancy and is experiencing severe pain. We are all scared, but I am not going to give up my job out of fear.” Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
Rajasthan: Bhim Army Chief takes umbrage over gang rape of a minor Dalit girl in Sriganganagar, demands arrest of absconding accused within 24 hours
So far, 14 to 18 accused have been arrested, including the hotel owner, manager, staff, and rickshaw driver. The search for the remaining absconding accused is ongoing. Sriganganagar – The brutal gang rape of a 13-year-old Dalit girl in the district has sparked outrage across Rajasthan. The incident began around June 18th when the girl disappeared from her home. According to the police investigation, an e-rickshaw driver kidnapped her and sold her to a hotel owner for a small sum of money. The girl was then held hostage for five days in various hotels in the city, including Joy Inn, Khunger, and Sapphire, where she was repeatedly gang-raped by 32 named accused. The victim’s statement states that sometimes three or four people, sometimes more, committed the crime against her, and if she screamed in pain, she was given alcohol. Kailash Dan, the investigating officer and Additional Superintendent of Police (SP) in this case, states that the girl had an Instagram friend, whom she met on June 18th in Vijaynagar, where she was raped by that friend. According to reports, the girl then traveled from Vijaynagar to Sri Ganganagar by bus at night and took a rickshaw. When the girl didn’t return home, her mother searched for her in various locations and inquired with relatives. However, when she still hadn’t returned home by June 22nd, she went to the police station. The police have intensified the investigation based on CCTV footage and DVR recordings. So far, 14 to 18 accused have been arrested, including hotel owners, managers, staff, and rickshaw drivers. The search for the remaining absconding accused is ongoing. In response to public outrage, the administration bulldozed these hotels late on July 1st, demolishing the illegal constructions. An FIR has been registered in the case under sections of the POCSO Act, rape, kidnapping, and human trafficking. The police say that all the culprits will be punished severely once the investigation is complete. The girl was held hostage for five days in various hotels in the city, where she was repeatedly gang-raped by 32 named accused. Bhim Army Chief and Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad reacted sharply to the incident. He said, “The incident of the 13-year-old Dalit girl being held hostage and gang-raped by 32 people in Sriganganagar, Rajasthan, is extremely horrific and a shame on humanity. According to the victim, she was sometimes raped by three to four, and sometimes more, men. Whenever she felt pain from the repeated assaults, she was forced to drink alcohol. This crime crosses all limits of brutality. What is even more shameful is that even 15 days after the incident came to light, all the accused have not been arrested. This raises serious questions about the government’s law and order.” Chandrashekhar demanded that Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and the Rajasthan government arrest all remaining absconding rapists within 24 hours, have the case heard in a fast-track court, ensure the harshest punishment if convicted, and provide immediate security, justice, and adequate financial compensation to the victim’s Dalit family. He also appealed to lawyers not to represent such rapists. This case highlights the challenges of child trafficking, exploitation in hotel networks, and the protection of minors. The victim is undergoing medical treatment and counseling. Several viral videos on social media are being falsely linked to this case, but are actually from a separate incident in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh. Local protests are taking place, and demands for justice have intensified. The police and administration claim they are taking the matter seriously and further action is underway. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
Who was Lalita Gautam, a Dalit student? Her death has sparked caste-based protests in Meerut.
