In post-independence times, various social and environmental movements have made good and effective use of the foot-march. The Chipko movement in Himalayan region was particularly good at this. The famous Kashmir-Kohima foot march initiated by Sunderlal Bahuguna was very useful for knowing more about ecological ruin being caused even in very interior and remote areas as well as for understanding the problems of people of remote villages. The Askot-Arakot march of young activists was also a very memorable and useful experience. Some Chipko activists like Vijay Jardhari and Kunwar Prasun later became equally involved in the movement for saving and conserving diversity of traditional seeds called Beej Bachao Andolan. This was also known for several very useful foot marches leading to collecting not just a lot of information about diversity of traditional sees but also collecting and exchanging these seeds so that their growth on farms could continue or restart.

More recently, foot marches organized by Vaagdhara voluntary organisation in Rajasthan to spread the message of Gram Swaraj have made a good contribution.

However not all foot marches have been equally useful or effective. A review of several foot marches reveals that those foot marches are able to make durable contributions in which the outcomes regarding important desired results are clearly planned, and then activities relating to the achievement of these objectives regularly take place during the course of the march. On the other hand, if there is a lot of walking and just random inter-actions without any careful planning regarding desirable results, then durable benefits are unlikely to be realized.

A recent water conservation march in Bundelkhand region of central India provides a good example of a march that is carefully planned to realise desirable objectives and these objectives have in fact been realized at a relatively early stage when some of the planned follow-up work is still continuing.

This was a march of jal-sahelis or women water volunteers, mobilised by a voluntary organisation Parmarth, who have been playing a widely appreciated role in the region to improve water conservation and drinking water supply. This march was interwoven with a number of dialogues with on route villagers on water and related issues. A lot of attention was given to gathering relevant information on water-related problems.

As a result of such efforts, it has been possible to collect detailed information on water tanks in this region, what kind of problems are faced by them and what sort of remedial actions are needed. The review of these issues published recently provides a lot of useful information regarding which tanks have a seepage problem and which ones have excessive silting, which tanks need deepening and which tanks need cleaning, which tanks are being encroached upon or have already been encroached upon to a substantial extent. This kind of detailed information which could be collected during the march will be very useful when remedial actions are planned.

Parmarth and Jal Sahelis have also been involved in efforts to improve the Jal Jeevan mission. In the course of the recent march, problems could be identified regarding this too. It is now known which habitations are still not receiving water and these are generally located in the upper portions of villages. Similarly the villages or hamlets which are facing problems in terms of the quality of the supplied water not being satisfactory have also been identified and this information too will be very useful for remedial actions.

One of the aims of the march was to tell more villagers of the inspirational work of many jal sahelis so that the people of more villages feel motivated to take up similar work. This expectation of this march too has been more than fulfilled as after listening to the stories told by jal sahelis many women of villages on the route of the march felt highly motivated to do similar work and nearly 400 women have enlisted themselves as future jal sahelis. Similarly contacts with other people were established who are keen to take up water conservation and related work including protection of tanks and rivers. All this will be very helpful for future water conservation and protection work.

In terms of increasing solidarity and empowerment of jal sahelis also the march of the jal sahelis has been a very important experience. Jal sahelis from several different villages could come together for several days, stay together, share their experiences, make future plans, and come in daily contact with a very large number of people. This has certainly added greatly to their empowerment, confidence and capability, and they are better prepared to take up bigger responsibilities.

The march has also enabled activists and jal sahelis to closely observe several situations closely and to listen to villagers regarding what can be done to about this and what kind of difficulties they face while trying to resolve these problems. This has enabled Parmarth and jal sahelis to come up with more specific and detailed recommendations which are more likely to work in real life situations. Several of these recommendations are addressed to governments, departments and water authorities.

At the practical level it is very important for such efforts that people feel that their problems are being reduced and actions to correct existing problems are being taken at the level of the government level and at other levels. Most problems ultimately need government actions for effective solutions to emerge. In this context also the march has been helpful as this has given the jal sahelis a wider and more effective presence and they can approach the authorities for resolving various problems with greater confidence.

Some of the expected good results have already started emerging within a short period of the march and it is hoped that a lot of more follow-up work can be taken up. Certainly a more hope-giving situation has emerged soon after the march.

(The author is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include Protecting Earth for Children, Earth without Borders, When the Two Streams Met and A Day in 2071.)              

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The protesters voiced demands for rehabilitation of the families affected by these incidents, especially Somnath Suryavanshi’s family, and called for the dismissal of high-ranking officials allegedly involved in covering up the cases. This protest, which started in Parbhani on the evening of January 17, follows weeks of growing tension in Marathwada over caste-related issues, with the protests intensifying in recent weeks due to the escalating violence and the perceived injustice in both incidents.

Samata Sainik Dal (Parbhani) is organizing a long march from Parbhani to Mumbai.

The main demand of this march is that when will the family of martyr Somnath Suryavanshi die/be murdered in police custody and due to the delay in this case, when will justice be given to his family… pic.twitter.com/km0agJjO2T

— हेमंत भाऊ (@NetaClix) January 17, 2025

Scheduled long March in Jalna district and Parbhani to Mumbai

From January 21 to 25, 2025, a significant long march will take place in Jalna District, aiming to raise awareness about the brutal murders of Somnath Suryavanshi and Santosh Deshmukh. The march will begin at Watur Phata, Watur, and will conclude at Badnapur.

Notably, the protesters from Parbhani have organized a long march from Parbhani to Mumbai in response to the recent incident and the ongoing atrocities against Dalits and killing of Santosh and Somnath.

Violence and tensions after Dalit youth dies in custody, following Constitution replica vandalism

The tension in Parbhani boiled over after an incident involving the vandalism of a constitution replica on December 10, 2024. As per eyewitnesses, the incident was allegedly carried out by Sopan Pawar, a 45-year-old Maratha man. This act triggered protests from Dalit groups and Ambedkarite organizations, with the Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi (VBA) party playing a pivotal role in mobilizing the crowds.

The following day, a “Parbhani Bandh” (strike) was declared, which, while initially peaceful, later descended into chaos. Protesters clashed with the police, leading to multiple vehicles being torched and property being damaged. According to the police, they arrested 50 people involved in the unrest, among them Somnath Suryavanshi, a 35-year-old Dalit youth. Suryavanshi, who had been detained during the protests, later died in judicial custody on December 15 due to what was reported as “shock following multiple injuries” reported Frontline.

His death has sparked outrage, with many accusing the police of brutality. According to local sources, Suryavanshi’s mother, Vijaya, claimed that her son had been beaten by the police, leading to his death. Her claims were substantiated by a postmortem report, which confirmed external injuries. However, the police have denied allegations of abuse, stating that Suryavanshi’s death was due to natural causes.

Dalit groups have condemned the police’s treatment of protesters, especially the manner in which Dalit youth were targeted. Prakash Ambedkar, leader of the VBA, demanded an investigation into the police’s role, highlighting the ongoing issues of caste discrimination. He was quoted as saying, “The real battle for equality is still being fought, and we must ensure justice for every oppressed community.”

