Why did tribal women in Udaipur wait for 4 hours for internet access? Brinda Karat writes to Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan about the shutdown of MNREGA!
The ‘Vikasit Bharat – Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Rural) Act, 2025,’ or VB-GRAMG Act, will come into effect on July 1. New Delhi/Udaipur—Senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and former Rajya Sabha member Brinda Karat has written a letter to Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, raising serious objections to the rules of the Vikasit Bharat – Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Rural) Act (VB-GRAMG Act). This letter, written a day before the new law comes into effect, cites genuine problems faced by rural laborers and demands the immediate withdrawal of the rules and the reinstatement of MNREGA. Karat begins her letter by referring to Barapala, a tribal village in Rajasthan’s Udaipur district, where she had interacted with laborers at a MNREGA worksite the previous day. He reported that during the summer season, many female workers waited for about four hours from 6:30 am to 10 am for the online attendance site to open, but could not work that day due to a lack of internet connection. This situation was reported to be common. Indigenous He reported that after the end of MNREGA in December last year, these workers received only 18 days of work from January to June, despite assurances to Parliament that work would continue until the new law was implemented. In particular, at least 12 elderly women complained that the biometric facial recognition technology was unable to recognize their eyes, resulting in them being excluded from work. Karat said that the end of MNREGA has been devastating for the poor in the village. During the summer season, many female workers waited for about four hours from 6:30 am to 10 am for the online attendance site to open, but could not work that day due to a lack of internet connection. This situation is common in the tribal areas of Rajasthan. In light of these very real problems, Karat told the Union Minister that his ministry published eight rules of the VB-Gramji Act on May 22nd without consulting rural and MNREGA workers’ organizations and unions. Had they been consulted, the real problems could have been addressed, but the new rules are more flawed than the law itself and completely ignore the voices of workers. Internet and Telecom In the letter, Karat first raises the constitutional question of whether these rules violate Article 258 of the Constitution, which deals with the “conferring or imposing of duties” on states. According to him, the VB-Gramji Act not only imposes financial burdens on state governments but also imposes responsibilities without their consent. While Article 258(3) requires the central government to reimburse states for additional expenditure, the new rules deprive states of any role in decision-making, a direct attack on the federal structure. Kerala provided an average of 66 days of work a year, which is much higher than the national average, but will receive fewer funds due to its low population. Similarly, Tamil Nadu, which has the highest number of active MNREGA workers despite having a high GSDP, will also receive fewer funds. Karat also criticized the allocation criteria (Rule 396E). He said that the law already relies on fund allocation rather than demand-based work, but the rules determine allocation based on the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission, which assigns a 42.5 percent weighting to per capita Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and 17.5 percent to population. He said these criteria have nothing to do with rural laborers seeking work. Politics Citing an example, he pointed out that Kerala provided an average of 66 days of work a year, which is much higher than the national average, but will receive fewer funds due to its low population. Similarly, Tamil Nadu, which has the highest number of active MNREGA workers despite having a high GSDP, will also receive fewer funds. Karat called this discriminatory and demanded an immediate reconsideration. Furthermore, Karat viewed the “additional expenditure” (Rule 403E) clause as an insult to state governments. He stated that state governments wish to spend their own funds on work expansion and innovation, but the rules bind them to central financial oversight. He sharply questioned whether the right to work would be held hostage to the efficiency or inefficiency of state governments as dictated by the central government. Regarding wage payment and worker identification (Rules 397E and 402E), Karat stated that the rules are completely silent on crucial issues such as the actual determination of wage rates, the timeframe for wage increases, or linking them to price indexes. He stated that the excessive emphasis on online registration and attendance is far removed from rural reality. Even with good internet access, registration can take 1-3 hours. Will this time be included in wages? He questioned why workers should be punished for the dishonesty of officials. Karat said that this approach to the use of technology is based on elitist thinking, while the experience of millions of MNREGA workers shows that this thinking is wrong. He warned that arbitrary and high productivity standards can make it impossible for workers to even earn minimum wages. Therefore, the rules should include a provision for time-use surveys. This is especially important for women workers, as most of the workers in these workplaces are women. Executive Branch Karat also described the formation of the National Level Steering Committee (NLSC) (Rule 397E) as a bureaucratic trap. He said that this committee has minimal representation from states (only five members) and no place for workers or other stakeholders. While more than 50 percent of workers are women, 18 percent are Scheduled Tribes, and 17 percent are Scheduled Castes, their ministries have been excluded from this committee. States are bearing 40 percent of the cost, but with only five members, they have been treated unfairly, as if the center is saying, “Share the cost, but the decisions will be ours.” The Central Council has no binding power, and no independent authority has been created for social audits, which are essential for transparency and corruption control. Finally, Karat said that these
Dalits’ share of budget spent on other schemes: Maharashtra government under fire for allocating ₹2.8 crore to the Warkari Mahamandal!
