RaGa’s lawyer to reply by Nov 7 to plea on facts linked to Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination
Pune: A special MP/MLA court in Pune on Friday granted time till Nov 7 to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s lawyer Milind Pawar to file a written submission on an application by Satyaki Savarkar, the grandnephew of Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, regarding certain historical facts related to Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. In a plea filed on Sept 10, Satyaki had contested claims that Nathuram Godse’s family had to face social boycott after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. Satyaki also referred to other related issues besides taking an exception to a pursis (information to court) filed and subsequently withdrawn by Pawar. He sought Rahul’s presence in person. The court had directed Pawar to file his response. On Friday, Pawar filed an application seeking adequate time to examine facts before they can submit a written response as sought by the court. Rahul Gandhi is facing a defamation case, filed by Satyaki, before the special court over alleged objectionable remarks made by him against the Hindutva icon Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in his March 2023 speech in London. 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
Lynching victim kin being treated like goons, claims Rahul
Lucknow: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday met the family of Hariom Valmiki, a Dalit lynched by villagers in Rae Bareli, and pledged support to victims of caste atrocities across the country. The Leader of Opposition spent about 25 minutes with the family in Fatehpur district during which he spoke with Hariom’s father Gangadeen, brother Shivam, and sister Kusum and offered condolences and support. The meeting came hours after Hariom’s brother released a video stating that the family was satisfied with the govt’s action and urged the Congress leader not to politicise the case by visiting their home in Rae Bareli. “Ministers have met us, and we received financial aid and jobs. My brother’s killers are behind bars. We request Rahul Gandhi and other party leaders not to do politics over this,” Shivam said in the video, flanked by his father and sister. Despite the appeal, the Rae Bareli MP went ahead with his visit and interacted with the family. Speaking to reporters later, Gandhi said, “This family committed no crime, yet they are being treated like criminals and kept captive in their home. Dalits are being murdered and raped across the country. I urge the chief minister to ensure justice, respect, and security for them instead of protecting criminals.” He said, “Dalit oppression is at its peak under this government.” He also cited the latest National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) figures, which shows that Uttar Pradesh leads the country in cases of Dalit persecution. Rahul said his party would continue to stand with Dalit victims. “Wherever atrocities are committed against Dalits, Congress will reach out, help them, and fight for justice,” he said. In the hours before his visit, posters appeared in the locality near Hariom’s home, reading, “Dard ko mat bhunao, vapas jao (don’t encash our pain, go back).” Congress members were seen in videos tearing down those posters. The Congress alleged that the family’s video statement was made under govt pressure. Hariom Valmiki was lynched on October 2 in Dandepur Jamunapur village of Rae Bareli after being mistaken for a drone thief. He was allegedly dragged, stripped, and assaulted by a mob of about 100 people who accused him of theft. 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 Student Loses London Job As Pune College Refuses To Issue Reference Letter; “Disciplinary Considerations,” Says Principal
A promising young Dalit scholar from Maharashtra, Premvardhan Narottam Birhade, has reportedly lost a job offer at London’s Heathrow Airport after his former college in Pune allegedly refused to verify his academic credentials. A promising young Dalit scholar from Maharashtra, Premvardhan Narottam Birhade, has reportedly lost a job offer at London’s Heathrow Airport after his former college in Pune allegedly refused to verify his academic credentials. The denial, reportedly made by Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, has triggered outrage across social media and drawn allegations of caste discrimination from political leaders and activists. Meanwhile, the principal in question Dr Nivedita Gajanan Ekbote, who also serves as Maharashtra vice-president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, said in a statement that the decision to refuse to issue an Education Reference in this case “is purely based on institutional norms, disciplinary considerations, and professional ethics, and has no connection whatsoever with the student’s social or community background.” Prem, a native of Nandurbar district and a recent graduate of the University of Sussex, had been selected for an employment programme at Heathrow following his postgraduate studies. According to posts shared by Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi (VBA) president Prakash Ambedkar and also the videos posted by Prem himself, the opportunity fell through after the Pune college declined to confirm his educational background despite all required documents being submitted. In his public statement, Ambedkar accused the college’s administration of caste bias, alleging that the refusal was motivated by discrimination against Scheduled Caste students. “The same college had verified his documents when he went abroad to study,” Ambedkar said, adding that the administration later questioned Birhade about his caste when he sought verification for