TDP MLA flays YSRCP for ‘twisting’ Bhagavad Gita remark
The remarks, which went viral recently, sparked outrage among Hindutva groups. VIJAYAWADA/ANANTAPUR: TDP MLA and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board member MS Raju on Thursday tendered an apology if his recent comments on the Bhagavad Gita hurt sentiments, while strongly condemning YSRCP-affiliated social media and YouTube channels for allegedly twisting his words to portray him as disrespecting the Hindu scripture. In a selfie video released to the media, the Madakasira MLA clarified that during a public meeting in Begarlapalli village on October 28 — while unveiling statues of Dr BR Ambedkar and Babu Jagjivan Ram — he had emphasised that the living standards of Dalits improved due to the Indian Constitution drafted by Ambedkar, not religious texts like the Bhagavad Gita, Quran, or the Bible. “I am a Hindu Dalit with full faith in the Bhagavad Gita and a devotee of Lord Venkateswara. I never denigrated any scripture,” Raju asserted. He accused the YSRCP’s social media wing of launching a malicious campaign to divert public attention from Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s effective cyclone relief efforts. “They are spreading lies to undermine the good work in affected areas,” he said, adding that Naidu appointed him to the TTD Board precisely because of his Hindu Dalit identity. Raju also took a dig at YSRCP leader Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, alleging the latter “practises Christianity at home but acts like a Hindu outside for political gains.” He invited critics to verify his family’s credentials in their village. The remarks, which went viral recently, sparked outrage among Hindutva groups. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leaders demanded Raju’s immediate removal from the TTD Board, threatening large-scale protests if their demand was ignored. 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
Legal clinic for dalit, adivasi women victims held
Vijayawada: Dalit Sthree Sakthi (DSS) conducted a legal clinic here on Thursday to address issues faced by Dalit and Adivasi women and girls, who have been victims of violence. A distinguished jury comprising Director of Prosecutions Byra Koteswara Rao, CID PCR official K Srinivas, SC Corporation Chairman Vijay Kumar, former Information Commissioner Ambati Subba Rao, SC Association Secretary Ratna Pradeep, and High Court advocate Abhijna reviewed the cases presented during the session. Presiding over the clinic, DSS National Convener Geddam Jhansi presented 33 cases involving violent incidents against Dalit and Adivasi women and girls. These included cases of sexual assault, murder, physical violence, caste-based abuse, deception in the name of love, and sexual exploitation of minors. Jhansi elaborated on each case before the jury, detailing the gravity of the offences and the challenges faced by the victims in pursuing justice. Responding to the presentations, the jury members pledged to work towards ensuring ex gratia payments and compensation for the victims. They expressed concern that such atrocities continue despite stringent legal protections for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The panel assured that they would take up the matter with the Minister for Social Welfare to ensure justice for the victims. The jury also stressed the importance of conducting state-wide legal awareness and support camps to empower women victims of violence. Courtesy : THI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehansindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
IndiaDalit Elder Assaulted and Threatened with Pistol for Sitting Inside Temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur
In Madnapur village in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur district, a Dalit elder was allegedly beaten and humiliated for sitting inside a temple. According to reports, the victim, 70-year-old Nanhuku Jatav, a man from the same village asked him to get up from his place at the temple. When he refused, the accused reportedly attacked him, slapped him, and hit him with shoes. Jatav said the man also hurled caste-based abuses at him and even threatened to shoot him while brandishing a pistol. “He waved the pistol at me and said he would kill me. I somehow ran home to save my life,” Jatav told police. Following the assault, Nanhuku Jatav, accompanied by his wife, reached the Madnapur police station and filed a complaint. He told the police that he feared for his life and requested protection from the accused. Locals in the area alleged that such incidents of atrocities against Dalits have been rising in Madnapur. They claimed that despite several complaints, the police have failed to take strict action in earlier cases. Members of the Dalit community have expressed anger over the attack and demanded immediate arrest of the accused. Station Officer (SO) Vishwa Jeet Pratap Singh said, “We have received the complaint, and necessary action will be taken after a proper investigation.” 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
