14 transgenders become beauticians in Ramgarh
Ramgarh: Fourteen members from the transgender community were handed certificates for completing beautician courses here on Friday. The certificates were handed over to them by Ramgarh deputy commissioner Faiz Aq Ahmed, local MLA Mamta Devi and deputy development commissioner Ashish Agarwal. “The transgender community members received beautician training at a centre in Bhurkunda from March 16 to April 2. This is for the first time that transgenders became trained beauticians,” Ahmed said. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Puducherry elections 2026: Personality politics dominates as NDA and INDIA bloc battle for power
PUDUCHERRY: Though the demand for statehood featured in the campaign rhetoric of almost all parties, the battle for Puducherry unfolded less along strict party lines and more as a contest shaped by the personal clout of candidates with influence over specific constituencies. The main fight is between chief minister N Rangasamy’s All India NR Congress (AINRC)-led NDA and the Congress-led INDIA bloc. Seeking a second straight term, the AINRC-BJP alliance is banking on Rangasamy’s personal appeal. But the presence of actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhag am (TVK) and Senthamizhan Seeman’s Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) has added an element of uncertainty, with both seen as potential vote-splitters. Spread across Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam, the UT’s 30 elected assembly seats will shape the 33-member House, which also includes three members nominated by the Centre. Seat-sharing reflects the bipolar nature of the contest: AINRC is contesting 16 seats, BJP 10, and allies ADMK and LJK two each. In the opposition camp, Congress is in the fray in 16 seats and DMK in 14, with one of DMK’s seats allotted to Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, BJP national president Nitin Nabin, and Union minister J P Nadda campaigned for the NDA in the final stretch. For the INDIA bloc, MP Rahul Gandhi, Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin, and minister Udhayanidhi Stalin headlined rallies. The alliance targeted the incumbent govt by alleging that the UT was being run at Delhi’s behest rather than by a govt that reflected the people’s mandate. Both camps have also had to manage internal strains. Congress faces rebellion in at least five constituencies, where dissidents are contesting against DMK nominees. On the NDA side, friction surfaced over accommodating Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK), led by Jose Charles Martin, son of lottery baron Santiago Martin. Rangasamy was reportedly reluctant to concede seats to the ally and agreed only after pressure from BJP. Political observers say Puducherry’s electoral politics have been steadily changing. “For the last two decades, Puducherry has seen a departure from strict party ideologies. The focus has shifted towards strong personalities who hold significant sway over specific constituencies,” said political analyst D Santhosh. “In this landscape, Rangasamy has emerged as the central figure. In the absence of a strong, unifying opposition leader, the electoral narrative has consistently circled back to his personal popularity and leadership style,” he added. The real test may lie in whether Rangasamy’s personal standing can once again carry the alliance through, whether BJP can deepen its footprint in the UT, or whether the opposition can overcome its own challenges. The answer will come on May 4, when the suspense over Puducherry’s next govt ends. 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
‘Grave consequences’: Mallikarjun Kharge at CWC meet says government’s women quota move violates poll code
NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday claimed that the Narendra Modi-led government’s proposed move to amend the women’s reservation law and expand the number of parliamentary seats could violate the Model Code of Conduct and have “grave consequences”. He also asserted that the opposition will move unitedly on this. Addressing a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), Kharge said the issue required deeper consultation and that the opposition would respond collectively. “Therefore, following this meeting, we will formulate a collective strategy by holding discussions on these issues with our colleagues in the opposition as well. We will move forward unitedly,” Kharge was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. The Congress chief also questioned the timing of the special Parliament session scheduled from April 16 to 18, alleging it was aimed at political gain. “The Modi government is convening Parliament’s sittings with the sole intention of securing political advantage and is keen to pass the Constitutional