The rampage of a controversial Milak police inspector: Caste-related abuses against a Dalit youth, causing a stir as the audio goes viral
A Milak police inspector has been accused of violating the law by hurling caste-related abuses at a Dalit youth. Correspondent, Milak (Rampur). The law enforcers themselves are accused of breaking the law. The way an inspector, disregarding his oath of office, has once again put the police’s image in the dock. An inspector, who was transferred from Milak police station on July 7th, has been accused of using abusive language, caste-related abuses, and threatening to implicate him in a false case. After the audio of the conversation between the victim and the inspector went viral, questions have been raised about the police’s functioning. The victim has now filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission and the National Scheduled Caste Commission seeking justice against this harassment. According to Ajay Singh, a resident of Bhaisodi in the area, a minor dispute over a transaction of two thousand rupees was resolved amicably on August 2nd. However, the very next day, a sub-inspector posted at Milak police station called him on his mobile phone and created a ruckus. It is alleged that the uniformed man immediately began abusing him without any investigation. The victim alleges that the sub-inspector used casteist slurs and other abusive language, which violated his social dignity. When the victim attempted to express his views and stated that he was recording the conversation, the sub-inspector’s true nature was revealed. The sub-inspector threatened to file a false case. This incident raises a serious question about the police’s working style. While the police claim to serve and protect the public, caste discrimination and threats are being perpetrated under the guise of uniform. The sub-inspector has already been embroiled in controversy. One of the two sub-inspectors placed on the line on July 7th has previously been embroiled in controversy. He had previously been involved in disputes with another inspector posted on the same beat. They would pass the buck to each other in cases that offered no financial gain, and would fight to gain access to the areas where they expected to earn money. In this case, Superintendent of Police Somendra Meena had placed both of them under suspension. BY ANIL KUMAR AWASTHIEDITED BY: ANSHUL BHARTARIYA Courtesy: Hindi News
‘Anti-poor, anti-Dalit’: Chennai hunger strikers demand NEET abolition
A group of hunger strikers in Chennai are on an indefinite fast, demanding a complete ban on the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and demanding that education be moved from the concurrent list to the state list. The protest, led by S Manirathinam — brother of the late S Anitha — is taking place at Thiruvaliur Illam in Koyambedu, even as nationwide student protests that forced the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan have been called off. The Ban NEET Movement – Tamil Nadu released an official statement hailing Pradhan’s resignation on July 25 as “the triumph of the people and the principles of democracy over an autocratic government.” The movement, which describes itself as fighting for a “deeply unequal and corrupt education system,” acknowledged the symbolic weight of the resignation but warned that it brings “no concrete change” for students. The context for this achievement was a remarkable wave of student protests led by the self-styled “Cockroach Janata Party” (CJP), sparked by the leak of the 2026 NEET medical entrance exam paper. The movement forced an unprecedented political concession in India: Dharmendra Pradhan became the first cabinet minister to resign due to social protests in recent history. In his resignation letter, Pradhan stated he stepped down “considering the situation” and to ensure that “anti-national forces should not take advantage,” urging students to focus on their studies. Despite the victory in Delhi, the Ban NEET Movement insists the struggle is far from over. Their statement expresses deep disappointment that protests were dispersed before concrete policy changes were enacted. They have now escalated their campaign with an indefinite hunger strike, which began on August 1. The movement states, “We have two demands. 1) The union government must ban NEET and allow states to evaluate medical college entrances on the basis of 12th standard/plus two marks. 2) The union government must move education from the concurrent list to the state list, allowing states to shape their own education policy. The strike will continue until these demands are met.” The movement also invokes the memory of S Anitha, a student who died by suicide in 2017 after failing to secure a medical seat under the NEET system, a tragedy that has become a rallying cry for opponents of the exam. The hunger strikers are drawing attention to the findings of the Justice AK Rajan Committee, a government-commissioned body in Tamil Nadu that studied the impact of NEET. According to the movement’s statement, the 2021 report provides “abundant proof” that NEET has had a devastating effect in the state. The movement alleges that NEET reduces access for students from poor, rural backgrounds and those educated in government schools, drastically reduces access for SC, ST, and OBC students, has led to the suicide of almost 100 young Indians (most of them Dalits) who dreamed of becoming doctors, and forces students to depend on a “new ecosystem of costly private coaching centres,” making wealth a barrier to education. The AK Rajan Committee, as reported by The Hindu, concluded that NEET is “anti-poor, anti-social justice and favoured students from affluent families” and those who could afford expensive coaching. The movement has framed its struggle as a constitutional and federalist issue. They argue that NEET “prevents states of the Indian union from deciding how their own educational institutions are run and therefore stands in violation of the principle of