VBA strongly objects: Dalits’ budget worth crores diverted to other schemes, scholarships and welfare schemes still pending Mumbai – The Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) has strongly protested the Maharashtra government’s decision to approve financial assistance of ₹2.80 crore from the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department’s budget for the Ashadhi Ekadashi festival through the Chief Minister’s Warkari Mahamandal. The party alleges that the budget earmarked for the welfare of the Scheduled Caste community is being continuously diverted to other schemes, adversely affecting the rights and development of the Dalit community. Through a Government Order issued on July 2nd, the Maharashtra Government has granted administrative and financial approval of a total of ₹2.8 crore (280 lakh rupees) to the Chief Minister’s Warkari Mahamandal to provide assistance of ₹20,000 per Dindi to 1,400 Dindis accompanying 10 palanquins of Maan during the Ashadhi Ekadashi Wari in Pandharpur. According to the Government Order, this amount will be provided from the “Chief Minister’s Warkari Mahamandal’s Assistance Grant (2235D963)” under the Budget Head 2235 – Social Security and Welfare of the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department. The order also states that this amount will be distributed through the Chief Minister’s Warkari Mahamandal, with the Divisional Commissioner, Pune, designated as the Controlling Officer and the Tehsildar (General Administration), Office of the Divisional Commissioner, Pune, as the Drawing and Disbursing Officer. Discrimination and Identity Relationships Criticizing the order, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi’s State General Secretary, Rajendra Patode, alleged that the Social Justice Department’s budget, especially funds earmarked for the Scheduled Castes, is being continuously used for schemes that are not directly related to the social, educational, and economic empowerment of the Dalit community. He stated that previously, similar funds were used for the Kisan Samman Yojana, the Chief Minister’s Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, and the Chief Minister’s Tirtha Darshan Yojana, and now, in the same vein, Rs. 2.80 crore has been allocated to the Chief Minister’s Warkari Mahamandal. Patode stated that if the government wishes to implement these schemes, separate provisions should be made for them from the general budget. He alleged that shifting the budget earmarked for the Scheduled Caste community to other items violates constitutional rights. According to him, numerous schemes related to scholarships, education, economic development, and social justice for Dalit students are still pending, while crores of rupees are being spent for other purposes. Diverting the budget allocated for the Scheduled Caste community to other items violates the rights granted by the Constitution. Previously, funds from the Social Justice Department were similarly used for the Kisan Samman Yojana, the Chief Minister’s Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, and the Chief Minister’s Tirtha Darshan Yojana. – Rajendra Patode, State General Secretary, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi The Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi also stated that due to the lack of a separate and effective legal framework for the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan, governments are arbitrarily using this budget. The party alleges that this is why the actual benefits of the funds allocated for the Scheduled Caste community are not reaching the targeted groups. Patode described this as a “financial emergency”-like attack on the rights of the Dalit community and called for a widespread public movement on this issue. However, the Maharashtra government’s administrative decision states that the purpose of this assistance is to provide ₹20,000 per Dindi to the 1,400 Dindis accompanying the 10 palanquins of Maan participating in the Ashadhi Ekadashi Wari in Pandharpur. The preamble states that the Warkari tradition is an important cultural heritage linked to Maharashtra’s social harmony, saint tradition, and public awareness, and given the growing numbers, this assistance is considered necessary for management and facilities. According to the government, the Chief Minister’s Warkari Mahamandal was established to carry out welfare programs for the Warkari community and kirtankars, and as in the past two years, it has been decided to provide grants to the Dindis this year as well. Currently, this decision has sparked political debate over the use of the Social Justice Department’s budget. The Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) has demanded that the budget allocated for the Scheduled Caste community be used only for schemes related to the social, educational, and economic development of that community, and that legal safeguards be ensured to prevent the diversion of such funds to other schemes. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
Manjhi lashed out at Chirag, saying, “You took seats by lying; you gave us a rattle.” He advised his son, “Santosh… you should also speak up, what is visible sells.”