Dalit Youth Beaten and Forced Into ‘Murga’ Position on Road in UP’s Etawah
In Bharthana town in Uttar Pradesh’s Etawah district, a Dalit youth was publicly humiliated and brutally beaten by a group of men. The attackers allegedly forced the youth to sit in a humiliating “murga” position in the middle of the road, thrashed him, and recorded the incident on video, which later went viral on social media. The incident took place in Rani Nagar locality of Bharthana. The victim, Sumit Diwakar, lodged a complaint at the local police station, stating that three men. Nandan Gupta, Laddu Gupta, and Satyendra Kumar, residents of Purana Bharthana Mohalla, stopped him on the road, hurled caste-based slurs at him, and then beat him mercilessly. He also alleged that the accused threatened to kill him. The assault reportedly took place on October 8 but drew attention again after the video surfaced online. Following the complaint, police registered a case against the three accused under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and other relevant sections. Officials said the video is being examined and that strict action will be taken against those found guilty. Superintendent of Police (Rural) Shree Chandra said, “As soon as the complaint was received, we took the matter seriously and registered a case. Some misleading information is being spread on social media, but our investigation has found no evidence of any other related incident. We urge people not to believe in rumors and to verify facts before sharing anything.” 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
Dalit youths attacked with sticks and rods in Khaga: Two injured, medical tests conducted, police investigating
Dalit youths were attacked over a minor dispute in Gopalpur village, under the Khaga police station area of Fatehpur district. Dozens of people attacked them with sticks and rods, leaving them seriously injured. Sandeep Kumar, son of Ramsevak, was among the injured, who was referred to Fatehpur District Hospital after first aid. Police are investigating the matter. Injured Sandeep Kumar stated that he was returning home after grazing buffaloes in the forest. On the way, Raj Singh and Sandeep Singh (sons of Madhav Singh) saw the buffalo and started abusing him. When Sandeep protested, they assaulted him. Subsequently, they called in two other friends, Beta Singh (son of the late Indrapal) and Vipin (son of Beta Singh), along with about two dozen other people. The men brutally beat Sandeep, his brother Mithun, and mother Ramsakhi with sticks and rods. According to Sandeep, the attackers continued to beat him until he was covered in blood. Upon receiving information about the incident, police arrived at the scene and took the injured to the Hardo Community Health Center. The injured party has filed a complaint with the police. The police stated that a case has been registered in this matter and further action has been assured. Khaga Kotwali in-charge Rajkumar Singh stated that a case is being registered based on the complaint from the victim. The search for the attackers is ongoing and they will soon be arrested and sent to jail. He also stated that medical examinations of all the injured are being conducted, based on which relevant sections will be added to the case. Vikash Trivedi Courtesy: Hindi News
Kanpur: Dalit youth humiliated and beaten in caste-based Attack, FIR Filed under Atrocities Act after video goes viral
In Bharthana town of Kanpur rural district, 22-year-old youth Sumit Diwakar, a resident of Rani Nagar, alleges that on October 8 three men from the neighbouring Purana Bharthana area. Nandan Gupta, Laddu Gupta and Satyendra Kumar subjected him to severe caste-based harassment. According to his complaint, the trio hurled caste slurs at him, forced him to squat in the middle of the road, physically assaulted him and threatened to kill him. Simultaneously, the attackers recorded the entire act on video, which later circulated on social media and sparked widespread public outrage. Local police say they took cognisance of the case only after the video gained traction online, registering it on October 25 under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (SC/ST Act). Bharthana Police have launched investigations, and are reportedly gathering video evidence, statements of witnesses, recordings of the perpetrators, and attempt to identify those who filmed and shared the video. Addressing the media, Shrish Chandra, the Superintendent of Police (Rural) in Kanpur, stated that strict action will follow and assured the victim of protection and prompt legal recourse. The victim’s complaint emphasises that the accused repeatedly used caste-insulting language, ordered him to remain in a humiliating posture on the road while they beat him, and later threatened to end his life if he reported the incident. This act of public humiliation, filming and online circulation emphasises a troubling intersection of caste violence and social media exposure. As investigations proceed, relevant questions include how long the video was originally shared before police action, whether the filming was meant as intimidation, and whether more persons were involved beyond the three named accused. The case underscores long-standing concerns over caste-based abuse in Uttar Pradesh and urgent need for swift enforcement of the SC/ST Act to deter such crimes and ensure justice for victims. Courtesy : Muslim Mirror Note: This news is originally published on https:/muslimmirror.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Mayawati reveals 2027 election strategy to strengthen BSP base:Focuses on Dalit-Muslim unity, organisational revival, and grassroots voter mobilisation to counter SP-BJP dominance in UP