employment. “Prem’s case symbolises the persistent shadow of caste prejudice that continues to haunt Dalit youth, even after they overcome the hardest social and economic barriers,” he remarked. Ambedkar, also the grandson of Dr BR Ambedkar, also pointed out that Modern College’s principal, Dr Nivedita Gajanan Ekbote, serves as Maharashtra vice-president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, suggesting that her political links might have influenced institutional behaviour. However, Dr Ekbote has firmly denied the allegations. In an official statement, she described the claims as false and defamatory, asserting that the college acted purely in accordance with institutional policy and disciplinary records. “The student completed his education prior to my tenure as principal, and I have never personally known or taught him,” she clarified. According to Ekbote, the college had already provided Birhade with three Letters of Recommendation and a Bonafide Certificate in the past, fulfilling its academic obligations. She said the refusal to issue another letter stemmed from “disciplinary considerations” related to his prior record, not his community background. Ekbote further contended that Birhade’s social media posts had unfairly maligned the college’s reputation and amounted to harassment. “The refusal to issue an Education Reference in this case is purely based on institutional norms, disciplinary considerations, and professional ethics,” her statement read. She requested the authorities legal action against what she termed “false and inflammatory content” circulating online and reaffirmed that the institution “upholds the highest standards of equality, inclusivity, and respect for all communities.” Prakash Ambedkar’s statement: “Prem Birhade, a young Dalit who recently graduated from the prestigious University of Sussex, was forced to forfeit a hard-earned employment opportunity at Heathrow Airport in London. The reason? His former college, Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce in Pune, refused to verify his academic credentials, despite him submitting all required documentation. Why? Because Prem is a Dalit! The college’s principal, Dr. Nivedita Gajanan Ekbote, also serves as the Maharashtra Vice-President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, the youth wing of the BJP. Given her political and ideological alignment with the Manuwadi BJP, one can only imagine the extent to which caste prejudice must have shaped her actions against SC, ST, OBC students in her academic career. The same verification was provided when Prem had gone to London to study. When Prem requested the same verification again for his job, the college’s administration enquired of his caste! Prem’s journey from Nardubar, a poor Tribal district, to UK was not easy one. Prem’s case is a glaring example of how systemic caste discrimination continues to haunt Dalit youth, even after they break through enormous social and economic barriers. This case demands urgent attention and accountability. Prem’s story is not just his own, it is the story of countless Dalit students whose aspirations are crushed because of caste-discrimination.” Dr Nivedita Gajanan Ekbote’s statement: “Respected Sir/Madam, I, Prof. Dr. Nivedita G. Ekbote, Principal, Modern College of Arts, Science & Commerce (Autonomous), Shivajinagar, Pune – 411005, wish to bring to your kind attention a serious issue of harassment, defamation, and deliberate misuse of social media by a former student of this college, Mr. Premvardhan Narottam Birhade, who was admitted to the BBA program in June 2020 and passed in January 2024. The said individual has been continuously posting false, misleading, and defamatory statements on social media, attempting to malign the image of the college, its staff members, and the Principal. It is important to note that the student completed his education prior to my tenure as Principal, and I have never personally known or taught him. Furthermore, the student has already been issued three Letters of Recommendation (LORs) and one Bonafide Certificate by the college administration in the past, thereby fulfilling all his legitimate academic documentation requirements. Recently, he approached the college once again, demanding that an Education Reference for employment purposes be issued under my signature. Considering his unsatisfactory conduct and disciplinary record during his tenure as a student, and as per institutional policy, the college decided not to issue any further recommendation or reference letter. Following this, he began publishing false, defamatory, and inflammatory videos on various social media platforms, falsely alleging that the college, Dr. Anjali Sardesai (Vice-Principal, Academics), Prof. Lawly Das (Head, BBA Department), and the undersigned are discriminating against him on caste grounds. I wish to categorically state that no such instance
Woman held over Dalit boy’s death