federalism.” This echoes the long-standing position of the Tamil Nadu government, which has consistently sought an exemption from NEET. The activists’ second demand — moving education from the concurrent list to the state list — is a fundamental restructuring of India’s federal system that would grant states the sole power to shape their education policies. In their statement, the Ban NEET Movement is urgently reaching out to “all movements, political parties, unions, student organizations and individuals interested in protecting our democracy” to join them. They are calling for supporters to come to the protest site at Thiruvaliur Illam in Koyambedu, spread the word through social media, and organize solidarity protests across the country. As the hunger strike continues, the movement’s stance poses a fundamental challenge to the Indian government. While the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan is a major victory for the youth protest movement, the activists in Tamil Nadu insist that until NEET itself is abolished and states gain full control over education, the fight for a “democratic” and “equal” education system is not over. By A Representative Courtesy : Counterview Note: This news is originally published on https:/counterview.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul Gandhi questions Private role in Sainik schools at parliamentary panel meet
The Centre has been expanding the Sainik School network through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. A parliamentary panel on Tuesday reviewed the functioning of Sainik Schools, with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi questioning the Centre’s decision to involve private institutions in running the defence ministry-administered schools. During a meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, Gandhi, a member of the panel, sought an explanation on how “private institutions are given the task of running the Sainik Schools” under the Ministry of Defence, sources said. He also asked the reasons behind the involvement of private institutions in managing the schools, the sources added. The committee, chaired by BJP MP Radha Mohan Singh, examined the “Review of Sainik Schools, Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) and Rashtriya Military Schools”. The Centre has been expanding the Sainik School network through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Addressing the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Sainik School, Ghorakhal, in March 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had said the government had decided to establish 100 new Sainik Schools across the country in the “public-private partnership model”. Earlier, then Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt had informed Parliament in December 2022 that the government had approved setting up 100 new Sainik Schools in partnership with NGOs, private schools and state government schools across all states and Union Territories. 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
Students in severe pain need PM Modi’s apology, not forgiveness: Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi said students are on the streets because of the RSS’ attempts to rewrite the country’s history, adding that “India will not tolerate its history to be trampled upon by anybody”. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said students across the country were in “severe pain” and asserted that they did not need Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forgiveness, but an apology for his government’s actions against them. Speaking at the launch of a book by former MP Vaiko, the leader of the opposition said that the students are on the streets because of the RSS’ attempts to rewrite the country’s history, adding that “India will not tolerate its history to be trampled upon by anybody”. Gandhi said every state has the right to be treated fairly and express its own culture and language, but the “RSS wants that only the history subscribed by it should be followed and that is why the fight”. “We are going through strange times as the students are on the streets and are in severe pain. They don’t have work and are asking for fairness in exams and an education system that works. On the other hand, the prime minister is forgiving them. Who is he to forgive me or them, I don’t know. Where does he get this idea that he can forgive me or the future of India, I don’t know,” he said at the event. Gandhi claimed that behind the prime minister or the RSS is a “dangerous idea – the idea that this country is not an expression of the many”. He said that in the Constitution, it is clearly written that India, that is Bharat, is a union of states and the state is an expression of the people of India. Add as a preferred source on Google “When you say Tamil Nadu, inside is the history of Tamil people, their pain, suffering, happiness. The Constitution says every state represents one history, tradition, language. Every single state has the right to that, which must be treated fairly. Every state has the right to express itself, its own culture and language. “Here are some ignorant people who don’t understand Tamil, Marathi, Bengali people and say none of these histories and imaginations are relevant. The only history that is important is the one ascribed by the RSS. This is why this fight is important. This is why the students are out on the streets. India will not tolerate its history being trampled by anybody,” Gandhi said at the book launch event. The Congress leader thanked Vaiko for his service to the country, saying that it was an honour to be at his book launch event. “He is an inspiration for all of us,” he said. Among others who were present at the book launch were Tamil Nadu Education Minister A Rajmohan, TMC leaders Sagarika Ghosh, Congress leaders P Chidambaram and Manickam Tagore, besides former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah, CPI-M general secretary M A Baby, CPI general secretary D Raja, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, RJD leader Manoj Kumar Jha, RSP’s N K Premchandran and NCP-SP leader Supriya Sule. 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