Amendment Bill in utmost haste,” Kharge said. He noted that the proposed amendments could significantly impact India’s electoral system and therefore warranted “very deep deliberation”. “Based on the information we have received so far, the government wants to implement women’s reservation starting from the 2029 elections … it wants to increase the number of seats in the Lok Sabha from 543 to 816,” Kharge said. Raising concerns over the delimitation exercise, he added, “This delimitation proposal will have serious consequences. Therefore, there is a need for very deep deliberation on delimitation.” Kharge further alleged that the government had ignored the opposition’s request to hold an all-party meeting after the conclusion of polling in West Bengal. “This constitutes a violation of the Model Code of Conduct … we harbour no expectation that [the Election Commission] will even take cognisance of these violations,” he said. The meeting, attended by senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, discussed the government’s proposal on women’s reservation, delimitation, and the broader political context ahead of upcoming elections. In a Facebook post, Rahul Gandhi said, “The Congress remains steadfastly committed to ensuring women’s empowerment and social justice.” The government is expected to introduce bills during the special session to implement the Women’s Reservation Act before the 2029 general elections and increase Lok Sabha seats, with a significant share reserved for women. 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
Dalit Family Assaulted Over Land Dispute: Several Named Individuals and 100 Unknown Persons Accused of Illegal Encroachment
A case involving intimidation and physical assault over a land dispute came to light on Wednesday morning within the jurisdiction of the Para Police Station. A Dalit family has accused several named individuals—along with approximately 100 unidentified persons—of attempting illegal encroachment, using caste-based slurs, and issuing death threats. The victim has demanded that action be taken in this matter under the SC/ST Act. According to reports, the complaint was lodged by Mayawati Gautam (wife of the late Fekka), a member of the Scheduled Caste community residing near the Kamakhya Temple in Para village, within the Para region. She alleges that on the morning of April 8, 2026, at approximately 9:00 AM, Jitendra Lodhi, Bhupendra Lodhi, Manni Lodhi, Rajvardhan, Kuldeep (alias Kala Yadav), Shiva Thakur, Vishal Chaurasia, and Ankit Singh arrived at her property—accompanied by about 100 unidentified associates—with the intent of forcibly seizing the land. According to the victim, all the accused arrived at the scene in 4–5 vehicles, disguised as lawyers, and proceeded to attempt to take possession of the land. When the family objected to this, the accused allegedly used caste-based slurs and assaulted Mayawati Gautam, her widowed daughter, and her son with sticks and clubs, causing them injuries. It is further alleged that the attackers threatened to kill the entire family. Mayawati Gautam stated that the dispute regarding the land in question is currently sub judice (pending) in court, and a stay order is in effect, directing that the *status quo* be maintained. Despite this, the accused attempted to encroach upon the land in blatant defiance of the court’s order. The victim has demanded that a case be registered against all the named and unidentified accused persons—covering charges of illegal encroachment, assault, criminal intimidation, and violations under the SC/ST Act—and has called for strict punitive action. She has also appealed for measures to ensure the safety and security of her family. In response to this matter, Inspector Suresh Singh of the Para Police Station stated that he was not yet aware of the details of the case. He gave an assurance that once a formal complaint is received, an investigation will be conducted, and necessary legal action will be initiated. Courtesy: Hindi News
Attempt to Encroach on Land Under Court Stay: Dalit Woman and Family Attacked in Para; Casteist Abuses Hurled
In the Para police station area of Lucknow, an attempt was made to forcibly encroach upon a plot of land, despite a standing court order to the contrary. When this attempt was resisted, a Dalit woman and her family were attacked. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning, around 9:00 AM, near the Kamakhya Temple in the village of Para. Mayawati Gautam, a member of a Scheduled Caste community, has alleged that several named accused individuals—along with approximately 100 unidentified persons—arrived at her land in multiple vehicles, disguised as lawyers. According to the victim, the accused had arrived with a premeditated plan and immediately began attempting to take possession of the land. When Mayawati Gautam objected to their actions, the accused began verbally abusing her, using derogatory casteist slurs. As the altercation escalated, the accused assaulted Mayawati Gautam, her widowed daughter, and her younger son, beating them with sticks and clubs. All members of the family sustained serious injuries in this attack. Mayawati Gautam has further alleged that as the attackers were leaving the scene, they issued death threats to the entire family. The land at the center of this dispute is currently the subject of a pending legal case in court. A “status quo” order—mandating that the existing state of affairs regarding the property be maintained—is currently in force. The attempt to encroach upon the land, in blatant disregard of the court’s directive, is being viewed as a serious criminal offense. Several individuals have been named as accused in this case. Additionally, the involvement of approximately 100 unidentified persons is also under suspicion. The Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for Kakori stated that an investigation into the matter is underway and that appropriate legal action will be taken. Yuvraj Gautam | Banthra (Sarojininagar), Lucknow Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit Widow in Mulnapur Accuses Lekhpal: Case of Encroachment on Disputed Land; Appeals to DM for Justice
In Mulnapur village—located in Utraon, Handia (Prayagraj)—a Dalit widow has leveled serious allegations against a *Lekhpal* (revenue official). The woman claims that the *Lekhpal*, acting in collusion with the opposing party, is facilitating the encroachment upon her disputed land. According to the aggrieved woman, Geeta Devi, there is a plot of land situated near her home, the ownership of which is currently sub judice (pending) in court. It is alleged that, through the connivance of the *Lekhpal* and the *Kanungo* (senior revenue official), the opposing party is making persistent attempts to seize control of this disputed land. Geeta Devi further stated that the opposing party—who belong to the Yadav community—are subjecting her to verbal abuse and physical assault. When contacted regarding this matter, *Lekhpal* Mithilesh Pandey stated that an investigation into the case is currently underway. He added that once the investigation is complete, the land will be remeasured, and the matter will be resolved. In light of these events, the aggrieved woman has written letters to the District Magistrate (DM) and the Police Commissioner, appealing to them for justice. Brijesh Kumar Gautam | Baudai (Phulpur), Prayagraj (Allahabad) Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit Youth Attacked with Bottle; Struck on Head: Police Accused in Sultanpur of Releasing Accused from Custody
In the Sultanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, a Dalit youth has been attacked due to an old feud. The victim’s family alleges that the police released the accused from custody without taking any action, leaving them now living in fear. The incident took place in the village of Kasamau, within the jurisdiction of the Goshainganj police station in Sultanpur. A resident, Brajesh Kumar, has written a letter to the Superintendent of Police, pleading for justice. According to Brajesh, the incident occurred on April 1st when he went to his tube well. It is alleged that Arbaz, a local resident, verbally abused him over an old grudge and struck him on the head with a broken glass bottle. Brajesh lost consciousness as a result of the attack. The police have registered a case in this matter under various sections of the law, including the SC/ST Act. The victim alleges that while the police did bring the accused, Arbaz, to the police station, he was released that very evening without any concrete action being taken against him. The victim, Brajesh, and his family are now terrified. They state that the accused is continuously issuing death threats against them. Brajesh has demanded that the Superintendent of Police of Sultanpur immediately arrest the accused, send him to jail, and provide them with legal protection. Courtesy: Hindi News
Sub-Inspector Accused of Violating Widow’s Privacy: BKU Swaraj Submits Memorandum to SP in Kannauj, Demanding Inquiry and Action
