Mangu Ram Mugowalia and Ad Dharm movement: A century of Dalit assertion in Punjab
The Ad Dharm Movement, led by Mangu Ram Mugowalia, marked a transformative assertion of Dalit identity and dignity in Punjab, whose legacy continues to shape ongoing struggles for social and economic equality. June 11–12, 2026, marks the centenary of the Ad Dharm Movement, one of the most significant yet underappreciated chapters in the history of anti-caste struggles in India. Formally launched on June 11–12, 1926, under the leadership of Mangu Ram Mugowalia, the movement emerged as a powerful assertion of dignity, self-respect, and independent identity among the oppressed castes of Punjab. At a time when untouchability and caste discrimination structured everyday life, Ad Dharm challenged the social order by proclaiming that Dalits were not merely victims of caste oppression but a people with their own history, culture, and spiritual traditions. While anti-caste movements led by Jyotiba Phule in Maharashtra, Periyar in Tamil Nadu, and Ayyankali in Kerala have received recognition, the contribution of Mangu Ram Mugowalia remains relatively absent from mainstream narratives of social reform. Yet his role in shaping Dalit consciousness in Punjab was no less transformative. Through the Ad Dharm Movement, he laid the foundations of a distinct political and cultural identity that continues to influence Dalit assertion in the region even today. The movement also occupies an important place in the wider history of Dalit politics in India. Emerging during the same period that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was mobilizing the Depressed Classes in India, Ad Dharm represented one of the earliest organized expressions of Dalit self-assertion in Punjab. Although they developed in different regional contexts, both Ambedkar and Mangu Ram shared a commitment to dignity, self-respect, and the rejection of caste-based oppression. From Ghadar revolutionary to a leader Born in 1886 in Hoshiarpur district, Mangu Ram’s political journey began with the Ghadar Movement, the revolutionary organization established by Indian migrants in North America to challenge British colonial rule. However, upon returning to India, he realized that political freedom alone could not guarantee social equality for the oppressed castes. The everyday reality of untouchability, exclusion, and humiliation demanded a separate struggle. This realization pushed him toward organizing Dalits and confronting caste oppression directly. The emergence of Ad Dharm must be understood within the social context of Punjab, where Dalits continued to face discrimination in social, religious, and economic spheres. Mangu Ram understood that emancipation required more than political representation; it required the creation of a collective consciousness rooted in dignity and self-respect. Religiousstudies books Long before the Ad Dharm Movement emerged, Guru Ravidas occupied a central place in the spiritual life of Punjab’s oppressed communities. His teachings of equality, human dignity, and the vision of Begampura—a society free from hierarchy, oppression, and suffering—had inspired generations of Dalits. Yet this reverence largely remained within the religious sphere. Mangu Ram recognized the immense emancipatory potential of Ravidas’s teachings. Through the Ad Dharm Movement, he transformed this spiritual legacy into a vehicle for social and political mobilization. Guru Ravidas became not merely a saint to be worshipped but a symbol of collective identity, resistance, and self-respect. The movement encouraged Dalits to take pride in their history and reject the caste labels imposed upon them by the oppressive social order. By placing Guru Ravidas at the centre of Dalit public consciousness, Mangu Ram created a cultural language through which oppressed communities could articulate dignity and equality. In this sense, he transformed an existing devotional tradition into a powerful instrument of social assertion. Ad Dharm: Transforming faith into assertion The Ad Dharm Movement sought to construct an alternative historical narrative. It argued that Dalits were the original inhabitants of the land and possessed an identity independent of the hierarchical framework of the social order. By promoting the term “Ad Dharm,” the movement challenged the legitimacy of caste classifications and asserted a distinct social existence. This was not merely a symbolic gesture. It represented a profound challenge to a social order that defined Dalits through exclusion and degradation. Ad Dharm offered dignity where caste society offered humiliation, and identity where caste hierarchy imposed stigma. The Ad Dharm Movement can be understood as Punjab’s own self-respect movement. Just as Jyotiba Phule’s Satyashodhak movement challenged Brahmanical domination in Maharashtra, Periyar’s Self-Respect Movement attacked caste hierarchy in Tamil Nadu, and Ayyankali fought for the rights of oppressed communities in Kerala, Mangu Ram developed a language of resistance suited to the social realities of Punjab. Each of these movements sought to restore dignity to those historically denied it. In Punjab, Ad Dharm became the vehicle through which Dalits asserted their humanity, cultural autonomy, and political agency. It gave Punjab’s Dalits a collective identity and a sense of pride that transcended caste-imposed inferiority. The movement demonstrated that social transformation requires more than political reform; it also requires cultural self-respect. Like the Self-Respect Movement in Tamil Nadu and the Satyashodhak Samaj in Maharashtra, Ad Dharm