Dalits’ body stages dharna at DAC over MGNREGA workers’ pending demands
The district unit of the Dalit Dastan Virodhi Andolan (DDVA) staged a dharna in front of the District Administrative Complex (DAC) here on Monday. They were highlighting the pending demands of MGNREGA workers. The union also submitted a memorandum of demands to the Deputy Commissioner. Workers, including women, from various villages across the district participated in the dharna. Addressing the gathering, Ranjit Singh Shakri, district president of the DDVA, said the state government had failed to provide compensation to people whose houses collapsed during the floods. He said the DDVA had submitted applications of 336 flood-affected families from different villages, but officials flatly refused to accept them. He further stated that while the Union Government claims to provide 150 days of employment annually under NREGA, workers are not being provided even 100 days of work. He demanded that unemployment allowance be paid to workers who are denied employment. Union leaders Aroor Singh, Joga Singh, Hira Singh, Amandeep Kaur, Kuldeep Singh Kirian, Gurnam Singh Chamba and Nirmal Singh Narli, among others, addressed the gathering. The leaders condemned the replacement of MGNREGA with VB-G RAM G. They alleged that ruling party leaders in villages were using the NREGA scheme as a political weapon, depriving people with opposing views of employment under the MGNREGA scheme. Courtesy : The Tribune Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetribune.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Three booked for hurling caste abuses, assaulting Dalit hotel owner in TN’s Dharmapuri
After Sampathkumar stated he was from Annal Nagar in Harur, Velmurugan allegedly hurled caste abuses and attacked Sampathkumar with a broomstick handle. DHARMAPURI: Two persons were arrested by the Morappur police under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for attacking a 62-year-old SC man on Saturday. Police are on the lookout for one other suspect involved. On Saturday, the victim — A Sampathkumar (62), a retired TNSTC bus driver who currently works in a spinning mill near Tiruppur — had gone to a hotel on the Dharmapuri-Morappur Road for dinner. Sampathkumar asked the hotel proprietor, B Velmurugan (47), if idlis were available. When Velmurugan said only one idli was available, Sampathkumar asked how so, as it was only 7:30 pm. Velmurugan then questioned Sampathkumar about his nativity. After Sampathkumar stated he was from Annal Nagar in Harur, Velmurugan allegedly hurled caste abuses and attacked Sampathkumar with a broomstick handle. K Ramalingam (48) and M Settu (45) also pushed Sampathkumar and attacked him. Sampathkumar then sought treatment at Morappur primary health centre (PHC) and later admitted to the Harur government hospital for treatment. He then reported the incident to Morappur police, who register a case against the three caste Hindus under sections of the BNS and SC/ST (POA) Act. Meanwhile, Velmurugan’s wife, V Lakshmi (37), also registered a complaint against Sampathkumar. She stated in her petition that Sampathkumar arrived inebriated and refused to pay for the food he ate and verbally abused her. Further, she also claimed that she was attacked and Velmurugan had defended her and urged the police to take action against Sampathkumar. Morappur police also registered a case against Sampathkumar. On Sunday, police arrested Velmurugan and Ramalingam, and the duo was remanded. Police are searching for Settu, who is absconding. 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
Dalit Teen Kidnapped, Stripped, and Assaulted in UP Over Social Media Argument
A 16-year-old Dalit boy was allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint, stripped, and brutally beaten in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, following an argument on social media. The incident occurred on December 31, but a video of the assault surfaced on Saturday, prompting police action. According to the victim’s mother, her son was abducted by bike-borne assailants while on a walk, taken to an isolated pond area, and assaulted. The attackers, who recorded the entire act, allegedly targeted him over remarks he made online about one of the accused’s sister. “The boy was stripped, beaten with weapons, and humiliated. He later escaped and returned home,” said Circle Officer Ashutosh Shivam. Three accused, including two minors, have been arrested, while two others remain at large. An FIR has been filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, SC/ST Act, and IT Act. The victim, son of a daily wage laborer, received medical treatment and has been discharged. Courtesy : TOP Note: This news is originally published on https:/theobserverpost.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Caste becomes a barrier in Telangana: Senior doctor reneges on marriage promise, Dalit intern commits suicide
