In Bihar’s Nawada district, over 20 Dalit homes were torched in a violent attack that has left entire families homeless and traumatised. Miscreants reportedly stormed the Dalit settlement, beat residents, set their homes ablaze, and fired shots into the air to instil fear. This attack, allegedly over a land dispute, has prompted widespread political condemnation and reignited concerns over the state’s failure to protect vulnerable communities from caste-based violence. Opposition leaders have pointed to this incident as a glaring example of how lawlessness and caste-based oppression are allowed to flourish under the current regime.

While these events are alarming in their own right, they are emblematic of a much larger, deeply rooted problem: the culture of anti-Dalit discrimination and violence that persists throughout the country. Dalits, who have long been at the receiving end of oppression, often find themselves with little recourse when targeted by upper-caste groups or even the state itself. The two incidents in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar illustrate how Dalits remain vulnerable to brutality, whether at the hands of law enforcement or by criminal groups that operate with impunity. The failure to adequately protect these communities not only erodes trust in the state but also allows a toxic environment to fester, where caste-based violence can thrive.

These incidents took place in BJP-ruled states, casting a critical light on the policies and governance that have allowed such violence to escalate. In both states, opposition leaders have pointed out how caste-based violence has surged, calling it a symptom of a deeper malaise within the system. In Uttar Pradesh, the boy’s death has raised fresh questions about police accountability and the use of excessive force against Dalits. His family’s desperate calls for justice, as they block highways with his body in protest, reflect the larger struggle of Dalits to be heard and treated with dignity in a country that continues to marginalise them. The police’s shifting narrative and claims of innocence only deepen the distrust, as Dalits are left wondering if their cries for justice will ever be answered.

Similarly, the arson attack in Bihar highlights the plight of Dalits who live under constant threat of violence, often over land disputes, which are frequently laced with caste-based animosity. The destruction of homes in Nawada, while tragic, is not an isolated case. It is part of a broader trend of caste violence that is often met with delayed government action and sporadic justice. Despite the police arresting several suspects, many Dalit families in the area remain fearful, living in temporary shelters with little assurance of long-term support or protection.

Political reactions to these events have been swift and sharp, with opposition leaders accusing the BJP of fostering an environment where caste-based violence is tolerated, if not encouraged. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, BSP chief Mayawati, and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav have all issued statements condemning the attacks and questioning the ruling government’s commitment to protecting Dalits. Gandhi went so far as to accuse the BJP and its allies of sheltering criminals who target marginalised communities, while Mayawati demanded full financial support for the victims’ rehabilitation.

These incidents highlight the glaring failures of the state to uphold justice and equality for Dalits, despite the constitutional protections afforded to them. In BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where caste dynamics are deeply entrenched, Dalits often find themselves at the mercy of both local hierarchies and institutionalised neglect. The growing list of atrocities against Dalits—from police violence to attacks over land—points to a troubling trend of rising caste-based violence that cannot be dismissed as isolated incidents.

As India continues to grapple with the legacy of caste discrimination, these two incidents serve as stark reminders of the work that still needs to be done. The deaths, displacement, and trauma endured by Dalit communities demand more than just political outrage; they require systemic change. Without meaningful intervention and accountability, the culture of anti-Dalit violence will continue to thrive, leaving the country’s most marginalised to bear the brunt of a system that fails to protect them.

Incident 1: Custodial torture resulting into death

A 16-year-old Dalit boy has died after being allegedly tortured by the police in Uttar Pradesh. The boy was picked up by Kheri police on September 3 in connection with a theft case. He was severely beaten up by the police during questioning. The boy was admitted to a hospital in Lucknow where he died on Saturday, reports said.

“A detailed inquiry has been ordered into the death,” The Indian Express reported quoting SP Ganesh Prasad Saha in a statement. Circle Officer Ramesh Kumar Tiwari said Akash was suffering from septicemia and had been unwell for a long time, the report added.

However, the victim’s kin and the residents of Sisawan Kala village blocked a state highway outside the police station for several hours demanding to file an FIR against the cops responsible for the boy’s death.

His family alleges that he was beaten in custody for three days, and his health deteriorated while in police detention. Despite being transferred to a hospital in Lucknow, Akash died on September 13.

Following his death, Akash’s family protested by placing his body on the Lakhimpur-Gola highway, demanding action against the officers responsible.

Former Samajwadi Party MLA Ramsaran also joined the protest. The family accused the police of brutality and sought the arrest of the officers involved. The protest led to a massive traffic jam on both sides of the highway, but by late evening, authorities were still struggling to clear the blockade.

The police, however, maintain that Akash was only questioned and later released to his family. They claim his health worsened at home, and they are awaiting the post-mortem report to determine the cause of death. The situation highlights the deepening distrust between the villagers and law enforcement.

In #UttarPradesh‘s #LakhimpurKheri, a 25-year-old #Dalit youth named Akash Raj had been arrested by Phardhan police on September 3 on charges of theft.

His family alleges that he was beaten in custody for three days, and his health deteriorated while in police detention. Despite… pic.twitter.com/C66TZa80Vw

— Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) September 18, 2024

On September 15, another incident involving the police in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur district sparked widespread outrage after a video of a confrontation between villagers and the police went viral on social media. In the video, shared on platform X (formerly Twitter), a police officer can be seen verbally and physically assaulting a villager. The officer is heard using derogatory language, saying, “The bastard will raise his hand on the police… of this mother— of this sister—,” while physically attacking the man.

The video has drawn sharp criticism, with people expressing anger over the police’s abusive behaviour and use of excessive force. Many have taken to social media to condemn the officer’s actions, pointing out the growing trend of law enforcement officials mistreating civilians, particularly in rural areas. The incident has intensified discussions about the police’s unchecked power and the lack of accountability in such cases.

This viral video has further deepened the distrust between local communities and law enforcement, as many view it as yet another example of police brutality and the culture of impunity that surrounds such actions. The uproar over this latest confrontation reflects a growing frustration among the public, who are increasingly questioning the behaviour of the police and their treatment of ordinary people. The incident also underscores broader concerns about how marginalised communities are disproportionately affected by such acts of police aggression.

भोस %#$ वाले पुलिस पर हाथ उठाएगा…
इसी माँ की——इसकी बहन की——#लखीमपुर में ख़ाकी वर्दी में “राजा साहब” को ग़ुस्सा आ गया फिर क्या सारे परिवार को घसीट लिया युद्ध में…खुद ही सुन लीजिए किस तरह से पेश आए राजा साहब अपने ज़िले की प्रजा से pic.twitter.com/P8ZlThPDTC

— Mamta Tripathi (@MamtaTripathi80) September 14, 2024

Incident 2: Arson and violence

Over 20 houses in a Dalit settlement in Bihar’s Nawada district were set on fire by miscreants on Wednesday night, allegedly over a land dispute. This violent attack has intensified concerns over rising caste-based violence in the state, sparking political outcry and widespread criticism of the ruling government. The police have arrested 15 people, including the prime suspect, in connection with the incident, while opposition parties like the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress have called it further proof of the “jungle raj” prevailing in Bihar under the NDA government.

