BJP insensitive towards crime against Dalits: SP
Lucknow: Reacting to an ailing Dalit elderly made to lick his urine in Lucknow temple, Samajwadi Party accused BJP govt of being insensitive towards crime against Dalits. “One must not be humiliated and handed out inhumane punishment for a mistake committed unknowingly. Change (of BJP govt) will bring the transformation,” SP president Akhilesh Yadav wrote on X, posting a video in which the victim was narrating the horror he underwent. “UP tops the list of states with maximum number of cases of crime against Dalits. What happened in Kakori (in Lucknow) is a result of the mindset that is finding resonance in the corridors of power,” said an SP functionary. He recalled how the CM’s residence and a temple in Kannauj were “purified and washed with Gangajal” because SP chief Akhilesh Yadav had visited the two places to claim that the BJP’s mindset against Dalits stems from its hate towards the Backward classes and the deprived. 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
In Uttar Pradesh, an entire family was beaten up after they spoke out against the molestation of a Dalit girl: Police said the dispute was over firecrackers, misleading news on social media!
Regarding the dispute in village Bharsen, under the jurisdiction of Kotwali Auraiya police station, the city area officer stated that the matter stemmed from a dispute over children lighting firecrackers. An FIR has been filed against both sides, and two people from each side have been arrested and further action has been taken. Auraiya – A brutal incident involving a Dalit family has unfolded in a village in Auraiya district, Uttar Pradesh, which paints an ugly picture of society. The entire family was “punished” for protesting against the molestation of a young woman. Unruly men entered their home, brutally beat them, and, boasting of their government and caste, threatened to kill them. The victim’s family alleges that the accused openly declared, “This is our government, the Chief Minister is ours.” Following the incident, the police are reluctant to register an FIR, forcing the victim’s family to appeal to higher authorities in hopes of justice. The molestation of a Dalit girl in the district’s village of Bharsen and the subsequent family dispute have escalated. The victim’s family alleges that members of the opposing party not only sexually assaulted the girl but also threatened to kill her family members by beating them with a mob. The most serious allegation is that the accused, claiming power and caste dominance, are openly threatening to shoot them. After a copy of the girl’s written complaint and photos of the victim’s families went viral on social media, the Auraiya police denied the case and attributed the dispute to the firecrackers lit by children on Diwali night, leading to a physical altercation and injuries. According to the victim, her neighbor, Kshitij alias Heeru alias Veeresh, casts lewd glances at her and makes obscene gestures. Out of fear, poverty, and caste pressure, the family did not oppose the attack. On October 20th, at around 7:00 pm, when the victim went to the fields to relieve herself, Kshitij suddenly grabbed her and molested her. She ran home crying and informed her mother of the incident. The victim’s father then complained to the accused’s family. However, the opposing side, in turn, taunted him for being of the “Chamar” caste, accusing him of making false accusations, and said, “It’s our government, the Chief Minister is ours, what is your status?” Then, at around 10:30 pm, a group of nine men arrived at the victim’s home armed with pistols and sticks. The attackers broke down the door and shouted, “Teach these Chamars a lesson today, kill them.” They beat the victim’s brothers, Deepak and Sushil, and another man, creating an atmosphere of terror. In her written complaint, the victim stated that the accused declared that if they wanted to live in the village, they should keep their heads bowed, or they would be shot in public. They threatened, “The Bahujan Samaj Party will no longer rule the state; only our Yogi will rule, and Thakurism will prevail.” Several people in the vicinity witnessed the incident. According to the victim, a complaint was lodged at the police station, but the station in-charge only conducted a medical examination and refused to register an FIR. Allegations are that the police are taking the matter lightly and are bowing to the influence of the accused. The victim has now appealed to higher authorities for justice. Journalist Gaurav Pal shared the victim’s written complaint on x, along with photographs of the injured family members, writing, “Caste and casteism have reached such a level in Uttar Pradesh that when people of the Bharsen Kshatriya caste assault Dalits in Auraiya, no FIR is filed. Why are the police shying away from taking action against people of the Chief Minister’s caste? The family alleges that their case was not registered and they were chased away from the police station.” Police said the news on social media was misleading. Regarding the dispute in the village of Bharsen, under the jurisdiction of the Auraiya police station, the Circle Officer stated that the incident stemmed from a dispute that began on Diwali day over children lighting firecrackers. Both sides exchanged abusive language and pelted stones, resulting in injuries. Medical examinations were conducted and an FIR was filed against both parties. Further action was taken by arresting two people from each side. The Circle Officer denied the news circulating on social media, calling it misleading. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