A 23-year-old Dalit woman house surgeon in Siddipet, Telangana, committed suicide after a senior doctor reneged on his promise of marriage, citing caste differences. Police have arrested the accused under the SC/ST Act. A 23-year-old Dalit house surgeon (intern doctor) at a government medical college in Siddipet district of Telangana allegedly committed suicide after being cheated by a senior resident doctor who had promised to marry her, police said. Distraught by the accused’s refusal to marry her due to caste differences, the student injected herself with a herbicide at the college hostel on January 3, rendering her unconscious, police said. Her roommates admitted her to a hospital, officials said on Monday. She was first admitted to a hospital in Siddipet and later shifted to a government hospital in Hyderabad, where she died during treatment in the early hours of January 4. According to the police, based on a complaint lodged by the victim’s sister, a case was registered against the accused under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and he was arrested. They said the student, who hailed from a poor family in Jogulamba-Gadwal district, had studied at a Social Welfare School and later enrolled in MBBS at the Government Medical College in Siddipet in 2020. Police said she excelled in academics and sports. Her parents are laborers, while her elder sister is a software engineer. According to the police, the 23-year-old student was doing her internship at the Government Medical College in Siddipet, where she met the accused senior resident last July. Police said the accused, who belongs to a backward class, had promised to marry her but later refused, citing caste, following which the student took the extreme step. Courtesy: Hindi News
Telangana: 23-Year-Old Dalit House Surgeon Dies By Suicide After Colleague Refuses To Marry Her Over Caste Difference
A 23-year-old Dalit house surgeon at Siddipet’s Government Medical College died by suicide after a senior resident doctor, who promised to marry her, refused due to caste differences. She ingested a herbicide and later died in hospital. Police have registered a case under the SC/ST Act and arrested the accused, highlighting caste-based discrimination and its tragic consequences. Hyderabad: A 23-year-old Dalit house surgeon at the Government Medical College in Siddipet district allegedly died by suicide after she was “cheated” by a senior resident doctor after he promised to marry her, police have said. Upset over his refusal to marry due to caste differences, she self-injected a herbicide in the college hostel on January 3 and fell unconscious, they added. Her roommates admitted her to a hospital in Siddipet and later to a state-run hospital in Hyderabad, where she died in the early hours of January 4 while undergoing treatment, officials said on Monday. Based on a complaint lodged by the victim’s sister, the police registered a case under relevant sections of the BNS and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and arrested the accused, they said. The deceased, who belonged to a poor family from Jogulamba-Gadwal district, studied in a social welfare school and later joined MBBS at the Government Medical College in Siddipet in 2020 She is known to have excelled in academics and sports, and games, police said. Her parents work as labourers, while her elder sister is a software engineer. The deceased was doing her internship at the Government Medical College in Siddipet, where she got acquainted with the accused, a senior resident, in July last year, police said. The accused, who belongs to a backward class, promised to marry her but later refused, citing caste difference, which led her to take the extreme step, police said. Courtesy : TFPJ Note: This news is originally published on https:/thefreepressjournal.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Indian Tourist Beaten By Transgender Group In Pattaya After Payment Row, Video Viral
After Raj was injured, a formal complaint was filed, prompting legal action. However, Jasuja has not yet made any public statement regarding the matter. An Indian tourist was assaulted by a group of transgender women in Thailand’s Pattaya following an alleged dispute over payment for sexual services, according to local reports. The incident took place in the early hours of December 27 and was captured on camera. Pulled Out of Car, Beaten in Public The victim, identified as 52-year-old Raj Jasuja, was reportedly dragged out of his car and beaten after he refused to pay the agreed amount. The assault occurred on a public road, with footage of the incident later circulating online. Victim Hospitalised With Injuries Jasuja sustained injuries to his face and head during the attack and was subsequently admitted to hospital for treatment. Details regarding the extent of his injuries were not immediately available. Attacks On Indians On The Rise Lately, attacks on Indian tourists have been on the rise in Pattaya. Pongpol Boonchid, a 19 year-old told police that the quarrel escalated when the two began chasing each other and a physical attack ensued. After Raj was injured, a formal complaint was filed, prompting legal action. However, Jasuja has not yet made any public statement regarding the matter. Several such disputes have been occurring between Indian tourists and transwomen sex workers in Pattaya in recent months. Previously, in September an Indian man was attacked, and in October three transwomen were also accused of assaulting two Indians and fleeing with nearly 24,000 baht in cash. By Sagarika Chakraborty About the author Sagarika Chakraborty Sagarika Chakraborty is a Senior Copy Editor at ABP Live English, where she handles business coverage and key developments in general news, while also actively chasing breaking stories. With a foundation in advertising, she transitioned into journalism to craft in-depth stories and explainers on the economy, real estate, and personal finance. She also engages in interviews and podcasts, bringing out expert insights. Courtesy : abp live Note: This news is originally published on https:/abplive.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Law of Jungle’: Shashi Tharoor, Shaina NC & more speak on Venezuela crisis; what they said after US strike
NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday weighed-in on the US strikes on Venezuela, a day before, calling it “law of the jungle”. The US carried out multiple airstrikes on Venezuela early Saturday, triggering explosions across Caracas and paving the way for the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The dramatic escalation was confirmed hours later by US President Donald Trump. Venezuelan authorities declared a state of emergency as panic swept the capital following the attacks, which left at least 40 people dead. Talking about the situation, the chair of the parliamentary committee on foreign affairs, replied to a post by Indian author Kapil Komireddi, saying “International law and the UN Charter have for some years now been honoured in the breach. The Law of the Jungle prevails today. “Might is Right” is the new creed.” — ShashiTharoor (@ShashiTharoor) Congress general secretary in charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh also gave a statement on behalf of Congress saying, “The INC expresses very grave concern on US actions relating to Venezuela in the past 24 hours. Settled principles of international law cannot be violated unilaterally.” — Jairam_Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) Meanwhile, Congress leader and Member of Rajya Sabha Abhishek Manu Singhvi called it “19th-cen imperialism”. “Regime change by cruise missile, democracy delivered by warship, & sovereignty rewritten under self-styled Doctrine? Not leadership, this is 19th-cen imperialism in 21st-cen jargon. If international law matters only to weak, UN should shut shop. world deserves rules, not lunatic rulers,” he said on X. AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi said that US set an example that India should follow. “”Today we heard that US President Donald Trump’s forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and took him from his country to America. If US President Donald Trump can abduct Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from his own country, then you (Prime Minister Modi) can also go to Pakistan and bring back the mastermind of the 26/11 terrorist attacks to India,” he said. In response to Owaisi, BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana said, talking to ANI, “The entire country has praised the Indian armed forces. The way terrorists were eliminated and neutralised under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, only Prime Minister Modi’s government could have done this. Were we supposed to bring them here and feed them?” Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC also hit back at the AIMIM leader saying, “”Asaduddin Owaisi, don’t you worry. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India has become the world’s fourth-largest economy. We have demonstrated unparalleled strength through Operation Sindoor, we have launched missiles, we have eradicated terrorism from Pakistan… we have even secured the extradition of Tahawwur Rana… Unlike you, we do not engage in appeasement politics… You continue with your politics of appeasement, and we will continue doing our work.” Shaina NC also spoke about the escalating situation in Venezuela itself. “India has always maintained cordial relations with Venezuela, with strong diplomatic engagements over the years. This is a matter of grave concern, as ties with Latin America and South America have been carefully nurtured,” she said, while talking to PTI. Further referring to the MEA statement on the crisis she added, “The Ministry of External Affairs has advised that the safety of Indian nationals living there should be prioritised. No country can go around bullying the world; the situation must be viewed holistically. The global community today is worried about such actions, surgical strikes, and, above all, the safety of citizens, which must be seen from a collective global perspective.” The ministry of external affairs, in its official statement, reiterated India’s support for the safety of people in Venezuela. “Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation,” it said. “We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region. The Embassy of India in Caracas is in contact with members of the Indian community and will continue to provide all possible assistance,” it added. 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
BJP mocks Rahul after Priyanka gets key role in Assam elections: Will Congress move set stage for new power dynamics?
