Advocate Rakesh Kishore, who recently attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India Bhushan R. Gavai over his remarks on Lord Vishnu, has claimed that his life is under threat and announced plans to undertake a fast at Khajuraho to restore a Vishnu idol.

In an interview with OpIndia, Kishore introduced himself as a Dalit, saying, “I am Rakesh Kishore, I am not a Pandey, nor a Tiwari nor a Gupta nor a Jaiswal. I am myself a Dalit, and if they do not know it, they are ignorant. I even told the policemen who came here yesterday that I wanted to talk to people and show my document about my community so they would understand, but they refused to permit me. They said there was a threat to my life and asked me not to go out.”

Kishore, who identifies as a follower of Buddhism and claims extensive knowledge of Gautam Buddha’s teachings, commented on the controversial remarks made by CJI Gavai. He said, “No, he didn’t say that purposely. The feelings in his heart came pouring out. The anger he had in his heart towards Sanatan Dharma came out of his mouth. You must be knowing that another sect is being created that will break away from Hinduism… They are also terrorists, in a way. He is working together with them.”

Addressing the threat to his personal safety, Kishore cited previous attacks on Hindu activists, including the murder of Kanhaiyalal, and accused media and other groups of colluding against him. He said, “An attack can happen to me at any time. They can do anything to me at any time, so the voice of Hinduism is dead forever. My next step is that I will go to the Vishnu idol in Khajuraho and fast there. I have received the order from God to get the idol restored. My only message is to not keep quiet. We must rise up for Hinduism, tell your children, let us march together forward and start a movement.”

“I’m a Dalit, My Life Is at Risk” – Adv Rakesh Kishore to OpIndia | Khajuraho Is My Next Missionpic.twitter.com/NlOVD7NJeK

— OpIndia.com (@OpIndia_com) October 8, 2025

Kishore’s statement comes amid ongoing scrutiny and accusations that he was an “upper caste” person and that was the reason that he dared to hurl the shoe at CJI Gavai.

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The National Crime Records Bureau’s (NCRB) 2023 report has exposed a “grim and troubling picture” for Tamil Nadu for a party that prides itself as champions of ‘social justice’. It reveals a stark contrast where a decline in overall violent crime masks a sharp and alarming surge in offenses against its most vulnerable citizen – Dalits and children.

A Statistical Surge in Atrocities

The report highlights a disturbing year-on-year increase in crimes against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Cases registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act rose from 1,761 in 2022 to 1,921 in 2023, a 9% jump. This surge appears even starker over a five-year horizon, with cases climbing 68% since 2019.

Similarly, crimes against children have followed an “upward trend,” with the state registering 6,968 cases in 2023, up from 6,580 the year before. The capital city, Chennai, mirrored this pattern, recording a jump from 54 to 573 cases. Experts warn that this trend reflects “serious gaps in social protection, policing, and child safety systems.”

Living A Lie, Massive Administrative Failure

Social activists Shalin Maria Lawrence and Vrinda Adige, speaking on a News9 panel moved beyond the statistics to indict the state’s law and order apparatus and political leadership.

The official statistics, provided by the state’s own Home Department, show a significant rise in registered cases. However, during analysis of these figures, a critical perspective emerged challenging the narrative that increased reporting indicates better law enforcement. Critics state that only minor statistical anomalies are acknowledged while rejecting the idea that improved reporting alone explains the surge.

A more alarming assessment suggested the official data represents just a fraction of actual crimes. Observers state that this number is the number that’s getting reported, but this is only one third of the actual cases and that is how it must be taken, indicating the true scale of violence may be three times higher than official records show.

Critics identified a pervasive culture of impunity as a primary driver of the increasing violence. The perception that offenders can escape justice through corruption is highlighted as a major concern. This perception is substantiated by abysmally low conviction rates, reported at just 5% for both SC/ST and women-related crimes. The poor conviction rate underscores systemic failures in the justice delivery mechanism, from investigation through prosecution.

The data and subsequent analysis reveal a state grappling with escalating violence against vulnerable communities, with official statistics potentially masking the true severity of the situation and systemic flaws enabling continued perpetration of crimes.

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Former Orissa High Court Chief Justice and Senior Advocate Dr. S. Muralidhar has strongly criticized anti-conversion laws in India, calling them “anti-choice” and arguing that they undermine individual freedoms. Speaking at a panel discussion organized by ADF India on 28 February 2025, he highlighted the fundamental flaws in such legislation, particularly their presumption that religious conversions occur under coercion.

“These anti-conversion laws are not so much a law against forced conversions, but are laws against the freedom of choice,” Muralidhar said. “There is a presumption in all these laws that if a person belonging or born into a certain religion decides to embrace another religion, then such a decision must be due to some kind of intimidation. This basic presumption explains why the law shifts the burden of proof onto the person who’s charged with converting another against the person’s will.”