The attack occurred in Manjhi Tola, within the Mufassil police station area of Nawada district. Initial reports suggested that over 80 homes were set ablaze, but police later confirmed that 21 houses were destroyed. Villagers from the settlement allege that a group of armed miscreants stormed into the Dalit neighbourhood, beating several families, setting their homes on fire, and allegedly firing shots into the air to instil fear.

In a shocking incident that has come to light from #Bihar’s #Nawada where miscreants set fire to a #Dalit settlement and reportedly burnt down over 80 houses. Ten persons, including the main accused, have been arrested till now in connection with the incident.

A land dispute had… pic.twitter.com/e2IS9QK6wZ

— Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) September 19, 2024

One villager recounted how the attackers arrived suddenly, thrashing anyone who tried to resist. “They beat us mercilessly and then started torching the houses,” said one resident, as per a report of India Today, visibly shaken. Though there were no fatalities, the destruction of homes has left many families displaced and destitute. Police have denied the claims of aerial firing, with Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhinav Dhiman stating that no bullet shells were found during their investigation. He added that, fortunately, no one was physically harmed in the incident.

A large contingent of police officers has been deployed to the area to prevent any further escalation. Despite their presence, the community remains tense, fearful of another attack. Villagers continue to demand accountability and swift justice, as many of them have lost their homes and belongings, with little hope of recovery without government support.

It is essential to note that the Bihar police have registered a case in connection with the arson and are continuing their investigation. As of Thursday, 15 people have been arrested in connection with the attack, including the prime suspect. Nawada SP Abhinav Dhiman stated that initial investigations suggest a land dispute may have triggered the violence, though further investigation is required. “The district police have arrested 15 people for allegedly torching the houses. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate further, and searches are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects,” said Nawada District Magistrate Ashutosh Kumar Verma.

Senior police and administrative officials have been stationed in the area to maintain peace and prevent any further violence. Fire engines were brought to the scene promptly after reports of the fire broke out, helping to extinguish the blaze. Officials have confirmed that no lives were lost in the fire, and rumours of cattle being charred in the incident were also dispelled by the district administration.

Political Reactions and Government Response: The incident has sparked political outrage, with leaders across the spectrum condemning the attack and criticising the state government for its failure to protect marginalised communities. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar convened an emergency meeting with senior officials following the attack. He instructed the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) to personally visit the site and oversee the investigation. In addition, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to expedite the probe. Nitish Kumar promised strict legal action against the perpetrators, assuring that “no one will be spared.”

The district administration, led by District Magistrate (DM) Ashutosh Kumar Verma, has begun providing immediate relief to the displaced families. “We are distributing food packets, drinking water, and other essentials to the affected families. Temporary tents have been set up to provide them shelter,” said DM Verma, as per ETV Bharat. The district administration is also conducting a damage assessment to ascertain the extent of property loss and determine compensation for the victims.

Furthermore, Verma confirmed that the attack likely stemmed from an ongoing land dispute in the area. However, police and local officials continue to investigate other possible motives behind the violence. While relief efforts are underway, the government has faced criticism for its slow response and lack of long-term rehabilitation plans for the victims.

Outrage from Opposition Leaders: The attack has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who accused the BJP-JD(U) government of fostering a climate of lawlessness that allows caste-based violence to thrive. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, taking to social media, condemned the incident, calling it a horrifying example of the state’s failure to protect Dalits. In a strongly worded tweet, Gandhi wrote, “Burning down an entire colony of Mahadalits in Nawada highlights the horrifying picture of injustice against Bahujans in Bihar. Such anarchist elements find shelter under the leadership of the BJP and its NDA allies. The silence of the Prime Minister is a seal of approval for this big conspiracy.”

नवादा में महादलितों का पूरा टोला जला देना, 80 से ज़्यादा परिवारों के घरों को नष्ट कर देना बिहार में बहुजनों के विरुद्ध अन्याय की डरावनी तस्वीर उजागर कर रहा है।

अपना घर-संपत्ति खो चुके इन दलित परिवारों की चीत्कार और भयंकर गोलीबारी की गूंज से वंचित समाज में मचा आतंक भी बिहार की…

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 19, 2024

Gandhi’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment of frustration over the rising violence against marginalised communities in Bihar and across the country. He accused the NDA of sheltering criminals and suppressing Bahujans so they cannot demand their social and constitutional rights. His comments also placed blame on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for remaining silent on these atrocities, suggesting that this silence emboldens perpetrators.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati also expressed her outrage, demanding strict legal action against those responsible and full financial support for the rehabilitation of the victims. “The incident of burning down many houses of poor Dalits in Bihar’s Nawada by goons is extremely sad and serious. The government must take swift legal action against the culprits and provide full financial help for the victims’ rehabilitation,” she posted.

बिहार के नवादा में दबंगों द्वारा गरीब दलितों के काफी घरों को जलाकर राख करके उनका जीवन उजाड़ देने की घटना अति-दुखद व गंभीर। सरकार दोषियों के खिलाफ सख्त कानूनी कार्रवाई करने के साथ ही पीड़ितों को पुनः बसाने की व्यवस्था के लिए पूरी आर्थिक मदद भी करे।

— Mayawati (@Mayawati) September 19, 2024

Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav was equally vocal in his condemnation. He warned that atrocities against Dalits would no longer be tolerated in the state and called on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to wake up from his “slumber.” Yadav, echoing widespread public sentiment, said, “The NDA is not concerned about Bihar but about protecting criminals. The Chief Minister, who leads the third-largest party in the state, has not spoken up for months.” He accused the government of wilful neglect of marginalised communities, particularly Dalits.

आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री मोदी जी,

बिहार में आपकी डबल इंजन पॉवर्ड सरकार में दलितों के घर जला दिए गए है। यह भारत देश की ही घटना है। कृपया इस मंगलराज पर दो शब्द तो कह दिजीए कि यह सब प्रभु की मर्जी से हो रहा है इसपर NDA के बड़बोले शक्तिशाली नेताओं का कोई वश नहीं है।

यह भी बता दिजीए कि… pic.twitter.com/cDfh0rH4ce

— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) September 19, 2024

This attack has once again shone a spotlight on the deep-rooted caste tensions in Bihar, where Dalit communities often find themselves the target of violence, particularly over land disputes. The incident is being seen as part of a broader pattern of attacks against marginalised communities across the country, with opposition parties blaming the government for allowing such violence to continue unchecked. The Congress and RJD have framed the incident as part of a larger “jungle raj” narrative, wherein lawlessness and caste-based oppression have flourished under the NDA’s rule.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, in his critique of the state government, described the arson as a terrifying example of Bihar’s failure to maintain law and order. He said, “It is condemnable that around 100 Dalit houses were set on fire, there was firing, and everything the poor families had was stolen in the dead of night.” Kharge accused the NDA of disregarding the plight of Dalits and encouraging anti-social elements to thrive under its rule.