On Wednesday, the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Swaraj) visited the office of the Superintendent of Police (SP) and leveled serious allegations against a Sub-Inspector (SI) stationed at the Talgram police station. Led by District President Pushpendra Singh Rathore, the organization’s members and farmers submitted a four-point memorandum—addressed to the Chief Minister and the Director General of Police—to the Superintendent of Police. The memorandum accuses the Sub-Inspector of behaving inappropriately with women, engaging in corruption, and being involved in unethical activities. The Union alleged that on March 26, 2026, the Sub-Inspector forcibly entered the home of a widow residing in the Girikuan locality of Talgram without permission or prior notice. At the time, the woman was bathing, resulting in a violation of her privacy. When the woman expressed her outrage over this incident and lodged a complaint, the Sub-Inspector, acting out of a spirit of vendetta, initiated proceedings against her brother and another individual for disturbing the peace. The Union has demanded that these proceedings be quashed. Furthermore, the Sub-Inspector faces allegations of negligence and collusion in another separate case. In December 2025, a young man died in the village of Kalkattapurwa (Kudra) within the Talgram area after consuming a poisonous powder provided by a gym operator. An FIR was registered in this matter; however, it is alleged that the Sub-Inspector colluded with the accused gym operator, failed to arrest him, and allowed the investigation to remain pending. Additionally, negligence is reportedly being shown in the completion of necessary legal formalities. Through the memorandum, the Union has put forward four key demands. These include the immediate transfer of the Sub-Inspector out of the district; a swift and impartial inquiry into all allegations leveled against him, accompanied by departmental action; the immediate arrest of the accused gym operator involved in the Kalkattapurwa (Kudra) case; and the immediate revocation of the proceedings initiated against the widow’s brother and the other individual for disturbing the peace. The organization has warned that if their demands are not met in a timely manner, they will be compelled to stage protests and sit-ins in solidarity with the victims, farmers, and women. Several activists, including Santosh Kumar, Akshay Kumar, Yogendra Rajput, Rajkumar, Vineet, and Pramod, were present on this occasion. Station House Officer (SHO) Vinay Sharma stated that the matters in question would be investigated, and further action would be taken once the investigation report is received. Sanjeev Kumar | Bamrauli (Chhibramau), Kannauj Courtesy: Hindi News
Farmer Beaten by Thugs in Hamirpur; Attempted Murder: Locked in Tubewell Room and Nearly Hanged with a Rope
Bharua Sumerpur: In the village of Bank within this region, a Dalit farmer was brutally beaten by a group of thugs following a dispute over the installation of thorny fencing along a farm embankment. The accused also attempted to kill the farmer by locking him inside a tubewell room and trying to hang him with a rope. The police have registered a case regarding this incident. Raghuvar Prasad, a resident of Triveni Maidan in the town, has filed a complaint with the police. He stated that he was in his ancestral village, Bank, installing thorny fencing along the farm embankment to protect his fruit-bearing trees. During this time, Babu Kushwaha, Nokhelal, Chhote, Rajkumar, and others—all residents of Bank—stormed onto the scene. It is alleged that these individuals hurled caste-based slurs at Raghuvar Prasad and, drawing a country-made pistol, rushed at him with the intent to kill. To save his life, Raghuvar Prasad fled into the nearby tubewell room. The attackers followed him inside, where they brutally beat him with kicks and punches, leaving him covered in blood. Subsequently, they placed a rope around Raghuvar Prasad’s neck and attempted to hang him. The police have registered a case against the accused under the Dalit Atrocities Act (SC/ST Act), along with other relevant sections of the law. The police are currently investigating the matter and have launched a search for the accused. Deepak Kumar | Kalauli Teer (Hamirpur) Courtesy: Hindi News
PIL seeks SIT probe into dalit man’s death in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: The high court Wednesday issued notice to the state govt, police, and the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the People’s Union for Civil Liberties–Karnataka. The petition seeks the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the death of 24-year-old Darshan, a Dalit and resident of Vivek Nagar, who died in Nov last year within the limits of Madanayakanahalli police station. He was allegedly picked up by the police on accusations of brandishing a machete to intimidate a Zomato delivery agent. The petitioner organisation contended that the incident amounted to custodial death and required investigation by SIT, arguing that the CID—currently probing the case—would not ensure justice, as no police personnel have been taken into custody so far. In addition to seeking a speedy trial, the petitioner has sought compensation of Rs 50 lakh for Darshan’s legal heirs. It has also requested directions to provide protection to his family members and witnesses in the case. 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