Muralidhar pointed out that instead of requiring proof from the person who converted, the law places the burden on those accused of facilitating conversions. This, he argued, makes such laws an instrument to suppress free choice rather than a safeguard against forced conversions.

He also emphasized how these laws disproportionately impact marginalized communities, particularly Dalits, by imposing bureaucratic hurdles and public scrutiny. “Now, a Dalit seeking to embrace Buddhism will now have to explain to a district magistrate why they are making that choice,” he explained. “They’ll have to first of all announce to the whole world: ‘listen, I’m exercising my choice to embrace a particular religion.’ One can reasonably argue that after the Puttaswamy privacy judgment, this kind of a law should not withstand legal scrutiny because it straight away hits at the freedom of choice, freedom of privacy, choice of religion, of course, but what goes along with religion… the choice of dress, the choice of food, the choice of prayer, all of that is hit. So personal choice has become a public choice and is forced to become a public choice, and you’re supposed to defend yourself publicly for the personal choice that you’ve made. That is what I think is the most pernicious aspect of these conversion laws.”

Another significant concern raised by Muralidhar was the broad scope of who is allowed to file complaints under these laws. He noted that instead of only allowing the alleged victim of forced conversion to come forward, the laws enable third parties—including distant relatives and vigilante groups—to intervene.

“Who can complain about forced conversion is only a person who’s been a victim of a forced conversion. But the law allows anyone… any cousin, any relative… and thus vigilante groups are actually going around looking at notice boards and collector’s offices or registrar offices to find who’s put up a notice that they want to have an inter-faith marriage. In this case, they’ll also have ready information on who wants to convert and thus subject the person to public intimidation,” he said.

Muralidhar also questioned whether legal challenges alone could bring about real change, arguing that social transformation was necessary.

“That’s the question we have to ask ourselves. All these social practices that this country is host to seem to be impervious… to the constitutional values and provisions of the Constitution. The victory will come when we change, transform ourselves as a society and overcome our innate inherent prejudices and emancipate ourselves as true human beings,” he stated.

(With inputs from Bar and Bench)

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In Mothakkal village, Thandrampet taluk of Tiruvannamalai district, authorities halted the funeral procession of a 56-year-old Dalit woman on Monday, 30 September 2024, preventing it from passing through a common path shared by both Dalits and caste Hindus in the area. The deceased, T. Kiliyammal, had died in Chennai the day before, and her body was brought back to her native village for cremation.

While the SC (Scheduled Caste) community members decided to use the common tar road for her funeral, breaking from the customary mud road historically used by Dalits, local officials intervened, citing possible law and order issues. “Permitting them could have resulted in unnecessary law and order problems,“ an official source told The New Indian Express. However, it was noted that the Hindus in the village had not raised any objections regarding the use of the common route.

Dalit villagers expressed frustration, stating their request to use the common path was reasonable. “We have been using the customary route for generations. We requested the authorities to use the common path this time, but police and revenue officials stopped us. This is unacceptable,“ said a resident from the SC community in Tiruvannamalai.

The deceased’s body was eventually taken along the customary mud road and cremated later that night without any incidents.

Boycotting Dalits – Not New To Village

In 2023, in the same village, Dalits faced systemic discrimination, particularly about accessing barber services. Out of approximately 5,000 residents, 150 families belong to the Dalit community. Dalits reported being denied haircuts by all four barbers in the village, who allegedly face pressure and threats from the upper caste Vanniyar community. One barber shared that after serving Dalit customers, he was threatened, forcing him to comply with caste dictates for fear of losing his livelihood.

Dalit students in the village also were said to face discrimination at school. As reported in TNIE, one student noted that teachers criticized their hairstyle, forcing them to shave their heads, while non-Dalit students were not subjected to the same treatment. Additionally, a teacher allegedly tore a photo of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar from a student’s belongings, with the justification that no images of caste leaders are allowed.

Further, caste-based segregation extended to the use of separate tumblers for Dalits and upper caste members, a practice that persists despite repeated complaints to local authorities. Dalits also faced exclusion from the village panchayat office located in their area, with upper-caste villagers refusing to enter the premises. A new panchayat office was built in response to pressure from dominant castes.

There were also reports of bias in the distribution of government welfare schemes. Dalit students received defective bicycles under a government scheme, and many have dropped out of school due to persistent discrimination. Despite these complaints, local officials, including a school’s headmaster, denied discrimination.

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The murder of TN BSP leader Armstrong near his residence in Chennai sent shockwaves across the state. Among those who were seen grieving the death included director Pa Ranjith. On 8 July 2024, he made a long post on his X handle which seemed to softly condemn the ruling dispensation.

