Justice Served: 20-Year Sentence in Dalit Girl’s Rape Case
A court sentenced Sachin Verma to 20 years in prison for raping a 10-year-old Dalit girl, with an additional fine. The crime occurred in July 2023, and Verma was charged under several legal provisions, including the POCSO Act and SC/ST Act, following the girl’s father’s complaint. In a significant ruling, a court has sentenced a man to two decades of rigorous imprisonment for the brutal rape of a 10-year-old Dalit girl. The judgment, delivered by Additional Session Judge and Special Judge (POCSO) P C Kushwaha, underscores the commitment to justice. Sachin Verma, the accused, was not only handed a severe prison term but also ordered to pay a hefty fine of Rs 2,06,000. Failure to remit the fine would result in an additional six months of imprisonment, as per Assistant District Government Counsel Vinod Kumar Singh. The harrowing incident unfolded in the Kotwali police station area in July 2023. Following a complaint from the victim’s father, legal proceedings ensued under various sections, including the Indian Penal Code, the SC/ST Act, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Courtesy : Devdiscourse Note: This news is originally published on https:/devdiscourse.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Woman, 20, Killed In Tamil Nadu, Dalit Fiance Alleges Dishonour Killing
According to the complaint lodged by the woman’s fiance, the couple had been in a relationship and had planned to marry secretly on February 6. The death of a 20-year-old college student in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district has sparked allegations of a dishonour killing, with the woman’s Dalit fiance accusing her family of opposing their inter-caste relationship. Police, however, say preliminary findings point to suicide, even as they await the post-mortem report to determine the exact cause of death. The woman, identified as Sivamathi, was a second-year college student from an upper-caste family. She was found dead under suspicious circumstances, following which the police registered a case of suspicious death. Given the sensitivity of the case and allegations of caste-based violence, the investigation has been transferred to an Assistant Commissioner of Police. According to the complaint lodged by the woman’s fiance, who works with a mobile phone company, the couple had been in a relationship and had planned to marry secretly on February 6. He has alleged that Sivamathi’s parents were strongly opposed to the proposed wedding because of his caste. The man further claimed that Sivamathi’s maternal uncle had allegedly threatened her, warning that she would be killed if she went ahead with the marriage, raising the possibility of a dishonour killing or abetment to suicide. Police sources, however, said initial inquiries and scene-of-occurrence findings suggest that Sivamathi may have died by suicide. Officials stressed that no conclusion would be drawn until the post-mortem examination report is received. “We will confirm after the post-mortem report. We are investigating all angles,” a senior police officer said, adding that statements from family members, friends and the fiance are being recorded as part of the investigation. Police are also examining whether Sivamathi’s parents or other relatives could be booked for abetment of suicide if evidence emerges that she was driven to take the extreme step due to threats, coercion or sustained harassment over her relationship. Courtesy : NDTV Note: This news is originally published on https:/ndtv.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
UP: Court Sentences Man to 20-Years’ Rigorous Imprisonment for Rape of Dalit Girl
Maharajganj : A court here has sentenced a man to 20-years’ rigorous imprisonment for raping a 10-year-old Dalit girl in 2023.Additional Session Judge and Special Judge (POCSO) P C Kushwaha convicted Sachin Verma in the case and pronounced the sentence on Monday, also imposing a fine of Rs 2,06,000 on him, a lawyer privy to the case said. If the accused fails to deposit the fine, he would serve an additional six months of jail time, Assistant District Government Counsel Vinod Kumar Singh said. Courtesy : Deccan Chronicle Note: This news is originally published on https:/deccanchronicle.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
BC and Dalit voices demand fair representation in polls
Renewed political heat was witnessed here on Monday on the issue of social justice as Backward Class (BC) organisations demanded proportionate representation for all BC communities in the forthcoming corporation elections. Addressing the media at the Roads and Buildings Department premises, BC JAC Rights State Convener Sarangi Lakshmikanth said that sustained struggles by BC caste associations had paved the way for a BC leader to become the Mayor of Mahabubnagar. He asserted that the same spirit of justice must now be reflected in the upcoming elections by ensuring representation to all communities in proportion to their population. He further demanded that the post of First Deputy Mayor be allotted to Dalits, stressing the need for inclusive leadership. Adding political sharpness to the demand, BC Samaj United Mahabubnagar District President Modal Srinivas Sagar questioned the Congress party’s