Dalit and political outrage over Police brutality and murder in Parbhani and Beed

Several political parties and social organizations are raising their voices in protest over the death of Somnath Suryavanshi in judicial custody and the kidnapping and subsequent murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the Maratha Sarpanch in Beed. According to Dalit groups, the police’s crackdown on protesters in Parbhani was disproportionately harsh, with claims of excessive use of force against Dalit youth and women.

In response to the incidents, the Matang Ekta Andolan and Republican Party of India (RPI) staged protests in Pune, demanding an independent inquiry into the events. As per sources, the police have been accused of carrying out violent search operations, targeting individuals without any solid evidence of involvement in unlawful activities.

Further compounding the unrest was the murder of Deshmukh, which escalated tensions between the Maratha and OBC communities. According to reports, Vishnu Chate, the alleged kidnapper and murderer, belongs to the Vanjari OBC community, and the growing friction over reservation issues has deepened the divide between caste groups.

The tragic events in Parbhani and Beed have led to an outpouring of support for both families involved, with political leaders from across Maharashtra rallying behind the victims. Prakash Ambedkar, addressing the media, drew parallels between these incidents and the historical struggles against discrimination, notably the Koregaon Bhima battle, marking over 200 years of ongoing battles for equality.

Struggle for equality in Beed and Parbhani echoes historical caste struggles

Prakash Ambedkar, while commemorating the 207th anniversary of the Koregaon Bhima battle, linked the present-day struggles in Parbhani and Beed to the ongoing battle for equality in India. As per Ambedkar’s statement, despite the long history of caste discrimination, the incidents in Parbhani and Beed reveal that the struggle for social justice and equality is far from over.

Ambedkar cautioned the Maharashtra government about the sensitive handling of the Beed murder case, which has been cast in a Maratha versus Vanjari OBC context. He stressed the importance of avoiding further division and ensuring that justice prevails for all communities involved. Meanwhile, Chandrashekhar Azad of Bhim Army visited Parbhani to meet Suryavanshi’s family and vowed to continue the protests to expose the government’s failures in addressing the plight of Dalits and marginalized communities.

These events have thrown the spotlight on the persistent caste fault lines in Maharashtra, exacerbated by the government’s handling of these incidents. The continuing unrest calls for a deeper introspection into the state’s caste politics and its impact on the marginalized sections of society, reported Times of India.

Massive all-party march in Parbhani over Beed sarpanch’s murder

According to reports, a massive all-party march was organized in Parbhani, Maharashtra, demanding a thorough and unbiased investigation into the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district. The protest also targeted the state’s food and civil supplies minister, Dhananjay Munde, who stands accused of shielding Walmik Karad, the alleged mastermind of the murder. Karad surrendered to the police just days prior, adding fuel to the fire of political and caste tensions.

The march, which saw a turnout of thousands, included elected representatives, political leaders, and Maratha community organizations. It marks the second major protest following Deshmukh’s murder. The previous protest on December 28, 2024, in Beed had also garnered massive support, with around 50,000 participants. The Parbhani march was attended by influential figures from both ruling and opposition parties, underlining the political ramifications of the crime.

As per the march organizers, the demands were clear: an impartial investigation, punishment for the politically powerful individuals behind the crime, and the immediate resignation of Dhananjay Munde. BJP MLA Suresh Dhas, speaking at the rally, argued that Munde was deeply involved in a multi-crore crop insurance scam in the region, which he claimed had far-reaching implications.

The murder of Santosh Deshmukh, a Maratha leader, has been exacerbated by the caste dynamics at play. Karad, the primary accused, hails from the Vanjari community, an OBC group, and this has sparked a war of words between Maratha and OBC factions in the region. As per the leaders present at the protest, the case is symptomatic of a larger political crisis within Maharashtra’s power structure.

Panel formed for Judicial probe into Beed Sarpanch’s murder and Parbhani protester’s custodial death

In response to mounting public outrage, the Maharashtra Government has appointed two judicial committees to probe significant incidents in Beed and Parbhani. A single-member panel, led by retired High Court Judge M.L. Tahaliyani, has been established to investigate the murder of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in Beed district. The violence that led to Deshmukh’s murder sparked intense political and social unrest, prompting the state to initiate the judicial inquiry.

Additionally, the government has appointed retired Judge V.L. Achliya to investigate the custodial death of Dalit protester Somnath Suryavanshi in Parbhani. The investigation will assess the role of law enforcement, examine the handling of the protests, and determine if there were any lapses in maintaining public order.

As per report, both inquiries aim to hold accountable those responsible for the incidents and evaluate the preparedness of local authorities.

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According to Yashant Kale, the officiating Superintendent of Police (SP) in Parbhani, Suryavanshi began complaining of severe chest pain early Sunday morning while in custody. He was immediately taken to the district civil hospital, where doctors examined him and pronounced him dead. Shahaji Umap, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police for the Nanded Range, confirmed the sequence of events, stating that Suryavanshi and others were initially presented in court on Thursday and remanded to police custody for two days. On Saturday, they were shifted to judicial custody and transferred to the district jail, where the fatal incident occurred.

Dr Shivaji Sukre, Dean of the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Parbhani, had announced that a detailed post-mortem examination would be conducted by a team of senior doctors, including forensic and toxicology experts. The post-mortem will be performed in-camera to ascertain the precise cause of death.as per the post-mortem report that have been circulating on social media, Suryavanshi died owing to “shock due to multiple injuries.”

The incident has sparked outrage, particularly among Ambedkarite groups, as Suryavanshi was identified as a Bhim Sainik belonging to the Wadar community, a marginalised group. Prominent Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar, in a statement on Monday, described the custodial death as “gut-wrenching, sickening, and intolerable.” He expressed particular concern that the death occurred despite Suryavanshi’s bail application being approved. Ambedkar added that his legal team had requested the court to ensure the post-mortem examination is conducted thoroughly, involving CT and MRI scans as well as forensic and pathological analyses. He further emphasised that the procedure should be filmed and conducted in a government hospital equipped with a forensic department to maintain transparency.

The custodial death of Somnath Suryawanshi — a Bhim Sainik belonging to the Wadar community — in Parbhani is gut wrenching, sickening and intolerable to say the least.

What is more intolerable that his death happened in judicial custody despite his bail application being…

— Prakash Ambedkar (@Prksh_Ambedkar) December 15, 2024

Anandraj Ambedkar, another prominent Ambedkarite leader, also condemned the incident, calling for immediate action against the police officers involved. He highlighted the broader context of arrests in Parbhani following the desecration incident, noting that many Ambedkarite activists were detained under various charges. On the night of December 11, 50 individuals were arrested, and 300 to 400 others were booked on charges of rioting and related offences. Suryavanshi was among those identified as suspects and was presented in court on December 12.

The custodial death of Suryavanshi has reignited long-standing concerns about police brutality, systemic discrimination against marginalised communities, and the misuse of custodial powers. For many in the Ambedkarite movement, the incident represents a stark reminder of the impunity often afforded to state authorities, particularly in cases involving Dalits and other oppressed groups. With protests expected to intensify, the incident is likely to put renewed pressure on the judiciary and the government to ensure accountability and justice.