Rahul Gandhi questions Private role in Sainik schools at parliamentary panel meet
The Centre has been expanding the Sainik School network through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. A parliamentary panel on Tuesday reviewed the functioning of Sainik Schools, with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi questioning the Centre’s decision to involve private institutions in running the defence ministry-administered schools. During a meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, Gandhi, a member of the panel, sought an explanation on how “private institutions are given the task of running the Sainik Schools” under the Ministry of Defence, sources said. He also asked the reasons behind the involvement of private institutions in managing the schools, the sources added. The committee, chaired by BJP MP Radha Mohan Singh, examined the “Review of Sainik Schools, Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) and Rashtriya Military Schools”. The Centre has been expanding the Sainik School network through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Addressing the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Sainik School, Ghorakhal, in March 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had said the government had decided to establish 100 new Sainik Schools across the country in the “public-private partnership model”. Earlier, then Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt had informed Parliament in December 2022 that the government had approved setting up 100 new Sainik Schools in partnership with NGOs, private schools and state government schools across all states and Union Territories. 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
Rahul’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ has become national movement: Ajay Rai
Varanasi: Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee president Ajay Rai on Tuesday said the “Chhatron Ki Goonj” campaign, led across the country by party MP Rahul Gandhi, has emerged as a strong national movement for the rights of students and youth. Addressing reporters, Rai said the campaign began in Kota, Rajasthan, where concerns of students preparing for competitive examinations, including paper leaks, unemployment and flaws in the education system, were prominently raised. It later reached Dehradun in Uttarakhand, where, he said, it received unprecedented support from students and young people. Rai said the next major phase of the campaign will be held on August 8 at KP Ground in Prayagraj. He described the event as a historic student-youth conference in Uttar Pradesh, where students, competitive examination aspirants, research scholars, unemployed youth and young people from across the state will participate and directly present their problems, struggles, suggestions and questions about the future before Rahul Gandhi. He said the Prayagraj programme would not merely be a public meeting but a major democratic platform for the fight for youth rights, dignity, education and employment. Rai said students and youth in UP and across the country are facing serious challenges due to paper leaks, irregularities in recruitment examinations, delays in appointments to vacant posts, rising unemployment and the poor condition of the education system.“Lakhs of students work hard for years, but repeated cancellation of examinations and paper leak incidents put their future in danger. Rahul Gandhi has been raising the voice of students and youth from Parliament to the streets, and the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ campaign is an extension of that struggle,” Rai said. He said the Congress firmly believes that students and youth are the future of the country. “If young people do not get quality education, a transparent recruitment system and dignified employment, the future of the country cannot be secure,” he said. Rai appealed to Congress workers, the Youth Congress, NSUI, student organisations and young people across the state to reach Prayagraj in large numbers and participate in the programme. He expressed confidence that the August 8 event at KP Ground would give a new direction to the student-youth movement in Uttar Pradesh. Rai also referred to the Ram Mandir donation issue and said the Congress has consistently demanded an impartial and transparent investigation. He said the party had questioned the SIT constituted by the state government and had called for an independent probe. He said the faith of crores of Ram devotees is paramount, and the entire matter should be investigated fairly so that the truth comes before the country and action is taken against those found guilty under the law. Rai alleged that action so far appears to have been limited to lower-level individuals, while the role of those at the top should also be examined. He demanded that the roles of Nripendra Mishra, Anil Mishra, Govind Dev Giri and Champat Rai Bansal also be investigated and that legal action be taken wherever required. He said no person should receive protection because of position, influence or political connections, and that the law must be equal for all. Rai also raised the concerns of ration dealers in Uttar Pradesh. He said ration shop operators have been placing their demands before the government for a long time, but their issues have been ignored. He said they are not paid their commission on time, additional work is imposed on them, and their long-pending demands remain unresolved. He demanded an increase in the commission of ration dealers, timely payment of dues, transport expenses and an early resolution of their practical problems. He said the government should hold talks with their representatives and immediately accept their justified demands. 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
SC: How can transgender ID cards be rendered invalid?