बिहार के नवादा में महादलित टोला पर दबंगों का आतंक NDA की डबल इंजन सरकार के जंगलराज का एक और प्रमाण है।

बेहद निंदनीय है कि करीब 100 दलित घरों में आग लगाई गई, गोलीबारी की गई और रात के अँधेरे में ग़रीब परिवारों का सब कुछ छीन लिया गया।

भाजपा और उसके सहयोगी दलों की दलितों-वंचितों…

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) September 19, 2024

As investigations continue, the focus now shifts to how the Bihar government will handle the aftermath of the attack, provide justice for the victims, and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. The victims, having lost their homes and livelihoods, await both immediate relief and long-term support to rebuild their lives amidst the ongoing political outcry.

Related:

Supreme Court halts nationwide demolitions through interim order, emphasising the ethos of the Constitution

Nationwide surge in Anti-Muslim violence: September 15-17 sees unprecedented attacks and discrimination

Stop using politics of hate to hide failure to protect women and their rights: Open Letter to Uttarakhand Govt

Seeking caste census? Sharp rise in move to portray caste as Hindu protective shield

Cruelty for Caste: Dalit youth, Scholar, Student targeted in shameful attacks

The post Violence against Dalits exposed: brutal police torture and arson attack shake BJP-ruled states appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The bench remarked, “Why don’t you go to the high court? The high courts are not closed in this country.” The Supreme Court declined to hear a petition filed by a RJD candidate seeking re-polling at more than 40 booths in the Munger Lok Sabha constituency in Bihar. The justices told the candidate to take her case to the Patna High Court instead. 

The petition had sought redressal on allegations of booth capturing and election rigging in the Munger constituency of Bihar. The petitioner claims that members of the ruling Janata Dal (United) party, with the assistance of government officials took part in these activities. As per a report in the Live Law, the petition asked for polling in Lakhisarai, Mokana, and Suryagarha in Munger to be conducted again. 

According to the petitioner, many such complaints were lodged with various authorities, including the Election Commission of India’s observers and the District Election Officer, Avnish Kumar Singh, but these efforts received no response. Furthermore, the petitioner alleges that she was physically assaulted by officials and JDU supporters when she attempted to protest the alleged booth capturing. The petition also asked for Avnish Kumar Singh to be removed from his duties. Kumari has also claimed earlier that people from backward castes were not allowed to vote, as per a report in Bar and Bench. 

JDU is part of the ruling alliance in the state. Bihar’s Munger saw 55 % voting. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Munger had seen a similar allegation of tampering with votes. The then Bihar government had dismissed a zonal magistrate on charges of bogus voting and booth capturing in Lakhisarai. 

In the 2024, 18th Lok Sabha elections accusations of bogus voting and poll booth capturing have come from Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, and Tripura. Reports of Muslims being prevented from voting has also come from Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. 

Related

Phase 6 Polling: Reports of voting manipulation and sporadic violence continue, AAP claims “slow voting” in Delhi

Reports of bogus voting from Maharashtra’s Beed and Pune

Accused of not voting for “free ration”, Dalit man beaten brutally in UP

BJP leader’s minor caught on camera voting in Madhya Pradesh

Phase I voting for General Elections 2024: Marred by Firing, “booth capturing,” crude bomb “found” in BJP leaders house, complaints of undue pressure

The post Bihar: RJD’s petition booth capturing and rigging at Munger dismissed by SC appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Thereafter, English-language newspapers published the news, reporting, articles and editorials about him with great enthusiasm. The reactions of many leaders and parties on this sudden decision of the government also became a subject of speculation in the media. In all this, the government’s “politics” behind the decision to award Bharat Ratna to Thakur was also mentioned and discussed. Commentators opined that the union government has used the Bharat Ratna to blunt the opposition’s caste-based census card. That is, the feat of immersing mandal into brimming kamandal with the construction and inauguration of Ram Temple has been accomplished by awarding Bharat Ratna to Thakur! The RSS/BJP has tried to prove through this award that there is no conflict between ‘Hindutva’ and social justice. By conferring the same award on LK Advani is in line with its well thought out plan.

However, it is worth noting that the union government did not commemorate Karpoori Thakur in Bihar or any other state during the entire birth centenary year, which ends on January 24, 2024. Despite being awarded the Bharat Ratna, it does not seem that the government will have any serious concern with Karpoori Thakur even in future. Actually, this is just an election manoeuvre of the government.

The politics of Bharat Ratna has also engulfed the Grand Alliance government of Bihar. There was a tussle between the claimants to the inheritance of Thakur. Nitish Kumar, an ‘engineer’ of Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), while commenting on the award, took a dig at RJD’s dynastic politics by saying that Thakur never indulged in dynastic politics. He, in fact, declared himself the real heir of Thakur by saying that he himself too never took his family forward in politics. In order to further strengthen his claim he also stated that he made Thakur’s son Ramnath Thakur a member of the Rajya Sabha, who is also his follower. He has tried to convey a message to the BJP that he alone has the patent on EBC votes in Bihar. That is, the benefit of giving Bharat Ratna to Thakur passes through the corridor of his rightful heir!

There has been an ongoing tussle between the JDU and RJD for some time. Apart from this, Nitish was upset that despite being a “tallest leader” in the opposition camp, the INDIA alliance did not declare him as the prime ministerial candidate. He was not even made the president of the alliance. Even before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he expected that the Congress would go ahead accepting him as the Prime Ministerial candidate of the combined opposition. When this did not happen, he left the Grand Alliance and went back with the BJP. He again returned to BJP-led NDA, picking up the bale of legacy of Thakur. The interesting thing is that Thakur, who suddenly came into limelight after the announcement of Bharat Ratna, has been side-lined, and Nitish Kumar has gained centre-stage. Editorials and articles in newspapers are now throwing light on mandal-kamandal politics and its various variations. Thakur and his persona, politics and ideology are no more topics of interest. Political analysts seem to have accepted that the future of social justice politics lies not with the socialist ideology of Thakur, but with the politics of ‘Hindutva’, which carries their cherished agenda of “development” and “good governance”.

In such a situation, it would be appropriate to ask the question whether the Bharat-Ratna, that came out of the womb of power-greedy politics of communalism, casteism, individualism and vanshvad (dynasty rule) while sitting in the lap of corporate houses, to Thakur enhances his honour or diminishes his dignity posthumously. In fact, this episode once again explains that in the era of corporate-communal nexus in politics the national icons are being humiliated by being used in undignified power-politics.