Parbhani erupts in protests over desecration of constitution replica and custodial death

The town of Parbhani in Maharashtra’s Marathwada region has been gripped by unrest following the desecration of a replica of the Indian Constitution at a statue of Dr B. R. Ambedkar and the subsequent custodial death of 35-year-old Somnath Vyankat Suryavanshi. The protests, which began on December 10, escalated dramatically after Suryavanshi’s death on December 15, bringing issues of police accountability and caste-based violence to the forefront.

Desecration of Constitution replica triggers anger: On December 10, tensions erupted after an unidentified person vandalised a replica of the Constitution held by a statue of Dr Ambedkar near Parbhani Railway Station. The act, widely perceived as an attack on Dalit identity, sparked outrage. Around 200 people gathered near the statue, chanting slogans and demanding justice. As news of the incident spread, the protests turned violent, with acts of arson, stone-pelting, and vandalism reported across the town.

Protesters blocked railway tracks and disrupted train services, including roughing up the loco-pilot of the Nandigram Express. Public properties, including the district collector’s office, were damaged, with protesters smashing furniture and window panes. The bandh, initially intended to be peaceful, quickly turned violent. Protesters set pipes on fire outside shops, vandalised public properties, and attacked the district collectorate, prompting the police to fire tear gas to disperse the crowds. Acting Superintendent of Police Yeshwant Kale confirmed that the situation was eventually brought under control but acknowledged the deep-rooted anger among the Dalit community.

NCP-SP MP Fauzia Tahseen Khan, representing Parbhani, urged citizens to maintain peace while condemning the vandalism as deeply disrespectful to the Constitution. She also criticised the slow police response, which she said exacerbated tensions. Leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and other groups extended support to the bandh, calling for justice and systemic reforms to prevent such incidents in the future.

Senior police officials, including Special Inspector General Shahaji Umap, were deployed to oversee the situation. The protests and violence have drawn attention to the state government’s failure to address caste-based violence effectively. Prakash Ambedkar reiterated his call for unity and non-violence while warning that the Dalit community’s patience should not be mistaken for weakness. He vowed to continue the fight for justice for Suryavanshi and protection of Dalit symbols like Ambedkar statues.

Notably, the police arrested 45-year-old Sopan Pawar, who was identified as the perpetrator. Initial reports described Pawar as a “disturbed” individual, but Dalit leaders dismissed these claims, insisting the act was deliberate and caste-motivated. The administration imposed prohibitory orders to prevent mass gatherings, while police used loudspeakers to urge calm.

The desecration drew strong reactions from across the political spectrum. Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) leader Prakash Ambedkar called the incident “shameful” and demanded swift arrests of all those involved. Ambedkar warned that the failure to act decisively would lead to severe consequences. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale also condemned the act, urging protection for Ambedkar statues across the state to prevent future incidents.

Custodial death of Dalit man fuels protests: The unrest reached a boiling point on December 15 when Somnath Suryavanshi, a Dalit labourer and law student, died in judicial custody. Suryavanshi, who was arrested on December 12 for his alleged role in the earlier protests, was reportedly shifted to judicial custody on December 14. According to police, he complained of chest pain and was admitted to a hospital, where he died shortly after. However, Dalit leaders and activists have alleged that he succumbed to severe police brutality.

Suryavanshi, described as a committed Bhim Sainik and vocal activist from the Wadar community, had no prior criminal record. His arrest and sudden death in custody sparked outrage. Leaders, including Prakash Ambedkar, termed the incident “gut-wrenching” and demanded a transparent autopsy with video documentation to ensure accountability. VBA workers staged peaceful sit-ins, while Dalit organisations across the state called for a bandh to protest the custodial death.

Union Minister Athawale called for the dismissal of the police officials involved, a ₹25 lakh compensation for Suryavanshi’s family, and the withdrawal of charges against innocent individuals caught up in the protests. Activists also criticised the police for their indiscriminate arrests, which reportedly targeted over 300 locals, predominantly Dalits.

Social and political implications: The incidents in Parbhani highlight the simmering caste tensions in Maharashtra. The desecration of the Constitution replica and the custodial death of Suryavanshi are seen as symptoms of deeper systemic issues, including caste-based discrimination and police misconduct. The demands for justice have extended beyond individual accountability to include structural reforms, better protection for Dalit symbols, and more stringent action against caste-based violence.

As the Maharashtra Legislature begins its session in Nagpur, the government faces mounting pressure to take meaningful action. Dalit leaders have warned that failure to address these grievances could lead to further unrest. The Parbhani unrest has not only shaken the state but also reignited nationwide conversations about caste-based injustice and the need for comprehensive reforms in law enforcement and governance.

Postmortem procedures amid rising tensions

The postmortem of Somnath Venkata Surwanshi, who died in judicial custody, became a focal point of tension at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Parbhani. As news of his body reaching the hospital spread, a crowd of Ambedkarite leaders, activists, and youth gathered at the mortuary, demanding justice and accountability. Slogans were raised, reflecting the community’s anger and grief, prompting heavy police deployment to maintain order.

To ensure transparency, a team of five doctors was constituted to conduct the postmortem, supervised by the Sub-Divisional Officer and senior police officials. Dr Shivaji Sukre, the GMCH dean, personally inspected the mortuary to monitor the situation. Hospital sources confirmed that a CT scan would be mandatory before proceeding with the autopsy, aligning with standard practices in custodial death cases.

Our demand has been accepted!

The postmortem examination will take place in a government hospital which has a forensic department, and that the postmortem is filmed and undertaken by both the forensic and pathology department.

As I write this, the mortal remains of Somnath… https://t.co/vrfDQKDwSj

— Prakash Ambedkar (@Prksh_Ambedkar) December 15, 2024

However, delays marred the process as close relatives of the deceased were required to identify the body before the examination could begin. Surwanshi’s parents, travelling from Pune, had not reached GMCH by late evening, raising concerns about their whereabouts after relatives reported losing contact with them during the journey. Activists alleged that the family might have been intercepted, further fueling suspicions and unrest.

Family members have accused the police of assaulting Surwanshi, pointing to visible injuries on his body. His death, amidst allegations of custodial violence, has intensified calls for accountability, with the community and activists demanding a thorough and impartial investigation.

Opposition raises demands for accountability after Parbhani violence

The Maharashtra Congress has called for the suspension of Superintendent of Police Ravindrasingh Pardeshi following the recent violence in Parbhani town, which erupted after the desecration of a B.R. Ambedkar statue near the Parbhani railway station. Alleging police atrocities against the Dalit population, Congress State President Nana Patole termed the statue’s desecration a “grave insult” and demanded swift action against those responsible. Highlighting the legacy of icons such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shahu Maharaj, and Jyotirao Phule, Patole criticised the Maharashtra government, accusing Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputies of focusing on political portfolio allocations while neglecting public welfare.