Chhatarpur: Dalit woman’s demand for 10,000 rupees back proves costly; Sarpanch representative beats her publicly; video goes viral
Taken 10,000 rupees in the name of a government housing scheme, brutally assaulted in the middle of the street when she asked for her money back; no action taken against the accused even after the video went viral. Chhatarpur (Madhya Pradesh): An incident that shames humanity has come to light in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh. A Sarpanch representative brutally beat a Dalit woman when she asked for her money back. This incident occurred on Thursday. A video of the entire incident is rapidly going viral on social media, shocking viewers. The viral video clearly shows the woman lying on the ground, with a man (the accused) holding both her arms with one hand and repeatedly slapping her with the other. What is the whole matter? According to reports, this incident occurred in Manetha village, Prithvipur district, Niwari district, Madhya Pradesh. According to reports, the victim, Shanti Ahirwar, had given ₹10,000 to Rajkumar Sahu, the husband and representative of the village sarpanch, in exchange for a house under a government housing scheme. When the woman hadn’t received the benefits of the scheme even after a considerable period of time, she demanded her money back from Rajkumar Sahu. It is alleged that an argument broke out between the two over this issue, and the dispute escalated to the point where Sahu began beating the woman in the middle of the street. No action taken despite complaint According to a report in the Free Press Journal, the victim has filed a formal complaint with local authorities. However, shockingly, despite the complaint, no action has been taken against the accused. This horrific video has caused widespread anger and outrage among the public. People are strongly condemning the sarpanch representative’s violent and abusive behavior and demanding strict legal action against the accused. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Delhi Government Introduces Saheli Smart Card For Free Travel For Women And Transgender Residents
The Delhi government plans to introduce the Saheli Smart Card for women and transgender residents on Bhai Dooj, October 23, 2025. This digital card will replace the current paper-based pink tickets, allowing free travel on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Cluster buses. Applicants must be Delhi residents aged 12 or older to obtain the card. They need valid proof of residence. Registration is online through the DTC portal, and cards are issued after full KYC verification via designated banks. Cards won’t be available at bus counters but will be delivered to applicants’ addresses post-verification. Key Features of Saheli Smart Card The Saheli Smart Card is a personalized lifetime pass featuring the holder’s photograph and name. It operates under the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) and Cluster buses, it can be recharged for use on other transport systems like the Delhi Metro and select merchant purchases. Cards remain valid for a lifetime with no restrictions on time or usage for travel. The registration process is entirely digital, aiming to enhance transparency and prevent misuse seen with previous paper pink tickets. Eligibility and Registration The scheme is open to all women and transgender individuals who are bona fide residents of Delhi. Applicants must submit documents such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, Delhi residence proof, and a passport-size photo during KYC verification. The government’s initiative aims to provide safe, convenient, and free public transport for women while addressing revenue leakages. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has accelerated preparations for the rollout on Bhai Dooj 2025, focusing on ease of travel and welfare for women commuters. Government Intent and Impact The introduction of the Saheli Smart Card marks a significant step towards modernizing public transport in Delhi. It ensures that benefits reach rightful users while promoting secure and inclusive mobility across the city’s bus and metro networks starting Bhai Dooj 2025. Courtesy : Oneindia Note: This news is originally published on https:/oneindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Two transgender persons from Bangladesh living illegally in north-west Delhi held