challenged the ideological foundations of caste and inspired oppressed communities to imagine themselves as equal citizens. The politics of recognition: The 1931 Census The movement’s impact became particularly visible during the 1931 Census, when thousands identified themselves as Ad Dharmis rather than under traditional caste labels. This was one of the earliest and most successful attempts in modern India to use the census as a tool of political assertion and collective self-definition. By refusing imposed identities and embracing Ad Dharm, Dalits challenged both colonial categories and caste hierarchies. The census thus became a site of resistance, demonstrating the transformative power of collective mobilization. The significance of the Ad Dharm Movement extends far beyond the colonial period. Its influence can be seen in the continued centrality of Guru Ravidas in Punjab’s Dalit public sphere, the emergence of Ravidasia religious institutions, and the enduring tradition of Dalit political mobilization in the state. Religiousstudies books Yet the centenary of Ad Dharm is an opportunity to reflect on the unfinished tasks of social justice. Punjab today has the highest proportion of Scheduled Castes among all Indian states, constituting nearly one-third of its population. Despite this demographic strength and
Rajgir Dalit Massacre: CPI-ML demands High Court investigation, punishment for the guilty, jobs and compensation for the victims’ families; warning of nationwide agitation
CPI-ML has attacked the government over the mob lynching of two Dalit youths in Rajgir, Nalanda district, and the police action against villagers demanding a degree college in Nagarnausa. Party leaders questioned the administration at a press conference on Wednesday after meeting with the families of the victims and affected people. The press conference was addressed by CPI-ML MP Sudama Prasad, MLA Sandeep Saurabh, former MLA Manoj Manzil, and former MLA Gopal Ravidas. They demanded an investigation into the Rajgir massacre by a sitting High Court judge, severe punishment for the culprits through a speedy trial, and compensation and government jobs for the victims’ families. Government failing to control crime MP Sudama Prasad alleged that crime is continuously increasing in Bihar and the government has completely failed to control it. He said that “encounter raj” prevails in the state, while criminals are carrying out crimes with impunity. Prasad questioned the government’s silence on the mob lynching of two Dalit youths in Rajgir. He demanded that the case be investigated under the supervision of a sitting High Court judge and that the culprits be punished with rigor by conducting a speedy trial. He also demanded compensation of ₹50 lakh each for the families of the deceased and a government job for one family member. Sudama Prasad also alleged that instead of taking action against criminals, the government is targeting the poor, laborers, Dalits, and those raising legitimate demands. Police entered homes and assaulted people in Nagarnausa Paliganj MLA Sandeep Saurabh said that while the Chief Minister constantly talks about taking strict action against criminals, incidents of murder, rape, and other crimes are continuing unabated in the state. He alleged that the administration brutally treated students and villagers protesting for a degree college in Nagarnausa. Police entered homes and beat people, breaking down the doors of approximately 300 houses, and arresting several people and sending them to jail. Saurabh claimed that even minor girls were assaulted during the operation. He demanded the immediate suspension of the local police station in-charge, action against the guilty officers, the unconditional release of the 39 arrested individuals, and the withdrawal of all cases. He said that a degree college should be established in the Nagarnausa block headquarters, as this has been a long-standing demand of local youth. The DM and SP should be held accountable. Former MLA Gopal Ravidas said that incidents of mob lynching are continuously increasing in the state, which is extremely worrying. He held the Nalanda district administration responsible for the Rajgir incident and demanded that the DM and SP be held accountable. He demanded that the district administration be held accountable for the entire matter and that an impartial investigation be conducted into the allegations against the chief priest of the Jhunukia Baba complex. A spectacle in the name of encounters Former MLA Manoj Manzil said that crime has reached its peak in the state. Incidents of atrocities against Dalits, women, and vulnerable groups are on the rise. He alleged that the police are attempting to suppress many cases instead of providing justice. Manoj Manzil said that a “spectacle in the name of encounters” is being staged, while crime and insecurity persist on the ground. CPI-ML leaders warned that if the government does not seriously consider their demands, the party will consider launching a statewide movement. Courtesy; Hindi News
Temple Entry: TN Dalit Families Enter Karur Mariamman, Sellandiamman Temples As Govt Ends Decades Of Discrimination Through Talks