Patole also condemned the police’s heavy-handed response, which included imposing a curfew, suspending internet services, halting public transport, and using tear gas and batons against Dalit protesters. This, he argued, reflected a lack of sensitivity in managing the situation. The Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) and Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) echoed these concerns, with VBA President Prakash Ambedkar urging the cessation of arrests and combing operations in Dalit neighbourhoods. Ambedkar warned of intensified agitations if police action against Dalits did not cease soon. Similarly, JIH President Maulana Ilyas Khan Falahi described the statue’s desecration as a “provocative act” aimed at undermining the Constitution.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also weighed in, criticising the Maharashtra government over the custodial death of one of the accused, Somnath Surwanshi. Calling the death a “failure of the system,” Raut held Chief Minister Fadnavis, who also serves as home minister, responsible. Accusing the government of being “anti-constitutional,” Raut questioned how protectors of the Constitution were losing their lives under its administration. He vowed to raise the issue in the Rajya Sabha, further intensifying the political fallout of the Parbhani violence.

BJP defends police action amid unrest

Meghana Bordikar, BJP MLA from Jintur in Parbhani, defended the police’s actions in the wake of the violence in the town. In a statement following her swearing-in as a minister of state in the Maharashtra government on Sunday, Bordikar described the incident as unfortunate but emphasized that the police had acted swiftly, with the accused being arrested promptly. She further clarified that the death of Somnath Suryawanshi, one of the individuals involved in the unrest, was caused by a heart attack, dismissing allegations of custodial violence. Bordikar stated that the police were handling the situation appropriately and reassured the public that while Parbhani was observing a bandh, normalcy was gradually returning to the region.

Allegations of excessive force and custodial death

The death of Somnath Suryawanshi has brought to light the extent of police brutality in Parbhani, Maharashtra, during the aftermath of protests triggered by the desecration of a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Suryawanshi, who had no involvement in the violence on December 11, was arrested by the police along with many others from his slum settlement, Priyadarshini Nagar. His lawyer, Pawan Jondhale, stated that Suryawanshi was subjected to merciless beating by the police during his arrest and was not involved in the protest. On December 14, Jondhale had moved for his bail, citing Suryawanshi’s law exams and the possibility of him missing them if not released. Despite this, he remained in police custody, and his health deteriorated.

The allegations against the police are grave. Several other individuals, mostly young men and women from Dalit communities, have accused the police of using extreme force during the crackdown. According to activists on the ground, videos have emerged showing members of the local police and the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) indiscriminately attacking people, including women and minors, in Dalit localities like Priyadarshini Nagar and Bhim Nagar. One of the most disturbing incidents captured on CCTV footage shows Vachala Bhagwan Manavte, a local woman who had just returned from work at a nearby hospital, being violently assaulted by the police. As Manavte tried to record the incident, she was dragged to the ground and kicked in her face and private parts. The footage supports her account, and she was later admitted to a local hospital with severe injuries across her body.

Despite claims by Special Inspector General Shahaji Umap that the police were forced to use “force” to control a mob, Manavte and many others targeted were not part of any violent crowd. The brutal actions extended to minor girls from Dalit families, who were reportedly beaten and named in one of the multiple FIRs filed by the police. Activist Rahul Pradhan, who has been working on the ground in Parbhani, described the police’s actions as “murderous anger” while speaking to The Wire. He stated that almost all those arrested suffered injuries and were sent to judicial custody without any medical treatment. In some cases, police reportedly surrounded the detainees, making it difficult for them to raise complaints about the violence.

In addition to this, while speaking to the team of SabrangIndia, activist Rahul Pradhan stated that “the desecration of Constitution and Babasaheb is despicable. B.R. Ambedkar has always been an advocate for democracy and protests. The violence that took place during the protests should be condemned and those who had indulged in it should be prosecuted. The police should follow the legal process in doing so. But, what is actually happening is that the police is weaponising the violence and indulging in a targeted crackdown against the Dalit community. Somnath has died in custody. There are many youth who remain inside the jail till now, and have suffered through many injuries. These people have even brutalised women and minors inside their own homes.”

Pradhan is raising his voice in this case and has demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident, calling for accountability for the police officers involved in the violence. He has also demanded compensation of Rs 50 lakhs for Suryawanshi’s family and Rs 10 lakhs for the other youth injured during the police crackdown. Additionally, they are seeking charges of murder and attempt to murder of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 against the guilty officers, along with charges under Sections 3(2) and 3(3) of the SC/ST Atrocities Act, which protect marginalised communities from violence and discrimination.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GjAefRet4/?mibextid=wwXIfr 

The custodial death of Suryawanshi has further raised questions about the treatment of those in police custody. According to legal norms, when an accused person is produced before a magistrate, the magistrate is required to inquire whether they have been ill-treated during custody and check their medical reports. However, Suryawanshi’s lawyer, Jondhale, has indicated that this legal procedure was not followed, and many detainees were denied medical attention. The death of Suryawanshi in judicial custody has drawn sharp criticism, with activists calling for an independent judicial inquiry into the cause of his death. They have also demanded that the post-mortem be conducted in a hospital outside Parbhani to ensure impartiality, as local authorities are seen as compromised due to the ongoing tension.

In a broader context, this situation has drawn comparisons to the 2018 Bhima Koregaon violence, where police similarly targeted Dalit activists with what many believe were politically motivated arrests. Pradhan has called for the establishment of an independent judicial inquiry into the Parbhani incident, emphasising that the state’s actions against Dalits and Ambedkarite activists are part of a larger pattern of oppression. The activists’ demands are clear: justice for Suryawanshi and accountability for the police violence that has marred the investigation into the protests.

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Questions included, ‘If elections are held on ballot papers in most developed countries of the world, then why not on ballot papers in India?;’ ‘Why are doubts regarding EVMs not being cleared?’ In the afternoon, citizens discussed the issue with experts on the subject. Shyamshil Bhopale, the organiser of the ‘EVM Hatav, Loktantra Bachao’ movement, has been given a notice by the Hiwarkhed police under Section 168 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita. Gajanan Rathod of Hiwarkhed Police Station personally visited the said silent dharna and issued a notice to the organiser Shyamsheel Bhopale under Section 168 of the BNS. But peaceful protests by voters and citizens were directly monitored and no case was registered.

The importance of the venue

The location of the protest, at the square (chowk) named after historic freedom fighter and patriot Sampatrao Bhopale Chowk of Hiwarkhed is that it was at this spot –Bhopale Chowk—that the movement to compel Britishers (colonial powers) to leave had begun, the famed Bartanda movement led by the late V. R. Korpe. Similarly more recent movements for better prices to cotton farmers were also launched here. Similarly, on Thursday, the EVM removal movement “Hum Hivarkhedkar” silent movement was successfully launched and conducted.

‘EVM hatao’ protesters

Poster of ‘EVM Hatao’ Protest

Letter of protesters

Police Notice served on protesters

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Eyewitnesses, while speaking to Indian Express, described the operation as sudden and forceful. Amrik Singh of the Bharti Kisan Union (Sidhupur) recounted, “The police came at 2:30 am and broke the fibreglass wall of the temporary room where Dallewal ji was sleeping. When he refused to open the door, they forcibly entered and took him to an undisclosed location.”

While speaking to IE, Singh added that over 250 officers participated in the operation, locking the farmers in their huts or trolley homes to prevent resistance. Balpreet Singh, a close associate of Dallewal, described the swiftness of the operation: “I was held back by the police and couldn’t even reach my phone to document what happened. Within two minutes, they had taken Pradhan ji (Dallewal).”