“Santosh, you should also speak up… nothing is achieved by keeping your mouth shut. What is visible sells. It is important to remain active in politics and put your point across to the public.” Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi made these remarks while addressing an event. Without naming Chirag Paswan, the national president of NDA ally LJP (R). Manjhi said, “You took all the seats you wanted by lying. What did you get? You were given a rattle. Some women who wear bangles remain silent, while others keep jingling. You too should jingle your bangles.” He also said, “There is very little discussion on Dalit issues in Parliament. Today, only MP Chandrashekhar Azad ‘Ravan’ strongly raises Dalit issues. I have also guided him in this direction in parliamentary politics.” Manjhi took a dig at Chirag Paswan – “Do you want to become a martyr by cutting your nails?” During the event, Jitan Ram Manjhi took a dig at Chirag Paswan without naming him. He said, “What kind of people are there who do anything for political gain? One man says, ‘No one can abolish the Constitution and reservation as long as I am here.’ Do you want to become a martyr by cutting your nails? I say that as long as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is here and Samrat Chaudhary is here, no one can harm the Constitution and reservation. Another man says, ‘Nothing can happen as long as we are here… Hey, who are you?” He alleged that in the name of Dalits and reservation, some people took more seats and even won elections, while his party did not get its due. For some, Samrat is a thorn in their eyes. Addressing the event, Jitan Ram Manjhi praised Samrat Chaudhary. He said, “There are many people in politics who consider Samrat Chaudhary a thorn in their eyes.” Manjhi also made several statements regarding Dalit issues, reservation, NDA politics, and the current political situation in Bihar. He said that for the real development of Dalits, a separate electoral system and equal education system are needed. Manjhi said, “Today the world has reached the moon, but the Dalit community is still stuck there. Until a separate electoral system and equal education system are implemented for Dalits, their real development is not possible.” Advice given to son Santosh Manjhi Referring to his son and HAM Party national president Santosh Kumar Suman, Jitan Ram Manjhi said that he should pay more attention to issue-based politics. He said that it is important to carry forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s politics and his development model. If the party works seriously in this direction, it can reach the top. Courtesy: Hindi News
Land mafia encroaches on Dalit land in Rae Bareli: Victims reach District Magistrate’s office seeking justice
In Tanghan village, under the Jagatpur police station area of Rae Bareli, land owned by Dalits is alleged to have been encroached by land mafia. After repeated complaints were not heard, the victims reached the District Magistrate’s office and pleaded for justice. Led by Deshraj Pasi, District President of the Pasi community, hundreds of victims marched from Vikas Bhawan to the District Magistrate’s office at 2:30 pm on Monday. The protesters held placards and shouted slogans against the government. The victims allege that land mafias have colluded with the Revenue Department to manipulate government records. They say that under the protection of the police force, powerful people are encroaching on Dalit land by constructing boundary walls. Will lay siege to Unchahar Tehsil One victim, Phoolan Devi, stated that she has submitted a complaint to the District Magistrate three times regarding this matter. However, each time she has received only assurances. The victims say they are constantly making rounds of the administration and local public representatives, but their grievances are not being heard. District President Deshraj Pasi has issued a stern warning in this regard. He said that if appropriate action is not taken soon and their land is not returned, they will surround the Unchahar tehsil. Pasi further said that if they do not get justice there, they will go to the state capital, Lucknow, and raise their voice at the Chief Minister’s office. Ashish Kumar Srivastava | Rae Bareli Courtesy: Hindi News
Allahabad High Court’s Important Directive: A QR Code-Based System Should Be Implemented to Prevent Fake Caste Certificates in Uttar Pradesh
To curb the circulation of fake caste certificates in Uttar Pradesh, the Allahabad High Court has given the Yogi government a crucial suggestion to implement a new system based on QR codes and software. Uttar Pradesh: Expressing serious concern over the increasing number of fake caste certificates, the Allahabad High Court has issued a crucial suggestion to the Uttar Pradesh government. The court believes that a software and QR code-based certification system should be implemented for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). This new technology will directly combat fraud. The High Court clarified that this technology-based verification system will bring transparency to the entire process, eliminate arbitrary powers held by officials, and curb the issuance of fake caste certificates. The court also noted that adopting such innovative measures will facilitate proper audits and provide a reliable means of verifying the authenticity of issued certificates. This significant observation was made by a division bench of Justice Saumitra Dayal Singh and Justice Swarupama Chaturvedi while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). The PIL was filed by the UP Koli Kori Pratinidhi Sabha. The petition drew the court’s