Dalit girl raped in Ballia, youth arrested
Ballia: Under the direction of Superintendent of Police Omveer Singh, the Revati police station has achieved success in the ongoing campaign against crime and criminals. On June 24th, based on the complaint of the plaintiff, the police registered a case under the rape, POCSO Act, and SC/ST Act. Station House Officer Anupam Jaiswal, along with Constables Shailesh Kumar and Karan Yadav, were on duty in the area. Meanwhile, Kanak Soni alias Makhan Soni, son of Surendra Soni (resident of Revati Ward No. 3, Town Police Station, Revati, Ballia), accused under sections 65(1), 351(3) IPC, 3(2)V, 3(2)VA of the SC/ST Act, and 3(2) of the POCSO Act, was arrested near the crossing near Khedan Square. Courtesy: Hindi News
SPECIAL | Rahul Gandhi weighs bigger role for Charanjit Singh Channi as Punjab Congress eyes Dalit, Sikh and Hindu vote balance ahead of 2027
Sources familiar with the deliberations said the leadership, under Rahul Gandhi, is examining a formula that combines social representation with organisational stability. The Congress high command is learnt to be considering one of its biggest organisational exercises in Punjab since the 2022 Assembly election, with discussions indicating that former Chief Minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi could be entrusted with a larger role in the state unit as part of a broader strategy to rebuild the party before the 2027 polls. According to party sources, the proposed restructuring goes far beyond a routine leadership change. The exercise is understood to be aimed at creating a carefully balanced organisational structure that gives representation to Punjab’s three most significant electoral segments, Dalits, Jat Sikhs and urban Hindu voters, while ensuring that senior leaders continue to remain politically relevant within the organisation. Sources familiar with the deliberations said the leadership, under Rahul Gandhi, is examining a formula that combines social representation with organisational stability. Alongside the appointment of a new state leadership, key election-related responsibilities, including campaign management, coordination, manifesto preparation and organisational planning, are also expected to be distributed among experienced leaders in an effort to minimise factionalism ahead of the Assembly election. Dalit vote bank at the centre of Congress calculations Political observers believe the reported move is primarily driven by Punjab’s unique social composition. Punjab has the highest proportion of the Scheduled Caste population among all Indian states, with Dalits accounting for nearly 32 per cent of the state’s population. The community plays a decisive role not only in the 34 Assembly constituencies reserved for Scheduled Castes, but also influences electoral outcomes in dozens of general seats across Doaba, Malwa and parts of Majha. Within the Congress, Channi is regarded as the party’s most recognisable Dalit Sikh leader. His tenure as Punjab’s first Dalit Chief Minister and his victory from the Jalandhar Lok Sabha constituency in the 2024 parliamentary election have strengthened perceptions within the party that he continues to enjoy considerable political acceptability among sections of Dalit voters. Party strategists are believed to feel that projecting a strong Dalit face at the organisational level could help the Congress regain a section of the traditional support base that has shifted towards rival political parties over the past several years. Balancing the Jat Sikh leadership is equally important Even as the Congress attempts to consolidate Dalit voters, the party is understood to be equally cautious about maintaining its influence among Punjab’s politically dominant Jat Sikh community. Although Jat Sikhs constitute an estimated 20 to 22 per cent of Punjab’s population, they continue to exercise significant political influence across rural constituencies, particularly in the Malwa region, which sends the largest number of MLAs to the Assembly. Party insiders believe any organisational restructuring that overlooks this influential community could create fresh internal challenges. Consequently, discussions are said to include assigning major organisational and election-management responsibilities to senior Jat Sikh leaders, allowing them to continue playing a central role in shaping the party’s campaign strategy while maintaining social equilibrium within the organisation. Urban Hindu voters also part of the strategy Another important element of the reported formula is the urban Hindu electorate. According to the 2011 Census, Hindus account for nearly 38.5 per cent of Punjab’s population. However, political strategists generally estimate that the decisive urban Hindu voting bloc constitutes around 25 to 26 per cent of the electorate and significantly influences election results in cities such as Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Patiala, Pathankot and several municipal centres. Congress leaders are believed to be exploring ways to ensure adequate organisational representation for leaders who enjoy influence in urban constituencies, thereby broadening the party’s appeal beyond its traditional rural support base. Lessons from the 2022 defeat The reported restructuring also reflects the Congress leadership’s assessment of the mistakes made during the 2022 Punjab Assembly election. The party had projected Channi as its chief ministerial face only a few months before polling. However, persistent factionalism, competing leadership centres, and organisational disunity overshadowed the campaign, reducing the Congress to 18 seats in the 117-member Assembly, while the Aam Aadmi Party secured a landslide victory. Many within the party now believe that social representation alone cannot deliver electoral success unless it is backed by organisational unity, clearly defined responsibilities and coordinated campaigning. 