Sarwan Singh Pandher, coordinator of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), criticised the heavy-handedness of the security forces. “This joint operation by the Punjab Police, Haryana Police, and central forces is a blatant violation of our constitutional right to protest. We strongly condemn these actions and demand transparency regarding Dallewal’s whereabouts.”

Despite assurances from Dr Nanak Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Patiala, that Dallewal was moved for medical reasons due to his age and cancer diagnosis, farmer unions remain sceptical. They claim that the act was a deliberate attempt to disrupt their movement on Constitution Day, a day that symbolises the protection of fundamental rights, including the right to protest.

Farmers’ demands and the context of the protest

Jagjit Singh Dallewal, had announced on November 25 regarding his decision to launch a fast-unto-death protest. This protest was aimed at pressing for the implementation of a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for crops—a long-standing demand of Indian farmers. This announcement coincided with the fourth anniversary of the historic farmers’ protests that began on November 26, 2020, against the now-repealed three farm laws.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) have accused the government of failing to engage with farmers on critical issues since February 18, 2024. Key demands of the protesting farmers include:

• Implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations for fair pricing.
• Farm debt waivers and pensions for farmers and agricultural labourers.
• Compensation for families of farmers who lost their lives during the earlier 2020-2021 protests.
• Justice for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence of 2021.
• Reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and withdrawal of police cases against protesting farmers.
• Prevention of electricity tariff hikes and measures to support small-scale farmers.

Despite months of demonstrations at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 2024, the government has made no progress in addressing these demands. As the government continues to stall, the frustration among farmers has intensified.

More about the February farmers protest can be read here.

Intensifying the struggle and the question of fundamental rights

The forcible removal of Dallewal has provoked widespread anger among farmer unions. In response, the BKU (Sidhupur) and SKM (non-political) have called for farmers to gather in large numbers at the Khanauri border. Additionally, Chetavni rallies (warning rallies) have been planned across 500 districts in India, with central trade unions joining the movement. A Delhi Chalo march has also been scheduled for December 6, 2024 starting from the Shambhu border, further raising the stakes.

Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu has shifted the blame entirely to the Punjab government, led by Bhagwant Mann. “This was orchestrated by the state police. The Centre has always supported farmers and would not resort to such actions,” Bittu claimed, though his statement has done little to placate the agitated farmer community.

This incident raises fundamental questions about the erosion of democratic principles, especially on Constitution Day—a day meant to reaffirm commitments to justice, liberty, and equality. The right to peaceful protest, enshrined under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, has been repeatedly challenged in recent years, particularly when it comes to mass movements like those led by farmers. The use of force to suppress dissent reflects an alarming trend of undermining civil liberties, as highlighted by the unannounced and forceful detention of Dallewal.

The protestors assert that such actions will only strengthen their resolve. Farmer leader Dallewal, before being detained, stated, “I am ready to sacrifice my life for this cause. This fight will continue until the government addresses our demands.” As the agitation gains momentum, the larger question remains: will the government respect the constitutional right to dissent, or will it continue to view protests as a threat to be quelled by force?

Separate ongoing protests against forced land acquisition by UP government

Farmers affected by forced land acquisition under various Uttar Pradesh governments gathered today, on November 26, in a massive Kisan Mahapanchayat outside the offices of the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA). For over two years, these farmers have been engaged in a sustained struggle, demanding the return of the 10% developed plots they were promised but never received.

The Mahapanchayat, organised under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), brought together farmers from more than 200 villages in Gautam Buddha Nagar district. The event marked the launch of a renewed fight for justice, with active participation and leadership from the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) in the region.

Farmers who suffered forced land acquisition by different UP governments and have been demanding return of promised 10% developed plots for the last two years in a near continuous movement converged today in a mega Kisan Mahapanchayat outside the Greater Noida Industrial (1/n) pic.twitter.com/wCwFNJmF2m

— AIKS (@KisanSabha) November 25, 2024

Listen to Comrade Pushpendra Tyagi, CKC member of AIKS explain why farmers have gathered in such a massive way today outside Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority’s office today. pic.twitter.com/yYbQuEmss9

— AIKS (@KisanSabha) November 25, 2024

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M’tra farmers demand MSP for cash crops like cotton, soybean and sugarcane with 20 % bonus like Tamil Nadu & Kerala: Kisan Manifesto

Adverse impact of climate change? 43% of farmers found half of their standing crops damaged

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Is the Modi government deceiving farmers on MSP, Yes say Farmers Organisations, MSP of Kharif crops far below C2+50%

The post Farmers’ leader detained forcefully on Constitution Day as protests for delivering guarantee on legal MSP intensify appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The protesters strongly objected to the celebration of the accused, stating, “The act of honouring those accused of murder is tantamount to endorsing the crime itself.” They urged Karnataka’s Home Minister to take legal action against the individuals involved in organising the felicitation and ensure that those responsible for the murder face swift justice. In their memorandum to the Home Minister, they emphasised the urgency of prosecuting the accused, condemning the glorification of criminals.

The protest also drew parallels to similar incidents, such as the honouring of individuals convicted in the Bilkis Bano case, raising concerns about a growing trend of celebrating those who commit violent acts. 

Kavita Lankesh and others decry glorification of accused:

Kavita Lankesh, sister of Gauri Lankesh, expressed shock and anguish over the recent events, describing the glorification of her sister’s alleged killers as deeply “disturbing.” Speaking to The Quint, she expressed frustration over the delays in the judicial process, which have allowed the accused to secure bail. “Our family has suffered enough, and now we must witness those responsible for Gauri’s death being honored,” she had said. Kavita revealed plans to meet with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to demand the formation of a special or fast-track court to handle her sister’s case.

She added that the investigation into Gauri’s murder had initially progressed under Siddaramaiah’s previous tenure as chief minister, with 100 people assigned to the case. However, delays in prosecution, combined with the recent release of the accused, have left her questioning the effectiveness of the legal system. “If there is no follow-up, what is the purpose of the investigation? The case is being jeopardised, and justice delayed is justice denied,” she stressed.

Reflecting on the slow progress of justice, Kavitha pointed out that while everyone accused in the case has been granted bail, her primary concern is the delay in the legal proceedings. Although she does not oppose the bail as part of the ongoing trial, she firmly believes that the extensive delay is jeopardising the case and allowing the accused to walk free. For her, this protracted legal process is undermining the significance of the investigation.

Determined to expedite the trial, Kavitha Lankesh revealed her plans to meet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah personally, urging him to take decisive steps to prevent further delays. She intends to request the establishment of a special or fast-track court to handle Gauri’s case, ensuring that justice is served swiftly and that the accused do not escape due process.

Kavitha Lankesh expressed profound anguish and disbelief over the recent felicitation of her sister’s alleged killers, Parashuram Waghmore and Manohar Edave, by right-wing Hindutva groups in Karnataka. She described the glorification of these individuals as “disturbing and shocking,” not only to her family but also to society at large. She emphasised that honouring her sister’s alleged killers is not just an insult to her family, but also to the legacy of Gauri Lankesh and the progressive values she stood for.