Delhi police on Wednesday apprehended two transgender persons from Bangladesh living illegally in north-west Delhi’s Mahindra Park and were involved in “objectionable” activities. The deportation process has been initiated for the infiltrators, said police on Wednesday. Stating that they have launched an operation to identify illegal immigrants in the locality, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North West) Bhisham Singh said, “On October 15, we received information regarding the movement of suspected Bangladeshi nationals near the New Subzi Mandi area. Acting on actionable intelligence, we conducted raids and found two suspicious persons.” According to the police, the suspects admitted to their Bangladeshi origin during interrogation and presented their Bangladeshi identity cards and birth certificates. “Interrogation revealed that they had homes in the Khulna and Barguna districts of Bangladesh. They had been communicating with their family members via the IMO application, which is banned in India,” the DCP added. Police also seized their smartphones, which contained call logs to Bangladesh and photographs of Bangladeshi documents in their phone galleries. The deportation process has been initiated in coordination with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office, the police said. 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
Bid to stem rot in INDIA bloc as Congress leaders Gehlot, Allavaru meet RJD’s Lalu, Tejashwi
Patna: Amid the prevailing stalemate over seat sharing and the projection of the CM face in the opposition INDIA bloc, senior Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot and Krishna Allavaru, the in charge of the party in Bihar, met RJD chief Lalu Prasad and his son Tejashwi Prasad Yadav on Wednesday. Although it was not known what transpired during the meeting, informed sources said they discussed resolving the tensions quickly. They are also working on a strategy to project Tejashwi as the opposition’s CM face, which has been a major issue of conflict between the RJD and Congress, they said. The Congress has, so far, refrained from naming the Yadav scion as the CM face, although Tejashwi projected Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as the prime minister face for the next Lok Sabha polls. Internal conflicts, confusions and and a lack of coordination among the INDIA bloc partners had made headlines, prompting the top leadership to intervene and resolve the tension before it spoiled the opposition’s show, sources said. Talking to a section of media, Dipankar Bhattacharya, general secretary of the CPI(ML) — an ally — said he was hopeful that “Tejashwi’s name as the opposition’s CM face could be officially announced at the INDIA bloc’s joint press conference on Thursday”. “Entire Bihar knows that Tejashwi will be the CM if the INDIA bloc gets the majority. Tejashwi becoming the CM is as right as Nitish Kumar not becoming the CM again,” he said. Emerging from the meeting with Lalu and Tejashwi, Gehlot refused to comment on the issue, claiming all confusions would be resolved at the Thursday media conference. “Our meeting with Lalu was highly positive. The INDIA bloc is fully united and contesting the elections with strength. Tomorrow, the full situation will be clarified at the presser,” Gehlot said. He rejected the friendly fight in the INDIA bloc as an issue, saying such things are normal. “Bihar wants a change, and people understand that the victory of the INDIA alliance is in the interest of the state as well as country,” he said. Gehlot, who was accompanied by Allavaru — largely blamed by a section of the party leaders in the state for messing things up — insisted that the Congress was serious about the assembly polls. Earlier in the day, Tejashwi rejected any controversy in the opposition alliance. “There is no controversy and confusion in the INDIA bloc … Will talk tomorrow (Thursday) … You will get answers to every question,” Tejashwi said. Unity in the INDIA bloc appeared to hit a roadblock when the allies were found announcing their own list of candidates without considering the interests of other partners, and secretly handing party symbols to their candidates. The opposition leaders were last seen together at the launch of the ‘Ati Pichhda EBC Sankalp Patra’ in Patna on Sept 24. The launch was attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, party MP Rahul Gandhi, RJD leader Tejashwi and VIP chief Mukesh Sahani among others. Prior to that, they were found travelling together during the fortnight-long Voter Adhikar Yatra launched by Rahul, which passed through some 25 districts. But the momentum built up after the yatra apparently broke, with chaos, confusion and tension in the opposition camp. 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
‘Voting will be done on Rahul’s picture’: Rift in Mahagathbandhan? Pappu Yadav hits out over Tejashwi-only poster