2024 Lok Sabha performance revives confidence The Congress’s improved performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, in which it won seven of Punjab’s 13 parliamentary seats, has reportedly prompted the central leadership to accelerate organisational restructuring well before the next Assembly polls. Party leaders are believed to view the parliamentary results as evidence that the Congress continues to retain substantial support in Punjab despite its defeat in the previous Assembly election. The leadership now appears keen to convert that momentum into a stronger organisational framework capable of sustaining a statewide campaign. Social engineering before 2027 Political analysts believe Congress is attempting to build a broader electoral coalition rather than relying on any single community. The reported strategy seeks to combine the electoral strength of Punjab’s nearly 32 per cent Dalit population, the politically influential 20-22 per cent Jat Sikh community, and the decisive urban Hindu electorate that plays a crucial role in several Assembly constituencies. If implemented successfully, such a leadership structure could allow the party to simultaneously target multiple voter segments while reducing internal friction among senior leaders. Unlike previous organisational changes that largely focused on individual appointments, the latest exercise appears to be centred on building a leadership model designed around Punjab’s electoral arithmetic and social realities. Although speculation over the proposed changes has intensified, Congress has not made any official announcement regarding the restructuring. The final shape of the Punjab unit is expected to emerge only after the party leadership completes its internal consultations. With less than a year and a half left before political activity gathers full momentum for the 2027 Assembly election, the decisions taken by the Congress in the coming weeks could play a significant role in determining whether
ASP Appointed To Probe Deaths Of Dalit Youths
The police appealed to Dalit organisations, including those led by Mandakrishna Madiga, to call off their proposed protest in view of the ongoing inquiry Maidakur DSP S. Rajendra Prasad on Sunday said an IPS officer had been appointed to inquire into the deaths of two Dalit youths, who were found dead in a canal at Brahmamgari Matham on February 5, 2026. Addressing a press conference in Maidakur, the DSP said the incident had sparked suspicion among Dalit organisations, which alleged foul play and claimed justice had not been delivered. The organisations had also proposed a ‘Chalo Kadapa’ protest to press their demands Responding to their demand for a higher-level inquiry, Kadapa SP Nachiket Vishwanath appointed Proddatur ASP Vibhu Krishna as the inquiry officer. The DSP said Dalit leaders had also raised doubts over whether the FIR had been registered in accordance with legal procedures. He added that a video recorded by a witness who accompanied the deceased had been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for analysis. Meanwhile, the police appealed to Dalit organisations, including those led by Mandakrishna Madiga, to call off their proposed protest in view of the ongoing inquiry. 2 engg students drown at beach Two first-year engineering students drowned at Bhavanapadu beach in Srikakulam district on Sunday after being caught in strong sea currents. The victims were identified as S. Yeshwanth, 18, and G. Agastima, 18. According to reports, they were part of a group of students from a private engineering college who had visited the beach. While bathing, the two were swept into deep waters by strong currents and drowned. Agriculture minister K. Atchennaidu expressed shock over the incident and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families. Describing the tragedy as heartbreaking, he directed officials to extend all possible assistance and ensure necessary support to the families of the deceased. 32 fall ill after eating roadside snacks Thirty-two persons were admitted to the Primary Health Centre at Dugguduru in Kajuluru mandal after they allegedly suffered food poisoning from eating snacks purchased from roadside vendors. Officials said the victims consumed the snacks on Friday evening and began reporting to the hospital from Saturday. More patients were admitted on Sunday, while some were discharged after treatment. Officials said around 60 others were reportedly undergoing treatment at private hospitals. Medical and health department officials rushed to the village and treated the affected persons. Kakinada district medical and health officer D.N. Naick visited the hospital and reviewed the condition of the patients. He said the patients were recovering. Courtesy : Deccan Chronicle Note: This news is originally published on https:/deccanchronicle.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Two-day Dalit writers’ conference concludes in Jaipur