Dalit Student Murder Case: The murder of Lalita Gautam, a BA student in Meerut, has stirred up unrest in the entire district. Following the murder of the 20-year-old Dalit student, police have arrested the main accused and sent him to jail, while caste-based protests have intensified. Meerut: The murder of Lalita Gautam, a BA student in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, has now escalated into a caste-based protest. Police claim the main accused has been arrested and sent to jail. However, during protests by Dalit organizations, police have taken action against those who are trying to disrupt the atmosphere. Let’s find out who Lalita Gautam was, how she was murdered, and why this case has escalated to such a serious level. Who was Lalita Gautam? 20-year-old Lalita Gautam was a BA student and lived with her entire family in Gagan Enclave in the TP Nagar area of Meerut. When Lalita Gautam, who had left home to take an exam on May 15th, did not return until late in the evening, her family members searched for her but could not find her. Following this, the family filed a missing person report at the TP Nagar police station. Police began an investigation and examined CCTV footage from nearby areas. In the footage, Lalita was seen with a young man named Ankush, a resident of Kalyanpur village. Following this, the police expanded the investigation and formed several teams to search for the accused. Why are there protests now? Lalita Gautam belonged to the Dalit community. After her murder, several Dalit organizations began protesting over the case. During the recent protests, police lathi-charged and detained several people. Police say that a large number of outsiders were involved in the protests, and some were unaware of the case. Police claim that the deceased’s brother was also allegedly lured into the protest by false inducements. According to officials, some people were trying to disrupt the atmosphere under the guise of Dalit politics. Police are examining CCTV footage to find those responsible for the violence. How was Lalita Gautam murdered? During the police investigation, the accused, Ankush, was detained. During interrogation, he confessed to killing Lalita. According to the police, Ankush and Lalita were in a love relationship. They were together on the day of the incident. During this time, the accused saw some photos and chats on Lalita’s mobile phone, which led him to suspect that she was also having an affair with another man. What is the police saying? According to the police, due to this suspicion and dispute, the accused murdered Lalita and threw her body in a sugarcane field in the Upasiya forest in the Rohta police station area of Meerut. The body was later recovered from there. The main accused, Ankush, has been arrested and sent to jail, while investigations into other aspects are still ongoing. Written by: Abhijeet Chauhan About the Author Abhijeet Chauhan is a sub-editor in the digital wing of News18 Hindi. Abhijeet currently covers politics, social issues, crime, breaking news, and viral news in Uttar Pradesh. Courtesy: Hindi News
Minor Dalit girl kidnapped: Serious allegations against the Inspector; Police Commissioner demands a fair investigation
The case of the kidnapping and rape of a minor Dalit girl in the Uttaraon police station area of Prayagraj has taken a new turn. The victim’s family has filed a complaint with the Police Commissioner, leveling serious allegations against the investigating officer, the Inspector, and female police officers. The family has demanded an impartial investigation. According to the family, the incident dates back to June 21, 2026, when a case of kidnapping of a minor girl was registered at the Uttaraon police station. After the girl’s recovery, the family has questioned the police’s actions. They allege that the police did not conduct a medical examination of the girl. The complaint also states that when the family demanded a medical examination, the investigating officer scolded them and made them sign blank papers. The police are also accused of coercing the victim into giving a statement and not taking action against another accused involved in the kidnapping. The family alleges that the accused, who belonged to another community, threatened to kill the victim and took her to his home, where she was raped and forced to eat meat against her will. The family alleges that despite these serious allegations, the necessary action was not taken to investigate the case. Meanwhile, the main accused in the case, Imran, son of Musafir, a resident of Kasherua Kala, Sarai Inayat police station, was arrested by the police. He was produced in court on June 26, 2026, and has been sent to jail in judicial custody. The victim’s family and the victim herself have demanded from the ACP that the entire case be investigated impartially, that the victim undergo a medical examination, that action be taken against all the accused involved, and that appropriate action be taken against the police officers who allegedly acted negligently. Mahendra Kumar | Handia Courtesy: Hindi News
Telangana Ministers bat for SC Status for Dalit Christians