கோழைத்தனமான கொடூர படுகொலைக்கு ஆளான பகுஜன் சமாஜ் கட்சியின் மாநிலத் தலைவர் அண்ணன் திரு.ஆம்ஸ்ட்ராங் அவர்களின் திருவுடலை, சலசலப்பு பதற்றம் ஏதுமின்றி சட்டம் ஒழுங்கு பிரச்சனை நிகழாமல் நல்லடக்கம் செய்து விட்டோம். அண்ணன் இல்லாத, அவருக்குப் பிறகான இந்த வாழ்க்கையை அவர் கொண்ட கொள்கையான…

— pa.ranjith (@beemji) July 8, 2024

In his statement, the Kollywood director seemed to imply that this murder was not condemned by other than scheduled caste individuals.  

However, Pa. Ranjith subtly queried the DMK, not about the perpetrators behind the murder after 4 days but about the police’s future action plan in his initial statement. In subsequent remarks, he aimed to stifle voices on the internet questioning the government, though paradoxically raised questions about the police’s stance on Arudra’s involvement. Eventually, without directly accusing the DMK due to judicial constraints, he subtly insinuated doubts about the government’s regard for Dalit individuals and leaders. In his final statement, Pa. Ranjith shamefully shifted blame onto ordinary people showing sympathy for the deceased leader, with only DMK supporters defending against accusations that Armstrong was a criminal as propagated allegedly by the media, to deflect from their party’s law enforcement weaknesses.

It is not essentially true that leaders from the Scheduled Caste alone are unsafe in TN. Ever since the DMK came to power, several such instances have taken place. Let us take the date 24 June 2024 for example.

Incidents From June 2024

A 26-year-old youth named Lakshmanan was hacked to death near Minjur by gangsters over frivolous disagreements that occurred at a TASMAC bar while consuming alcohol. This is a common scene at TASMAc outlets across the city and state.

On the same day, in Tambaram, a youth named Surya was arrested because he snatched a mobile phone from another youth named Santosh. Santosh along with his friend Vignesh somehow retrieved the phone but later when Vignesh was found all by himself, Surya, intoxicated by TASMAC alcohol, hacked Vignesh to death.

One more incident at Maduravoyal on the same day – 65-year-old Aasaimani was arrested for killing his son. The reason for this was later revealed to be the fact that Aasaimani’s 35-year-old son would wreak havoc at home after getting drunk at a TASMAC shop and was always consuming ganja and causing trouble every single day. Unable to stand the daily torture caused by the son to the family, the father killed him.

Incidents From May 2024

In Walajabad on 28 May 2024, a lady Suguna was found dead after the thief stole her gold chain and hacked her to death.

On the same day, in Kundrathur, a youth named Rajesh was hacked to death for preventing a thief from snatching his phone.

On this day itself, near Tambaram, an auto driver named Karthik was killed by individuals who were intoxicated. Once again, TASMAC comes into the picture – the auto union leader, a DMK cadre, and his supporters hacked Karthik to death over some disagreement.

Again, on the same day, a person named Thomas was killed over non-payment of loan.

These instances show that there is no parity when it comes to hacking and killing in Tamil Nadu and what Pa Ranjith claimed (that Dalit leaders were unsafe) was untrue.

However, Pa Ranjith never condemned these incidents nor any other incidents that affected Dalit lives. His soft namesake criticism of the DMK over the law-and-order situation in the state is glaringly silly.

It is a fact that Armstrong had the support of a large section of the Dalits in the North Chennai region, and this was seemingly a problem for the DMK. However, Pa Ranjith did not question this aspect.

Interestingly, Armstrong was against the DMK and understood that a person from the Scheduled Caste would not get recognition if they joined the DMK. However, for all the grief that Pa Ranjith displayed, he did not question this.

Be it Vengaivayal or Nanguneri or any other caste-based incidents in Tamil Nadu, Pa Ranjith never raised a finger at the DMK – he would either not write about it at all or would softly criticize the DMK as lip service. Alternately, he would blame the Hindu religion for anything remotely related to caste. 

His selective outrage and directed criticism towards the DMK following the brutal murder of Armstrong exposes his casteist mentality. Only when tragedy knocks someone known to him or from his community, Pa Ranjith’s blood boils. Just because Pa Ranjith hails from the Dalit community, it doesn’t make him a saint or a voice of the oppressed. Pa. Ranjith’s selective outrage by voicing out for certain crimes while turning a blind eye to other crimes that happen under DMK’s watch makes him at the very least a silent oppressor and an enabler.

(With inputs from Maridhas)

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In a troubling incident at a tehsil complex in Bareilly district, Uttar Pradesh, a violent confrontation unfolded on 14 May 2024 between two homeguards and a watchman, sparked by a discussion about the recent Lok Sabha elections.

The confrontation, which took place outside the SDM office, was observed by onlookers and swiftly circulated on social media platforms. Seizing upon the incident, the Congress party, led by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, attempted to portray it as an instance of BJP-affiliated Homeguard members assaulting Dalits. However, the true nature of the conflict revealed a longstanding feud between the parties involved, which escalated during a discussion on political matters.

Priyanka Gandhi stated, “The public gets ration because every citizen in this country has the right to food. The grain is grown by the farmers, the money spent on distribution is the public’s. Does the BJP government want to make the public hostage by spending a little of their money on them? Where did these policemen get the courage to behave like BJP goons and be so cruel to our Dalit brothers?”

जनता को राशन मिलता है क्योंकि इस देश में हर नागरिक को भोजन का अधिकार मिला हुआ है। अनाज किसानों का उगाया हुआ, वितरण में खर्च होने वाला धन जनता का, क्या भाजपा सरकार जनता का थोड़ा सा धन जनता पर खर्च करके उसे ही बंधक बनाना चाहती है? इन पुलिसकर्मियों को यह हिम्मत कहां से मिली कि वे… https://t.co/wsoShjOIqT

— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) May 15, 2024

Immediately the DMK’s mouth piece Kalaignar news peddled the fake allegation with title, “ Uttar Pradesh police brutally assaulted Dalit youth for not voting for BJP!”

#WATCH | பா.ஜ.கவுக்கு வாக்களிக்கததால் தலித் இளைஞரை கொடூரமாக தாக்கிய உத்தரப்பிரதேச போலீஸ்!#UttarPradesh | #BJP | #Police | #KalaignarSeithigal https://t.co/cDfZm0mgyi

— Kalaignar Seithigal (@Kalaignarnews) May 15, 2024

Real Incidents Context

Virendra Kumar, hailing from Bahor Nagla village and employed as a watchman at the local police station, visited the tehsil to obtain a record copy of his land. Upon encountering two homeguards, Virbahadur and Rampal, stationed at the tehsildar office, he found them engaged in a heated debate over the election results, marked by the use of vulgar language and grievances about voter participation despite government schemes.

When Virendra intervened to challenge their statements and protest against their offensive language, the situation escalated, leading to a violent assault by the homeguards. Virendra recounted being accused of neglecting his voting duties despite benefiting from government programs. He was thrown to the ground, subjected to verbal abuse, and physically attacked, including being struck with the butt of a rifle. Additionally, casteist slurs were reportedly hurled during the assault.

A netizen raised a query to the Bareilly police, seeking clarification on the situation, and shared the widely circulated video stating, “Bareilly. Home guards beat up a chowkidar over a minor dispute. He was beaten up brutally in the tehsil premises with a rifle and kicks and punches The viral video is being said to be of the tehsil premises of police station Nawabganj area. @Uppolice Tell me what the matter was.“

बरेली।
मामूली विवाद को लेकर होमगार्डो ने चौकीदार को पीटा

राइफल और लात घूसो से तहसील परिसर मे जमकर पिटाई की

थाना नवाबगंज क्षेत्र के तहसील परिसर का बताया जा रहा है वायरल वीडियो।@Uppolice बताए मामला क्या था। pic.twitter.com/KfEuCdx2Yy

— Shakti Singh/शक्ति सिंह (@singhshakti1982) May 14, 2024

To which Bareilly Police replied, “Investigation in the referred case found that two home guards working in Tehsil Nababganj, one of whom is HG 1669 Rampal and the other HG 55 Veer Bahadur. The watchman appointed at the police station was Virendra, son of Nankulal, resident of Bahorangala, who had gone to Tehsil Nawabganj for some work. There was an argument with HG Veer Bahadur in the tehsil, due to which he was beaten and humiliated by HG Veer Bahadur and his associate HG Rampal by kicking and punching him on the ground. In this regard, on the basis of the complaint of Chowkidar Virendra, a case has been registered and necessary legal action is being taken. A report is being sent to Commandant, Home Guard, Bareilly for departmental action against both Home Guard 1669 Rampal and Home Guard 55 Veer Bahadur.”

pic.twitter.com/BhFn5Yx8Gf

— Bareilly Police (@bareillypolice) May 14, 2024

Numerous witnesses observed the incident, with one individual capturing it on video, which rapidly circulated on social media platforms, sparking widespread condemnation.

In response, Virendra submitted a formal complaint to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other senior officials, urging action against the homeguards. Nawabganj SDM Govind Maurya initiated an investigation into the matter, acknowledging the altercation and noting the affiliation of both parties with the police department, hinting at potential prior disputes.

Meanwhile, Videsh Kumar Sharma, the police outpost in-charge, indicated that no official complaint had been lodged yet. However, he assured that appropriate measures would be taken upon receiving a formal complaint.

(With Inputs From FPJ)

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The Telangana Police have announced the conclusion of their investigation into the tragic death of University of Hyderabad student Rohith Vemula. They asserted that Vemula was not a Dalit and suggested that his suicide may have been driven by fears regarding his “true identity” being exposed.

However, the state’s Director-General of Police (DGP) Ravi Gupta has ordered a further probe into the matter and intends to seek court permission to reopen the case. Gupta’s office released a statement acknowledging doubts expressed by Vemula’s mother and others, prompting the decision to conduct additional investigations. The statement mentioned plans to petition the court for authorization to delve deeper into the case.