After weeks of discussion, the existing temple administration was removed on June 20, and officials from HR&CE department were appointed to oversee temple affairs. Karur: Dalit residents of Punjai Kadambankurichi entered and worshipped main deities of Arulmigu Sri Mariamman and Arulmigu Sellandiamman temples after several decades of discrimination by caste-Hindus culminating with the intervention of the district administration, here on Tuesday. The issue of disallowing Dalits from worshipping at these temples came to light on May 19, while celebrating festivals. Though the upper caste families in the village which has over 1000 families honour Dalits for their role in carrying out the rituals involving burial of a sacrificed ox, the latter were not allowed to enter the temple to worship the deities. Temple Entry: TN Dalits Families Enter Karur Mariamman, Sellandiamman Temples As Govt Ends Decades Of Discrimination Through Talks A group of Dalits who were prevented from entering the temples which are believed to have been built about 150 years ago submitted their complaints to District Collector, the District Superintendent of Police district and the state government, seeking redressal to the long-standing dispute. The district administration led by Manmamangalam Tahsildar Kumaresan conducted proceedings with the members – including Murugesan and Kuppuswamy the key members – of the temple management committee and a series of peace talks involving both the communities. Temple Entry: TN Dalits Families Enter Karur Mariamman, Sellandiamman Temples As Govt Ends Decades Of Discrimination Through Talks After weeks of discussion, the existing temple administration was removed on June 20. Officials from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department were appointed to oversee temple affairs. On the day of the worship, more than 100 police personnel were deployed to ensure peace and security. Dalit devotees carried traditional Maavilakku (made of rice flour and jaggery) offerings into the temples and performed prayers inside the premises for the first time in generations. Local resident Pon Muthukumar who acted on behalf of the members of the Scheduled caste community said they had historically been forced to worship from outside the temple and were denied even entry during festivals. Muthukumar thanked Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay for issuing directions in a separate petition filed before the Chief Minister’s Special Cell. He also credited the intervention of the district administration for ensuring that worship could take place peacefully. Temple Entry: TN Dalits Families Enter Karur Mariamman, Sellandiamman Temples As Govt Ends Decades Of Discrimination Through Talks “For generations we were denied to worship and now we express our gratitude to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu,” he daid. Welcoming the development, activists working against caste discrimination said the move marked an important departure from past approaches in similar disputes. They noted that, instead of restricting access to avoid tensions, authorities facilitated temple entry while maintaining law and order. Muthu Selvan, Karur district secretary of Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front, said: “During the previous administration, in various parts of Tamil Nadu, temples were often locked and sealed – preventing worship – whenever members of the Scheduled Caste communities sought to enter and pray. Authorities frequently cited ‘law-and-order issues’ as the reason for these closures, despite existing court orders upholding the right to worship.” Speaking to ETV Bharat, Aarayi, a 90-year-old-woman, said none of her relatives from her Schedule Caste community was allowed to enter the temple during any of the festivals. “It has become a custom here. Now, it is gone,” she said. The development has been viewed as a milestone in the struggle against untouchability and casteism, with residents describing it as the restoration of a fundamental right that had been denied to their community for generations. Courtesy : ETV Bharat Note: This news is originally published on https:/etvbharat.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Muslim & Dalit netas say rebel MPs ‘betrayed’ UBT voters
Mumbai: A section of Muslim and Dalit politicians has accused the six Shiv Sena (UBT) rebel MPs of “betrayal” after they defected to the Shiv Sena. The politicians have said that these MPs, including Sanjay Dina Patil representing Mumbai North East, won largely because of en bloc voting by Muslims and Dalits as they fought the 2024 LS polls on the plank of “saving secularism and the Constitution.” “The voters in my area (Shivajinagar-Mankhurd) and other constituencies which these MPs represent feel cheated. The people voted for them because they fought on the plank of secularism and saving the Constitution. Now they have joined a party which is part of NDA and is working against secularism and the Constitution,” alleged SP MLA Abu Asim Azmi from Mankhurd-Shivajinagar. Shyam Dada Gaikwad, president of Republican Party of India (Secular), slammed the six MPs, accusing them of breaching the people’s trust. “I toured Dalit pockets in Mumbai and other parts of the state extensively seeking votes for the INDI alliance candidates. These six MPs have capitulated to inducements and pressure from above. The Dalits who voted for them are very worried and anguished,” Gaikwad said. City Congress general secretary Asif Farooqui said the community is pained and jolted by the defection of the six MPs. “The people voted for an ideology, an alliance, and a commitment — not for elected representatives to switch sides for political convenience after securing their votes. Such actions amount to a betrayal of the people’s trust and weaken faith in democracy itself,” said Farooqui who is also associated with Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Millia Islamia. 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
Dalit family’s home demolished without notice in India