NEW DELHI: Independent MP Pappu Yadav on Thursday once again expressed his discontent over Tejashwi Yadav being considered as the potential chief ministerial candidate of the Mahagathbandhan, despite having supported the alliance. He firmly said, “voting will be done on Rahul Gandhi’s picture.” His remarks come ahead of a key Mahagathbandhan press conference, in which RJD, the largest constituent, is supported by the Congress. The venue, Maurya Hotel in Patna, featured posters solely of RJD scion Tejashwi Yadav, fuelling speculation that he may be declared the alliance’s CM candidate. Pappu Yadav has repeatedly voiced his reluctance to endorse Tejashwi as the face of the opposition bloc challenging long-serving Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. Speaking to ANI, he criticised the alliance’s posters for not featuring Rahul Gandhi, saying, “Voting will be done on Rahul Gandhi’s picture only and not on anyone else’s picture… Pictures of all three leaders of the alliance should have been there. This is not right, and it will not send the right message… We can win Bihar only on the face of Rahul Gandhi. We have not other way to win here…” He also extended an olive branch to Nitish Kumar, alleging, “BJP is stabbing him from behind.” He added, “BJP is finishing him. Our leaders have always respected him. He is being stabbed from behind, but we have a lot of respect for him…” Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi avoided answering a media question on Mahagathbandhan’s possible CM face in Bihar, highlighting the tension — or as some call it, “friendly fights” — between the Mahagathbandhan’s two largest parties, RJD and Congress. The discussion over Tejashwi’s name has intensified ahead of the Mahagathbandhan’s official declaration. Bihar is scheduled for two-phase polling on November 6 and November 11, with counting set for November 14. 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
Bihar elections: No Rahul Gandhi on banner! Row erupts over Tejashwi-only poster; Congress downplays rift talk
NEW DELHI: The absence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s picture from the poster at the Mahagathbandhan’s joint press conference in Patna has stirred controversy. The banner, which has gone viral on social media, prominently features only RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. This press conference marks the first gathering of Mahagathbandhan leaders amid speculations over seat-sharing arrangements among the INDIA bloc constituents for the upcoming assembly polls. BJP mocks ‘Mahagathbandhan’ press conference The BJP has seized the opportunity to mock the Mahagathbandhan, pointing out the absence of Rahul Gandhi’s photo from the alliance’s press meet poster in Patna. During this event, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav is expected to be named the chief ministerial candidate. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla took to X to comment, “Joint PC? But only one picture. Rahul Gandhi & Congress ka ‘samman chori’. Showed Congress & Rahul his place?” “So it’s not just “Samman” Respect chori that Congress is grappling with (Tejaswi pic on joint pc poster and rahul gandhi deleted) Now Ticket chori allegations hit Congress especially key team of Rahul Gandhi,” he added. Internal rifts out in open? Speaking about Tejashwi Yadav’s photo in the poster at the venue of Mahagathbandhan PC, Independent MP Pappu Yadav says, “Voting will be done on Rahul Gandhi’s picture only and not on anyone else’s picture… Pictures of all three leaders of the alliance should have been there. This is not right, and it will not send the right message… We can win Bihar only on the face of Rahul Gandhi. We have not other way to win here…” Congress downplays rift allegations Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera dismissed claims of internal discord within the alliance, labeling the uproar over the poster as an “irrelevant issue.” He stated, “Let the opposition say whatever they want to say, but there was never a clash between us (Mahagathbandhan)… Is this a relevant issue? Does this issue make any sense to the youth of Bihar?” Khera emphasized that the alliance is focused on contesting elections based on issues rather than appearances. The upcoming Bihar election is set to witness a high-voltage battle between the NDA and INDIA bloc. The NDA comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha. The Mahagathbandhan, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal, includes the Congress party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI-ML) led by Deepankar Bhattacharya, the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), and Mukesh Sahani’s Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP). 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
UP shocker: Dalit man forced to ‘clean temple floor with tongue’; accused booked
LUCKNOW: A 60-year-old Dalit man in Lucknow has alleged that he was humiliated and forced to lick the floor of a temple after being accused of defiling it. The man, identified as Rampal, said he was sitting inside the Sheetla Mata temple in the city’s Kakori area when he accidentally spilled some water. The spill, he said, was mistaken for urine by another man, who allegedly began shouting casteist abuses. Police said the accused, identified as Swami Kant — also known as Pammu — is the son of a local resident, Shiv Dayal. Rampal alleged that the accused forced him to lick the liquid and “clean the floor with his tongue.” In his complaint to the Kakori police, Rampal, who suffers from a respiratory ailment and works as a daily wager, said the man hurled caste slurs at him, using derogatory language about his Dalit identity. The accused has been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. “The accused has been booked and further investigation is underway. The incident is being taken very seriously,” said Satish Chandra Rathore, Station House Officer of Kakori police station. “The victim’s statement has been recorded and legal action is being initiated.” Human rights groups have condemned the incident, describing it as a disturbing reminder of caste-based discrimination that continues to plague parts of India. Rampal said he remains deeply shaken. “I just want justice so that no one else faces such humiliation,” he told 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
Lucknow: Dalit elder forced to lick urine, SP leaders meet victim, Chandra Shekhar says anti-Dalit mentality
An elderly Dalit man was forced to lick his own urine at a Lucknow temple. Police have arrested one of the accused in this case. The matter has now escalated and is becoming politically charged. Samajwadi Party leaders have met with the victim, Rampal. The case of an elderly Dalit man being forced to drink his own urine in Kakori, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, is gaining momentum. This incident occurred at the Sheetla Mata Temple complex in Kakori. The victim, Rampal, admitted that out of fear, he initially claimed it was water, but he had actually urinated. He was then forced to lick it and was threatened. After the incident came to light, a Samajwadi Party delegation led by MP RK Chaudhary visited the victim. A brief altercation ensued between Samajwadi Party leaders and the police at Kakori. Former MP Kaushal Kishore and Malihabad MLA Jai Devi Kaushal also visited Rampal’s family. Delegations from political parties have been visiting the victim’s family since morning. Public anger has been building up over the incident. Community members have been gathering outside the temple premises since morning. The incident occurred on Diwali night. The accused, Swami Kant alias Pammu, is the brother of the temple manager. Police have arrested him. The victim, Rampal, said, “I was drinking water in the temple when Swami Kant alias Pammu came and accused me of urinating. I said I hadn’t urinated; water had just fallen there. But he refused and used casteist slurs. He threatened me and forced me to lick the ground.” Coughing led to urine leakage. The victim’s grandson, Mukesh Kumar, told news agency PTI-Bhasha that his grandfather had trouble breathing. If he didn’t take medication, he might not survive. He started coughing in the temple and passed a small amount of urine. Pammu then came and started using casteist slurs against him. The grandfather was frightened and when asked to lick the urine, he licked it. He was then asked to wash the area, and he did so with water from the pond. Mukesh explained that the main temple is at least 40 meters away from the spot where his grandfather accidentally urinated. The police have filed a case against Pammy. Hatred towards Dalits is in the blood: Congress Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said that someone’s mistake does not mean that they should be subjected to humiliating and inhuman punishment. The Congress party said in a post that in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) worker forced an elderly Dalit man to lick his own urine. The elderly man was sitting in a temple courtyard when, due to illness, he accidentally urinated. The enraged RSS worker arrived at the scene, hurling casteist slurs at him, and forced him to lick the urine. This incident is a blot on humanity. The culprits should be punished severely. This incident symbolizes the anti-Dalit mentality of the RSS-BJP. Hatred towards Dalits runs in their blood, which is why they want to abolish the Constitution and implement ‘Manuism’ in the country so that they can exploit people on the basis of caste. However, the police stated that the accused has no connection to the RSS. A naked display of anti-Dalit mentality: Azad Bhim Army chief and MP Chandra Shekhar Azad said on this matter that the RSS worker forcing Dalit elder Rampal Pasi to lick urine is not just a crime, but a naked display of the age-old anti-Dalit mentality of casteism and feudalism. This is not only a blot on humanity but also an attack on the very soul of the Constitution. Power exerts influence on the body, the poison of casteism on the soul. We demand the government immediately arrest the accused and give him the harshest punishment under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. The victim Rampal Pasi should be provided government protection, respectful compensation, and medical treatment. Abhijeet Thakur Courtesy: Hindi News