This development follows the conclusion of the Cyberabad police’s inquiry, which resulted in the submission of a closure report to a local court. According to this report, Rohith Vemula was not officially recognized as a member of the Scheduled Caste, and he was aware of this fact.

The police report highlighted various issues that may have contributed to Vemula’s decision to take his own life. It mentioned his awareness of his non-Scheduled Caste status and the possibility of facing legal consequences if his caste certificate, allegedly obtained fraudulently, were exposed. Furthermore, the police absolved several individuals, including politicians and university officials, of any involvement in Vemula’s death. They stated that there was insufficient evidence to support claims that the actions of these individuals led to his suicide.

Background

Rohith Vemula’s suicide on 17 January 2016, sparked widespread outrage and protests throughout India. The incident ignited a political controversy, with leaders from various parties debating its significance. In his final note, Vemula lamented how society reduced individuals to mere identities and statistics, rather than recognizing their humanity and potential. His death brought attention to issues of caste discrimination and social inequality within India’s higher education system, particularly regarding the challenges faced by Dalit students.

Before his death, Rohith Vemula was actively involved in advocating for social justice and combating discrimination. His suicide note, expressing his anguish over societal injustices, further fueled conversations about caste-based discrimination in Indian universities.

The suicide, believed to be a result of caste discrimination and oppression, has ignited widespread controversy, with figures ranging from Scion Rahul Gandhi of the Congress party to self-proclaimed fact-checkers like Mohammed Zubair using it to condemn the BJP. Additionally, voices such as Dalit rights activist Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd have highlighted the significant implications of Vemula’s death for the Dalit movement and the larger discourse on oppression and discrimination.

Was Rohith Vemula A Dalit Or Not?

The dispute regarding Rohith’s caste arose when his brother Raja Vemula’s certificate identified him as a ‘Vaddera,’ an OBC category in Andhra Pradesh. It later emerged that Rohith’s father, Mani Kumar, belonged to the Vaddera community, while his mother was Mala. Allegedly, Mani Kumar abandoned the family upon learning of Radhika’s Dalit identity due to his alcoholism. Consequently, Rohith, who apparently had no relationship with his father, identified with his mother’s caste and was allegedly raised as Mala. The state also issued a show-cause notice to Rohith’s family in connection with the matter.

The District-Level Scrutiny Committee (DLSC) had received statements from seven individuals, and Rohith’s father, Mani Kumar, and his paternal grandmother, Raghavamma asserted that Rohith did not belong to the Dalit community. The rest 5 – Rohith’s mother, Radhika Vemula, his brother Raja Vemula, his sister Neelima, his paternal grandfather, and his adopted maternal grandmother – said that he was a Dalit.

The Guntur district administration in 2017, assigned by the Andhra Pradesh government to probe the caste status of Rohith Vemula declared that he did not belong to the Dalit community. According to the findings of a committee, the state government opted to invalidate Rohith’s Scheduled Caste certificate.

Following an inquiry spanning more than a year, the District-Level Scrutiny Committee (DLSC) had additionally accused Rohith and his mother, Radhika Vemula, of “fraudulently” obtaining the certificate.

The Supreme Court in Rameshbhai Dabhai Naika Vs. State of Gujarat order said “In an inter- caste marriage or a marriage between a tribal and a non-tribal there may be a presumption that the child has the caste of the father. This presumption may be stronger in the case where in the inter-caste marriage or a marriage between a tribal and a non-tribal the husband belongs to a forward caste. But by no means the presumption is conclusive or irrebuttable and it is open to the child of such marriage to lead evidence to show that he/she
was brought up by the mother who belonged to the scheduled caste/scheduled tribe. By virtue of being the son of a forward caste father he did not have any advantageous start in life but on the contrary suffered the deprivations, indignities, humilities and handicaps like any other member of the community to which his/her mother belonged. Additionally, that he was always treated a member of the community to which her mother belonged, not only by that community but by people outside the community as well.”

In an instance in April 2019, the Bombay High Court remanded a case to a Scrutiny Committee for review, opening the possibility for a daughter to assert her mother’s Other Backward Class (OBC) status instead of her father’s Scheduled Caste (SC) status. Referencing the Naika verdict, the judgment remarked, “Our society has traditionally not embraced matriarchy. However, the winds of change are now blowing.”

Based on the orders of Supreme Court and Delhi High Court, the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has notified that if the child has been brought up in the surroundings of a notified community to which a separated mother belongs to and has suffered the deprivations, indignities, humilities and handicaps like any other member of that community then he or she is entitled to claim SC status. However, each case would be examined in light of existing facts and circumstances.