Kavitha also expressed her shock at how Karnataka, a state that has long stood for progressive values and human dignity, is now witnessing the glorification of individuals accused of heinous crimes. She drew parallels between this incident and others across India where rapists and murderers have been similarly honoured, such as those involved in the Bilkis Bano case in Gujarat. For her, the fact that this is happening in Karnataka is particularly distressing and serves as a blot on the state’s reputation.

In her statement, Kavitha Lankesh made it clear that the public celebration of individuals accused of murder is not just a personal affront but a societal danger. She urged the state government, particularly the Home Minister of Karnataka, to take strict legal action against those who organised the felicitation, accusing them of instigating violence and supporting murderers.
 

Protesters denounce broader trend of felicitating criminals

Members of the Veerashaiva Lingayat Coordination Committee and other progressive thinkers also staged a separate protest in Bengaluru on October 18, condemning the public support given to those accused in the murders of both Gauri Lankesh and scholar M M Kalburgi. The protestors also highlighted broader concerns over a growing trend of glorifying criminals, citing instances in states like Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh where convicted rapists and murderers have been celebrated. Members of ‘Eddelu Karnataka,’ a civil society group, submitted a memorandum to the Karnataka Home Minister condemning the recent events. The group emphasised that such actions tarnish the state’s long-standing reputation for upholding human values and called for legal action against those promoting violence.

In particular, they urged the government to expedite the trial of Gauri Lankesh’s murder and punish the guilty. They condemned the “felicitating of killers” as a blot on Karnataka’s social fabric, asserting that it goes against the state’s ethos of peace and justice. Prominent figures, former minister B T Lalitha Naik, former MLC Mohan Kondajji, activists K S Vimala, K R Subhash, and members of the Dalit Sangharsh Samiti, were among the protestors.

Shrikant Pangarkar’s controversial political appointment sparks outrage

In a related development, Shrikant Pangarkar, another accused in the Gauri Lankesh murder case, joined the Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on October 19, 2024. His appointment ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections sparked outrage, with opposition leaders condemning the move as a stain on the state’s governance.

However, on October 20, CM Eknath Shinde had to stay the appointment of Shrikant Pangarkar. This decision came amid criticism from opposition parties slamming Pangarkar’s re-entry into the party. A statement from the Shiv Sena on Sunday clarified that if Pangarkar had been appointed to any party post in the district, the decision has now been stayed.

Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Nana Patole sharply criticised the ruling coalition, stating, “The inclusion of Pangarkar, an accused in Gauri Lankesh’s murder, is a disgrace and tarnishes the state’s image.” Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed and NCP MP Supriya Sule also expressed their dismay, with Sule stating, “The government has sanctified a criminal, signaling a breakdown of law and order in Maharashtra.”

गद्दारांना आरोपींची साथ!

पत्रकार गौरी लंकेश यांच्या हत्येमध्ये संशयित असलेले श्रीकांत पांगारकरने विधानसभा निवडणुकीच्या पार्श्वभूमीवर एकनाथ शिंदे यांच्या शिवसेना गटात केलेला प्रवेश म्हणजे ‘उंदराला मांजर साक्ष’ असा प्रकार आहे.

श्रीकांत पांगारकरने तीन संशयित हिंदुत्ववादी…

— Nana Patole (@NANA_PATOLE) October 20, 2024

Shrikant Pangarkar, accused in the Gauri Lankesh murder case, has joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, which is running the Maharashtra government in alliance with BJP and under PM @narendramodi Ji.

Why do all corrupts, murderers, and rapists seem to find BJP and its…

— Dr. Shama Mohamed (@drshamamohd) October 20, 2024

अतिशय धक्कादायक ! गुन्हेगारांना सामाजीक प्रतिष्ठा प्राप्त करुन देण्यात खुद्द मावळते मुख्यमंत्री आणि त्यांचा पक्ष आघाडीवर आहे. या राज्यात कायदा आणि सुव्यवस्थेचे तीन तेरा का वाजले याच्या काही कारणांपैकी हे एक प्रमुख कारण…! प्रख्यात पत्रकार गौरी लंकेश यांच्या मारेकऱ्याला खोके…

— Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) October 20, 2024

According to India Today, Shrikant was part of the undivided Shiv Sena until 2006. In 2011, after the Shiv Sena reportedly denied him a ticket to contest elections, he joined the Hindu Janajagruti Samit, where he met co-conspirators in Gauri’s murder. Pangarkar had previously been arrested by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in 2018 for possessing arms and explosives. He was linked to a right-wing extremist network responsible for planning attacks on cultural events and individuals deemed enemies of Hindutva ideology. 

According to the chargesheet filed in the Kavitha Lankesh murder case, Shrikant Pangarkar briefed all the accused on the precautions they were to undertake before, during, and after the murder. He also gave them legal training and told them what to do in case they got caught. Bharat Kurane bought Ganesh Miskin and Parashuram Waghmore the clothes they would use for the murder.

Although his appointment to the Shiv Sena was stayed amid public backlash, the episode has further fuelled criticism of the ruling government for allegedly providing a safe haven for extremists and criminals.

This recent sequence of events has intensified calls for greater accountability and justice, not only for Gauri Lankesh but also for all victims of politically motivated violence.

Related:

Murderers or Martyrs? The dangerous glorification of murdered Gauri Lankesh’s accused by Hindutva groups

Murder of Gauri Lankesh a hate crime against humanity, condemn release on bail of 8 accused: ALIFA Open letter

Gauri Lankesh assassination: 6 years down, no closure for family and friends, justice elusive

The Hasdeo Arand crisis: Tribal protesters face brutal state crackdown while standing against felling of trees

The post Protest in Karnataka as activists condemns felicitation of Gauri Lankesh murder accused by right-wing groups appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The incident has sparked a nationwide outrage, leading to widespread protests and disrupting hospital services across several Indian cities. An autopsy confirmed that the doctor was raped before being murdered. Thousands of doctors and citizens marched in Kolkata and other cities, demanding justice for the victim and improved security measures. As the country prepares to mark the 78th year of Independence, a massive protest is planned for the evening of August 14, with people of all genders, political leaders, and citizenry uniting to demand justice and safety for women in India.

Details on the Kolkata rape and murder case:

The family of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital shared their harrowing experience in an interview with Lallantop, recounting the traumatic events following the tragedy on August 9. The family alleged that hospital authorities initially informed them that their daughter had died by suicide and made them wait outside for three hours before they were allowed them to see her body.

In the interview, the trainee doctor’s father also recalled receiving a call from the hospital, where they were told that their daughter had died by suicide and urged to come immediately. Despite their pleas to see her, they were forced to wait for hours. After the long wait of three hours outside the seminar hall, the father was finally permitted to view his daughter’s body and was allowed to take a photo. He shared that she was unclothed, with her legs positioned unnaturally apart, a condition that suggested severe trauma to the pelvic region, indicating she had been violently assaulted.