commitment to social justice. He asked why BCs were denied due importance in corporation elections even as the party undertakes a nationwide tour advocating social justice. Raising a community-specific concern, Kummari (Potters) Association District President Bugganna said the Kummari community had consistently been denied representation in corporation elections. He urged authorities to at least ensure due priority for the community in corporation-level posts. The meeting saw the participation of several leaders and representatives, including retired DEO Vijay Kumar, Nai Brahmin Seva Samiti Town President Ashwini Satyam, Medari Association Secretary Anjaneyulu, MRPS leader Singireddy Parameshwar, Nai Brahmin Association leader Chandramouli, and others, highlighting the broad-based support for the demand. Courtesy : THI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehansindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Teacher booked after Dalit student assaulted, abused with caste slurs in UP school
A 14-year-old Dalit student in Uttar Pradesh’s Mainpuri district was allegedly abused with caste-based slurs, physically assaulted, and threatened at a private higher secondary school in Kurawali after being accused of breaking a water pipe. The incident took place at Lallu Singh Inter College, near the Kurawali police station. According to the family, the boy was brutally beaten and is now facing difficulty walking. An FIR was registered on Sunday after a complaint was filed by the victim’s elder brother, a resident of Ghanrajpur in Kurawali. The case has been filed under provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, along with Sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 352 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), and 351(3) (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. SHO Lalit Bhati of Kurawali police station confirmed the registration of the FIR. According to the complaint, the victim, a Class 8 student, was drinking water at school on January 29 when a water pipe broke. The family claims that the pipe had actually been damaged by another student, but he was falsely blamed. The complaint alleges that Suveer Singh, son of Vijay Singh, and Rajiv Verma alias Raju Lodhi, son of Mahavir Singh, abused the boy using caste-based slurs, physically assaulted him, and threatened him. “If you come to school again, we will kill you,” they allegedly told him. The complaint was submitted on January 30, and the FIR was registered the same day at 6:53 PM. The investigation has been assigned to Sub-Inspector Sachchidanand Singh. Police have stated that further investigation is underway. Courtesy : Maktoob Media Note: This news is originally published on https:/maktoobmedia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
New York memorial event honours Rohith Vemula, revives global anti-caste discourse
The memorial event created a rare anti-caste community space in New York, bridging Dalit and queer communities through cultural programming, storytelling, and shared reflection. Organisers said the gathering aimed to honour Vemula’s legacy while strengthening global anti-caste networks. More than 120 people gathered in New York City on Friday, January 30, to attend From the Shadows to the Stars, a cultural memorial event commemorating the life and legacy of Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula, whose death in 2016 sparked a global anti-caste movement. January 30 marked Rohith Vemula’s birth anniversary. The event was hosted at the iconic Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center in Manhattan, with organisers noting the overlap between Dalit and queer communities and the importance of building solidarity between marginalised groups. Organised and directed by Dalit leader, journalist and author Yashica Dutt, the event brought together artists, writers, activists, students and public officials for a programme combining documentary screenings, live performances, storytelling and visual art. The gathering aimed to create an explicitly anti-caste, Dalit-led cultural space, organisers said. According to a press release, Dutt said organising a memorial for Vemula in New York carried personal significance. “As a Bhangi woman from a caste that is often overlooked for leadership, even within anti-caste spaces, organising this event in one of the world’s largest cities, where I first learned about Rohith and which I now call home, was a dream realised,” she said. Speaking at the event, Former State Representative and New York State Comptroller candidate Raj Goyle highlighted the ongoing efforts to advance caste-protection legislation in New York State. “Today we stand in a New York that is finally beginning to see the true diversity of the South Asian experience. But we cannot celebrate South Asian prominence, experience and success, without acknowledging that caste discrimination remains a shadow that casts a pall, in our workplaces, in our campuses, in our halls of power”, Goyle said. The programme included a screening of filmmaker Deepa Dhanraj’s documentary We Have Not Come Here to Die, musical and theatrical performances featuring anti-caste themes, a reading of Vemula’s final letter, storytelling sessions by Dalit speakers and an exhibition of