Shameless Exploitation of Vemula’s Death for Political Gain

Vemula’s tragic death was shamelessly manipulated to fuel a divisive political agenda, setting pitting people particularly students in college campuses along caste lines. Both Rahul Gandhi and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal spared no effort in targeting the government, exploiting the sensitive incident for their own political gain. Their actions not only capitalized on a poignant tragedy but also exacerbated existing societal rifts.

In 2017, Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “They say Rohit Vemula committed suicide. I call it murder. He was murdered by the indignities he suffered. He was killed because he was a Dalit. Hitler, once wrote: Keep a firm grasp on reality, so you can strangle it at any time This is what is happening today-strangulation of reality”

They say Rohit Vemula committed suicide.I call it murder.He was murdered by the indignities he suffered.He was killed because he was a Dalit

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 21, 2017

Speaking in the Parliament, Rahul Gandhi said “Rohith Vemula had asked a question – What’s my mistake? I’m a Dalit. Why are you killing me because of that? Why am I being suppressed? – He asked these questions.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6jaAN_y-qS/

Rahul Gandhi had joined student protesters at the Hyderabad Central University and even likened Rohith Vemula to Mahatma Gandhi. Interesting, many news outlets like the NDTV too identified Rohith as a “Dalit” Research Scholar.

Critiquing the Modi administration regarding Vemula’s tragic demise, Arvind Kejriwal asserted that Rohith Vemula felt compelled to end his life “for discussing BR Ambedkar among peers.” He urged the dismissal of the “two ministers” implicated. Kejriwal also sarcastically questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pondering if honoring Dalit leader’s portraits was adequate to realize his aspirations. He lamented the lack of freedom of expression within the nation.

Arvind Kejriwal stated, “Vemula was forced to commit suicide for talking about Babasaheb among students. Why are people who are holding constitutional offices not acting against those who forced him to commit suicide? Will Babasaheb’s dream be fulfilled by the Prime Minister going to Mhou and garlanding his portrait? Babasaheb gave three words liberty, equality and fraternity…”

The pro-Congress Islamist propagandist Mohammed Zubair peddled the same narrative, which claimed, “Rohit Vimula’s mother slams BJP/RSS and News Channels for twisting facts for Political gains. Hey @republic & @TimesNow, ask your Telegu representatives to get this translate for you.” Even in the video, she asserts that the BJP and RSS are criticizing her for receiving money and speaking out against Modi, but she emphasizes that her actions were entirely self-driven. Notably the video circulated lacks any relevance to the Dalit or non-Dalit issue.

Rohit Vimula's mother slams BJP/RSS and News Channels for twisting facts for Political gains.
Hey @republic & @TimesNow, ask your Telegu representatives to get this translate for you.pic.twitter.com/gQKHWrMFwk

— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) June 20, 2018

And who can miss out the leftist-Dravidianist propaganda outlet The News Minute (TNM) which has been at the forefront along with other leftist outlets like The Wire to establish Rohith as a Dalit.

After the closure report of the Telangana Police, TNM published an elaborate piece calling it an “identity theft” of Rohith on why Rohith should be re-certified and not doing so is a crime.

The question is not whether Rohith Vemula was a Dalit or not but how he got his Caste Certificate and what was the caste mentioned in his certificate which has got silenced in the political noise surrounding his death.

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The post From Zubair To TNM To Rahul Gandhi, Here Are Those Who Claimed Rohith Vemula To Be A Dalit Amidst Telangana Police Confirming That He Was Not A Dalit appeared first on The Commune.

Image Source: India Today

In a troubling incident that unfolded in Tamil Nadu, a Dalit woman named Panchalai faced blatant discrimination as she was allegedly forced off a Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) bus mid-journey for carrying beef.

Panchalai, a 59-year-old resident of Navalai village in Dharmapuri district, regularly travels from Harur to Krishnagiri to purchase meat for resale in her village. However, on this particular journey, the conductor objected to her carrying beef, leading to her forced disembarkation in an unsafe area.

This incident has sparked outrage, with Panchalai filing a complaint accusing the bus driver and conductor of caste-based discrimination.
The discrimination, as per Panchalai’s account, had been ongoing for the past six months, with the conductor allegedly harassing her repeatedly.

The victim, Paanjalai, recounted that the conductor, identified as Raghu, berated her for carrying beef daily on the bus. When Raghu blew the whistle, the driver turned off the bus in a forested area. The conductor, with the support of other passengers, declared that the bus wouldn’t move until she disembarked. Despite Panjalai’s pleas to be dropped off at the next bus stop, her requests were ignored, and she was forced off the bus in the Moppiripatty forest area. Struggling to walk with her load, she received a free ride from a private bus on the same route and then informed her family about the incident.

The incident came to light when Panchalai filed a complaint with the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation and local police, citing discrimination based on her caste.

The TNSTC responded promptly by suspending the bus driver, N Sasikumar, and the conductor, K Raghu, pending an inquiry into the matter. The suspension underlines the seriousness of the allegations and aims to ensure a thorough investigation into the conduct of the bus crew. The TNSTC emphasized that the crew had no authority to inspect the contents of passengers’ luggage without cause, highlighting a breach of protocol.