According to a report in India Today, the post-mortem report confirmed that the trainee doctor had been subjected to “genital torture.” The report further revealed that the accused, Sanjoy Roy, had struck her with such force that her glasses shattered, and the shards caused severe injuries to her eyes. She had bleeding from her eyes, mouth, and private parts, along with injuries to her face, abdomen, neck, left leg, right hand, and lips. After this brutal assault, the accused killed her by strangulation and smothering. Her death was estimated to have occurred between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. on that Friday.

On August 14, the case took a another turn as Left-wing groups and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital authorities of attempting to tamper with evidence. The CPI(M)-affiliated Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and Students’ Federation of India (SFI) highlighted that renovation work had suspiciously begun near the seminar room where the doctor’s body was found just days earlier. Protestors gathered at the hospital’s Emergency building gate, accusing the authorities of trying to destroy evidence and protect those truly responsible.

Tempering of evidence started in the name of renovation in the chest department at nearly 20m from crime scene.please help #MedTwitter pic.twitter.com/o45EM6Agyu

— Dr levocetrizine (@ManiBhu12096219) August 13, 2024

Additionally, the Hindustan Times reported that a doctor from the Left-affiliated Joint Forum of Doctors claimed the post-mortem report suggested the possibility that the victim had been raped by multiple individuals.

Investigation into the RG Kar Medical College and the scams running under its principal:

It is essential to note that on the same day of the incident, Sandip Ghosh, the principal of RG Kar Medical College, had resigned from his position. In his resignation, Ghosh stated, “I am being defamed on social media. False accusations are being spread against me, and students are being provoked to demand my removal. The deceased doctor was like my child, and I want justice for her. As a parent, I am stepping down.” However, following his resignation, he was reassigned as the principal of Calcutta National Medical College (CNMC) within a few hours.

On the other hand, more shocking news came as an independent investigation conducted by the Times of India uncovered numerous issues within RG Kar Medical College and Hospital under Sandip Ghosh’s leadership. One such issue was the “regular practice” of facilitating beds at the hospital for financially struggling patients from nearby nursing homes, but only in exchange for a fee.

As per the investigation, ex-principal Ghosh was well-connected with the local police station, maintaining close relationships with both junior and senior officers stationed at the hospital’s police outpost. According to a source at the hospital, he frequently collaborated with a particular junior officer to run this operation, ensuring that the money collected from desperate patients was distributed through an organized network. The TOI report stated that although Ghosh was technically part of the police welfare cell and his role at RG Kar involved assisting those admitted to the hospital, he had no official responsibilities at the police outpost. Nonetheless, he visited the outpost regularly and was heavily involved in various dubious activities. He was reportedly “at the centre of a racket involving touts who charged patients for various unethical services, such as securing multiple visiting cards, hospital beds, and priority in medical tests”.

The TOI report further provided that a source at the hospital revealed that Ghosh would target well-off patient relatives at RG Kar Hospital, luring them to nearby nursing homes by promising better treatment, often claiming that the same hospital doctors would treat them there. Additionally, he frequently boasted about his connections with senior Kolkata Police officers, even going so far as to pressure a district reserve officer to secure him a spot in the fourth battalion barracks at Bidhannagar.

Additionally, the report stated that Ghosh was known for name-dropping influential police officers to get what he wanted. He was also accused of riding a motorcycle with “KP” (Kolkata Police) written on the visor and duping young job seekers by promising them jobs in the police force in exchange for a fee. Reportedly, one source alleged that he took over Rs 2 lakh from a hawker, promising him a position as a civic volunteer.

Other than this, since the news of the incident at RG Kar Hospital broke out, which reportedly serves over 3,500 patients daily, the overworked trainee doctors gave their narration of how some of the doctors are required to work up to 36 hours straight at a hospital that lacked designated restrooms. As a result, they were forced to rest in a seminar room on the third floor.

 Calcutta High Court expresses concern while shifting probe to CBI:

On August 13, the Calcutta High Court ordered that the criminal investigation into the incident be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), signalling the case’s importance at a national level. A division bench comprising Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya questioned the state government after it was revealed that the police had initially recorded the deceased’s death as a suicide, which was communicated to her parents, who were made to wait for hours before being allowed to see her body.

As per a report in the LiveLaw, during the proceedings, the bench had remarked “If it is a fact that somebody called the parent and told them that it was sickness and then suicide, there is a miss somewhere. If this is true that they were made to wait and mislead then the administration is loitering with them. You cannot treat the deceased like this. There should be more sensitivity. Suppose the doctors are made parties and they claim that the principal blamed the deceased and said she had psychosis, it is very serious. By now a statement should have been recorded from the principal.”

According to LiveLaw, the Court expressed concern over these events, particularly noting that if the principal resigned due to moral responsibility, it was troubling that he was reassigned to another position within 12 hours. The Court questioned, “No man is above law, how did he step down and then be rewarded with another responsibility? The principal is the guardian of all doctors working there, if he doesn’t show any empathy who will show? He should be at home not working anywhere. So powerful that a government counsel is representing him? The principal will not function. Let him go on long leave. Otherwise, we will pass an order.”

Later that day, the division bench issued an order expressing concern that the police had registered the case as an unnatural death. The Court criticized the principal and the college authorities for not taking any substantial steps to aid the investigation and ordered that the principal be placed on indefinite leave until further notice. Recognizing that under normal circumstances, a report from the state police would be sufficient, the Court acknowledged the unusual nature of the case and agreed with the victim’s parents that any further delay could result in the destruction of evidence.

In its order, the bench noted that “The parents of the victim have an apprehension that if the investigation is allowed to continue in this manner, it will derail. Therefore they pray for extraordinary relief. One more disturbing aspect is that a case of unnatural death was registered. It is submitted that such cases are registered when there is no complaint. When the deceased was a doctor in the same hospital, it is surprising why the principal did not lodge a complaint. There has been no significant progress in the investigation. The administration was not with the victim or her family. The principal has not even given a statement. Without significant progress in the investigation, we would be well justified in accepting the prayers by the victim’s parents that evidence would be destroyed. Therefore, we transfer the investigation to the CBI to do justice between parties and to inspire public confidence.” (Para 30)

Thus, the bench of the Calcutta High Court handed over the investigation to the CBI and listed the matter for further hearing after three weeks.

The complete order can be read here.

Notably, a special CBI team from Delhi had reached Kolkata on August 14 to investigate the rape-murder case.

कोलकाता के मेडिकल कॉलेज में दाखिल होती #CBI की टीम. लोगों ने लगाए “We want justice” के नारे.
#KolkataDctorDeath #BengalHorror
#JusticeForMoumita pic.twitter.com/lJwZTuqjeF

— Arvind Sharma (@sarviind) August 14, 2024

Protests by doctors:

In the city of Kolkata, following the news of the horrific crime, the medical community erupted in protests. On August 12, around 6 p.m., thousands of doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, and others gathered at RG Kar Medical College, holding placards demanding justice for the victim. The protesting doctors, who were calling for the resignation of the principal and other senior officials of the college, were further outraged by the decision to reassign Sandip Ghosh to another institution immediately after his resignation. They vowed not to allow Ghosh to assume his new role as principal of Calcutta National Medical College (CNMC). Later, doctors and students from CNMC organized a rally to RG Kar, demanding Ghosh’s removal from his new post.