artworks by Dalit artists. Attendees also received a zine featuring essays and reflections by Dalit and anti-caste writers and scholars, and shared Indo-Caribbean food, including beef dishes, which organisers said highlighted the political significance of Dalit food practices. Other speakers included educator and founder of SEA of Visibility Anu Annam; Radhika Nayar, a member of the Board of Directors at Sakhi for South Asian Survivors; Dalit feminist Shalini K; and Tejas Harad, founder and editor of the literary anti-caste publication The Satyashodhak. Community organisations including the Ambedkar Center, Ambedkar King Study Circle, Hindus for Human Rights, Shri Guru Ravidas Sabha of New York, Indian American Muslim Council, India Civil Watch International and Sacred Democracy supported the programme. Organisers said From the Shadows to the Stars marked not only a remembrance of Rohith Vemula but also created a historic opening for anti-caste spaces in New York, “which will hopefully lead to greater mainstream visibility for the Dalit community in the city and increased awareness around caste, within and beyond South Asian spaces.” The meeting served as a foundational event demonstrating the power of Dalit-led cultural programming to shape public consciousness, build community, and inform policy conversations in New York and beyond, they said. Courtesy : TNM Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewsminute.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Just like ceasefire…’: Congress demands full details of India-US trade deal; fires four questions to Centre
NEW DELHI: The Congress on Tuesday urged the Centre to “take the Parliament and the entire country into confidence” over details of the India-US trade agreement after US President Donald Trump publicly announced and outlined its key components. Adding Indians have the right to know the full terms of the pact. In a post on X, Congress laid out several concerns, including claims that the deal was announced by Trump “on Modi’s request” and raised questions about its impact on Indian industry, traders and farmers. — INCIndia (@INCIndia) The grand old party flagging some issues fired four questions at the government demanding a complete clarity and details over the deal: Tariffs and market access: Trump said India would move to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers against US goods to “zero,” and India will benefit from a US reduction in reciprocal tariffs from 25% to 18%. It “seems India has agreed to completely open our market for America,” the Congress post said, asking what the deal specifically entails and how farmers’ interests are protected. Agriculture sector access: The party sought clarity on talk of opening India’s agriculture sector to American products, asking how the security and interests of Indian farmers have been ensured. Oil supply conditions: Trump’s announcement said PM Modi agreed to “stop buying Russian oil, and to buy much more from the United States and, potentially, Venezuela.” Congress asked whether the government has formally accepted this condition. Buy American commitments: It also said according to the announcement, India would purchase over USD 500 billion of American goods, including energy, technology and agricultural products – raising questions in New Delhi about how this squares with the “Make in India” initiative. In his post announcing the deal, Trump wrote: “It was an Honor to speak with Prime Minister Modi… He agreed to stop buying Russian Oil, and to buy much more from the United States and, potentially, Venezuela… effective immediately, we agreed to a Trade Deal between the United States and India… whereby the United States will charge a reduced Reciprocal Tariff, lowering it from 25% to 18%… They will likewise move forward to reduce their Tariffs and Non Tariff Barriers against the United States, to ZERO.” — RapidResponse47 (@RapidResponse47) Responding to Trump’s announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the US President, saying he was “delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%” and that stronger cooperation between the two democracies would benefit their people. — narendramodi (@narendramodi) Congress leaders have also questioned why key aspects of the trade deal were publicly disclosed from Washington, rather than jointly announced by both governments, and called for full disclosure of the agreement’s terms to lawmakers and the public. The government has not yet issued a comprehensive official statement detailing the full terms of the agreement beyond what was shared by Trump and acknowledged by PM Modi. 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
Parliament witnesses showdown as Rahul quotes Naravane memoir; Sanjay Raut calls Ajit Pawar’s death ‘suspicious’;