Local residents and Panchalai’s family confronted the bus crew later that evening, prompting officials to intervene and engage in discussions with the concerned parties. The Dharmapuri district police registered the case under the SC/ST Act.

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The post Dalit Woman Faces Discrimination: Forced Off TNSTC Bus For Carrying Beef; Bus Drive & Conductor Suspended appeared first on The Commune.

On 18 January 2024, we reported on how an 18 year old girl from the scheduled caste was physically abused by her employer, who turned out to be DMK’s Pallavaram MLA E Karunanithi’s son and daughter-in-law. 

In a video interview, the girl revealed that she was forced to sign an agreement under blackmail, subjected to relentless physical abuse, and denied any medical assistance. She described instances of being burnt, beaten, and even scratched with a knife by her employer. Despite enduring extreme cruelty, she was warned against speaking out, as her employer claimed to have influential connections. She also highlighted non-payment of salary, excessive workload, and degrading treatment. The appalling conditions she faced emphasized the urgent need for intervention and justice.

In a widely circulated video on the X platform, the victim detailed the extent of the torment she endured at the hands of her employer. She shared the account of how she found herself in the residence of Anto Madhivanan “After completing 12th, I went to work through an agent there… they took me to one house that was E Karunanidhi MLA’s son, Anto Madhivanan’s Thiruvanmiyur apartment and took me there. Since this was the first time I was working, I told them within 2 days of joining that I was not able to manage the workload but they said, no you should work, beat me, and took away my phone from me. Later when I said I couldn’t stay here and wanted to speak to my mother, they started blackmailing me that they will kill my mother and brother and that I should work there or else they would destroy my family.

She adds, “After blackmailing, they said, now your mother will come, you should sign an agreement with the agent. You should sign for sure. If not, we don’t know what may happen’, they said. We are an MLA family, we have power, we will do whatever we want. After my mother came due to pressure, they said I should sign the agreement and I could not say that to my mother because I was blackmailed so much, so I signed it.

She alleges that they deceived her with false assurances “They promised me ‘You work for 6 months, we will relieve you immediately, another girl will come to replace you’, They enrolled me saying that”

She continues her statement, “One day she slapped me on the face. I’ve been working for the past 7 months, during these 7 months, they’d beat me up as they wish. Even if I didn’t do something properly, they’d slap me on the face as they walk by. One night, we finished packing at 2AM as they were leaving for someplace, they ordered me to finish cooking food by 6AM. They told me I did not have any business sleeping. How can anyone stay awake? I fell asleep at 2AM and woke up at 7 in the morning. Since I failed to cook and keep the food ready, they burnt my arms with the hair straightener. They left me in such a state and left. How much ever I am tortured, even if I am bleeding, they’d never take me to the hospital for treatment. I used to take care of the wounds with home remedies like applying turmeric powder or something like that. I would tie the bandages myself and continued working.”

The victim goes on to add, “One morning they asked me to finish all the work in the morning but I could not wake up and was only able to make breakfast and lunch, I could not sweep and mop the floor as was ordered. Since I did not finish the housework, they said I was not able to accompany them for their work outside. So for the entire day, they beat me up with a ladle. What began in the morning went on 11 in the night. I was beaten with the ladle on my head and mouth which started bleeding. I begged her to let me go home, I fell at her feet unable to bear it, but she never let me go. I was asked to wash my face, post which the beating continued.”

The traumatised victim adds, “She had hit me on my chest several times, I could never speak of it. They scratched my neck with a knife. They would light a newspaper and burnt my mouth with it. They never took me for treatment even after doing this. I had to take care of myself. Even after getting beaten up so much and if I said I could not work, they’d hit me repeatedly in the same place demanding why I wasn’t working! One day, I was chased so much and hit over and over again and was made to work. I still continued doing the chores every day.”

She adds, “My face had changed, she cut my hair, I didn’t know what to do I was in a critical condition. Even then she did not take me to the hospital, she gave me ice cubes to treat my head and all the swollen areas. After all this cruelty, she says if you reveal any of this to anyone outside, who is there to safeguard you? She called me a dog that had no one and no money. She blackmailed me saying she was living in the MLA’s home and that she was the MLA’s daughter-in-law and if she said a word, they would destroy my home.
She even blackmailed me saying she would forge documents through a doctor she knew and would spread news in my village that I had an abortion and shame me. She taunted me as I had no one to go to or take help from. She even disrobed me and sent me out when I begged her to let me be. She even said, that even if I was sent out naked, no one would come and help me. She would say if people know that it was an MLA’s house, they’d go away minding their business. Even for small chore, if I did not wash a vessel properly or fold clothes properly, I would be tortured as per their fantasies and ideas that crop up at that instant. Once she mixed chilli powder in water and made me drink it. I would drink it and after that, I would feel a burning sensation inside but I could do nothing, but cry in pain, I would lie on the floor and beg for water but to no avail.” She added, “The other staff working there would complain about me and she would make me do their work also. I’d prepare lunch and dinner, sweep and mop the house, clean the bathroom, wash clothes – I would do all this and their work also. If I wake up in the morning at 6, I would go to bed only at 1.30 or 2AM. They wouldn’t even let me sit down for a minute, they’d say I am not a guest to sit and that I was given a salary, so I should not sit.”