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has outlined her detailed roadmap for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Chairing the Muslim Brotherhood Committee meeting herself for the first time, she projected a winning combination of 20% Dalit and 19% Muslim voters, positioning the BSP as a stronger alternative to the BJP and Samajwadi Party (SP). In her address, Mayawati emphasised that while the SP’s traditional Yadav vote base stands at only 8%, even with complete Muslim support, it forms just 27% of the vote share, insufficient to unseat the BJP. She contrasted this with BSP’s 2007 victory, when the party won power by combining Dalit votes with limited Muslim support. According to her, unlike the SP, which “uses fear of the BJP to secure Muslim votes,” the BSP believes in offering genuine representation and development. 5 Key takeaways from the meeting Mayawati personally chaired the Muslim Brotherhood Committee meeting for the first time since the BSP’s inception. Muslim members were seated in the front rows, signalling respect and inclusion, while other office-bearers sat behind. The committee was reconstituted after being dissolved post-2017. A target was set to connect 100 prominent Muslim faces from each assembly constituency. Monthly performance reviews of the committee will take place on the 20th of every month. Message of respect and representation The meeting was attended by Mayawati, BSP national coordinator and nephew Akash Anand, and general secretary Satish Chandra Mishra. By giving Muslims front-row seats, Mayawati symbolically conveyed that the community would receive honour and prominence in the party structure. The committee, which had been inactive since 2017, is being rebuilt with two conveners per division, one Dalit and one Muslim, across all 18 divisions. A similar structure will be replicated at the assembly and booth levels. BSP leaders were also provided a list of 100 key development projects for Muslims implemented during Mayawati’s four terms as Chief Minister. The list will be circulated during local meetings to remind voters of BSP’s governance record. Connecting voters through SIR Mayawati instructed her party workers not to oppose the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise by the Election Commission, currently active in 12 states, including Uttar Pradesh . She advised the cadre to focus on forming Booth Level Agent (BLA) teams and connecting verified BSP supporters instead of engaging in protests.A short Election Commission booklet has been distributed to guide officials in voter registration efforts. Faizan Khan, convener of the Lucknow division, said, ‘Our leader has made it clear that we must work at the grassroots, not waste time opposing SIR.’ Restoring lost muslim support According to Faizan Khan, BSP has always treated Muslims as an integral part of its social alliance. He accused opposition parties of misleading the community and claimed that under BSP rule, no communal riots occurred.He added that SP and Congress gained Muslim votes in the 2022 Assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha polls but failed to prevent BJP’s return. ‘Only BSP can defeat BJP now,’ he asserted. Mayawati clarifies Samsuddin’s expulsion Mayawati also addressed the removal of party leader Samsuddin, explaining that he had been repeatedly warned. She alleged he fielded weak candidates in collusion with BJP and SP during elections and promoted factionalism within the party.She instructed members to report any such internal sabotage directly to her, assuring strict disciplinary action. Akash Anand’s return to UP after Bihar polls Mayawati announced that Akash Anand will soon focus fully on Uttar Pradesh after completing his campaign duties in Bihar. He will tour all districts, hold meetings, and monitor booth-level progress. ‘After the Bihar elections, Akash will work full-time in UP. Where necessary, I too will step out,’ Mayawati declared. Rebuilding from the Ground Up By reviving the Muslim Brotherhood Committee, strengthening booth structures, and reintroducing her 2007-style social engineering, Mayawati has clearly signalled a full-scale comeback bid for 2027. Her message was unambiguous, the path to power lies not through fear, but through representation, respect, and grassroots organisation. Courtesy : Bhaskar English Note: This news is originally published on https:/bhaskarenglish.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Two Dalits assaulted for participating in Hindu festivals in Chhattisgarh, police skip SC/ST Atrocity Act bookmark_border text_fields
The first incident took place at a Kali Mata Puja celebration in Mahmand village on October 19, 2025 Bilaspur/ Chhattisgarh: Two separate assaults on Dalit individuals participating in Hindu religious festivals have been reported from Union minister Tokhan Sahu’s constituency of Bilaspur in Chhattisgar recently, according to a report. The first incident took place at a Kali Mata Puja celebration in Mahmand village on October 19, 2025, Maktoob media.com reported. Sixteen-year-old Ashutosh Barle, a tenth-grade student at Massorie Shisu Mandir Bhawan, was home from hostel for two days during vacation when he went to watch the music and lights set up for the Kali celebration. Maktoob quoted his mother Sarita Barle as saying: ‘The DJ caught his curiosity, so he went there.’ Noticing Ashutosh Barle, the attacker Pradeep Maharaj hurled casteist insults for participating in the festival, before beginning physical assaults. It was then his friends Deepeshwar, Rahul, and others joined verbally abusing Ashutosh before assaulting him with ‘fists and rods’. When the minor victim fainted at the spot, a villager reached out to his mother who rushed in to take Ashutosh home. However, the assailants went on to assail the family pelting stones at the house, with Sarita locking herself and her younger children inside a room. She later told Dalit activist Sanjeet Barman that police were not willing to record incident accurately. Another attack on a 20-year-old Dalit farmer was reported during the Laxmi Utsav celebration in Bharda village the following night on October 20, 2025. Lokesh Kumar Jangde, a driver and a small-time land owner, was watching Laxmi Utsav celebration when an upper caste member Amit Yadav questioned his presence at the festival. Amit Yadav hurled abusive remarks about Lokesh’s mother and sister before dragging him out of the marquee and started beating him. Others identified as Roshan Yadav, Shiva Yadav, and others joined in assaulting him. It is reported that an FIR has been filed but the Yadav family is allegedly pressuring Lokesh to withdraw the complaint. Calling for invoking the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in both cases, activist Sanjeet Barman pointed out that ‘In Ashutosh Barle’s case, the POSCO Act is also missing.’ Courtesy : Madhtamam Note: This news is originally published on https:/madhyamam.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
2 held for abducting Dalit minor, forcibly converting, and marrying her
Muzaffarnagar Two men have been arrested here for allegedly abducting a Dalit minor girl, unlawfully converting her religion, and solemnising marriage with her, officials said on Wednesday. The arrests were made on Tuesday and the incident occurred earlier this month, police said. Circle Officer (Budhana) Gajendra Pal Singh said the main accused, Talib (25), and his associate, Shadab (23), were booked under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) along with provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. They have also been charged under Section 3 of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and Sections 3 and 4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, he said. According to the FIR lodged by the victim’s brother, the minor was abducted on October 5 by Talib with the help of his friend Shadab. She was taken to Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, where she was allegedly forced to convert her religion and later married to Talib through ‘nikah’. Courtesy : THI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehansindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit laborer chased and beaten in Ayodhya: Intervention proved costly, SHO says action will be taken after investigation
A video of a Dalit laborer being brutally beaten in Sitholi village, under the Patranga police station area of Ayodhya, has gone viral on social media. In the video, two young men are seen repeatedly kicking, punching, and slapping the laborer. According to reports, the victim has been identified as Asaram, son of Ram Baran, a resident of Sitholi. It is reported that a dispute was taking place between two young men named Sirtaj and Haseeb in the village. Asaram intervened and advised them to stop fighting and sit down and talk. But Asaram’s words took offense to the two young men. It is alleged that they abused Asaram and chased him and beat him. A villager filmed the entire incident and made it viral on social media. The victim has filed a complaint at the Patranga police station, seeking justice. In this case, Patranga Inspector-in-Charge Shashikant Yadav stated that after receiving the victim’s complaint, a sub-inspector has been dispatched to investigate. If the allegations are found to be true, strict legal action will be taken against both accused by filing a case under the relevant sections. Courtesy: Hindi News