The case triggered outrage across the state. Many condemned the caste-based discrimination, while some claimed the boy had a habit of stealing. The woman said she had caught him stealing from her shop, but the boy’s family denied the allegation. After her surrender plea was rejected, police arrested a woman late on Wednesday night for allegedly beating and abetting the suicide of a 12-year-old Dalit boy in Limbra village, Chirgaon. She was produced in court on Thursday and sent to three-day police custody. Rohru DSP Pranav Chauhan said a case had been registered under Sections 107 (abetment of suicide of a child), 127 (wrongful confinement), and 115 (voluntarily causing hurt) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. He said further investigation was underway. On September 16, a Dalit boy allegedly consumed poison after being beaten and locked in a cowshed by the accused woman for touching her house. He was taken to IGMC, where he died the next day. Following his death, the boy’s parents approached the police, demanding her arrest. The woman later sought anticipatory bail, which the court rejected. The case triggered outrage across the state. Many condemned the caste-based discrimination, while some claimed the boy had a habit of stealing. The woman said she had caught him stealing from her shop, but the boy’s family denied the allegation. The Scheduled Caste Commission expressed dissatisfaction with the police probe and ordered the suspension of ASI Manjeet, the Investigating Officer in tge case. The Commission also sought an explanation from the DSP. Commission chairman Kuldeep Kumar Dhiman accused the police of not taking the case seriously. He said the FIR was filed on September 20, but the SC/ST Act sections were not added initially, which was a serious lapse on the part of the police and caused unnecessary delay in justice. He added that the victim’s family had clearly mentioned in their complaint that the accused called their child “untouchable” and demanded a goat to “purify” her house. “Despite this, a case under SC/ST Act was not registered by the police at that time and were only applied later,” Dhiman said. He further said the Commission had asked the Rohru DSP to submit a report within three days, but it was delayed and reached only on October 14. Courtesy : NAI Note: This news is originally published on https:/newsarenaindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
NYC schools sue the US Education Department over $47M in grant cuts tied to transgender policies: Here’s why it matters
New York City Public Schools have taken the federal government to court in a dispute that could reshape how protections for transgender students are enforced nationwide. The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Manhattan federal court, challenges the US Education Department’s decision to withhold $47 million in grants for 19 specialty magnet schools, citing policies that allow transgender students to use bathrooms and play sports consistent with their gender identity, the Associated Press reports. Funding at stake The conflict began with a September letter from the US Department of Education, led by Secretary Linda McMahon, warning that the city’s policies could violate Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education. School officials were given a deadline to revise these policies or risk losing both current and future funding. According to Craig Trainor, the acting assistant secretary for civil rights, the department’s concern is that “male students who identify as female or transgender are given unqualified access to female intimate spaces,” as reported by the Associated Press. New York City was one of several districts, including Chicago and Fairfax County in Virginia, to receive such warnings. Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos framed the department’s threat as a violation of both law and principle. She told the Associated Press, “US DOE’s threat to cut off tens of millions of dollars in magnet funding unless we cancelled our protections for transgender and gender expansive students is contrary to federal, state, and local law and, just as importantly, our values as New York City Public Schools.” Legal and policy implications The 48-page lawsuit seeks to reverse the department’s decision, asserting that New York City’s policies are fully compliant with Title IX and that the Education Department’s interpretation is inconsistent with state and city laws prohibiting gender-based discrimination. The department, in turn, has dismissed the suit. An agency spokesperson told the Associated Press that “The Department sees no merit in this lawsuit.” The spokesperson emphasized that the magnet school grant program “requires certification of civil rights compliance, which we could obviously not do in the face of NYC’s continued determination to violate the rights of female students under Title IX.” A broader context The dispute over New York City is part of a wider national conversation on transgender rights in schools. In a related development, New York State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa ordered the Massapequa School District, located in a Long Island suburb, to temporarily halt enforcement of bathroom restrictions for transgender students. The New York Civil Liberties Union is challenging a policy that barred students from using facilities aligning with their gender identity. In response to the commissioner’s order, the district said it will continue offering a gender-neutral locker room and bathroom option to any student who prefers it, the Associated Press reports. What this means for students and schools Beyond the immediate question of funding, the lawsuit underscores how federal and local interpretations of Title IX can directly affect students’ daily experiences. For magnet schools that rely on grant money to offer specialized programs, the stakes extend from policy debates to classroom resources, extracurricular activities, and equitable access for all students. As the case unfolds, it could set a precedent on how civil rights protections for transgender students intersect with federal funding, providing clarity, or further contention, on the scope of Title IX in public education. For students, educators, and policymakers, the outcome is likely to resonate far beyond New York City’s school district. 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
Karnataka HC restrains use of ‘strip and search’ in transgender survey