NEW DELHI: SC Monday sought govt’s response on pleas alleging Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, attempts to erase benefits accruing to transgenders under the old law and impinge on their right to receive hormone treatment for bringing their bodies in sync with self-identified genders. A bench of CJI Surya Kant, and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana asked if the amendments are to be implemented prospectively, how could the transgender identity cards, issued under the earlier provisions of the law, be rendered invalid? Senior advocates complained those who were midway through their hormone treatment are being denied the same as doctors are not ready to provide such treatment fearing prosecution under the new law. “The national portal for transgenders has been discontinued denying them many benefits,” they alleged. Dhananjay Mahapatra 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
17 booked over threat to kill Dalits for refusing to dig burial pit in Yadgir district
A Dalit family was intercepted, physically assaulted, caste-abused, and threatened with death, on August 1 in Shakhapur (SH) village The Shorapur police in Yadgir district, in Karnataka, have booked 17 individuals after a Dalit family was intercepted, physically assaulted, caste-abused, and threatened with death, on August 1 in Shakhapur (SH) village. The alleged incident followed a dispute involving the digging of a burial pit. According to the FIR, on July 25, a woman from the Valmiki community passed away. The complainant, Devappa Shivappa Talwar—a Dalit originally from Kadyapur (Kalaburagi district) now residing in Shakhapur (SH) — was summoned along with his relative to dig a burial pit. But, they refused to dig a pit due to illness. Following the refusal, the accused individuals confronted Devappa at a local borewell on August 1 when he had gone to draw water, according to the FIR. Later that same day, Devappa, his wife Lalita, and relatives Bhimavva, Siddamma, and Gangamma were allegedly intercepted by the accused on their way to work in the fields. The group was allegedly assaulted with sticks, kicked, insulted using abusive words, and threatened with death if they continued to refuse digging burial pits, according to the FIR. All injured victims received medical treatment at the taluk hospital. Later, they lodged a police complaint. Following Devappa’s complaint, the Shorapur police registered a case under Sections 189(2), 191(2), 191(3), 115(2), 118(1), 74, 352, and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita (BNS)-2023, and Sections 3(1)(5), 3(1)(2), and 3(2)(v-a) of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Caste (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. According to the FIR, the accused individual are Siddappa Shivaraya Devadurga Nagappa Mariyappa Masali Malappa Mudukappa Pujari Huligeppagouda Yallayyagouda Police Patil Mariyappa Basanagouda Maligouda Gangappa Narayanappa Policegouda Bheemanagouda Ninganagouda Malipatil Mallesh Ningappa Maligoudar Nagappa Huligeppa Policegoudar Bheemanna Ramangouda Police Patil Hanumanth Bheemanna Bhairamaddi Mounesh Bhimappa Bhimanna Bhimanna Paner Mallappa Ramanagouda Police Patil Devamma Hanumanth Malipatil Bhimavva Mareppa Malipatil Parashuram Eshappa Sugur Nagappa belongs to the Ediga community and Malappa to the Kuruba community. All others belong to the Valmiki community. Superintendent of Police Pruthvik Shankar informed that an investigation is underway. Police personnel have been deployed in Shakhapur (SH) village to maintain law and order, and ensure protection for local Dalits. The Deputy Superintendent of Police (Shorapur) and officials from the Social Welfare Department visited the village. 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
Dalit influencer files doxxing complaint against Hindutva creator
“Radical Ajay” alleged that TD Rakesh Sharma had subjected him to a sustained campaign of online harassment for his political views on PM Modi and AP Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan. Hyderabad: Dalit social media influencer and political commentator Dara Ajay Kumar, popularly known as “Radical Ajay,” has filed a police complaint at the Punjagutta Police Station alleging online harassment, doxxing and criminal intimidation by right-wing Hindutva content creator TD Rakesh Sharma. Ajay, an Ambedkarite, alleged that Sharma had subjected him to a sustained campaign of online harassment across multiple Instagram reels for his political views on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, which culminated in the public disclosure of his personal information, including his residential address and mobile phone number. According to the complaint, filed on August 1, Ajay approached the police after Sharma uploaded a series of reels targeting him. In his written complaint, Ajay stated that an Instagram user had shared his personal information online without his consent and was using the handle to threaten and intimidate him. He has asked the police to take legal action, remove the offending videos and suspend the account. In a statement to the media on Monday, August 3, Ajay said that over the previous three days, Sharma had uploaded multiple videos spreading false information about him. He alleged that Sharma disclosed details about his educational background, falsely claimed his mother was a former Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) member, threatened to reveal his residential address and then did so, and later published his mobile phone number online — after which he began receiving numerous calls from unknown individuals. Ajay said Sharma also made false claims about his personal life, including allegations about his relationships, his religious conversion and a claim