attention to a serious ground reality. The petitioner organization alleged that Scheduled Caste certificates were being issued to members of the “Koli” caste, even though this caste is not recognized in the Scheduled Caste list. This was happening simply because its pronunciation resembles that of the “Kori” caste, which is actually listed as a Scheduled Caste. The petition alleged that local officials were issuing certificates to the wrong people based solely on similar names or spellings, a direct violation of the President’s orders. No one appeared on behalf of the petitioner during the hearing. However, Additional Advocate General Manish Goyal presented his case on behalf of the state government. Given the gravity of the matter, the division bench strongly criticized the flaws in the current verification process. The court stated that the current system empowers lower-level officials with excessive privileges. Prima facie, it appears that modern technology is so capable that the state government can provide a robust and transparent software-based system for SCs, STs, and OBCs. This will eliminate the unnecessary and unchecked powers held by officials up to the tehsildar level, which often lead to the issuance of questionable or incorrect certificates. Following these strong and important observations by the High Court, Additional Advocate General Manish Goyal sought time from the court to obtain necessary instructions from the relevant officials. In its July 2 order, the division bench directed the matter to be listed for further hearing on July 23. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
CJP’s protest continues for the 16th day, hunger striker Sonam Wangchuk loses 6 kg.
Students’ anger continues at Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak and exam malpractice. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike has added a new edge to the movement amid demands for the Education Minister’s resignation. New Delhi: The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)’s protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar against the alleged exam malpractice and paper leak entered its 16th day on Sunday, July 5. Protesters continue to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and accountability of the government. Meanwhile, this was the eighth day of renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike. Due to this rigorous fast, he has lost approximately 6 kg. According to a health bulletin issued by doctors, Wangchuk’s blood pressure while lying down was recorded at 112/70 mm Hg. Her heart rate remains at 72 beats per minute and her blood sugar level is 67 mg/dL. The medical report clearly states that her hydration is normal and she is mentally alert. However, her current weight has dropped to 60.95 kg, representing a loss of approximately six kg in seven days. The CJP has been demanding the resignation of the Education Minister. They allege that repeated exam irregularities and paper leaks have ruined the lives of countless students and their families. In this regard, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke informed on the social media platform ‘X’ that on Sunday (July 5), the parents of NEET candidate Riya Kumari Thapa arrived at the protest site. The organization claims that Riya’s dreams were shattered due to the alleged paper leak, leading to her tragic death. Dipke explained that Riya’s father is a former soldier and joined the protest with the plea that no other family should suffer the pain that his family has endured. He urged the central government to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future. In another post, the CJP clarified that it stands firmly with Thapa’s parents in this hour of grief and will continue to fight against the corrupt system that failed their daughter. The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for admission to medical colleges was held on May 3, but was cancelled amid serious allegations of paper leaks. A re-examination was subsequently held on June 21. On the other hand, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has already expressed its support for the CJP’s movement. The farmers’ organization is now sending a delegation to Jantar Mantar on July 7. Earlier, in its letter to the CJP, the SKM had stated that its delegation would visit the protest site on Sunday (July 6). The farmers’ body expressed solidarity with the agitating students and youth, stating that a transparent, fair, and credible examination system is every student’s fundamental right and that it is the government’s duty to ensure accountability. On a separate platform at the protest site, several members of the left-wing student organization, the All India Students Association (AISA), are also continuing their indefinite hunger strike. On Saturday (July 4), Danish Ali, joint secretary of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU), had to be admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. On the seventh day of the hunger strike, her blood sugar level dropped dangerously to 46 mg/dL. Meanwhile, Neha, Manish, Rishikesh, Deepak Kumar Verma, and Amin continue their indefinite fast at the protest site. The CJP’s protest, which began on June 20th over alleged irregularities in the country’s examination system, has already garnered widespread support from several prominent political leaders, social activists, and members of civil society. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
A shameful incident in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh: Dalit maid raped for years under false pretenses of marriage, threatened with death if forced to convert.
