Why Abhijeet Dipke Defies Dalit Leadership Stereotype: Harish Wankhede Explains
Wankhede describes why Dipke has tasted unique success and how it presents a new possibility in Dalit leadership. Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder’s success as a mainstream leader in the youth-led NEET protests in June-July, going beyond and along with his caste identity has presented a unique possibility in Indian politics, says Harish Wankhede, assistant professor, Centre for Political Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University. In an interview with The Wire’s senior political correspondent Sravasti Dasgupta, Wankhede describes why Dipke has tasted unique success, how it presents a new possibility in Dalit leadership, how the CJP’s October protests against the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar failed to gather mass momentum, why the BJP was better prepared in comparison to July and the many challenges that lay ahead for Dipke and the CJP. Sravasti Dasgupta Courtesy : The Wire Note: This news is originally published on https:/thewire.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
MP: Minor Dalit Girl’s Clothes Allegedly Torn During Assault Over Land Dispute
A video showing three women, including a minor schoolgirl, allegedly being assaulted by a group of men over a land dispute in Madhya Pradesh’s Guna district has surfaced on social media. The incident reportedly took place on October 19 under the jurisdiction of the Cantt police station. According to the complaint, the accused allegedly dragged the women into a house, assaulted them, tore the minor girl’s clothes, hurled caste based abuses and threatened to kill them if they returned to the disputed field. Police have registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The accused are being searched for, according to police. Family Was Heading to Police Station Over Missing Maize In her complaint, the Class 10 student said her family had been involved in a long standing land dispute with a villager identified as Gajram Yadav. On October 19, around 6:30 am, the family discovered that four to five piles of maize stored in their field were missing. The student’s father, Kok Singh, brother Hari Singh and maternal uncle Balistir Ahirwar left on a motorcycle to report the matter to the police. The student later set out for the police station with her mother, Tulsabai, and sister in law, Seema Ahirwar, carrying documents related to the land. According to the complaint, the three women were intercepted near Gajram Yadav’s house by Gajram, Lallu Yadav, Ramkumar Yadav and Dharmendra Yadav. Minor Girl Allegedly Assaulted, Clothes Torn The complaint alleges that the men forcibly dragged the women into a house and assaulted them with kicks, punches and slaps. The minor student reportedly sustained injuries to her head, back and arms, while her mother and sister in law also suffered injuries. Ramkumar Yadav allegedly tore the student’s clothes during the assault. The accused also allegedly used caste based slurs and threatened to kill the family if they returned to the disputed field. Hearing the women’s cries, a Dial 112 police vehicle reached the spot and took them to the police station. Father, Brother and Maternal Uncle Also Allegedly Attacked Police later learnt that the student’s father, brother and maternal uncle had also allegedly been assaulted by the accused while they were on their way to report the missing maize. CSP Saifa Hashmi said a case had been registered on the basis of the written complaint and statements. Police are searching for the accused. 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
Ayodhya News: Three-and-a-half-year sentence for Dalit harassment
Ayodhya. The court has convicted Prem Nath Mishra, the accused, in a case of assaulting a Dalit man and using casteist slurs. Special SC-ST Act Judge Deepak Yadav on Monday sentenced the accused to three years and six months’ imprisonment and a fine of 14,000 rupees. The case occurred in Sumerpur village, under the Kumarganj police station area, in 2012. According to the prosecution, Hub Lal was returning home from the fields at around 8 a.m. on December 9th. Prem Nath Mishra chased him, assaulted him with sticks, and insulted him with casteist slurs. He was also allegedly threatened with death. Hub Lal’s nephew Vinod and his brother’s wife, Dhela, who tried to intervene, were also assaulted, resulting in injuries. During the trial, the 73-year-old victim, Hub Lal, recorded his statement in court. The prosecution presented seven witnesses. Based on the statements of witnesses and the available evidence, the judge convicted Prem Nath Mishra and sentenced him. Courtesy: Hindi News
FIR against 2 for molesting Dalit woman
Pilibhit: An FIR was registered against two men for allegedly molesting a 30-year-old Dalit woman, hurling casteist slurs at her and threatening to kill her in Pilibhit, police said on Monday. The incident took place on Oct 23 when the woman had gone with her cousin to use a toilet near a village pond, about 700m from her home. The accused, both farmers from the Thakur community, allegedly caught hold of her and molested her. Hearing her cries for help, two women from the village rushed to the spot, prompting the men to flee. The accused also allegedly hurled casteist slurs at the survivor and threatened to kill her. The woman’s father, an ITBP constable posted in New Delhi, returned to his native village after learning about the incident and approached police on Oct 26. The survivor also submitted a written complaint, following which the FIR was registered on Monday evening. The father told TOI that theirs was the only Dalit household in the village, where most residents belonged to upper castes, and that the family had faced repeated harassment by influential villagers. Officiating station house officer Neeraj Singh Tomar said, “An FIR was registered against the accused under BNS Sections 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 74 (assault or criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 352 (intentional insult), 351(3) (criminal intimidation) and relevant sections of the SC/ST Act.” 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
Why were Dr. Sequeira, who left Mumbai to serve tribal communities and Dalit activist Laxman Naik arrested? What do civil society groups say?