NEW DELHI: The Karnataka high court has restrained government officials from using any “strip and search” methods to identify participants in the ongoing state-run transgender survey, news agency PTI reported. A division bench comprising chief justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C M Poonacha issued the interim order on Wednesday while hearing a petition filed by the Anita Humanitarian Foundation, which has challenged the legality of the ‘Gender Minority Survey’. The court also directed that all information collected since the survey began on 15 September must be kept confidential and not shared with any third party. The petitioner argued that the exercise violates the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. The foundation’s counsel alleged that transgender individuals were being subjected to strip searches in hospitals by persons who may not share the same gender identity. It was also submitted that transgender persons already hold official identity cards, making such verification unnecessary. Issuing notice to the state government, the bench asked it to file its statement of objections by 5 December, the next date of hearing. “In the meantime, the Government of Karnataka and those conducting the survey shall inform transgender persons that participation is voluntary,” the court said. “We restrain the respondents from conducting any identification by strip and search method till the next hearing. The information collected during the survey shall be kept strictly confidential and not disseminated.” The bench further directed the Department of Social Welfare to submit an affidavit within three days detailing how it plans to ensure confidentiality of the data gathered. The petition also calls for the creation of a compensation and rehabilitation fund for transgender and gender-diverse persons who were allegedly subjected to forced verification or humiliation during the survey. It additionally seeks a public apology from the state for what it terms an “illegal, invasive and unconstitutional process” and demands accountability from officials involved in the exercise. The foundation has urged the government to frame any future transgender welfare policies only after consulting representatives of the transgender and LGBTQIA+ communities, in line with the Supreme Court’s NALSA v. Union of India judgment and Section 4 of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. (With inputs from PTI) 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
Grand Alliance saved from collapse: Rahul Gandhi, on the initiative of Dipankar Bhattacharya, became the troubleshooter, speaking to Tejashwi and convincing Mukesh Sahni.
Bihar Assembly Election 2025 – Amid the ongoing deadlock over seat sharing in Bihar, the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) led by Mukesh Sahni nearly withdrew from the Grand Alliance, but was prevented by the intervention of top leadership. Patna: After several days of talks regarding seat sharing in Bihar, the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) led by Mukesh Sahni nearly withdrew from the Grand Alliance on Thursday, but was prevented by the intervention of top leaders. Sahani had broken ties with the Grand Alliance. According to media reports, Mukesh Sahni was upset over not being given a fair place in the Grand Alliance and had almost broken ties. He stated that no talks have taken place between the VIP and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in the past two days. The source said that Sahni contacted Dipankar Bhattacharya, General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation. The matter was resolved after Rahul Gandhi intervened. Dipankar Bhattacharya then approached Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, on the issue and insisted that VIP be accommodated. Following this, Rahul Gandhi discussed the matter with the RJD’s top leadership and also spoke with Mukesh Sahni. He said that following this intervention, the VIP chief wrote a letter to Rahul Gandhi, expressing his commitment to remain in the “Grand Alliance.” Nishad community constitutes approximately 2.5 percent of the state’s population. In the letter, the VIP chief stated that they were assured a certain number of seats, which was not fulfilled. He stated that numbers do not matter, as they are part of the alliance because of their ideology and want to fight against communal and divisive forces. Mukesh Sahni is a leader of the Nishad community in Bihar, which constitutes approximately 2.5 percent of the state’s population. Edited by: Ravi Prakash Sinha About the Author Ravi Prakash Sinha is a senior journalist (Principal Digital Content Producer) at Navbharat Times Online. He has 25 years of experience covering current affairs, Jharkhand-Bihar politics, and ground reporting. Ravi Sinha has been with NBT (Digital) for the past three years. Courtesy: Hindi News
VIP gets 15 seats in the Grand Alliance: Rahul Gandhi’s intervention resolves deadlock; Rajya Sabha and MLC seats also offered
The impasse over seat sharing in the Bihar Grand Alliance has finally ended. Mukesh Sahni-led VIP has been awarded 15 assembly seats in the alliance. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has subsequently assured VIP of one Rajya Sabha seat and two Legislative Council (MLC) seats. Patna: The seat sharing issue for Mukesh Sahni’s Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) in the Bihar Grand Alliance has finally been resolved. VIP has been awarded 15 assembly seats in the alliance. To compensate for the reduced number of seats, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has subsequently assured VIP of one Rajya Sabha seat and two Legislative Council (MLC) seats. VIP candidates announced Immediately after the seat sharing agreement was reached, VIP announced its candidates for two seats late last night. Party chief Mukesh Sahni himself will contest from the Gauda Bauram seat in Darbhanga district, while VIP state president Bal Govind Bind will contest from the Bhabua assembly seat. Both candidates will file their nomination papers on Friday. Today is the last day for nominations for the first phase. Deadlock and Reconciliation in Seat-Sharing Mukesh Sahni was adamant on more seats, which prevented the Grand Alliance from finalizing the seat-sharing formula. On Wednesday, Sahni called a press conference, which was later postponed several times. Finally, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi mediated the matter and spoke with Mukesh Sahni over the phone, leading to an agreement. After the seats were finalized, VIP handed over the symbol to its other candidates on Friday morning on behalf of Mukesh Sahni. The Importance of the Gauda Bauram Seat Mukesh Sahni will file his nomination from the Gauda Bauram seat, which will be held in the first phase of voting. In 2020, the VIP won this seat, but its MLA, Swarna Singh, later joined the BJP. This time, the BJP has cut Swarna Singh’s ticket and fielded Sujit Kumar Singh. Curated by: Ravi Sinha About the Author Ravi Prakash Sinha is a senior journalist (Principal Digital Content Producer) at Navbharat Times Online. He has 25 years of experience in current affairs, Jharkhand-Bihar politics, and ground reporting. Ravi Sinha has been working with NBT (Digital) for the last three years. He had the opportunity to work as the Jharkhand representative at Rajasthan Patrika from December 2005 to April 2020. He also spent 17 years as a casual assistant editor at the regional news section of Doordarshan Ranchi and All India Radio. Courtesy: Hindi News
UP lynching case: Rahul Gandhi meets Dalit victim’s family; claims govt ‘threatening’ them
NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday met the family of Hariom Valmiki, the Dalit man who was lynched in his constituency, Raebareli. After meeting the family, the Congress leader made a big claim, saying the government threatened the victim’s family against meeting him. He said the Congress party will “try the best to provide all possible help to the family”, adding that wherever there will be “atrocities against Dalits in the country, Congress will be there and we will provide all possible help and fight for justice.” Valmiki (40) was allegedly lynched by villagers who mistook him for a thief during a night vigil at about 1 am on October 2 amid rumours that a gang was using drones for surveillance to mark houses for robberies. — ANI (@ANI) “This morning, the government threatened the family against meeting me… It’s not important whether the victims’ family meets me or not, but what is important is that these people are not criminals. They have committed no mistake… I met the deceased’s family and listened to them. Congress Party and I will try our best to provide all possible help to the family… Wherever there will be atrocities against Dalits in the country, Congress will be there and we will provide all possible help and fight for justice,” Rahul Gandhi told the press after meeting the Valmiki family. Screenshot 2025-10-17 111650 Referring to the suicide of a Haryana officer, Rahul Gandhi said: “A crime has been committed against them (Valmiki’s family), and it seems as if they are the criminals.” Rahul futher claimed that the family was being threatened and was not allowed to go out of their house. “A Dalit officer committed suicide a few days ago. I went there, and today I have come here. The family did not commit the crime. A crime has been committed against them, and it seems as if they are the criminals. They are not being allowed to go out of their house,” the Congress leader said. He sought action against the perpetrators, urging the UP government that the accused “should not be protected”. “They are being threatened. All they are asking for is justice. Our son had been killed. The murder is recorded on video. We are asking for justice… There is a girl in there who needs to be operated on, but she is unable to get it done because the government has locked them in. Atrocities, murders and rapes are being committed against Dalits in the entire nation. I want to ask the CM that they should be served justice. They should be respected. Action should be taken against the perpetrators and they should not be protected,” the Reabareli MP 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
Dalit youth assaulted for ‘owning’ high-end bike in Tamil Nadu
The gang also hurled caste-based abuses at the victim, who managed to flee the spot, and reported the incident to the Pappanadu police in the early hours of Tuesday THANJAVUR: The Pappanadu police on Tuesday arrested six caste Hindus for allegedly assaulting a Dalit youth at his residence late on Monday for owning a high-end bike. According to sources, N Pachilin, a 21-year-old Dalit of Vellur who works at an eatery in Pappanadu, on Monday night was returning home from work on his bike when T Gopinath (30) of Nemmeli waylaid him. Gopinath allegedly told Pachilin that those from his caste should not ride costly bikes. Pachilin replied that he bought the bike and had the right to ride it, and rode to his house. Past midnight, Gopinath along with five others confronted Pachilin at his house and allegedly assaulted him with logs as well as their bare hands. The gang also hurled caste-based abuses at him, sources said. Managing to flee the spot, Pachilin reported the incident to the Pappanadu police in the early hours of Tuesday, sources said. Following this, the police registered a case under relevant sections of the BNS and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and arrested Gopinath, V Likanthan (21), A Sarathi (23), M Arunkumar (23), K Udhayan (21) and A Prahadeeswaran (21) on Tuesday. Courtesy : TNI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights