300 tribals who were driven out of the village for 12 years will now return to their homes – Know how the shackles of the dreadful tradition of ‘Chhodotaru’ were broken!
After 12 years of exile, preparations are on for the respectful return of Kodarvi tribal families in Mota Pipodara village of Banaskantha district of Gujarat Banaskantha, Gujarat – 29 tribal families of the Kodarvi community, who were driven out of Mota Pipodara village in Danta taluka of Banaskantha district of Gujarat 12 years ago due to an ancient tradition ‘Chhodotaru’, are now going to return to their village. The homecoming of these families, comprising about 300 people, will take place on 17 July 2025 (Thursday) with a special ceremony. According to a report in The Hindu, Chhadotaru—a revenge-based social practice—led to constant disputes and tensions in the village, forcing these families to migrate. These families took refuge in Palanpur and Surat and lived like outsiders for years, leaving behind their land, homes and memories. Understanding their pain, the Banaskantha police and the district administration began serious efforts to rehabilitate them. Gujarat Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghvi said that several meetings were held with village elders, panchayat members and community leaders to ensure their return in a peaceful and amicable manner. “The Banaskantha police carried out a long process of reconciliation and found a way out by talking to all parties,” the minister said. The district administration identified and revived about 8.5 hectares of ancestral land of these families, which had turned barren and into bushes over the years. It was cleared, levelled and made cultivable. “This land has now become fertile again, and symbolises the beginning of their new life,” Sanghvi said. Two houses have been constructed under the rehabilitation scheme and the remaining 27 families will be given houses with the help of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and social organisations. On July 17, these families will be welcomed back to the village with a special event that will include puja rituals and the symbolic act of sowing seeds on the reclaimed land—a symbol of new beginnings and prosperity. The minister said he would personally distribute educational kits, ration material to the families and discuss long-term rehabilitation plans. “It is not just a matter of bringing people back to their villages, but an effort to heal old wounds and lay the foundation for a harmonious future. We believe that no tribal family should remain displaced due to an old and inhuman tradition. Only development and dialogue can overcome any differences,” Sanghvi said. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy : Hindi News
Painful death of pregnant tribal woman in Rewa, MP: Flood water came on the bridge, could not reach hospital
The family said – life could have been saved if treatment was received on time, administration ordered investigation Bhopal. A pregnant woman lost her life due to careless system and bad roads in Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh. The woman could not reach the hospital on time because flood water had come on the bridge built on the river. She kept suffering for two hours and then died there. The incident is of Bhatigwan village of Jawa tehsil, where this tragic accident happened late on Sunday night. After the last rites on Monday, the family demanded justice from the administration. There was no road in the in-laws’ house, so the woman came to live in her maternal home 26-year-old Priya Rani Kol, a resident of Bhatigwan village, has her in-laws in Barhat village. Due to lack of road in Barhat, she came to her maternal home when she was pregnant, so that she could get timely treatment at the time of delivery. Her health suddenly deteriorated on Sunday night. When the family was taking her to the nearest Jawa hospital, flood water came on the bridge of Mahna river on the way. Priya kept suffering for two hours on the banks of the river. The woman and her family could not cross the bridge. Everyone was stranded on one side of the river. During this time, the family called a doctor from the village. By the time the doctor arrived, the woman’s condition had become critical. The doctor declared her dead after examination. The family reached Barhat with Priya’s body, but the road was closed due to floods. In such a situation, the body was brought to the village after taking a 40-km long detour and then the last rites were performed. Life could have been saved if treatment was received Priya’s sister-in-law Shanti Kol said, “If treatment was received on time, Rani could have been saved. This bridge is so low that every time it rains, water flows over it. But the administration never paid attention to it.” Priya’s father-in-law said that the daughter-in-law was sent to her maternal home because there was no road in the in-laws’ house. It was easy to go to the hospital from there, but the flood blocked the way there too. Pregnant women of Sidhi also opened a front Amidst this incident in Rewa, eight pregnant women of Khaddi Khurd village in Sidhi district have opened a front against bad roads. These women are being led by Bagheli social media influencer Leela Sahu, who is also pregnant. She says that the condition of the roads worsens in the rain, making it risky to reach the hospital. Collector ordered an inquiry Rewa Collector Pratibha Pal has ordered an inquiry considering the seriousness of the matter. She said that the administration will find out why the woman could not get timely medical facility and what steps can be taken to prevent such accidents in future. Ankit Pachauri Courtesy : Hindi News
TM Exclusive: Tribal teacher suspended for ‘Mangalsutra-Sindoor’ comment said- How is it wrong to tell girls to focus on studies?
The teacher told The Mooknayak that the suspension is wrong, will challenge the order in Rajasthan High Court Udaipur- Dungarpur’s second grade teacher Maneka Damor, who came under the target of the state’s BJP government due to her statement in support of ‘Bhil Pradesh’ at the Bhil Pradesh Cultural Maharally on July 18 at Mangarh Dham in Banswara district, was suspended on July 24. Maneka was working in the Government Higher Secondary School located in Saddia in Simalwada Panchayat Samiti of Dungarpur, who has been suspended and posted in the headquarters office of Chief Block Education Officer – Dowada. The government order mentions the recommendation of departmental inquiry and suspension against Damor under Rajasthan Conduct Rules and tarnishing the image of the Education Department. The Mooknayak had a detailed conversation with teacher Maneka Damor and tried to understand the entire incident from her own words. The teacher clarified to The Mooknayak that “I did not stop any woman from wearing sindoor or mangalsutra, my intention was to explain to the gathering that tribals are not Hindus, earlier tribal women did not wear sindoor and mangalsutra, I also did not know this and so till I was not aware I also used to wear sindoor and mangalsutra but since 2016 when I have joined a tribal family, I came to know that this is not tribal culture, after that I stopped wearing sindoor and mangalsutra.” Maneka told The Mooknayak that we never opposed the worship of gods and goddesses in schools but recently in a school, when children were asked to sing a group song from Bhil Pradesh, three teachers were suspended. Regarding that incident, I said in the gathering that have some shame – action was taken against me for this, but I do not feel at all that I said anything wrong or tarnished the image of the department. What did Damor say in the Mangarh Maharally? Many tribal organizations including representatives of Bharat Adivasi Party participated in the program organized on July 18, in which Maneka Damor, founder member of Adivasi Parivar, said that I neither wear Mangalsutra, nor apply Sindoor and I do not even observe any fast. One who himself eats jaggery cannot advise others not to eat jaggery. Damor had said that our schools have been made the home of gods and goddesses, there are so many festivals and celebrations. School is a temple of education, where children come only to study, there should be no celebrations there. While teaching women and girls to focus on education, Damor had repeated the words of Baba Saheb – Education is the milk of a lioness, whoever drinks it will roar. After this, many organizations had demanded action against the teacher in this matter. They alleged that the image of the education department has been tarnished. Sanskrit teacher but Ambedkarite thinking, against hypocrisy Maneka Damor is a Sanskrit teacher, in a conversation with Mooknayak she says that earlier she followed Hindu customs, wore Mangalsutra, Sindoor, symbols of Suhaag and also observed fasts but after coming in contact with a tribal family in the last 5-7 years, there has been a change. “I came to know that the tribals are not Hindus. I read many books about this, gathered information from documents, then I came to know about the Judgment of Supreme Court dated 5th January 2011 in which the Court also accepted that the tribals are not Hindus. After that my life changed and I realized that by planting wrong things in the minds of the tribals, rituals etc. are being imposed on them. Education is the only medium by which the tribal community can awaken and demand their rights.” Maneka says that I did not stop any woman from wearing Sindoor or Mangalsutra. Video excerpts of the speech of that day are available in which I did not say anything wrong. I have said that I do not wear Mangalsutra or Sindoor – what is wrong in that? Motivating the tribal community, which lacks education, to acquire knowledge cannot be called wrong in any way. Damor told that her suspension order is wrong and she is filing a petition against it in the High Court. Full support of family, support of husband and sons Maneka told that her family used to follow Hindu customs earlier but after joining the tribal family, they also do not believe in them. Maneka’s husband is a government teacher in Gujarat and the couple has two sons who are studying in ninth and seventh classes. Maneka says that I also teach my sons that they should stay away from religious hypocrisy and focus on studies and have a scientific attitude. She says that the whole family is in her support and her sons also believe that mummy has not done anything wrong. The Mooknayak spoke to Maneka’s brother Sitaram Damor who is preparing her writ petition in Jodhpur. Sitaram told that the basis of Maneka’s suspension has been made service rules conduct but Maneka has not said any indecent or unconstitutional words. If there is any complaint, the department should have issued a show cause notice, an inquiry should be conducted and action should be taken after hearing the teacher’s side, but here the teacher was directly suspended without APO, which is unfair and a petition will be filed against this order in the High Court. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy : Hindi News
FIR after recitation of poem on Kanwar Yatra: Bareilly teacher said- If you want to fight, find an equal man… Why are you blocking the path of the fakir!
The teacher said ‘The poem was for small children, not for elders’, former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav shared this video of the teacher and took a dig at the Amrit Kaal of BJP. Bareilly- An FIR has been registered on July 14 at Thana Bahedi under sections 295A and 505(2) against Rajneesh Gangwar, a Hindi teacher at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Inter College in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, after he read a poem written on the Kanwar Yatra. After this, the teacher has put forth his side by releasing a video. He clarified that his poem was to make small children aware of education, not to stop elders from Kanwar Yatra. This video of the teacher has also been shared by former Chief Minister and SP President Akhilesh Yadav and took a dig at the Amrit Kaal of BJP. This matter has now become a symbol of conflict between education and religious faith. The question is whether a teacher has the right to explain the importance of education to children or not. At present, the police is investigating and the matter is hot. Teacher Rajneesh Gangwar said in his defense, “I am the city president of ABVP, brand ambassador of Swachh Bharat Mission, cultural in-charge of Nagar Palika Behedi and also NSS program officer. My poem was for small children, who are of school going age. These days the whole country is watching the news that accidents happen due to Kanwariyas, there are fights, there are drunk people. Being a teacher, I just tried to show the right path to small children.” He further said, “When they grow up, whatever they want to become, I am not going to stop them or their family members. But right now they should focus on studies.” The teacher questioned the Hindu organizations that “Why don’t those who are hurt by my poem take action against their minister, Rajbhar ji had also said that no one becomes a doctor or engineer from those who carry Kanwar. Whatever he said about Kanwar, he said it on an open stage, will a case be registered against him?” Presenting this double standard in the lines of the poem, the teacher further said, “If you want to fight, find an equal person… why are you blocking the path of the fakir!” In this case, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav supported the teacher and tweeted, “FIR against the teacher and schools are being closed… is this Amritkaal for BJP?” At the same time, people of BJP and Kanwar Seva Samiti say that religious sentiments have been hurt by the poem. Lines of the poem which angered the organizations The poem for which an FIR was lodged against teacher Rajneesh Gangwar in Bareilly, UP is something like this. This poem was recited during a cultural program in the school on July 12. Don’t go to get Kavad, light the lamp of knowledge By serving humanity, become a true human No one has become a lawyer, DM or SP by carrying Kavad. No merchant has become a Hakim or Vaidya by Kavad water. There will be no development of intellect and wisdom by Kavad. There will be no salvation by cannabis, dhatura, ganja and sulpha intoxication. Leave the intoxication of caste and religion and do good for yourself. Study in schools and libraries and deepen your knowledge. Serve humanity with good deeds and light the lamp of love. Don’t go to get Kavad, light the lamp of knowledge. By serving humanity, become a true human. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
The file is pending for 30 years, now Dalit students have come out on the streets – will the Karnataka government be able to answer?
Protest by Dalit Student Council demanding internal reservation in government recruitments, also appealed to give relaxation to the youth who have crossed the age limit. Belagavi (Karnataka): Dalit Student Council on Thursday staged a strong protest in the Deputy Commissioner Office premises of Belagavi. The protesters demanded immediate implementation of internal reservation and issuance of notification for new recruitments in government jobs. The protesting students said that for the last three decades, the youth of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes and minority communities have been deprived of the benefits of internal reservation. Due to this delay, lakhs of youth are unemployed and the opportunities for government recruitment are continuously decreasing. The protesters also demanded that the candidates whose age has exceeded the prescribed limit due to delay in recruitment should be given relaxation in age, so that their future can be secured. The students criticised the state government, saying, “The government is only wasting time by talking about implementing internal reservation. This attitude is condemnable and it is hurting the spirit of social justice.” Prominent student leaders like Balraj Kamble, Ajit Madar, Adarsh Gasti, Akshay Kumar Ajmani, Sandeep Aihole and Shivam Kamble participated in the protest and addressed the people. The students said that this agitation is another attempt to remind the state government that the struggle will continue until social justice is put into practice. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy : Hindi News
We are with you in the fight to save water, forest and land… Rahul Gandhi said after meeting the tribals, what else did he promise?
Rahul Gandhi News: Rahul Gandhi met the representatives of the tribal society and discussed their challenges. He alleged that the BJP government is selling water, forest and land to billionaires, affecting the lives of the tribals. New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday met representatives of the tribal society and discussed the serious challenges facing them. This meeting was organized by the All India Tribal Congress. In the meeting, Rahul Gandhi spoke openly about the problems of the tribals, their rights and the injustice being done to them. During this, Rahul Gandhi said that the biggest issue of the tribal society is water, forest and land, which the BJP government is continuously selling to a few selected billionaires. He alleged that the forests of the tribals, which are the basis of their identity and life, are being destroyed and they are being forcibly made homeless. He also said that crops like tendu leaves, mahua, which are considered the backbone of the economy of the tribals, are being eliminated, which has directly affected their employment. At the same time, Rahul also alleged that the Modi government is weakening the PESA law made by the Congress-led UPA government. He argued that the budget allocated for the panchayats is either not spent or is transferred wrongly. Also, Rahul expressed concern about the education of tribal children and said that thousands of schools are being closed in states like Chhattisgarh. Targeting the BJP government, he said that the BJP government wants the tribal society, the original inhabitants of India, to remain weak, but the Congress stands strongly with its tribal brothers and sisters. We have made laws for their rights and now we will stand as a shield to protect them. This statement of Rahul Gandhi is considered to give new strength to the voice of tribal rights. Reported by: Manjari Chaturvedi•Edited by: Ashok Upadhyay Courtesy: Hindi News
From shadows to spotlight: How bollywood is finally embracing dalit identity
Mumbai, For decades, Bollywood’s protagonists paraded surnames that echoed dominance—Malhotra, Sharma, Singh, Verma—rarely reflecting the realities of caste and identity that exist beyond the silver screen. But tides are turning. With the rise of filmmakers and writers from the Dalit community, cinema is slowly shedding its upper-caste lens and stepping into more inclusive narratives. The upcoming film Dhadak 2, slated for release on August 1, has stirred conversations with its bold representation of caste identity. The protagonist Neelesh, played by Siddhant Chaturvedi, is unmistakably portrayed as a Dalit youth, even though his surname is never explicitly mentioned. In one striking visual, he is drenched in blue paint, a symbolic colour of Dalit resistance, paired with a blue scarf—a quiet but powerful assertion of his identity. Unlike older portrayals that kept caste under wraps, Dhadak 2 dares to bring it to the fore. As Neelesh grapples with the oppressive structures of society, his relationship with Vidhi, an upper-caste woman played by Triptii Dimri, evolves into a collective fight for justice and dignity. The narrative challenges not just societal norms, but also long-held cinematic stereotypes. This is not the first time Bollywood has explored Dalit consciousness. Films like Masaan, Kaala, and Newton have earlier laid the groundwork: Masaan offered a sensitive portrayal of a young man navigating the intersections of love, loss, and caste. Newton, with Rajkummar Rao in the lead, tackled the vulnerabilities of a government clerk conducting elections in a Naxal-dominated tribal belt, subtly hinting at institutional inequities. Kaala, led by superstar Rajinikanth, was a fierce Dalit assertion wrapped in the visual language of rebellion and colour. These films, often lauded at festivals but underrepresented in the mainstream, are finally finding their voice in theatres—and now, in popular conversation. As Dhadak 2 gears up for release, it is not just a love story—it’s a mirror to the caste realities that millions face. And in doing so, it marks another step in cinema’s long-overdue reckoning with caste identity—not as a footnote, but as the central narrative. Courtesy : Daijiworld Note: This news is originally published on https:/daijiworld.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Dalit woman brutally murdered in Hardoi, head and face were crushed in an attempt to erase identity
Dead body found in field near Gaura Road, mobile and purse missing, forensic investigation underway Hardoi/UP. A case of brutal murder of a Dalit woman has come to light in Madhoganj police station area of the district. The body of the woman was found on Monday morning on the way to the fields about 120 meters inside Gaura Road. The condition of the body was so horrific that her face and head were badly crushed, making it very difficult to identify. According to media reports, the deceased has been identified as Rani alias Ganga (48) wife of Ram Autar, resident of Axiya village. On Sunday morning around 9 am, she had gone to see her nephew at Singh Hospital in Sandila. While returning, she also contacted her husband Ram Autar on phone till Baghauli on the way. After this, there was no contact with him. On Monday morning, when the villagers saw the body of the woman lying on the way to the fields near Gaura Road, sensation spread in the area. On receiving the information, the police reached the spot and took the body into custody and sent it for post-mortem. The deceased’s slippers were found at the scene, but her mobile phone, purse and Aadhar card were missing. The body was found just one kilometer away from the house The deceased’s body was found just one kilometer away from her village. Vimala Guest House is also located about 100 meters away from the scene. In the initial investigation, the police suspect that the woman’s murder was planned and the head and face were crushed with the intention of erasing the identity. Rani was the mother of 8 children There is chaos in the family. The deceased Rani has 8 children, including two sons and six daughters. Five daughters are married, while one daughter and both sons are still unmarried. Husband Ram Avtar takes care of his family by farming. Police started investigation As soon as the information of the incident was received, the police and forensic team reached the spot and collected evidence. SHO Vijay Kumar said that the body has been sent for post-mortem and the forensic team has also examined the spot. All aspects of the murder are being seriously investigated and the incident will be revealed soon. This heinous murder has spread panic and anger in the area. Local people are demanding immediate arrest and strict punishment of the accused. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy : Hindi News
Dalit artist abused and beaten up? Serious allegations against Kannada Culture Department Director, case registered under SC/ST Act!
Dalit artist alleges caste-related abuse and assault on demand for remuneration pending for three years, FIR lodged with police. Bengaluru – A case has been registered against Kannada and Culture Department Director K.M. Gayatri under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (BNS). The action came after a Dalit artist complained that he was abused on caste-related grounds and behaved indecently on demand for pending payments. This complaint was lodged by 55-year-old Jogila Siddaraju at SJ Park Police Station in Bengaluru. According to Siddaraju, he had gone to the director’s office to get the remuneration of a group of artists pending for the last three years released. The complaint states that during the conversation, when the director came to know about his caste, the atmosphere deteriorated. Siddraju alleged that when he threatened to report the matter to higher authorities, Gayatri threw a computer mouse pad at him and also snatched the mobile phone of his colleague, who was trying to record the incident. The complaint also said that the director used casteist slurs against him, which caused him humiliation and mental agony. Police have registered an FIR under several sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and sections of the BNS that deal with voluntarily causing hurt and insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace. Police officials said a detailed investigation into the case was underway. There was no public response from KM Gayatri till the time of writing the report. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy : Hindi News
Caste violence in Gujarat: Sarpanch and his associates beat up Dalit family for requesting them not to damage drain
Casteist men came together and attacked a Dalit family, using weapons like sticks and gadda patu. The attackers also pelted stones and tried to break the door of the family’s house. Patan: A minor dispute took a violent turn when the village sarpanch and his associates launched a deadly attack on a Dalit family in Datrana village of Santalpur taluka in Patan district of Gujarat on July 16. The incident started when a Dalit man requested them not to damage the drain constructed in front of his house. Enraged over this petty issue, the sarpanch and his associates not only used caste-related slurs but also attacked the family members with weapons like sticks and gadda patu. The incident is yet another example of rising caste violence against the Dalit community in Gujarat, highlighting social inequality and the apathy of the local administration. According to the information given in the FIR, on July 16, around 6:30 pm, Sarpanch Jeevanbhai Savabhai Ahir was removing mud from the road with a JCB machine in Datrana village. During this, Madevbhai Dhawal of the Dalit community requested him not to damage the drain built in front of his house, so that water does not spread on the road and dirt can be avoided. The Sarpanch got angry at this and started abusing Madevbhai, which included caste-related slurs. After this, the Sarpanch attacked Madevbhai with a gadda paatu (a type of tool). When Madevbhai’s family members Muljibhai Danabhai Dhawal, Naranbhai, his wife Upaben, Mayurbhai and Vinodbhai etc. intervened to save him, the Sarpanch called his companions. These included Kishanbhai Jeevanbhai Ahir, Bhachabhai alias Bhappu Patabhai Ahir, Virambhai Savabhai Ahir, Parbatbhai Lalabhai Ahir, Savabhai Lalabhai Ahir, Dalabhai Lalabhai Ahir and other unidentified persons. These people jointly attacked the Dalit family, using weapons like wood and gadda pattu. In the attack, Naranbhai, Upaben, Muljibhai, Mayurbhai and Vinodbhai suffered serious injuries, especially on the back and head. The attackers also pelted stones and tried to break the door of the family’s house. The attackers threatened that “today we have escaped, but next time we will kill you.” The injured were taken to the government hospital in Santalpur through 108 ambulance, where they were given first aid. Following this, Muljibhai Danabhai Dhawal lodged a complaint at the Santalpur police station. The complaint has been filed under sections 3(1)(r) (intentional insult of a person belonging to SC/ST) and 3(1)(s) (using caste-based slurs against a person belonging to SC/ST) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (SC/ST Act) along with sections of the BNS. The FIR names sarpanch Jeevanbhai Savabhai Ahir, Kishanbhai Jeevanbhai Ahir, Bhachabhai alias Bhappo Patabhai Ahir, Virambhai Savabhai Ahir, Parbatbhai Lalabhai Ahir, Savabhai Lalabhai Ahir and Dalabhai Lalabhai Ahir. Social activist Narendrabhai M Parmar from Patan says the incident in Datrana village is proof that caste mentality is still deeply rooted in society. Caste-based violence against Dalits has been reported repeatedly in Gujarat. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), more than 1,500 cases were registered under the SC/ST Act in Gujarat in 2023, reflecting rising atrocities against the Dalit community. In many cases, especially in rural areas, Dalits are subjected to social boycott, humiliation and violence. Such violence often starts from petty disputes, such as personal lifestyle or participation in social activities. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy : Hindi News