Doctor and community health worker Randall Sequeira and Dalit activist Laxman Naik were arrested on October 16th amid anti-bauxite mining protests in Odisha. New Delhi – Dr. Randall Sequeira and Dalit activist Laxman Naik, who provide health care to tribal communities in Odisha’s Kalahandi district, were arrested on the night of October 16th. Both are currently in judicial custody at the Rayagada sub-jail. Police have charged them with connection to a violent clash in April 2026. Police say Sequeira was inciting tribals against the government and Naik was misleading people, while human rights organizations and civil society groups have questioned the process and motive behind the arrests. On October 16th, around 10:45–11:00 pm, police arrived in two jeeps at Dr. Sequeira’s home in Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi, where Naik was also staying. According to the Orissa Post, police, acting on a tip-off, arrested the two men from their rented house on the night of October 16th. Several officers were in civilian clothes. Their mobile phones were snatched and they were taken to the Bhawanipatna Town Police Station. Their whereabouts were unknown to their families and lawyers from 6 a.m. until around 6:30 p.m. on October 17th. That evening, they were produced before the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate of Rayagada and remanded to judicial custody for 15 days. According to the police, the arrests were made in connection with Case No. 85/2026 of the Kashipur Police Station. The case relates to a violent clash that occurred on the night of April 6–7, 2026, in Kantamal (Kutamal) village in Rayagada district. Police entered the village in connection with a road project for Vedanta’s proposed Sijimali bauxite mine. Villagers alleged lathicharge and tear gas, while police claim protesters attacked them. According to the police, lathicharge and tear gas were used to disperse the crowd, injuring several people and police officers. The incident was related to a protest against the construction of an access road to the Sijimali bauxite reserve. Police say Dr. Sequeira and Laxman Nayak were not named in the original FIR, but their role emerged during the investigation. Dr. Sequeira and Laxman Nayak face charges of attempt to murder, rioting with a deadly weapon, robbery, and criminal intimidation with a threat to kill. A police officer also stated that a case has been registered under the attempt to murder, rioting, and the Arms Act. Human rights and tribal rights organizations have called the arrests wrong and illegal, demanding their release. The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), the Concerned Citizens Committee Odisha, the Medico Friends Circle, and other organizations have condemned the arrests. They allege that the arrests were made without a warrant or reason and are part of a conspiracy to suppress the protests against Sijimali bauxite mining. They say that dozens of cases have been filed in the area in the past three years, and hundreds of tribal and Dalit people have been jailed. According to a statement from the Medico Friends Circle, both were held overnight without a warrant, arrest memo, or reason, and were denied access to lawyers or family. According to the organization, neither was named in the original FIR, and Sequera already has anticipatory bail in another case. PUCL condemned the arrests. It says this is the latest in a series of arrests of Dalit and tribal leaders protesting against Vedanta’s mine in Sijimali. Activists claim that more than 100 Dalit and tribal people have been arrested and 43 cases filed since the protests began in 2023. Southwest Range DIG Akhileshwar Singh told PTI that the arrested people were not innocent. According to him, Dr. Sequera was inciting tribals against the government instead of providing medical services, and Naik was misleading people. He said that many doctors work in Kalahandi and Rayagada, but only Dr. Sequeira was arrested. Regarding the allegations of torture, he said that neither of them filed any such complaint with the magistrate in court. Another official said that the two were not named in the FIR, but their involvement came to light during subsequent investigations. According to RTFC, an organization based in Rayagada-Kalahandi, the Odisha High Court had previously quashed the district order prohibiting Sequeira from entering Rayagada. Sequeira’s mother, Nancy Sequeira, said that her son was fighting for the rights and dignity of tribals and she hopes for justice. The Sijimali hill region has been in dispute over bauxite mining since 2023. Local communities have been claiming to protect their rights to water, forest, and land. Background of the Sijimali Dispute In 2023, Odisha auctioned the Sijimali bauxite block, spread across Rayagada and Kalahandi, to Vedanta Limited. According to a report, the lease covers approximately 1,549 hectares and is expected to produce approximately 9 million tons of bauxite annually for 50 years. Villagers allege that the Gram Sabha’s consent was obtained through forged signatures. According to the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre, the resolutions from the alleged Gram Sabha meetings of December 8, 2023, were forged. A Worrying