NEW DELHI: The Congress move to appoint Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as chairperson of the candidate screening committee for the upcoming Assam elections has added to the murmurs of leadership debate within the grand old party, with the BJP-led NDA claiming internal conflict between the Gandhi siblings. Soon after Priyanka’s elevation, which was announced on Sunday, the BJP claimed that the Congress was divided between camps of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. The Congress, as expected, strongly rejected these claims and slammed the BJP for spreading “manufactured propaganda.” BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, “The Rahul vs Priyanka camp has been going on for a very long time in the Congress party. All the pressure was exerted by the Rahul camp. ‘Remove Rahul, bring Priyanka’ is happening in Congress. Now even their allies don’t trust Rahul Gandhi. Their own leaders don’t want him; instead, they want Priyanka Gandhi.” The Janata Dal (United) also reacted to Priyanka’s appointment, claiming that Rahul Gandhi’s frequent foreign trips had shifted responsibilities to her. “It is expected that legislative assembly elections will be held in five states. The Congress’s internal matters are handled by a screening committee. Who will handle this work when Rahul Gandhi is abroad? The responsibility has fallen on Priyanka Gandhi. However, this is their internal matter,” JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said. Congress dismisses ‘Rahul vs Priyanka’ The Congress has formally dismissed the NDA’s claims, insisting there is no Rahul vs Priyanka camp within the party. On Sunday, the party defended its decision to appoint AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as chairperson of the Assam screening committee, strongly criticising the BJP for attempting to “propagate” a false leadership contest narrative. The Congress asserted that this was not the first time Priyanka had been entrusted with such responsibilities, recalling that she had earlier served as an ex-officio member of the screening committee during the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. Congress MP Tariq Anwar told IANS, “Earlier, she was the general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh when assembly elections were held there. So we cannot say this is the first time. This is the second time she has been given charge of a state related to elections. She will use her political experience and capability in Assam. There is a strong possibility of a Congress comeback in Assam.” “Priyanka Gandhi has been serving as general secretary for the past five years. She has been given organisational responsibilities from time to time and has worked across the country. Therefore, the notion propagated by the BJP is incorrect,” he added. Congress leader Udit Raj also defended Priyanka’s appointment, citing her “wide influence and experience”. Speaking to IANS, Raj said, “She is our leader and has been made chairperson of the Assam screening committee. Her influence is quite wide. She will oversee elections and make selections. She already has experience, and that experience will increase further.” The great Rahul paradox Rahul Gandhi’s position within the Congress is currently stronger than it has been at any point since his resignation as party president in 2019. After years of refusing formal office while leading high-visibility foot marches such as the Bharat Jodo Yatra (2022–23) and the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in early 2024, the Lok Sabha election results that year altered the equation. The Congress’s improved performance, winning 99 Lok Sabha seats and securing the Leader of the Opposition post, did something the party had struggled to achieve for a decade: it gave Rahul constitutional weight. That momentum, however, was not sustained. Since the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA staged a strong comeback, winning assembly elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, Delhi and Bihar. Rahul Gandhi led campaigns raising the ‘vote chori’ charge and spearheaded the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar, hoping to replicate the gains of his earlier mass movements. The narrative failed to resonate electorally, and the Congress emerged as the weakest link in the Bihar opposition, winning only six of the state’s 243 assembly seats. Priyanka steps forward At the same time, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has unmistakably moved out of the occasional-campaigner role. Once deployed sparingly for high-voltage rallies, she is now a constant presence, both in Parliament and on the streets. During the Winter Session of Parliament, the first-time MP from Wayanad assumed a leading role for the party. With a smile, she was seen patiently attacking the Modi government during the Vande Mataram debate. The Wayanad MP also was at the forefront when the opposition parties staged a walkout from Lok Sabha to protest against the VB-G RAM G Bill. She led the march within the Parliament premises while holding a photograph of Mahatma Gandhi. Despite Rahul Gandhi’s absence from Parliament, the Congress drew significant attention for its aggressive protests and Priyanka emerged as a prominent face of the party both inside and outside the House. At the end of the session, she also attended the customary tea meeting hosted by Speaker Om Birla and was seen chatting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders from across parties. Whispers within the chambers Though there has been no formal resolution, several reports have quoted “voices within the Congress” urging a larger organisational role for Priyanka, including suggestions that she could serve as party president or national face. After Rahul’s resignation as Congress chief, former MP Abhijit Mukherjee, son of former President Pranab Mukherjee, openly appealed for Priyanka to take over, saying she should heed the “clarion call of lakhs of Congress workers”. Former Union minister and senior Congress leader Anil Shastri has also said Priyanka Gandhi would be the best person to lead the party. Over time, and following successive assembly election losses, these whispers have grown louder. In December, former Odisha MLA Mohammed Moquim wrote to Sonia Gandhi questioning the current leadership and explicitly seeking a “greater central role” for Priyanka. MP Imran Masood has also pushed for her elevation, arguing, “Make her the Prime Minister and see how she responds, just like Indira Gandhi did,” signalling that she should be the party’s main face
Umar and Sharjeel denied bail, BJP calls it a slap in the face of Rahul Gandhi and the Congress.