A little discussion of Thakur, the politician, would not be out of place here. He has been a leader of great versatility. As much as he was involved in politics and socialist ideology, he was equally learned in literature, art and culture. People in academia and literature often noted that he always used to travel with a heavy bag of books. He had his own ideological and political training in socialist thoughts and the movement. However, he used to imbibe all the transformative ideas coming from various sources including the ideas of Phule, Ambedkar and Periyar. He had a deep commitment towards basic modern values like democracy, secularism, civil liberties and human rights.  His simplicity and his insistence on not taking the slightest advantage of his political position for the benefit of his family and friends was a clear indication of his link with the Gandhian-Socialist stream. Thakur belonged to an extremely backward and small in numbers the barber caste.  Despite such a background, he could develop an independent political personality of himself.

Thakur was actually a child of the freedom movement and the socialist movement. He started his political innings by leaving college and participating in the Quit India Movement. He was elected member of Bihar Legislative Assembly in 1952 elections. From then till his death, he always won the assembly elections continuously. He won the Lok Sabha election from Samastipur in 1977. In his entire political career, he lost only the 1984 Lok Sabha elections. He played the role of Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly for a long time. He became the Chief Minister of Bihar twice – from 22 December 1970 to 2 June 1971, and from 24 June 1977 to 21 April 1979. He had a deep knowledge of parliamentary rules and processes, and was sincerely adhered to them.

He had made a provision of 8, 12, 3, 3 percent reservation for extremely backward classes, other backward classes, women and economically poor of general category respectively. This is known as Karpoori Formula, for which he had to face even abusive language from people with upper caste feudal mind-set, especially the Jan Sangh cadres. Not only did southern leader Devraj Urs take a dig at Thakur’s reservation policy, it also became a subject of controversy among socialists. Some people say that the provision of sub-quota within the quota had the consent and inspiration of JP, whereas some hold the opposite opinion. Both Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar, who claim to be Thakur’s heirs, have proven to be leaders who only settle the electoral calculations of castes. They have not been moved by Thakur’s commitment to socialism and social harmony.

Being a committed socialist, he always tried to bring marginalised groups forward, but considered himself mainly as a representative of the people of Bihar. Many obstacles came in his way, not to forget his ‘low’ caste, but he overcame them all with his political and ideological commitment. Never in his life did he resort to communal casteism and casteist ‘identityism’. He emerged as a leader of the people – jannayak, not a leader of any caste. This particular merit of his personality can be viewed through a poem titled ‘Bheed Se Ghira Adami’ (A man surrounded by the crowds) by Jabir Husain. 

This poem, the best among many poems written on him, shows that the personality of Thakur was not bound by region, caste and religion. He used to call himself a casteless person. Even his commitment to the country was only that it should be freed from colonial subjugation so that a society of equality can be established by transforming the multi-layered feudal-hegemonic system. The poem also suggests that his personality is not meant to evoke worship but to be an inspiration for struggle. During the freedom struggle Karpoori Thakur himself composed a famous poem titled ‘Hum Soe Watan Ko Jagane Chale Hain’ (We walk to stir the nation awake): We walk to stir the nation awake/ breathe life into the dead/to through the gauntlet at the powerful/who ignore the helpless ill-fed/don’t push us further o tyrant/lest we burn it all to ground/ unbent, headlong we rush/to raise the listless from the ground/we walk to stir the nation awake. This poem too suggests that he was a leader of the underprivileged-exploited masses with a deep ideological understanding.

Dr. Lohia’s thesis – “Class is mobile caste. Caste is immobile class” – is about Thakur’s understanding of caste and class question at a practical level. When the leaders who openly play dynasty politics in a feudal style claim themselves as the heirs of the legacy of Thakur, they simply devalue him.  Lohia’s offer to bring Dalits, Adivasis, backward castes, women and poor Muslims ahead in politics was an epoch-making idea to transform the socio-economic-political-cultural structures of the country forever. Lohia hoped for de-brahmanisation and de-colonization of the minds of these marginalized communities because this ‘mind’ had been largely free from the clutches of old brahmanical and the new colonial value systems. In this way, that ‘mind’ could have been a permanent deterrent to communal fascism and capitalist imperialism. But this idea of Lohia, full of possibilities of epoch-changing, was turned into a blatant casteism by the leaders playing politics of social justice. They, in fact, put the same in the service of communal fascism and capitalist imperialism.

Among the Backward/Dalit leaders, Thakur was the only one who fulfilled Lohia’s hope through his political work. This is the most important dimension of his relevance today. It is to be hoped that this dimension of his relevance will not be allowed to disappear in the politics of Bharat Ratna.

(The author associated with the socialist movement is a former teacher of Delhi University and a former fellow of Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla)

The post Bharat Ratna to Karpoori Thakur: Appropriating icons for political end appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Gopalganj Superintendent of Police Swarn Prabhat revealed that the victim, Manoj Kumar Sah, previously thought to be the temple priest, was, in fact, the caretaker of the temple in Manjha village’s Danapur area. His life ended in a mutilated condition, with his body discovered on the outskirts of a village after being missing for a week.

The lifeless body of the temple staff was found on the outskirts of the village a week after his disappearance.  The victim had last been seen leaving the temple premises in Manjha village within the Danapur area on a Monday. The discovery of his body occurred on the subsequent Saturday after the week-long search, according to PTI.

BJP leader Shezad was quick to make it a political issue, calling the murder “ISIS style.”

नीतीश राज नहीं जंगल राज

बिहार के गोपालगंज में पुजारी की isis स्टाइल हत्या

Bihar now has Jungle Raj not Nitish Raj

ISIS style killing of Pujari in Gopalganj
Shot dead, eyes gouged out, private parts damaged

Who is safe in Bihar? Neither Sadhus. Neither cops and nor is the… pic.twitter.com/wVSvDvhi3K

— Shehzad Jai Hind (@Shehzad_Ind) December 17, 2023

However, contrary to initial speculations about the alleged involvement of radical groups, investigators discovered it to be a crime due to personal enmity and relations.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to investigate the crime and it led to the arrest of three individuals – Neha Kumari, Sunita Devi, and Amit Kumar. According to the police statements, Neha Kumari confessed to the crime due to alleged threats from Manoj Shah. The Superintendent Swarn Prabhat disclosed that the police successfully traced the victim’s final call which led them to Neha’s aunt, Sunita Devi. After this, the law enforcement officials visited their home and questioned the family. During the round of questioning, the both of them reportedly broke down and confessed.

According to reports, Manoj Shah departed from the Shiv temple at 12:45 am on December 11 and arrived at Neha’s house, where her family subdued and ultimately killed him. In a gruesome turn of events, they mutilated his lifeless body and disposed of it in a pit near the Sudha dairy outlet.

ANI has quoted the SDPO Sadar Pranjal as saying that, “A young man, named Manoj Kumar Shah, working as a caretaker at the Shiv Temple in Danapur, was missing. The CCTV footage showed that he locked the temple himself and went somewhere… During the investigation, we found his body in the Danapur area… The body was sent for post-mortem. The people blocked roads in protest… An FIR has been registered against some mischievous youth… Various internal issues including land issues within the family have come up… Some people have been detained… There was some stone pelting. Action is being taken…”

Reports suggest that the suspects Neha Kumari, Sunita Devi, and Amit Kumar are in custody.