Jaipur: A two-day state-level Dalit Writers’ Conference, jointly organised by Pranjal Sahitya Akademi, Jaipur, and Rajasthan Sahitya Akademi, Udaipur, concluded Sunday at the Mata Ramabai Auditorium of the Dr Ambedkar Memorial Welfare Society. The conference featured poetry recitals by writers from across Rajasthan, who presented works centred on the vision of an egalitarian society. 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
UP Elections 2027: Avinash Pandey removed, Congress prepares to balance Dalit-OBC equations by handing over the reins to Rajendra Pal Gautam
Ahead of the 2027 UP Assembly Elections, the Congress has made a major organizational reshuffle. Focusing on the Dalit and OBC vote bank, it is preparing to strengthen its hold within the “INDIA” alliance. Uttar Pradesh: Just before the Assembly elections, the Congress has begun laying out its strategic and organizational foundation in the state. The party’s entire focus is now on building a strong Dalit and OBC social alliance. The Congress is confident that this formula will not only regain lost ground in the state but also significantly strengthen its negotiating power within the opposition “INDIA” alliance. In a major move, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Friday removed Avinash Pandey from the post of General Secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh. In his place, Rajendra Pal Gautam, National President of the Scheduled Castes Department and a prominent Dalit leader, has been given this important responsibility. Just a day before this announcement, Gautam was in Lucknow, where he, along with Anil Jaihind, in-charge of the AICC’s OBC wing, celebrated Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj’s birth anniversary as ‘Reservation Day.’ According to senior Congress sources, Rajendra Pal Gautam’s appointment is not being seen as a simple organizational change. The party is aiming to send a major political message to Dalit voters ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. Congress also wants to establish that its ally, the Samajwadi Party (SP), is not the only option for Dalits in their fight for rights, but that the party is also a strong platform for them. According to reports from within the party, this organizational reshuffle in Uttar Pradesh will not be limited to the change of in-charges. Ahead of the elections, major changes have already been scripted for the state’s co-in-charges (secretaries) and state leadership. There is talk that the next president of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPPCC) could be appointed to a prominent OBC leader, ensuring the party’s Dalit-OBC social engineering strategy is fully implemented. A senior Congress leader explained this strategy, stating that the party fought the 2024 Lok Sabha elections strongly on issues of social justice and protection of the Constitution, yielding positive results. If the Congress wants to carry this discourse into the 2027 assembly elections, it must demonstrate this social commitment within its organizational structure. Currently, the Uttar Pradesh Congress is headed by Ajay Rai, a prominent Bhumihar leader from eastern Uttar Pradesh. He was appointed state president in August 2023, replacing Dalit leader Brijlal Khabri. Rai had contested the previous two Lok Sabha elections against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the Varanasi constituency, which was crucial for the party’s electoral strategy at the time. In the 2024 elections, he also succeeded in significantly reducing PM Modi’s victory margin. However, Congress strategists believe that the political demands of Lok Sabha and Assembly elections are completely different. The perception within the party has grown increasingly strong that the campaign to protect the Constitution and reservations in the last Lok Sabha elections led a significant portion of Dalit voters to the “India” alliance. Retaining this vote bank in the upcoming electoral battle is crucial for the party’s future. While Samajwadi Party leaders are publicly downplaying this Congress assessment, Congress leaders argue that this support from Dalits and backward classes will put them in a strong position during seat-sharing negotiations for the upcoming Assembly elections. It’s clear that Congress’s entire restructuring plan has been designed with the 2027 election battle in mind. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Three workers cleaning a septic tank in Delhi died tragically after inhaling toxic gas; three others, including the factory owner, have been arrested.