In Ballia, an orphan Dalit girl was raped for seven years after a marriage agreement was signed, and pressure was now being exerted to convert. A case has been filed against the accused, Jalaluddin, under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Uttar Pradesh: A shocking incident has come to light from Ballia district. A Dalit woman has accused her employer of raping her for years after falsely promising marriage. The victim also alleges that the accused was constantly pressuring her to convert. Considering the seriousness of the matter, the police have registered a case against the accused and initiated an investigation. According to the police complaint, the 24-year-old accused, Jalaluddin, took advantage of the victim’s orphanhood and poverty. He kept her at his home under the pretext of providing domestic work. The woman alleges that the accused began molesting her while she was working and gradually subjected her to his lust. According to the victim, she had been subjected to forced sexual intercourse since 2017. The complaint also reveals a shocking revelation. The victim says that when she threatened to speak out against this abuse, Jalaluddin resorted to a trick to silence her. On August 10, 2021, he entered into a “written agreement” with her and allegedly staged a marriage. The girl was only 17 years old at the time. During this written agreement, the victim was assured that when she turned 20, the accused would formally marry her. She was also lured with a share in his property. However, as time passed, these promises proved to be a fraud. According to the complaint, when the woman pressured Jalaluddin to marry her as promised, he imposed the condition of religious conversion. It is alleged that when the victim flatly refused to convert, she was threatened with death. Furthermore, the woman also claims that the accused is now planning to marry another woman. Rasra Circle Officer (CO) Rajneesh stated that a case was registered against Jalaluddin on Saturday based on the victim’s complaint. The accused has been charged under sections related to rape in the Indian Penal Code (IPC), as well as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) and the SC/ST Act. The police are currently conducting a thorough investigation into the matter. The legal process of recording the victim’s statement in a local court in Ballia is underway. In compliance with the Supreme Court’s clear directives and the right to privacy in sexual assault cases, the victim’s identity has been kept strictly confidential. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Tamil Nadu: Woman allegedly abducted by kin for marrying Dalit man; four arrested
Days after seeking police protection for their inter-caste marriage, a Trichy couple allegedly came under attack, with the husband assaulted and the woman forcibly taken away by her relatives. A 26-year-old woman was allegedly abducted by members of her own family for marrying a Dalit man against their wishes in Tamil Nadu’s Trichy district. Police rescued her within hours and arrested four people, including her relatives, in connection with the incident. The woman, M Chithiravalli, from Mudukkupatti, belongs to the Most Backward Class (MBC) community. She had married P Ajith Kumar, who belongs to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, on June 25 despite opposition from her family. The couple had met while working at a plastic and vessels store owned by Chithiravalli’s brother-in-law, P Murugesan, in Manapparai. Following their marriage, the couple approached the Manapparai All Women Police Station seeking protection. Police conducted an inquiry with members of both families. After Chithiravalli stated that she wished to live with her husband, she was allowed to leave with Ajith Kumar. On July 1, however, Murugesan lodged a complaint with the Manapparai police, alleging that Ajith Kumar had threatened him. Police summoned both parties for an inquiry on July 4. While Ajith Kumar, Chithiravalli and his mother appeared before the police, Murugesan did not. After recording their statements, Ajith Kumar, Chithiravalli and his mother left the police station in an autorickshaw and were travelling towards Sithanatham. At around 1.40 pm, near Maravanur on the Trichy-Dindigul National Highway, the autorickshaw was intercepted by a group that arrived in two vehicles. According to the police, the group assaulted Ajith Kumar, allegedly abused him with caste-based slurs, threatened to kill him, and forcibly abducted Chithiravalli. Ajith Kumar and his mother tried to stop them but were unsuccessful. Based on Ajith Kumar’s complaint, the Manapparai police registered a case under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Police arrested Chithiravalli’s brother, M Malaisamy; her brother-in-law, P Murugesan; Murugesan’s brother, P Prakash; and N Amanullah alias Mala. All four have been remanded to judicial custody. The two vehicles allegedly used in the abduction were also seized. Chithiravalli was later traced to her grandmother’s house in Yagapuram, where she had allegedly been confined by her family. She was rescued on Saturday night and reunited with her husband. Police said Chithiravalli’s family had allegedly been pressuring her to leave Ajith Kumar and had threatened him with consequences if she refused. Further investigation is underway. Courtesy : TNM Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewsminute.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Alleged rape of a Dalit girl in Neemgaon: Family apprehended the accused and handed him over to the police, a case has been registered.