Trend of Criminalizing Democratic Protest Dr. Sequeira (39) was born in Karnataka and grew up in Mumbai. He completed his MBBS from St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru. He moved to Kalahandi in 2017. He organized health camps in remote tribal villages, treated pregnant women and malnourished children, and helped local students prepare for medical entrance exams. He was involved with the Medico Friend Circle and the Jan Swasthya Abhiyan. Laxman Nayak is a Dalit activist associated with the Maa Mati Mali Suraksha Manch and the Samajwadi Jan Parishad. He is also a martial arts trainer. The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) strongly condemned the arrests of Dr. Randall Sequeira and Laxman Nayak. The organization stated that these arrests should be seen in the context of the continued imprisonment of Lada Sikaka, president of the Niyamgiri Suraksha Samiti, and Lingaraj Azad, advisor to the Niyamgiri Suraksha Samiti and Maa Mati Mali Suraksha Manch. The detention of several activists associated with movements protecting tribal land and natural resources reflects a worrying trend of criminalizing democratic
Holiday on Valmiki Jayanti in UP: A Strategy to Strengthen Outreach to the Dalit Community Before 2027?
The Dalit vote bank has long played a decisive role in Uttar Pradesh politics. With the 2027 Assembly elections in sight, the BJP is also eyeing this major social segment. The Yogi government’s major decision regarding Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti is considered significant from a political perspective ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh. With the announcement of a public holiday today, the government will celebrate Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti in all 75 districts. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will attend a program organized in Kanpur on this occasion. Focus on the Dalit Community The Dalit vote bank has long played a decisive role in Uttar Pradesh politics. With the 2027 Assembly elections in sight, the BJP is also eyeing this major social segment. The statewide celebrations of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti can be seen as an attempt to strengthen socio-cultural ties among the Dalit community. The Special Significance of Valmiki Jayanti Maharishi Valmiki holds a special place in Indian tradition, and his birth anniversary holds special significance among the Valmiki community. Therefore, organizing events in all 75 districts of the state, and the Chief Minister personally attending the events, reflects the government’s priority. All Eyes on Dalit Voters Winning Dalit voters will be crucial for all major political parties in the 2027 elections. While the BJP may seek to expand its reach through social representation and cultural events, the SP is relying on its PDA alliance, and the BSP on its traditional Dalit base. Tough Competition in the 2027 Elections Ahead of the 2027 elections, all major parties are competing to woo Dalit voters: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): Attempts to unite Dalits under a broader Hindu identity and development agenda through cultural events, development of the Valmiki Circuit/Bithoor, and social harmony. Samajwadi Party (SP): Under its PDA (Backward, Dalit, Minority) alliance, it is engaged in organizing the Dalit community on the issue of social justice and representation. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP): The BSP is continuously emphasizing cadre camps and organizational expansion at the grassroots level to keep its traditional Dalit core vote bank united and prevent it from shifting. Congress: The Congress is also trying to reconnect with Dalits and underprivileged communities through programs in the districts on the occasion of birth anniversaries of great personalities. Pankaj Chaturvedi | Edited By: Prashant Kumar Singh Pankaj Chaturvedi has over a decade of experience in journalism. He has been covering national and Uttar Pradesh politics. His journalistic journey began with Amar Ujala and Punjab Kesari in Delhi. Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit Youth in Kerala Alleges Police Assault During Theft Probe
The family of a Dalit youth in Peringalam, Poonjar, in Kerala’s Kottayam district, has accused the Erattupetta police of assaulting him during questioning in connection with a suspected cable theft. The youth, identified as Abhilash, is undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kottayam. According to a report by The Hindu, Abhilash was taken from his home by a police team on Friday morning, October 23, as part of an investigation into the theft of electricity wires. His brother, Vineesh, alleged that police personnel assaulted Abhilash at their home and later inside a vehicle while taking him to the Erattupetta police station. He claimed that the personnel slapped him and hit him on his legs and head. Vineesh also alleged that the police team did not identify themselves when they arrived at the house and used abusive language while taking his brother away. He has filed a complaint with Pala Deputy Superintendent of Police T.M. Varghese. Youth Taken to Hospital After Release Scheduled Caste promoter Jishnu Thankachan said Abhilash was released after his statement was recorded at the police station. However, the youth reportedly complained of weakness and a headache after returning. He was initially taken to Pala General Hospital and later shifted to the Government Medical College Hospital in Kottayam for further treatment. Thankachan said he would submit a report on the incident to the Scheduled Castes Development Department. Police Deny Custodial Assault Allegations Deputy Superintendent of Police T.M. Varghese denied the allegations of custodial assault and said Abhilash had been summoned to record his statement in connection with the suspected theft of Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) wires. The police were investigating the theft of electricity wires following a landslip in the Poonjar area last month. Abhilash was questioned because he was believed to have information about those allegedly involved in the theft, the officer said. According to Varghese, a four-member police team visited Abhilash’s house on Friday and found him heavily intoxicated. The team initially took him in a private vehicle before shifting him to a police jeep. “He was taken to a hospital for a medical examination before being brought to the police station,” Varghese said. The officer added that the police recorded Abhilash’s statement and called the Scheduled Caste promoter to the station. Abhilash and the promoter were allowed to go out for lunch before returning to complete the statement. Abhilash was later sent home with the promoter, he said. Varghese maintained that investigators had not established Abhilash’s involvement in the theft and that further investigation was needed to determine whether he had any role in the offence. Abhilash works as a casual labourer for a KSEB contractor. The allegations of assault have not been independently established. 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
After 42 years, a temple chariot passed through a Dalit settlement in Tamil Nadu; a minister flagged off a trial run in Kanchipuram.
After a gap of 42 years, a temple chariot passed through a Dalit settlement in Puthagaram village near Walajabad in Tamil Nadu’s Kanchipuram district on Sunday during a trial run conducted under the district administration’s direction. Chennai: After a gap of 42 years, a temple chariot passed through a Dalit settlement in Tamil Nadu’s Kanchipuram district. This historic event occurred during a trial run conducted under the district administration’s direction in Puthagaram village, located near Walajabad. The Rath Yatra was carried out to the Arulmigu Sri Muthu Kolakki Amman Temple in Puthagaram village. Residents of the colony had long demanded that the temple chariot be taken through their settlement, while a section of residents had been protesting. This time, when the Rath Yatra passed through the Dalit settlement, there were protests, but due to the strictness of the police and administration, the Rath Yatra was completed peacefully. The Madras High Court heard a petition filed by Pasarai Selvaraj regarding this dispute. The Madras High Court ordered that the temple chariot should pass through the Dalit settlement. Despite this court order, the Rath Yatra could not be held for a long time. The Yatra was halted even after the Madras High Court’s order. Members of the Dalit community of Puthagaram village had demanded that the chariot of the ‘Arulmigu Sri Muthu Kolakki Amman Temple’ pass through their settlement. However, some people reportedly opposed this demand, leading to a dispute over the chariot’s route. Responding to a petition filed by Pasarai Selvaraj, the Madras High Court ordered that the temple chariot should pass through the Dalit settlement. Despite this court order, the Rath Yatra could not be held for a long time. The procession was carried out with a heavy police presence. As per the district administration’s instructions, the chariot’s trial run began on Sunday. Minister for Non-Resident Tamil Welfare Thennarasu and Forest Minister Ranjith Kumar initiated the trial run by pulling the chariot’s rope. Tight security arrangements were put in place throughout the village, led by District Superintendent of Police (SP) Arvindhan. Over 200 police personnel, including four DSPs, two ASPs, and 10 inspectors, were deployed. Amid police protection, the chariot passed through various parts of the village and reached the temple. As the chariot entered the Dalit settlement after 42 years, residents offered prayers, performed Deeparadhana (worship of lamps), and celebrated by pulling the chariot’s rope amid the beats of Chenda Melam (traditional musical instrument) and drums. Curated by: Shashi Mishra About the Author Shashi Pandey Mishra is the Principal Digital Content Producer at Navbharat Times Online. She covers news in Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Kerala, and Goa, as well as the Northeast. She has over 18 years of experience in print, electronic, and digital journalism, serving in various roles as a reporter and on the desk. Shashi Pandey Mishra joined Navbharat Times Online in September 2017. Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalits attending the Durga idol immersion procession were attacked; a case has been filed against six.