Related: 

In a sinister forewarning, RSS leader says Muslims should hand over all disputed religious sites to Hindus: Indresh Kumar

Students called “Pakistani” after school debate justifies Israeli violence against Palestinians

Madhya Pradesh: One day after BJP’s victory, Muslim homes and meat shops demolished

Madhya Pradesh: loudspeakers in religious places, plans to ban open sale of meat

The post Bihar: Hindutva leaders cry ISIS style murder, police reveal girlfriend real killer appeared first on SabrangIndia.

First, several Hindi newspapers published articles (well-coordinated!) saying that the Bihar Education Department has ‘abolished’ holidays for ‘Hindu’ festivals and increased holidays for ‘Muslim’ celebrations. Soon, we witnessed a well-coordinated propaganda both in the print media and on social media platforms. Predictably, several senior BJP leaders and “influencers” amplified the Fake-News. Commercial electronic (TV) News Channels promptly started “debates” on this issue and conveniently invited representatives of the dominant, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to amplify this out of context and spread more lies and fake news. The social media storm around this has been created to create the impression that “Hindu masses” are also angry as they see this propaganda as “real.”

1 of 5

So much so that the Bihar education department has now been compelled to issue a “clarification” regarding school holidays for the academic session 2024. The announcement clarified that there were/are no changes in the number of holidays next year and that all schools have always remained open and celebrated the birth anniversaries of great men. The education department made the clarifications in response to the rumours circulating around the recently released school holiday calendar 2024.  This is what the Bihar government has had to do.

Bihar school holiday 2024 calendar out, BSEB clarifies different lists for Urdu and general schools

What is the actual context? 

 Every year the many state governments release a list of holidays for schools. There are different calendars issued for different set of schools. They issue a different list of holidays for Madarsa and Maqtabs. By picking up and highlighting only the Holiday list of the Madrasas and Maqtabs and making out as if these holidays applied to all educational institutions, this barrage of fake information was spreading falsehood, stigma and prejudice. [For example the Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education gives Friday as a weekly holiday even under the Adityanath’s leadership. This may be read here. 

The Nitish Kumar-RJD combine has increased the summer vacation holidays from 20 to 30 days, therefore many festivals that fall during that period are not mentioned separately as holidays. The BJP has cynically used this as an opportunity to deliberately spread a fear/hate campaign. 

Propaganda examples

ना रामजी का, ना कृष्ण जी, ना शिव जी, ना महान सम्राट अशोक का है बिहार!
–ईद : 3 दिन
–बकरीद: 3 दिन
–मुहर्रम : 2 दिन
– शुक्रवार (जुमा): मुस्लिम बहुल क्षेत्र में अघोषित छुट्टी
–रामनवमी : 0 दिन
–रक्षाबंधन: 0 दिन
–महाशिवरात्रि: 0 दिन
–श्रीकृष्ण जन्माष्टमी : 0 दिन
– सम्राट अशोक अष्टमी: 0 दिन

ये कोई दूसरे देश का कैलेंडर नहीं, लालू–नीतीश के तुष्टिकरण का खामियाजा पूरा बिहार भुगत रहा है।

#ThagbandhanAppeasement
#SanatanVirodhi  

ना रामजी का, ना कृष्ण जी, ना शिव जी, ना महान सम्राट अशोक का है बिहार!

-ईद : 3 दिन
-बकरीद: 3 दिन
-मुहर्रम : 2 दिन
– शुक्रवार (जुमा): मुस्लिम बहुल क्षेत्र में अघोषित छुट्टी

-रामनवमी : 0 दिन
-रक्षाबंधन: 0 दिन
-महाशिवरात्रि: 0 दिन
-श्रीकृष्ण जन्माष्टमी : 0 दिन
– सम्राट अशोक अष्टमी:…

— BJP Bihar (@BJP4Bihar) November 28, 2023

Muslim-only IT park, religious quota, Shadi Shagun scheme, interest free loans to Waqf, Haj pilgrimage subsidy, salaries to Maulvis, free UPSE coaching – Secularism in this country has transmogrified into Appeasement. This is not welfare; this is warfare.

Muslim-only IT park, religious quota, Shadi Shagun scheme, interest free loans to Waqf, Haj pilgrimage subsidy, salaries to Maulvis, free UPSE coaching – Secularism in this country has transmogrified into Appeasement. This is not welfare; this is warfare.

My views on @CNNnews18: pic.twitter.com/rdDI3ErCFV

— Anand Ranganathan (@ARanganathan72) November 28, 2023

Bihar govt has slashed the school holidays on the occasions of Janmashtami, Rakshabandhan, Shivratri. However, ‘3 holidays have been given during Eid’. Urdu schools to get weekly holiday on Friday instead of Sunday

Bihar govt has slashed the school holidays on the occasions of Janmashtami, Rakshabandhan, Shivratri.

However, ‘3 holidays have been given during Eid’.

Urdu schools to get weekly holiday on Friday instead of Sundaypic.twitter.com/Tvbzte6hJE

— Megh Updates (@MeghUpdates) November 28, 2023

The Bihar government has enforced discriminatory policies by removing holidays for many Hindu festivals in schools & granting three-day holidays for one-day Muslim festivals. This is a clear example of appeasement politics, which is a great injustice to the Hindu community.

The Bihar government has enforced discriminatory policies by removing holidays for many Hindu festivals in schools & granting three-day holidays for one-day Muslim festivals. This is a clear example of appeasement politics, which is a great injustice to the Hindu community. pic.twitter.com/FjEwn7nfSv

— ADV. ASHUTOSH J. DUBEY (@AdvAshutoshBJP) November 28, 2023

VIDEO | “Does Bihar CM Nitish Kumar want to form Islamic Republic of Bihar?” says Union minister and BJP leader @girirajsinghbjp on reports of #Bihar government’s decision to reduce the number of holidays for the state’s schools during Hindu festivals and increasing it for Muslim festivals.

VIDEO | “Does Bihar CM Nitish Kumar want to form Islamic Republic of Bihar?” says Union minister and BJP leader @girirajsinghbjp on reports of #Bihar government’s decision to reduce the number of holidays for the state’s schools during Hindu festivals and increasing it for Muslim… pic.twitter.com/YdGOWjk9hn

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 28, 2023

Background: Indian national holidays

Being a culturally diverse country, there are many festivals celebrated in various regions across the country. There are only three national holidays declared by the Government of India: Republic Day (26 January), Independence Day (15 August), and Gandhi Jayanti (October 2). Apart from this, certain holidays which are celebrated nationally are declared centrally by the Union Government. Additionally, various state governments and union territories designate additional holidays on local festivals or days of importance as holidays as per section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. National holidays are mandatory holidays declared by Government of India which are applicable for all states and union territories of India.

Central holidays: In addition to the three fixed national holidays, the Union Government of India declares additional days as holidays which are largely followed by central government offices and affiliates. In addition to designated fixed holidays, few other days are designated optional from which a select number of days can be chosen according to individual convenience. (Central holidays ‘Optional’) State holidays: In addition to the above, various state governments and union territories designate additional holidays on local festivals or days of importance as public holidays as per section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. Besides, they declare their own State days as holidays, birth anniversary days, festivals and others as holidays as well.

Editor’s take: This is one more example of “Hit and Run Sabotage” Propaganda. There has been a history of such fake propaganda campaigns by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) BJP especially during the election time. Many media houses also add to the confusion and promote Fake News. It takes about a week to 10 days for people to understand the facts, the news channels never apologise on their own for peddling essentially false information. Ultimately the damage is done, especially during an elections campaign. 

Related:

Hate speech promoting divisive beliefs and defending acts of violence against Muslims delivered in Bihar, UP

Bihar: Clash between two Durga immersion groups, chaotic mobs vandalise and loot neighbouring Muslim-owned shops

Bajrang Dal convener mastermind of Bihar Sharif violence, say police

The post Bihar: How festival holidays become target of fake news appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The workers were initially supplied with machinery for the task at hand, however when the machine failed to work thereby, one of them was forced to enter the sewage tank, which was about 25 feet deep, themselves. The other workers consecutively followed suit when there was no response from the first worker, until all of them were down in the septic tank and had fallen unconscious, according to H.L. Rathod, the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Surat Rural. 

After receiving a distress call, emergency response teams quickly arrived at the scene but despite efforts by firefighters to extract the unconscious workers from the septic tank, they were declared dead by the 108-emergency team. The bodies of the four victims were then transported to Surat Government Hospital for a post-mortem examination, according to the report. The police have indicated that, while it seems to be an accident prima facie, if any evidence of foul play arises, they will deal with it diligently. 

While Manual Scavenging has long been outlawed, the practice that has been described by the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillai, as a “dreadful practice”, it still continues to be prevalent in society. In the past 5 years, about 340 deaths from manual scavenging in India. 

On October 20, 2023, the Supreme Court issued a directive instructing the Union government, state governments, and the union territories to ensure the complete eradication of the practice of manual scavenging. Furthermore, the court went on to increase the compensation for the families of workers who lose their lives while cleaning sewers from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 30 lakh. 

Despite the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, which outlaws and bans the practice of manually removing human excreta from sewer lines or septic tanks, manual scavenging persists in various parts of the country. In 2023, the Union government acknowledged that about 1,035 individuals have lost their lives while cleaning sewers and septic tanks across India since 1993. Similarly, according to Sabrang India, it was noted that out of the 616 cases registered under the Manual Scavenging Act against contractors for neglecting to provide safety gear to sanitation workers, only one has resulted in a conviction. This is despite the fact that the government had stated it would aim to abolish manual scavenging by 2021. For a detailed look at the law that governs and bans Manual Scavenging in India, tune into 3 article series on the law by Citizens for Justice and Peace. 

Related

Manual Scavenging continues unabated, Indian Govts turns a deaf ear to acknowledge this systemic, extreme violence

Manual Scavengers: 340 deaths, yet Centre has no intention to make stricter laws!

Manual Scavengers Act: Karnataka HC issues directions over implementation

Govt aims to eliminate manual scavenging by August 2021

The post Manual Scavenging: 4 die cleaning septic tank in Surat appeared first on SabrangIndia.

As per the survey report, the total population in the state stood a little over 13 crore. The report has now revealed that the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) constitute 63 per cent of the state’s population. The census also shows that Scheduled Castes account for over 19 per cent of the 13-crore population, while Scheduled Tribes make up 1.68 per cent. 

As the Bihar Government released the survey months away from away from the upcoming General Election of 2024, it also clarified that the same is only a compiled data and no analysis of it has been done yet.

A detailed break-up of the caste constitution in the state

The caste survey had 17-point socio-economic indicators, including caste. Beginning from January 2023, the survey got completed in a three phased exercise in August this year with around 2.64 lakh enumerators documenting the details of 29 million registered households. The 214 castes mentioned in the survey were allotted different individual codes.

The survey has provided that the extremely backward classes (EBCs) formulate the largest segment of the population of Bihar as they comprise of about 36 per cent (4.7 crore) of the state. The backward classes constitute 27 per cent (3.5 crore) of the population. Together, these two depict that the OBCs make up 63% of the whole state’s population. Notably, the survey also revealed that among the Other Backward Class group, the Yadavas comprises 14.26% while the Kushwaha and Kurmi castes forms 4.27% and 2.87% respectively. 

It is further essential to note that the survey revealed that the Scheduled Caste population in Bihar is at 19.6518% (2.6 crore) while the Scheduled Tribe population is 1.6824% (22 lakh). Accordingly, the population of general population or “upper caste” groups has come out to be 15.52%. Among upper castes, the population of Brahmins is the highest at 3.65%. The population of Rajputs stands at 3.45% and the Bhumihars population at 2.86%.

The report also revealed that the state enjoys a Hindu majority, with Hindus comprising 81.9% of the population while the Muslim share is at 17.7%. Furthermore, Christians, Sikhs, Jains and those following other religions as also the non-believers have a miniscule presence, together making up for less than 1 per cent

“Historic Moment”- Reactions to the survey from the Bihar government

The Bihar government has maintained that conducting the survey is a necessary step towards ensuring and achieving social justice. Additionally, the process of carrying out a caste survey in Bihar has found support from all political parties. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar took over to X (formerly known as Twitter) and congratulated the survey team on the completion and release of the findings even after facing so many hurdles. CM Kumar wrote, “Today on the auspicious occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, the data of the caste based census conducted in Bihar has been published. Many congratulations to the entire team engaged in the work of caste based enumeration. The proposal for the caste based survey was passed unanimously in the State legislature.” He further informed that “All nine political parties of the State assembly will now be called for a meeting to apprise them about the caste based survey report”.

It is noteworthy that Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has been demanding a caste census in Bihar since it was in opposition. Janata Dal (United) party and CM Kumar has been on the same path as well. Maintaining the same stance, CM Kumar stated that the report would aid in the state government’s initiatives for the development and upliftment of all sections. “Caste-based census also provides information about the economic condition of everyone. On the basis of this report, further action will be taken for the development and upliftment of all sections,” CM Kumar shared on ‘X’.

The last time a caste-based headcount was conducted was in the year 1931.

RJD chief Lalu Yadav and Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav termed the occasion as a “historic moment”. Lalu Yadav wrote on ‘X’ that “Today, on Gandhi Jayanti, we all have become witness to this historic moment. Despite many conspiracies by the BJP and legal hurdles, the Bihar government released the caste-based survey.”

Deputy Chief Minister, and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader, Tejashwi Yadav said, “Bihar once again became witness of a historic moment with the compilation of caste based survey data and its release thereafter in such a short time. Bihar has now drawn a long line and set an example before the country. What has happened in Bihar today, shall have its voice heard tomorrow across the whole country. And tomorrow is not far ahead. Bihar once again has shown light to the country.”

‘Eye Wash’- Reactions of the union government, opposition

Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has termed the caste census report to be an ‘Eye Wash’. Many leaders took to ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter) to express their opposition and criticism of the caste census survey. Bihar BJP President Samrat Choudhary said that “Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar play caste-based politics. Backward class plays a vital role but Nitish Kumar has not done anything for the backward class… Bihar CM has done nothing for the development of the state.”

Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Giriraj Singh further called the caste census as nothing more than “spreading ‘bhrahm‘ (misunderstanding) among the poor” of the state. The minister further stated that “They should have given a report card that Nitish Kumar ruled the state for 18 years and Lalu Yadav ruled the state for 15 years but did not develop the state. Report card of caste census is just an eye wash.”

Lok Janshakti Party chief Chirag Paswan accused the the Janata Dal (United) of trying to “divide” the people of Bihar by conducting the said survey. Paswan provided that “We had said earlier that JD(U) will be segmented and in the coming days, JD(U) will be wiped out…Some people in Bihar are creating a divide on the basis of caste and religion. People of the state do not trust CM Nitish Kumar due to his policies.”

Notably, hours after the caste census survey result was released, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a speech in Madhya Pradesh wherein he accused the opposition of “trying to divide the country in the name of caste”. While he did not specifically mention the caste census, a report of the NDTV provided that through his speech, PM Modi lashed out at the opposition for having failed to secure development while in power and attacked them for “playing with the feelings of the poor”.

“They played with emotions of the poor back then… and even today they are playing the same game,” PM Modi stated

The Prime Minister also called any attempt at “division on caste lines” a “sin”. “Earlier they divided the country in the name of caste… and today they are committing the same sin. Earlier they were guilty of corruption… and today they are even more corrupt,” he said in Gwalior. It is also essential to note that the Congress party has also promised to conduct a caste census survey if they return to power in poll bound Madhya Pradesh. 

The origin of the caste survey:

Four years ago, on February 18, 2019, the proposal for a caste based census was passed in the Bihar legislative assembly when Janata Dal (United) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were together.

Last year, on June 1, after an all-party meeting CM Kumar had announced that all nine parties including the Bihar BJP unit had unanimously decided to go ahead with the caste census. Notably, the survey was ordered last year after the Narendra Modi government at the Centre made it clear that it would not be able to undertake a headcount of castes other than SCs and STs as part of the census. Pursuant to this decision, the state’s Council of Ministers had also approved the proposal to conduct the survey using Bihar’s own resources and Rs. 500 crore from its contingency fund for the exercise.

After JDU walked out of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance last year, CM Kumar’s government, together with its alliance partner RJD, expedited the work on caste census. The survey’s first phase, which involved counting the total number of households in Bihar, began on January 7 of this year and ended on January 21. The second and final phase kick started on April 15 to collect data on people from all castes, religions and economic backgrounds, among other aspects like the number of family members living in and outside the state. 

In May, the survey was briefly paused owing to the stay put on it by the Patna high court which was hearing a bunch of petitions challenging the exercise. As per various media reports, the petitions were allegedly being filed by supporters of the BJP party to ensure that this exercise does not get completed. Notably, the caste survey was challenged in the Patna High Court under two significant grounds: that it violated a citizen’s fundamental right to privacy and that the state had no power to carry out such a survey. 

On August 1, after hearing the arguments raised by the petitioners against the census, the Patna HC decided that the survey was “perfectly valid”. The HC noted that “the action of the State to be perfectly valid, initiated with due competence, with the legitimate aim of providing ‘Development with Justice’; as proclaimed in the address to both Houses and the actual survey to have neither exercised nor contemplated any coercion to divulge the details and having passed the test of proportionality, thus not having violated the rights of privacy of the individual especially since it is in furtherance of a ‘compelling public interest’ which in effect is the ‘legitimate State interest’”.

The said survey had concluded on August 25, 2023. 

It is crucial to highlight that both RJD and JDU have called for caste-based enumeration across the country and CM Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav had also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pitch for the same.

A deep analysis of the caste based census can be read here. 

Related:

Caste, the cancer afflicting Sanatan Dharma

Anti-caste discrimination bill, with some changes, passed by California Assembly

The Whys behind a caste-based census point to an urgent imperative

While Modi plays the OBC card, backward castes & Adivasis remain excluded from Central University

Dalit families found to be living in fear of violence at the hands of dominant caste neighbours in Karnataka

The post Caste Census Survey Result: 63% OBCs, 19% SCs and 1.68% STs constitute Bihar’s total population appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Within a span of a week another incident of a Muslim man being lynched has been reported from Bihar.  Abbas Ansari, resident of Maliya Tola of Mirpur village of East Champaran district of Bihar has been allegedly beaten to death by a mob. In the last two weeks, reports of lynching have been reported from four districts of Bihar (Gaya, Raxaul, Samastipur, East Champaran).

On Wednesday, February 22, a mob in Gaya, Bihar, ruthlessly beat up Mohd Babar, Sajid and Rakhmuddeen –three Muslim youths– on “suspicion of theft”, killing one near instantly and leaving the other two in critical condition. Family members of the victims have asserted that it was an incident of “targeted killing”. Bihar Police has set up an SIT to probe the incident.

In Raxaul, a Hindu mob thrashed an elderly Muslim man, Ansarul Sheikh for allegedly carrying beef, while he kept insisting that he was carrying bull meat. A case was instead registered against Sheikh and he was remanded to custody.
 

In Bihar’s Raxual, A Hindu mob thrashed an elderly Muslim man on suspicion of carrying beef.#Islamophobia pic.twitter.com/lhai7ieETu

— Meer Faisal (@meerfaisal01) February 25, 2023

On February 25, Mohammad Faiyaz, a Muslim youth with a mental health disability, was beaten to death by a mob in Samastipur. The family alleged that a villager Mahendra Paswan had tied up Faiyaz in his house.

Location: Samastipur, Bihar

Mohammad Faiyaz, a Muslim youth with mental health disability, was beaten to death by a mob.

Family members have accused Mahendra Paswan, a local who lives in the same village, of tying up Fayaz in his pic.twitter.com/CrVeO2DqGW… https://t.co/HtFoRlLhRa

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) February 25, 2023

Despite the frequency of such incidents in such a short period, the Bihar government led by Nitish Kumar has not found its voice to ensure justice to its minority Muslim population. As per 2011 census data Muslims form 16.9% of the population in Bihar

Related:

Bihar: New day, new atrocities reported against the Muslim community

Calcutta cook lynched in Bihar weeks before marriage

Curb on internet, SMS in Nuh as protests demanding justice for Junaid-Nasir escalate

Noida cops suspended for inaction in 2 yr-old hate crime against elderly Muslim man

The post 2nd week, four mob lynchings: Bihar government remains mum appeared first on SabrangIndia.

“This is Hindutva, merely making an organisation is not enough. It has to be run also. That man was with me in my NGO, this is a case of cow slaughter… we just beat him up, i didn’t kill him. He died on his own… we made a video so I could bring it [the victim pleading] in front of the world,” the voice is calm; the speaker is a man who has been accused of allegedly killing a Muslim man identified as Mohammad Khaleel Alam, whose body was later burnt as well.

In the video, the accused is talking about, Alam is heard pleading for his life as he is questioned rather than accused of eating beef. Cornered, Alam tries to convince the man filming and ‘interrogating him’ that he will never eat bovine meat again, and has never ever fed it to his children. The fear in his eye is haunting, he perhaps said that to protect the children from harm, and accepted eating the ‘forbidden’ meat even if he had not. The inetrogator abuses him with vile sexual inuendoes invovind his mother, so often used by violent men.

गाय के नाम पर बिहार में जबरन एक और इंसान की बलि।

बिहार सरकार ने विधि व्यवस्था को अपराधियों और माफिया के हाथों नीलाम कर दिया है। कभी भी,कहीं भी,कैसे भी,कोई भी गुंडा किसी की भी आम हत्या कर देता है। नीतीश कुमार अपराध पर आपराधिक चुप्पी साधे हुए है।

नीतीश से बिहार नहीं संभल रहा है। pic.twitter.com/AEO89OJPFR

— Rashtriya Janata Dal (@RJDforIndia) February 23, 2022

According to news report, the Hindutva lynch mob murdered Alam, and burnt his body in Samastipur, Bihar, a few days ago. The video just came to light, days after it was uploaded on Instagram.

“Understand what Hindutva is. We did not kill him for money. Video was made to create awareness”. Khaleel Alam was kidnapped, killed and burnt to death by Hindutva goons on 16 February. Video was uploaded on Instagram two days ago, no media showed this news properly, + pic.twitter.com/zolOy2wv5h

— Meer Faisal (@meerfaisal01) February 22, 2022

According to a report in NDTV, Mohammad Khaleel Alam, was a Janata Dal (United) party member from Samastipur district. The assailants, heard in the video footage, are heard forcing the victim to tell them where “cows are slaughtered” and name the people involved. He mentions a ‘fakir’. They continue taunting him and accusing him of consuming beef and asking if he fed it to his children as well. They ask him whether the Quran tells him to consume beef. “No, it is not written in the book,” says the terrified man. The hate speech and expletives continue to rain upon him.

However, according to news reports, the local police “deny the allegation and claim it’s a diversionary tactic to cover up a murder.” They however say that one accused was arrested and this video was made before the murder, to give the incident a communal colour.

खलील की हत्या से पहले का वीडियो वायरल होने के बाद पुलिस SP ह्रदयकांत का बयान आया सामने. pic.twitter.com/vj126hh6bB

— Meer Faisal (@meerfaisal01) February 22, 2022

“We did not kill him for money. Video was made to create awareness,” the Hindutva goon reportedly claimed on February 16. According to news reports, the accused killed the victim who they had abducted, soon after this video of his, burnt his body and threw it into a river.

[English Captions]

Muslim man k!lled, his body burnt over allegations of cow slaughter in Samastipur, Bihar (India)

Hindu extremists first made video of Khalil Alam, then killed him, burnt his body and dumped it in a river. pic.twitter.com/0Ti2bKsEW3

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) February 22, 2022

The self-professed cow vigilantes, according to a report in NDTV, had allegedly beaten Alam to death and buried his body in a ditch, other reports claim they doused the body with petrol and set it on fire. They allegedly then sprayed salt on his body and buried it so that it would decay faster. Bihar’s Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav tweeted a Hindi news clipping of the incident late last night and said this was an example of the situation of law and order under the NDA government of Bihar, and demanded that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar speak up.

बिहार की NDA सरकार में कानून व्यवस्था पूर्णतः समाप्त हो चुकी है। गाय के नाम पर मुस्लिम युवक जो स्वयं JDU नेता था उसे पीट कर, जिंदा जलाकर दफ़ना दिया गया। नीतीश जी बताए, बिहार में लगातार ऐसी घटनाएँ क्यों हो रही है? लोग कानून को हाथ में क्यों ले रहे है? pic.twitter.com/7XjFqYKICY

— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) February 22, 2022

Related

No interfaith nikah sans parents’ consent: MP’s Ulama Board’s latest diktat
UP: 18 police officers face the music for alleged fake encounter
Youth protests for employment see overwhelming response in Bihar
UP-Bihar Bandh call after police-student conflict

The post Muslim man allegedly lynched by cow vigilantes in Bihar, why is CM silent? appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The Bihar government has blamed ‘technical issues’ for not providing post-matric scholarship for last 3 years to students belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) Communities. An Indian Express report stated that Bihar has not received a single application for the scholarship for 3 years due to technical issues with the National Scholarship Portal. The officials were unable to explain why this issue was not sorted for 3 years.

Bihar has 16% SC and 1% ST population, and an estimated 5 lakh students are eligible for this scholarship every year. The report revealed that most Bihar SC/ST students have been denied this scholarship for six years now – and for an entirely different reason from 2016-17 to 2018-19.

The Bihar government had capped the fee in 2016 claiming difference in fee structures of government and private colleges within and outside Bihar. The state thus capped the fee ranging from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 90,000. Students said that this forced many of them to discontinue higher education as the cap put a financial burden on their families.

The Scheme provides financial assistance to the Scheduled Caste students studying at post matriculation or post-secondary stage to enable them to complete their education. These scholarships are available for studies in India only and are awarded by the government of the State/Union Territory to which the applicant actually belongs. The scheme can be availed by any SC/ST student with a family income of up to Rs. 2.5 lakh.

The scheme is funded 75% by the Union Government and 25% by the state for pursuing education, professional and technical courses, medical, engineering, management and post-graduate courses. While in 2015-16, the scholarship was provided to 1,55,000 students, the number plunged the following year to 37,372 beneficiaries. In 2017-18, 70,886 students benefited from the scheme, followed by 39,792 in 2018-19.

However, between 2017 to 2020, Bihar did not qualify for any Central share since it had spent much less than its committed state liability. The Patna High Court has sought a report from Bihar government after a PIL was filed in this matter by one Rajiv Kumar.

Sanjay Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Education, told The Indian Express, “There has surely been delay in implementation of the scheme because of technical issues with the National Scholarship Portal. We have been provided a single window on the portal. We have requested for a separate site and hope to get it streamlined very soon… But it will be wrong to assume or say that it has been discontinued.”

Related:

Central universities falling short of filling up posts reserved for SC-ST-OBC
Delhi Cantonment rape case: AIDWA demands action against police for alleged ‘silent complicity’
Nangal village gang-rape, both gendered and caste-based violence: Civil Society Organisations

The post SC/ST scholarship denied to students in Bihar for three years! appeared first on SabrangIndia.