Three workers died from toxic gas while cleaning a septic tank in Mundka, Delhi; police arrested the factory owner and contractor, raising serious questions about administrative negligence. New Delhi: A tragic and disturbing incident occurred on Friday in the Mundka Industrial Area of the national capital, Delhi. Three workers who had entered a septic tank at a printing press factory lost their lives while cleaning it. Police took swift action and arrested three people, including the factory owner and contractor. Initial police investigations revealed that the three workers entered the tank one after the other and died after inhaling the suffocating and toxic gases present within. According to an official, at 12:03 pm, the police, Delhi Fire Service, and Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) received an emergency call about people trapped inside the factory in Mundka. The deceased have been identified as 38-year-old Arun, 32-year-old Sandeep, and 42-year-old Chand. All three were residents of the Indira Lake area of Sultanpuri. Following the rescue operation, police pulled out the bodies from the tank and sent them to Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital for post-mortem to confirm the exact cause of death. Outer Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Vikram Singh, giving details of the case, said that factory owner Suraj Marwah had hired a contractor named Neeraj, a resident of Nangloi, to clean the septic tank. Police have arrested Suraj Marwah, contractor Neeraj, and factory employee Jayant. A case has been registered against them under sections 106 (causing death by negligence) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). They have also been charged under Section 9 of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, and the stringent provisions of Section 3(1)(j) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Senior government officials say a detailed report will be prepared to ascertain the exact sequence of events and the cause of death. Officials also clarified that the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) is primarily responsible for cleaning septic tanks in the city’s industrial areas. Following this heartbreaking incident, Bezwada Wilson, national convener of the Safai Karmachari Andolan, met with the families of the victims. He expressed concern that there are approximately 30,000 sanitation workers in Delhi, of whom 10,000 work solely as septic and sewer tank cleaners. He clarified that no worker should be asked to enter the tank, even with safety equipment, and that the work should be done entirely through mechanized methods. Meanwhile, Sucheta Dey, Vice President of the All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), claimed that even government departments are sometimes seen employing manual scavengers without any safety gear. The incident has also drawn political backlash. Delhi Congress President Devendra Yadav has termed the incident as a result of gross administrative negligence. He has demanded a thorough investigation into the matter and adequate compensation for the destitute families of the deceased. This is not the first case of deaths during sewer cleaning in the capital. Similar deaths were reported last year in Ashok Vihar, New Friends Colony, and Narela. According to official data shared by the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) in the Lok Sabha in March this year, 62 deaths have occurred in Delhi since 2017 due to hazardous sewer and septic tank cleaning. The Commission’s data also shows that Delhi was one of the first cities to ban the practice, yet among 22 states and two union territories, Delhi recorded the highest number of complaints related to manual scavenging in 2025, at 140. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
‘Ban the RSS’: Dalit organizations enraged by BJP leaders’ comments on Priyank Kharge, sparking violent protests in Karnataka
Dalit organizations, enraged by BJP leaders’ comments on Priyank Kharge, staged a violent protest in Kalaburagi, demanding a ban on the RSS and the removal of Mohan Bhagwat’s security. Karnataka: Kalaburagi witnessed massive protests on Thursday. The Dalit Sanghatanegala Samanvaya Samiti (DSS) and several other Dalit organizations staged a strong protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office. The protest was directed at recent comments made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders against state minister Priyank Kharge. Priyanka Kharge had raised some questions about the status and functioning of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The protesters say that BJP leaders should have responded rationally to the issues raised by Kharge. Instead, they launched personal attacks on the minister and are threatening him. The protesters categorically stated that the statements made against Kharge by BJP MP Ramesh Jigajinagi and former ministers K.S. Eshwarappa and C.T. Ravi were highly objectionable. They believed these leaders’ statements were completely insulting and intimidating. Dalit organizations have appealed to the state government to take this entire incident seriously. They stated that democratic values and freedom of expression must be protected at all costs. Recently, Kharge wrote a letter to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, seeking clarification regarding the organization’s registration and its stated objectives. The protesters defended this move, stating that these questions were being asked in the interest of public accountability and transparency, and not to target any particular individual. These organizations have called on the state government and the Congress party to extend their full support to Priyank Kharge. They reiterated their demand for a thorough investigation into the functioning of the RSS, stating that there is a severe lack of transparency in its structure. They also demanded that the organization be registered under a proper regulatory framework. Protesters formed a human chain outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Kalaburagi to register their protest. They raised slogans, expressing solidarity with Kharge and demanding the registration of the RSS. Participants held placards bearing strong messages, including “Ban the RSS,” “The RSS must be registered,” “Withdraw RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s Z-plus security,” and “We stand with Priyank Kharge.” Following the protest, the organizations submitted a memorandum addressed to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar through the Deputy Commissioner. The memorandum urged the state government to examine the legal status of the RSS and take appropriate steps to uphold constitutional values and social harmony. The entire protest was led by social activists Devendra Sinnur, Mallappa Hosamani, Renuka Singhe, Dinesh Doddamani, and several other members of various organizations. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit activists raise hostel shortage issue
Mangaluru: Dalit activists on Saturday expressed concern over the shortage of hostels for SC/ST students, saying the lack of accommodation has been causing hardship to students from remote areas who come to the city to pursue higher education. At the monthly SC/ST grievances redressal meeting held at the city police commissioner’s office, Dalit activist SP Anand urged the authorities to complete the hostel admission process before schools and colleges reopen. In response to the issue, an official from the social welfare department said a proposal had been submitted to the govt seeking sanction for two separate hostels for boys and girls. Anand said that govt guidelines permit the department to operate hostels in rented buildings when there is a shortage of accommodation and urged the authorities to invoke the provision until permanent facilities are created. The meeting also discussed a range of traffic, civic and law-and-order issues. DCP (Law and Order) Mithun H.N. chaired the meeting. 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
Father-son duo held for torching Dalit family’s house in Pilibhit
Pilibhit: A father-son duo was arrested for allegedly setting the house of a Dalit family on fire in Piparia Mandan village under Barkhera police station limits early on Saturday. Pilibhit SP Sukirti Madhav told TOI that the accused suspected the family of abducting a 20-year-old woman from their household. The woman went missing under mysterious circumstances on Thursday evening, and police registered a missing person report the next day. Complainant Nanhe Lal (35) said he had gone to Etah district on June 26 to drop off a group of labourers when the incident took place. He alleged that Akash Pandey and his father, Bhannu Pandey, reached his house, hurled casteist slurs at his family, and set the thatched front portion of the house on fire. His wife and children escaped unhurt, but the grain and firewood stored in the house were allegedly reduced to ashes, while the main door of the pucca structure was damaged. “As locals gathered at the spot to help, the accused fled after threatening to kill the entire family,” Lal alleged. He added that the duo had accused him of abducting Bhannu Pandey’s daughter-in-law. SHO Satyandra Kumar said that a case was registered against both the accused under relevant sections of the BNS and the SC/ST Act. They were arrested and sent to jail. Additional police personnel have been deployed in the village to prevent any untoward incident. 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
LoP alleges manual scavenging in Dalit Dy CM Parameshwara’s home dist
Bengaluru: Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka on Saturday alleged that Dalits continued to face “grave injustices” under the Congress government, citing an example of “manual scavenging” in Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara’s home district of Tumakuru. The BJP leader alleged that there was diversion of welfare funds meant for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and rising atrocities against them. Ashoka posted an undated video on his ‘X’ handle on Saturday where people in bare-minimum clothes were seen lifting and loading filth in a tractor on the Karnataka Electricity Board Engineers’ Association’s building premises. According to him, Dalits were still being forced into manual scavenging even in the home district of Parameshwara, a Dalit himself, and the government has failed to safeguard their rights. “In the very home district of Parameshwara, where slogans were once raised demanding a ‘Dalit Chief Minister’, the downtrodden communities are still being forced into the pitiable condition of manually carrying human excreta. Under the government led by Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, the rights of Dalits have absolutely no value,” he said. Alleging that four workers were made to manually clean a septic tank at the premises of the KEB Engineers’ Association, Ashoka claimed that the authorities had failed to act despite a similar incident involving a child labourer at the Koratagere bus stand. “Even after a child labourer was recently made to perform similar work at the Koratagere bus stand, neither the district administration nor the government has woken up to the issue,” he said. Ashoka further alleged that the Congress government had misused Rs 53,059.45 crore from the SCSP-TSP funds over the last three years for guarantee schemes. He also accused it of “reducing allocations” to corporations meant for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. He also alleged a rise in atrocities against SCs and STs, with 2,277 cases recorded in 2025, and referred to the reported discovery of maggots in food served at the Jai Bhim Hostel in Chikkaballapur as another example of the government’s failure. Accusing the ruling party of “betraying the interests of marginalised communities”, Ashoka said, “The Congress, which loudly claims to stand for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, is in reality taking steps that undermine their interests.” He further charged that “the party has earned the ignominy of turning the state into a ‘model state’ for atrocities against Dalits,” and said Home Minister Priyank Kharge, who is also a Dalit, “has lost the moral authority to invoke the Constitution and the name of Babasaheb Ambedkar”. 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