Rahul Gandhi’s Lok Sabha speech sparked chaos after he quoted an unpublished Army chief memoir, leading to protests and an adjournment. The BJP hit back at the Opposition after Lok Sabha proceedings were repeatedly disrupted, defending the adjournment and citing rule violations. Sanjay Raut alleged Ajit Pawar’s plane crash death was “suspicious,” demanding a probe, while Sharad Pawar urged restraint. A Bangladesh court sentenced ex-PM Sheikh Hasina to 10 years in jail in corruption cases linked to the Purbachal project. China slammed the Dalai Lama’s Grammy win, opposing what it called the use of the award for “anti-China activities.” Here are the top 5 news of the day: Lok Sabha uproar as Rahul Gandhi quotes unpublished Army chief memoir The Lok Sabha witnessed heated exchanges after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi quoted from former Army chief General MM Naravane’s memoir during the Motion of Thanks debate. Defence minister Rajnath Singh and home minister Amit Shah objected, saying the book was unpublished and could not be cited. Read full story Lok Sabha adjourned after uproar, BJP hits back at Rahul Gandhi The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day following sustained disruptions and heated exchanges between the treasury benches and the Opposition. The BJP accused Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of defying the Speaker’s ruling and violating parliamentary rules, saying his conduct led to a waste of the House’s time. Read full story Sanjay Raut calls Ajit Pawar’s death ‘suspicious’, seeks probe Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut raised doubts over the death of NCP chief and Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash near Baramati, calling it “suspicious” and demanding a thorough investigation. Drawing parallels with the Justice Loya case, Raut alleged Pawar was planning an NCP reunion and faced pressure over past cases. Read full story 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
‘Not trying to defame the Army’: Priyanka Gandhi defends Rahul Gandhi amid Lok Sabha standoff over Naravane memoir
NEW DELHI: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday defended her brother, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, saying he was not attempting to defame the Army but was merely quoting from a magazine article referring to excerpts from the unpublished memoir of former Army Chief General MM Naravane. Speaking to news agency ANI, she said, “He was not trying to defame the Army. He was reading an excerpt from the book of the Army Chief. They [BJP] always say this whenever something comes out that they want to hide.” The Lok Sabha witnessed repeated disruptions and was adjourned for the day amid a prolonged standoff over Gandhi’s insistence on speaking about the 2020 India-China border tensions while referring to the report citing Naravane’s memoir. BJP members objected strongly, arguing Gandhi was speaking outside the rules of the House. The House, which was discussing the motion of thanks on the President’s Address, was adjourned first till 3 pm, then till 4 pm, and finally for the day. Speaker Om Birla ruled that Gandhi should not make references to the unpublished book or article, urging him to proceed without citing the material. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused Gandhi of trying to demoralise the armed forces. “Rahul Gandhi flouted rules and started quoting from a book whose publication and authenticity is not clearly mentioned…He started speaking on the China border…Can the Congress party bring back the landmass that was captured by China in 1959 and 1962? Rahul Gandhi should apologise to the nation,” Rijiju said. He added, “If someone is born in a known family, are they above the Parliament? Are they above the rules? India is a democratic nation and functions as per rules…Rahul Gandhi doesn’t follow any rules.” Defence minister Rajnath Singh also urged the Chair to prevent Gandhi from making such references. Government sources cited by news agency PTI claimed that Gandhi was reading “concocted things” on China and noted there was ample information in the public domain on the India-China standoff during Nehru’s tenure. Despite repeated warnings from Speaker Birla, Gandhi insisted on raising the matter of national security. “It is uncomfortable for the defence minister and the prime minister, I understand. I consider national security the most important issue. If it was not uncomfortable, they would have let me speak, but the fact they are not allowing me to speak shows that they are uncomfortable,” he said. Several opposition leaders, including TMC’s Mahua Moitra, RJD’s Manoj Jha, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, and Kalyan Banerjee, supported Gandhi in pressing the issue. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Transgender found murdered on NH-316
Bhubaneswar: A transgender was allegedly stabbed to death by an unidentified assailant near Uttara Chowk in Puri district on Sunday. Police said the victim was found lying in a pool of blood along NH-316 connecting Bhubaneswar and Puri. The individual’s identity and circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be established. “Prima facie, the victim sustained serious stab injuries and was immediately rushed to Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar, where doctors declared her dead. We are verifying the CCTV footage,” said an officer of Pipili police station. Tension gripped Capital Hospital as several members of the transgender community demanded immediate arrest of those responsible. “She called me around 8 pm and sought help. She told me that she was attacked. But she didn’t name anyone,” a friend of the deceased 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