Ballia (UP), Four people were injured when a group of Dalits attending the Durga idol immersion procession allegedly attacked them in the Gadwar police station area of Ballia district in Uttar Pradesh. Police gave this information on Saturday. Deputy Superintendent of Police Satish Sharma said that a named case was registered against six people on Friday under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. According to the police, a case has been filed against Subhash Rajbhar, Mukesh Rajbhar, Pradeep, Abhay, Prince, and Saurabh at the Gadwar police station based on a complaint by Bikaau Prasad. According to the FIR, the incident occurred on October 21 near Daai Sthan in the Gadwar police station area when the Durga idol immersion procession was passing by. According to the complaint, the accused allegedly arrived armed with sticks and other weapons and assaulted Pappu Kumar and Pankaj Kumar using casteist slurs. The complaint states that when Harinder and Ajit tried to intervene, the accused also assaulted them. All four were injured in the incident. It is alleged that the attackers threatened to kill the victims and fled. The Deputy Superintendent of Police stated that the matter is under investigation. Courtesy: Hindi News
Questions raised over the arrest of Dr. Randall Siqueira and Dalit activist Laxman Nayak, who works for tribal communities,
Dr. Randall Siqueira is a physician and community health worker who has worked among tribal communities in the Kalahandi and Rayagada districts of Odisha. Laxman Nayak is a Dalit activist and is associated with the Maa Mati Mali Suraksha Manch and the Samajwadi Jan Parishad. Odisha. The arrest of social activist Dr. Randall Siqueira and Dalit activist Laxman Nayak is gaining momentum. Police detained them from Dr. Randall Siqueira’s Bhawanipatna home at around 10:45 pm on October 16th. After being detained overnight, they were taken to Rayagada, where they were produced before the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) at around 6:30 pm and then sent to the Rayagada sub-jail. Following their arrest, social organizations have launched a protest. An organization called Rozi Roti Adhikar Abhiyan has raised questions about the arrests. According to a press release issued by the organization, the arrests of the two are related to case number 85/2026 registered at the Kashipur police station in Rayagada district. This case relates to an incident that occurred in Kantamal village on the night of April 6th and 7th, 2026. During that incident, there were reports of lathicharge and use of tear gas against villagers. Villagers and police officers were also reported injured in the incident. The campaign claimed that the names of Dr. Randall and Laxman Nayak were not mentioned in the FIR. The organization also raised questions about the seizure of their mobile phones and the legal procedures followed during their detention. Demanding an impartial investigation into these aspects, the Rozi Roti Adhikar Abhiyan stated that the detention process should be in accordance with the law, and that the families and lawyers should be provided with timely information. Social activist and founder of Tribal Army, Hansraj Meena, also raised questions. According to him, the arrest of Dr. Randall Siqueira and Dalit activist Laxman Nayak, who served tribal communities in Odisha, is extremely worrying. The same doctor who has been treating tribal children for years is now in jail for raising his voice for tribal rights to water, forest, and land. Why is the government criminalizing those who protect tribal land and forests? Have the interests of mining companies become greater than the constitutional rights of tribals? Meena demanded the immediate release of Dr. Randall Siqueira and Laxman Nayak, a fair investigation, and the protection of tribal rights. Dr. Randall Siqueira is a physician and community health worker who has worked among tribal communities in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts of Odisha. Laxman Nayak is a Dalit activist and is associated with the Maa Mati Mali Suraksha Manch and the Samajwadi Jan Parishad. Both have been active in protests against mining projects and in struggles related to the rights of local communities. Siddhartha Gautam Courtesy: Hindi News