A case of alleged rape of a 15-year-old Dalit girl has come to light in the Neemgaon police station area of Lakhimpur Kheri. It is alleged that on the night of July 5th, a young man named Mehboob, a resident of the same village, entered the house and forcibly raped the girl. The family apprehended the accused on the spot and handed him over to the police. According to the police, the accused, Mehboob, son of Ahmed Raja, entered the house by jumping over the wall at night. The girl was sleeping inside at the time. It is alleged that the accused tore her clothes and raped her. The family members were awakened by the girl’s screams. The family members apprehended the accused Mehboob on the spot and immediately informed Dial 112 police. Upon receiving the information, a police team arrived at the scene and took the accused into custody and took him to the police station. Based on the complaint filed by the victim’s mother, a named FIR has been registered against the accused at the Neemgaon police station. Neemgaon Police Station Chief Praveer Kumar Gautam stated that a named case has been registered based on the complaint filed by the victim’s mother, and further legal action is underway. Tension prevails in the village due to the case involving two communities. Ashwani Bajpai | Behjam (Lakhimpur Kheri), Lakhimpur Kheri Courtesy: Hindi News
Following the High Court’s reprimand, Bihar Police took major action: 7, including 5 officers, arrested in the case of a Dalit youth missing for 10 months.
Following the Patna High Court’s strictness, Bhojpur Police took major action, with Excise Department officials facing serious charges of custodial death and concealment of evidence. New Delhi: Following the Patna High Court’s strictness, the police have taken a major step in the case of a Dalit youth missing for 10 months in Bhojpur district, Bihar. A total of seven people, including two Excise (Excise) Department officials and three Home Guards, have been arrested in this sensational case. Court and Judiciary Bhojpur Superintendent of Police (SP) Raj confirmed that six of the seven arrested accused have been sent to judicial custody, while one has been taken on police remand. The arrested officers include Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) Dheeraj Kumar and Raj Kumar. In addition to these, Home Guards Dharmendra Paswan, Umesh Kumar Yadav, and Raju Kumar Singh have also been arrested. Along with these five government employees, two private drivers, Surendra Kumar Singh and Vikas Kumar, have also been arrested. The entire case is related to the disappearance of Sanoj Kumar, a 31-year-old Dalit youth. In August 2025, the Excise Department conducted a raid in Dharhara Musahar Toli near Bihiya in Bhojpur district in connection with a liquor case. The family alleges that Sanoj has been missing since he was taken into custody on August 13, 2025. The Excise Department has consistently claimed that the youth escaped from their custody, but the family has made serious allegations of murder and destruction of evidence in police custody. The High Court took a tough stand while hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Sanoj’s father, Gauri Shankar Ram. Citing the July 2 order before a division bench of Justices Rajiv Ranjan Prasad and Kumar Manish, the Bhojpur Superintendent of Police made a shocking revelation. Law Enforcement The Superintendent of Police informed the court that interrogation of the arrested excise department personnel revealed contradictory versions of the incident. The investigation revealed that Sanoj was manhandled while in custody, and that a private driver driving the excise department vehicle had pulled him upwards by putting a towel around his neck. Excise officials also relied on CCTV footage to support their theory of Sanoj’s escape in court. They claimed that the young man escaped by opening the rear door of the vehicle. However, after reviewing the footage, the Patna High Court, in its oral observation, stated that the vehicle was a fully enclosed Bolero. The court clarified that escaping by jumping out without opening the rear door was impossible. Given the sensitivity of the case, the court directed adequate security for key witnesses. The police informed the court that two other individuals detained with Sanoj were afraid to speak the truth. The court also recorded the statement of Sanoj’s father, Gauri Shankar Ram, in which he stated that several people were pressuring him to hush up the case. The court directed the police to conduct an impartial investigation into these allegations. In the previous two hearings, the High Court had raised serious questions about the investigation’s conduct. On June 30, the court recorded that on the day of the raid, Sanoj had called his father at 6:35 and 6:43 pm to inform him that he had been apprehended by excise department officials. Investigators also discovered that the last tower location of one of Sanoj’s mobile phones was at the Jagdishpur Excise Police Station. South Asians and Expatriates The court expressed strong displeasure that excise officials handed over the mobile phone to the police the next day but did not send it for forensic examination. On June 24, the court remarked that despite being identified as suspects 10 months earlier, no seven members of the team had been questioned or arrested. The High Court has warned that if the investigation continues to be slow, the case may be handed over to an independent agency. The next hearing in the case will be held on July 7, where the Bhojpur police will have to present a further investigation report to the court. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News