Adluri Laxman Kumar said the recommendations and concerns expressed during consultation would be compiled into a report and submitted to the Chief Minister for further action Telangana Scheduled Castes Development and Tribal Welfare Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar speaking at Dalit Christian Reservations Consultation Meeting in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Minorities Welfare Minister Md. Azharuddin is also seen. Telangana Scheduled Castes Development and Tribal Welfare Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar speaking at Dalit Christian Reservations Consultation Meeting in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Minorities Welfare Minister Md. Azharuddin is also seen. | Photo Credit: Special Correspondent Telangana Scheduled Castes Development and Tribal Welfare Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar on Wednesday (July 8, 2026) asserted that granting Scheduled Caste (SC) status to Dalit Christians is a constitutional right and a matter of social justice rather than a concession. Participating in the Dalit Christian Reservations Consultation meeting held in Hyderabad, along with Minorities Welfare Minister Md. Azharuddin, he said conversion changes a person’s religion but does not erase caste-based discrimination, poverty or social exclusion. The Minister lamented that Dalit Christians continue to face discrimination in villages, educational institutions, workplaces and even marriage alliances. Questioning the denial of constitutional safeguards on religious grounds, he asked, “If discrimination remains unchanged, why should rights change?” He argued that the issue should be viewed through the lens of equality and justice guaranteed by the Constitution. Only Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs can claim Scheduled Caste status: Supreme Court Mr. Kumar assured that the State government, under the leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, remains committed to safeguarding the rights of marginalized communities, minorities and Dalit Christians. He said the recommendations and concerns expressed during the consultation would be compiled into a report and submitted to the Chief Minister for further action. Mr. Azharuddin, calling for unity, said the struggle should not remain confined to meetings and resolutions, but must develop into a sustained democratic people’s movement. Bishops, pastors, Christian organisations, Dalit associations, intellectuals and youth must work in concert to strengthen the demand, he said. The Minister added that he would make every effort to ensure that the issue receives due attention at the State level and is taken forward effectively in appropriate national and parliamentary forums. Earlier, Osmania University Arts College Principal C. Kasim highlighted the impact of the 1950 Presidential Order on the rights of Dalit Christians and called for a united struggle. Telangana State Christian Finance Corporation Chairman Deepak John, former MLC Rajeshwar Rao and several religious and community leaders attended the meeting. The Hindu Bureau Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Watch: Dalits protest over woman’s murder, police use force; SSP thrashes man inside police vehicle
MEERUT: Tension gripped the city on Wednesday as around a hundred members of the Dalit community clashed with police at the Commissionary Park while demanding justice for Lalita Gautam, a 20-year-old college student who was murdered nearly two months ago. Lalita, a BA final-year student, went missing on May 15 after leaving her home to take an exam. Her body was found the following day in a sugarcane field in Rohta area. Suspecting an investigation cover-up, protesters took to the streets, demanding that DM V K Singh and SSP Avinash Pandey personally meet them at the collectorate gate to accept their charter of demands. The demonstration took a volatile turn when SSP Pandey arrived with heavy police force to clear the protest venue, but the protesters rejected the administration’s offer of an alternative demonstration site. Police resorted to the use of batons to disperse the crowd. Five of the protesters were arrested. The situation turned volatile after a video emerged purportedly showing SSP Pandey thrashing one of the detained agitators, Ravi Gautam, inside a police vehicle. Moments after he was allegedly slapped inside a police prisoner van by Meerut SSP Avinash Pandey, Ravi Gautam allegedly attempted to end his life by trying to hang himself inside the vehicle. Someone can be heard shouting, “Kaptan saab, wo fanda baandh raha hai” (Sir, he is making a noose). Defending the police action, SSP Pandey said the primary suspect in the murder—who was in a relationship with the victim—had already been booked, arrested and jailed, though he was released on bail later. “Following his release, external elements allegedly attempted to instigate the victim’s family by offering inducements such as money and firearms licence,” SSP Pandey said. “Ravi Gautam is a Noida resident with a prior criminal record” and he was instigating the local community from the outside. Cases would be registered against anyone attempting to give the tragedy a political or communal colour,” said Pandey. Protesters refuted the police narrative. Sushil Gautam, representing the demonstrators, accused the authorities of high-handedness against a peaceful gathering. Meanwhile, the eldevelopment took a political turn when SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav tweeted criticising the State BJP government. “The police are breaking records of injustice under the BJP government. The attack and lathi-charge by the administration on the victim’s family and others who raised their voice seeking justice for Lalita Gautam, a daughter of the Dalit community in Meerut, is highly condemnable. When the state leadership itself publicly sets an example of being insensitive towards the mother of a deceased girl, it is futile to expect any better from the police.” Heavy police deployment remains in the area as local organisations demand accountability for both the murder investigation and the subsequent police action. 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