that his brother’s employment was owed to reservation. He described the videos as part of a sustained campaign of harassment, doxxing, intimidation and defamation that had placed his privacy and safety at serious risk. Doxxing refers to the practice of publishing a person’s private information, such as their address or phone number, online without their consent, often to expose them to harassment or harm. According to the complaint and a review of the Instagram reels by Siasat.com, Sharma uploaded multiple reels targeting Ajay. Across the reels, Sharma spoke in a raised voice and adopted an aggressive, confrontational tone, directing personal attacks at Ajay. On August 1, Sharma posted a reel in which he said he was not concerned about the police complaint Ajay had filed against him. In the same reel, he warned that he would publicly “expose” Ajay’s residential address. According to Ajay, Sharma then carried out that threat, publishing his residential address and other personal details in a later reel. His content included calls for a Hindu Rashtra and opposition to the word “secular” in the Constitution. A review of his reels showed that his criticism of Ajay stems from the latter’s political views. In his videos, Sharma objected to Ajay’s criticism of Prime Minister Modi and Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Kalyan and took issue with the Dalit influencer’s expressed support for activist Umar Khalid. He casted these positions as evidence that Ajay is “anti-Hindu.” In one reel, Sharma said that criticising Modi is “definitely anti-Hindu.” The reels also carried remarks warning that Ajay had angered supporters of Modi and Kalyan, with Sharma claiming that people would find Ajay no matter where he stayed in Hyderabad. In the same videos, Sharma repeated that he is unconcerned about any legal action, including the complaint filed against him. Other targets of Sharma The reels reviewed by Siasat.com showed Sharma targeting other public figures beyond Ajay, including some which included Islamophobic and anti-Christian remarks. Sharma targeted independent journalist Thulasi Chandu, referring to her as “Catherine.” He made a series of claims about her professional work, sources of funding, religious identity and personal life. He accused her of falsely presenting herself as a journalist, alleged that she was associated with Christian organisations and an “anti-Hindu” network and claimed she was part of a group promoting certain individuals and narratives in exchange for money. He also made personal remarks about her attire, family and reputation, using derogatory and misogynistic language. Sharma further promised to produce what he described as evidence that Chandu is a Christian. As part of these claims, he questioned her attire and appearance, commenting on the absence of a mangalsutra and mettelu – traditional Telugu toe rings commonly worn by many married women in Telugu communities – and referred to a video from Chandu’s visit to Kerala in which she spoke about a church. Chandu had previously addressed similar allegations in a video, saying that false information was being circulated about her religious identity and the funding of her journalism. She has also said she has repeatedly been accused by right-wing social media users of being “anti-Hindu” and of being a Christian. In a separate reel, Sharma targeted Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor Vijay’s latest release, Jana Nayagan, alleging that the film insulted Hindus. He claimed that the climax, which reportedly lasts 30 minutes, contained content that hurt Hindu sentiments. Sharma called on Telugu audiences to boycott the film and urged everyone to share his video and back his call. In another reel, Sharma targeted Tollywood actor Bellamkonda Sreenivas for visiting a dargah, accusing the actor of “being secular.” In several reels, Sharma targeted actor Prakash Raj for his political opposition to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and PM Modi. Sharma also targeted Joseph Bachalakuri, alias YouTuber Prashna Ravan, a political commentator and critic of Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister. Ravan was arrested multiple times in mid-2026 over his remarks against Kalyan and later booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Sharma ended several of the reels reviewed by Siasat.com with the slogans “Jai Shri Ram,” “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” Sharma’s public social media posts point to his support for Goshamahal MLA T Raja Singh, a controversial figure in
Andhra Pradesh Congress hails Prashant Kishor’s win
APCC Vice-President also thanked voters in Madhya Pradesh’s Datia constituency for electing Congress candidate Ghanshyam Singh. VIJAYAWADA: APCC Vice-President Kolanukonda Shivaji described the recent Assembly by-election results in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh as a strong rebuke to the BJP’s arrogance and demanded a public apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the police lathi-charge on student protesters at Jantar Mantar. At a press conference in Vijayawada, Shivaji congratulated Jan Suraj Party chief Prashant Kishor on his victory in the by-elections of Bihar’s Bankipur seat, noting that the BJP had held the constituency since 1995. Shivaji said the defeat of BJP reflected the youth anger against the BJP over the July 20 police action in Delhi and other parts of India. He also thanked voters in Madhya Pradesh’s Datia constituency for electing Congress candidate Ghanshyam Singh. Reaffirming the Congress party’s commitment to public issues, Shivaji urged civil society to support Rahul Gandhi’s leadership as the party continues to fight for people-centric causes. 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