When asked if she was given a salary, she said, “Till date, I did not receive even a rupee as salary. I have been working for the past 7 months and they have not even given me a single day’s salary. Even if I was unwell and unable to work, I had to do every single chore. Work must be done at a fast pace. I’d be questioned for every single thing I do and would never be able to finish a given task and would get beaten up for this.”

திமுக கருணாநிதி எம்எ.ல்.ஏ. வீட்டில் வேலை செய்த பெண் கொடுக்கும் பகீர்…. வாக்குமூலம் – pic.twitter.com/8jDkSSuj2u

— Gowri Sankar D – Say Yes to Women Safety&AIADMK (@GowriSankarD_) January 18, 2024

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The post “We’re MLA Family, We’ll Do Whatever We Want”: Dalit Girl Alleges Torture By DMK MLA’s D-I-L, Says She Was Disrobed, Burnt With Hair Straightener, Made To Drink Chilli Powder Mixed Water appeared first on The Commune.

In a tragic incident, a 16-year-old boy hailing from the Dalit community took his own life in Koppampatti village, Pudukottai district. The reason behind this was the alleged assault and harassment he endured from students belonging to a dominant caste. This torment was apparently due to his interaction with a girl from their community.

The young victim, V. Vishnukumar, was a student in Class XI at the Government Boys Higher Secondary School in Keeranur. His involvement with a girl from the OBC community had drawn the ire of several dominant caste students, some of whom were his classmates. The Hindu reported that Vishnukumar had been physically attacked, ridiculed, and continually victimised by his peers because of his association with the girl.

A few weeks ago, as reported by News9Live, he was once again subjected to physical violence and subjected to derogatory comments based on his caste. This relentless persecution took a heavy toll on him, leading to his tragic decision to end his own life. His grieving mother, Uma, lodged a police complaint, pointing to caste-based discrimination as a significant factor in her son’s suicide.

Initially, the local police registered a case under section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which was later modified to include provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities Act) and IPC Section 306, relating to abetment of suicide. An autopsy was conducted, and Vishnukumar’s remains were handed over to his family for the final rites.

A 16 year old #Dalit student was seen talking to his classmate who was from the dominant caste near Pudukkottai #Tamilnadu. He was attacked in public by more than ten dominant caste villagers for talking to her .They also humiliated him with caste slurs . At night he committed… https://t.co/nKhvihJHQb

— Shalin Maria Lawrence (@TheBluePen25) November 5, 2023

In the wake of this devastating incident, Vishnukumar’s parents are demanding justice for their son’s untimely death. The case is currently under investigation by the Deputy Superintendent of Police in the Keeranur sub-division. 

One of his relative can be heard lamenting “They hit him in the bus, bus stand. They committed caste atrocity. They beat my Krishnakumar. A boy who went to school, they hit him in a government school. They hit him in the school, in the bus stand. Because of caste atrocity, he hanged himself.”

The Pudukottai district unit of the CPI(M) expressed deep distress and dismay regarding the situation. They stated that the young boy fell victim to “caste-based animosity” instigated by his fellow students. They called for a thorough investigation into the matter and the apprehension of the individuals responsible. The CPI(M) urged the state government to provide appropriate compensation to the victim’s family and offer a government job to one of the family members.

This tragic event has elicited widespread outrage, with many seeing it as a product of deeply ingrained caste-based discrimination and animosity. The irony lies in the fact that despite the claims of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government about establishing “social justice” through the Dravidian ideology, caste-based atrocities persist, revealing a failure in achieving the intended social justice goals.

Just a few days ago, a gang of six physically assaulted, stripped, and subjected two Dalit youths to public humiliation as they were returning home after a bath in the Thamirabarani River. 

In October 2023, a family belonging to the Scheduled Caste residing in the Vidathilampatti hills within the Manapparai municipality was reported to have been facing threats from a dominant Urali Gounder family. They were subjected to verbal abuse (casteist slurs), urine poured on the son, the house was stoned, assaulted, etc.

How can one forget the Vengaivayal incident, where human waste was discovered dumped in a water tank used by the Dalits in Vengaivayal village of Pudukottai district, or the Nanguneri incident in August 2023 when a Class 12 Scheduled Caste student and his younger sister were brutally assaulted with sickles in their own home. 

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The post SC Boy Takes His Own Life After Alleged Harassment By OBC Youths In Pudukottai Govt School appeared first on The Commune.