Latest demolition in Hindu nationalist state fuels concerns over use of bulldozers against marginalized communities without due process NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — A Dalit woman in northern India has accused authorities of demolishing her family’s home without prior notice or an opportunity to challenge the action, adding to growing concerns over the use of bulldozers by governments led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Mala Devi, a resident of Chhidi village in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj district, said revenue officials, police personnel and a bulldozer team arrived at her home and demolished the structure, leaving her family homeless despite their long-standing residence on the land. According to the family, the house had stood on the site for generations and no eviction notice or hearing was provided before the demolition. Mala Devi described the action as illegal and unconstitutional, arguing that authorities ignored basic principles of due process before destroying the family’s home. The demolition was reportedly carried out after a complaint from the village head, although the family maintains it was never given an opportunity to present ownership records or challenge the allegations before the structure was razed. Mala Devi said she had already approached local authorities through a public grievance mechanism seeking protection but claimed no effective action was taken before the demolition occurred. The family is now demanding an independent investigation, compensation and rehabilitation. Bulldozer demolitions have become a defining feature of governance in several BJP-ruled states, where authorities frequently justify the actions as measures against illegal construction or crime. Human rights organizations and legal experts, however, have repeatedly argued that such demolitions often bypass judicial procedures and disproportionately affect Muslims, Dalits and other marginalized communities. Courtesy : MNTV Note: This news is originally published on https:/muslimnetworktv.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Punjab CM Announces Rs 4,500 Financial Support To Dalit Women, Rs 3,000 For Other Categories
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced the launch of the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, aimed at empowering women economically. Marking a historic step towards women’s economic empowerment, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that the countdown for the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna has begun, with the first installment of three months’ Satkar Rashi set to be credited directly into the bank accounts of eligible women on July 1. Under the scheme, Dalit mothers and sisters will receive ₹4,500, while women from all other categories will get ₹3,000. During a Lok Milni programme after inaugurating various development works in Village Chanarthal Kalan of Fatehgarh Sahib constituency, CM Bhagwant Mann said the initiative reflects the AAP Government’s commitment to ensuring dignity, financial security, and social empowerment for women, adding that the assistance will continue uninterrupted as long as the AAP Government remains in Punjab. Addressing the Lok Milni in Fatehgarh Sahib, Mann stated, “After nine days, on July 1, women beneficiaries above the age of 18 years will receive notifications on their mobile phones informing them about the financial assistance being credited to their accounts. Women belonging to the general category will receive ₹1,000 per month while Scheduled Caste women will receive ₹1,500 per month.” “The money will be transferred directly into their bank accounts without any middlemen. Women who are already receiving social security pensions will also be eligible under the scheme. Nearly 97% women in Punjab are expected to benefit from this initiative and the Punjab Government has made a budgetary provision of ₹9,300 crore for it.” The Chief Minister stated, “This financial assistance may not make women rich, but it will certainly give them dignity, self-respect and confidence. Women deserve the highest respect because they are the source of life itself. The blessings of mothers and sisters help overcome every challenge in the world. Strengthening women’s financial autonomy is essential for improving household welfare, promoting gender equity and enhancing women’s participation in social and economic decision-making. When women become financially empowered, families prosper and society moves forward.” Speaking on another issue, CM Mann said, “The Punjab Government will not allow any genuine vote to be deleted during the ongoing SIR exercise by the Election Commission of India. I want to caution the people that the BJP may try to misuse the SIR process to delete valid votes, as has happened in other poll-bound states. However, we are fully vigilant and will not allow the nefarious designs of the saffron party to succeed. Every genuine voter in Punjab will be protected.” The Chief Minister said, “My predecessors never met the common people. They used to come out of their luxurious homes only after checking the temperature. On the other hand, I remain available to the people round the clock. Public service is not an occasional activity for me, it is my responsibility.” Taking a swipe at previous governments, the Chief Minister said, “These leaders built huge palaces by amassing enormous wealth through misuse of their official positions. The walls of those palatial residences were high and their gates remained closed to ordinary people. They remained inaccessible to the masses and ultimately the people showed them the door. When leaders stop listening to people, people eventually stop listening to those leaders.” “The people of Punjab have repeatedly rejected those who looted them turn by turn. These leaders fooled the people for a very long time, but Punjabis are now wise enough not to be swayed by their misleading propaganda. These arrogant politicians always took the people of Punjab for granted and ultimately paid the political price for it. Today, they are baffled because people are not responding to them. Their entire agenda revolves around the welfare of their own families rather than the welfare of the people,” said CM Mann. Continuing his attack on previous rulers, the Chief Minister said, “These leaders studied in convent schools in the hills and remained completely disconnected from ground realities. They were unaware about the money, properties and even the buses they owned. During their regimes, they exploited people by illegally seeking shares in successful ventures across the state. Such practices pushed Punjab backwards. These leaders ruined the state and their hands were drenched with the blood of Punjab’s youth.” Highlighting the progress achieved by the present government, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Punjab’s development has been put back on track. The Punjab Government is accelerating the pace of development with every passing day. We have filled a gap of nearly seventy years and are making concerted efforts to build a Rangla Punjab.” “The AAP Government is perhaps the first government in the country that is implementing the People’s Manifesto in its true spirit. Every genuine demand raised by the people is being translated into action. We do not make promises merely for elections. We fulfil them once entrusted with responsibility,” he added. Taking on the Akali Dal leadership, Mann said, “Sukhbir Singh Badal is not aware of the ground realities of Punjab because throughout his life he has lived in a secure environment surrounded by luxuries and opulence. He wants to attain political power in Punjab, but he is not even aware of the basic topography of the state.” “Leaving everything aside, the former Deputy Chief Minister cannot even differentiate between the basic crops grown in Punjab. He has very little understanding of the issues concerning ordinary people. Someone who does not understand Punjab cannot provide leadership to Punjab,” said Punjab Chief Minister. The Chief Minister further said, “The sins committed by these leaders are unpardonable. The people of Punjab can never forgive them for their long saga of misdeeds. Those memories remain fresh in the minds of the people even today.” “These are opportunist leaders who change their colours and their stance like a chameleon according to their convenience and political interests. They patronised gangsters in Punjab and infused drugs into the veins of the youth by shielding drug smugglers.
Dalit woman assaulted in Faridpur, accused of casteist remarks: Case filed against three named accused under serious sections
A case of assault, indecency, and casteist remarks against a Dalit woman has come to light in Chathiya Phase village, under the Fatehganj East police station area of Bareilly. Based on the victim’s complaint, police have registered a case against three named accused under serious sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the SC/ST Act and have initiated an investigation. According to information, Pinky, wife of Sudhir Kumar, a resident of Chathiya Phase village, was having foundation work done near her house on June 22nd. It is alleged that neighbors Kallu Singh, Satyabhan Singh alias Chhote Lala, and Omveer arrived and began abusing her. When the woman protested, the accused allegedly attacked her with a sharp weapon, injuring her head. In her complaint, the victim, Pinky, alleged that the accused insulted her with casteist remarks, tore her clothes, and threatened to kill her. After the incident, the woman immediately went to the police station and filed a complaint. The police have registered a case under sections 352, 115(2), 118(1), 74, 76, and 351(3) of the IPC, as well as sections 3(1)(d), 3(1)(dh), and 3(2)(va) of the SC/ST Act. Station in-charge Rajkumar Singh stated that a case has been registered. The case will be investigated by the Circle Officer (CO), Faridpur. He assured that further legal action will be taken based on the facts revealed in the investigation. Uttam Shankhdhar | Bhagwanpur Kundan (Faridpur), Bareilly Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit youth’s hand broken in Barhalganj: Family threatened with death following complaint, accused booked under SC/ST Act
A Dalit youth was subjected to caste-related abuse, assault, and death threats in the Barhalganj police station area. Based on the victim’s complaint, police have registered a case against the accused under the SC/ST Act and other sections and have begun an investigation. In fact, Suraj Harijan, son of Murali Harijan, a resident of Bagaha village, stated in his complaint to the police that he was returning home from his farm at around 8 pm on June 21st. It is alleged that Prem Yadav, son of Rajkumar, a resident of Netwar Patti, stopped him at the village’s Distolia intersection and began abusing him. During the attack, the accused used caste-related slurs and insulted him. When he resisted the abuse, the accused attacked him with sticks and rods. He suffered serious injuries and a broken left arm. Hearing the commotion, people nearby rushed to the scene, and he was able to save his life. Suraj Harijan alleges that while leaving, the accused threatened to kill his entire family if he filed a complaint at the police station. The incident was immediately reported to the Patna outpost police. Based on the complaint, the police have registered a case against the accused under sections 117(2), 115(2), 126(2), 352, 351(3), 3(2)(va) of the IPC and sections 3(1)(d) and 3(1)(g) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Police say the matter is under investigation. Rajiv Jaiswal | Barhalganj (Gorakhpur) Courtesy: Hindi News