The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the bail pleas of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the Delhi riots case. The BJP has targeted the Congress on this. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the bail pleas of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the Delhi riots case. The BJP has targeted the Congress on this. The BJP said that the Supreme Court’s decision is a blow to Rahul Gandhi and the entire Congress ecosystem. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said, “This is a slap in the face of Rahul Gandhi and the Congress ecosystem, which protected ‘tukde-tukde poster boys’ Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam as innocent victims… Rahul Gandhi’s urban Naxals have lost in the court of the people and the law. Will the Congress apologize to the country for portraying India’s enemies, the tukde-tukde forces, as victims?” The Supreme Court refused to grant bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, accused in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. The court said that a prima facie case was made out against them under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. A bench of Justices Arvind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria granted bail to Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa ur Rehman, Mohammad Salim Khan, and Shadab Ahmed, among other accused in the case. The bench said, “The court is satisfied that the material presented by the prosecution prima facie establishes the charges against the petitioners Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. The statutory test applies in respect of these petitioners.” It is not appropriate to release them on bail at this stage of the proceedings. On December 10 last year, the Supreme Court reserved its decision on the bail pleas of the accused after hearing arguments from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, appearing for the Delhi Police, and senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Singhvi, Siddharth Dave, Salman Khurshid, and Siddharth Luthra, appearing for the accused. Umar, Sharjeel, and other accused are accused of being the “main conspirators” of the February 2020 riots in Northeast Delhi. A case was registered against them under various provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Curated by: Varun Shailesh About the Author Varun Shailesh Varun Shailesh is an Assistant News Editor at Navbharat Times Online. He has over 15 years of experience in current affairs, politics, social issues, and features. Started her career with news agency IANS in 2009. She worked at the central desk of Hindustan (Hindustan Times Group) for over five years. After this, she handled the editorial page of Dainik Jagran’s national edition. After working in print media for over seven years, she joined Aaj Tak (website) in 2018, where she covered the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections 2018 and the Lok Sabha elections 2019. She led the International and Lifestyle team. In 2021, she joined the Dainik Bhaskar digital team, where she led the women’s team. During this time, she wrote on food, culture, and relationships. Now she is a part of the NBT digital team. She has studied journalism from the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Courtesy: Hindi News
BMC polls in Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray announces support for Independent Dinesh Jadhav against Kirti Somaiya’s son in Mulund ward
Mumbai: Two days after BJP politician Kirit Somaiya expressed confidence that his son Neil would win the BMC polls a second time as there was no candidate from the main opposition parties against him from Mulund’s Ward No. 107, Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday declared independent nominee Dinesh Jadhav as the party’s official candidate. Calling Jadhav a hard-core Sainik, Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said he had filed his nomination as independent as a back-up. “During seat-sharing talks, our ally NCP (SP) had demanded Ward No. 107, saying they have good candidates. Reluctantly, we gave the seat to them…We all decided to stand behind the NCP (SP) candidate, but the ‘unopposed elected scam’ happened in Ward No. 107 too.” The nomination form of NCP (SP) candidate Bharat Vanani was rejected and he was disqualified. “Kirit Somaiya started dancing ‘unopposed, unopposed’ and saying ‘no one is contesting against my son’. But that’s not the case. Our hard-core Shiv Sainik, Dinesh Jadhav, had filled his nomination Ward No. 107. His nomination is valid. Uddhav Thackeray has issued a letter stating that Jadhav is the official Shiv Sena (UBT)-supported candidate from Ward No. 107,” Raut said. “Neil cannot be elected unopposed, he will have to fight with us. “Jadhav was not able to get the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s ‘flaming torch’ symbol. His symbol is a television set,” Raut added. Earlier in the day, Kirit said in a post on X: “It’s official. Election Commission final list of candidates for BMC ward 107 Mulund. Neil Kirit Somaiya – BJP. No candidates of Uddhav Thackeray UBT, Raj Thackeray MNS, Rahul Gandhi Congress, Sharad Pawar NCP.” In 2017, Neil had contested the BMC election from the adjacent Ward No. 108 and won. 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