Andhra Pradesh: Suspended Inspector, embroiled in murder case, now faces charges of abetting Dalit youth’s suicide; YSRCP demands CBI investigation
Chief Inspector Nagaraju, embroiled in a custodial death case, is now accused of abetting Dalit youth Kranti Kumar’s suicide; YSRCP demands CBI investigation in the matter. The troubles of suspended Circle Inspector Nagaraju, embroiled in the alleged custodial murder of Gade Sai Krishna in Andhra Pradesh, have worsened. He now faces serious charges of abetting the suicide of a Dalit man. Following this new development, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has strongly demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation into the entire matter. A video of Perugogu Kranti Kumar, a resident of Vijayawada, recently went viral on social media. In the video, he accuses Circle Inspector Nagaraju of harassment and threatens to take his own life. On Saturday, June 20th, two days after the video surfaced, YSRCP leaders met with the deceased’s family and demanded a CBI investigation into his death. Kranti Kumar was the son of Perugogu Venkateswara Rao, president of the Andhra Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi (MRPS). On May 21st, 42-year-old Kranti had recorded a video expressing his intention to commit suicide. He clearly stated that he could no longer tolerate the alleged harassment by Circle Inspector Nagaraju of the Krishna Lanka police station. This harrowing video began spreading rapidly on June 18th, after Inspector Nagaraju was suspended in connection with the disappearance of another man named Gade Sai Krishna. In the viral video, Kranti Kumar can be clearly seen consuming purple-colored grains (poison). Just before consuming the poison, Kranti says in the video that CI Nagaraju is solely responsible for his death. He emotionally stated that his only fault was being born into the Madiga community. Kranthi alleged that he has been targeted and severely beaten for the past three months, and that he no longer wants to live. Another murder and missing person case has been filed against suspended CI Nagaraju based on a complaint by Gade Sai Krishna’s mother, Gade Vijaya Lakshmi. Sai Krishna had been missing for over a month before the complaint was filed. Police now suspect he has been murdered. The case has been registered under sections 127(4) and 127(6) (wrongful confinement), 103(1) (murder), and 238 (destruction of evidence) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Vijaya Lakshmi has made serious allegations that her son was tortured and beaten to death in police custody. She has demanded that the state government conduct a judicial inquiry into the entire incident and take strict action against all those responsible. On June 17, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu took a strong stance, citing the seriousness of the matter. He ordered a high-level investigation by a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. Following this order, Circle Inspector Nagaraju was suspended with immediate effect. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit woman’s house bulldozed: Administration accused of taking action without notice, woman demands investigation
Mala Devi, a Dalit woman in Chhidi village of Prayagraj’s Bara tehsil area, has leveled serious allegations against the tehsil administration. She alleges that the administration bulldozed her house without notice. Mala Devi, calling this action illegal and unconstitutional, has demanded an impartial investigation and action against the culprits. According to Mala Devi, her family had been living in a makeshift house built on Arazi number 1014 for generations. This land is registered as barren land. She claims that her family had been living in this house for years. The woman alleges that after a complaint from the village head, the tehsil administration arrived at the scene with police force, bulldozers, and some local residents. Her house was subsequently demolished. Mala Devi stated that the administration did not provide her with any prior notice nor did they provide her with an opportunity to present her side of the story. They allege that their house was demolished without following any legal procedures, leaving their entire family homeless. Mala Devi filed her complaint at the Sampoorna Samadhan Diwas held on June 20th, pleading for justice. She says no effective action was taken on this complaint, and a bulldozer was used to demolish her house shortly thereafter. The victim and her family have demanded an impartial investigation of the entire matter from the district administration and the government. They have also stated that if rules were violated in the action, legal action should be taken against the responsible officials and those involved. The family has also demanded adequate compensation and rehabilitation. At present, the administrative authorities have not officially released their statement on this matter. Only after receiving their response will it become clear under what circumstances this action was taken. Shivam Verma | Bara Courtesy: Hindi News