ON DUTY RESIDENT DOCTOR WAS RAPED & MURDERED IN COLLEGE SEMINAR HALL IN RG KAR MEDICAL COLLEGE, #Kolkata

Justice for Victim #justice #JusticeForMoumita #KolkataDoctorDeat #Udaipur #Rajasthan #DoctorDeath #DoctorsProtest pic.twitter.com/lXhrGj0n2m

— Nursing Student (@StudentNursing7) August 13, 2024

On the streets for justice. #kolkatahorror #RGKarHospital pic.twitter.com/rXFuIpvvhj

— Doctor (@DipshikhaGhosh) August 14, 2024

On August 12, several government-run hospitals initiated an indefinite strike. The Federation of Resident Doctors Association also called for a nationwide suspension of elective services in hospitals starting Monday.

Protests spread across India on August 13, with over 8,000 government doctors in Maharashtra halting work in all hospital departments except for emergency services, as reported by local media. In Kolkata, emergency services were suspended on August 13 in almost all government-run medical college hospitals, according to state official NS Nigam, who told Reuters that the government was evaluating the impact on health services.

In New Delhi, junior doctors wearing white coats protested outside a major government hospital, holding posters that read, “Doctors are not punching bags.” Top hospitals in Delhi, including AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital, RML Hospital, Indira Gandhi Hospital Dwarka, PGIMS, and Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital, continued their strike on August 14. The management of these hospitals announced they would maintain their strike, demanding legislation to ensure the safety of healthcare workers.

In light of horrific incident involving brutal murder & assault of our colleague in Kolkata, @AIIMSRDA have made difficult decision to suspend all elective services until justice is served
We urgently call for enhanced safety measures in workplace to protect us.#RGKarHospital pic.twitter.com/bxNkoGypO8

— Dr RishiRS (AIIMS ND) (@DrRishiRajSinh1) August 12, 2024

Similar protests affected hospital services in other cities, such as Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, and in Goa.

Yesterday Biggest Massive protest of AIIMS #RISHIKESH Doctors in support of #RGKAR medical college Victim ..

Demands – Quick strict actions on Culprits & Central protection act for avoid further such inhuman Crime .#KolkataDoctorDeath #kolkatahorror #Nirbhaya2 #medtwitter pic.twitter.com/XAlAoVg3ma

— Indian Doctor (@Indian__doctor) August 14, 2024

The Indian Medical Association (IMA), the country’s largest doctors’ organization, sent a letter to Health Minister JP Nadda on August 13, highlighting the “pedestrian working conditions, inhuman workloads, and workplace violence” that healthcare workers face. They met with him for talks later that day.

In response to the widespread unrest, India’s medical education regulator, the National Medical Commission, issued a notice to all medical institutions, calling for the installation of CCTV cameras in sensitive areas and the provision of adequate security staff. The notice, reported by newspapers on Tuesday, also recommended that all campus corridors be well-lit in the evening to ensure the safety of staff moving around the premises.

Protests by citizenry:

Women in Kolkata and across Bengal will take to the streets late night today in a massive show of defiance, marching against the violence that took one of their own. Women in thousands are preparing to take part in a powerful ‘Reclaim the Night’ march at midnight on August 14. This march, set to unfold just before India’s Independence Day on August 15, is a demand for the “independence to live in freedom and without fear”. The march will span at least 45 locations across Bengal, with the movement growing as more people from the suburbs join in, The Telegraph reported. Slogans like “Justice for RG Kar,” “The Night is Ours,” “Reclaim the Night,” and “Meyera Raat er Dhokhol Koro” (Women, seize the night) are being echoed across social media, and shared widely on WhatsApp, as a rallying cry for justice and change.

Posters detailing the protest locations are flooding social media, with new spots being added as more and more voices join the chorus. Men are also stepping up in large numbers, standing in solidarity with the women who are reclaiming their streets. Till now, there have been reports of several prominent figures, including actor Swastika Mukherjee, actor Churni Ganguly, and filmmaker Pratim D. Gupta, urging people to join the midnight gathering at whichever location is most accessible to them. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has given the city police a deadline until Sunday to complete the investigation. She has assured the victim’s family that if they desire, the state government will recommend a CBI probe, affirming that the government has nothing to hide.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Progressive Doctors’ League (@pdl_india)

The call for justice is not confined to the state of West Bengal. As the messages about the march spread on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, political leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties have pledged their support to this unprecedented, and thus far apolitical, movement. Demonstrations are already taking place in Kolkata, Guwahati, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. Protesters stand united, holding placards that read, “Justice needs to be served,” “No duty without security,” and “Justice delayed is justice denied.”

This wave of protests, marked by both anguish and determination, is a cry from the heart of a society that refuses to be silenced. It is a demand for safety, respect, and the right to live without fear, resonating far beyond the West Bengal.

pic.twitter.com/zjTi3Yheag

— Subhashini Ali (@SubhashiniAli) August 14, 2024

Bangalore, show up pic.twitter.com/LcoAzkqTNy

— Disha Ravi 𓆉 (@disharavii) August 14, 2024

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India Cries for Freedom!

India’s flawed rape laws: a betrayal of equality

Bilkis Bano Case: Supreme Court strikes down remission for gang rape and murder convicts, citing flagrant violation of rule of law

Horrifying instances of rape in MP and Mahrashtra, accused booked under POCSO

The post India’s cry for justice: The brutal Kolkata rape-murder of a young doctor has ignited nationwide protests on the eve of the 78th Independence’s Day appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Demanding that the Right of Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act, 2013 passed by the United Progressive Alliance be implemented, protesters criticised the indifference of the Modi government to the cause of farmers and oustee families.

In protest today, between 4-6 pm citizens of Mumbai gathered outside Dadar station (east)

On September 16 and 17, 2023, the backwaters of the Sardar Sarovar Dam submerged the homes, farms, and forest resources of 15,946 families in M.P This area was calculated as being above the submergence level of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, and therefore, these families were not to be rehabilitated.

However, when submergence did occur, devastating not only the lives and livelihood of the families, their farms, their forest resources, but destroying six villagers and 1200 cattle, the Narmada Bachao movement has been demanding rehabilitation and compensation for over a whole year have brought little or no response from the government so far.

 Social Activist and leader of the Narmada Bachao Andolan, M/s Medha Patkar has been on an indefinite hunger strike in Chikhalda Village in M.P., since June 15, 2024 and is joined by supporters who are on a day to day relay fast, to demand that the Government control the Back Water Level of the Dam to 122 meters, so that the Project Affected Families are not subjected to submergence once again this monsoon and this maximum level not be crossed  until the displaced families are rehabilitated with all that is due to them.

Related:

Citizens’ appeal to Narmada Control Authority (NCA): Rehabilitate and protect oustees

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The said plea has been moved by Uday Pratap Singh, a Chandigarh based lawyer, to urge judicial intervention and issuance of an urgent interim order to stay these “obstructive actions”. It is also essential to note that through the said petition, the plea has also raised questions against the suspension of mobile internet services and bulk SMS in several districts of Haryana including Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa. As per a report of LiveLaw, the petition has highlighted that these suspension of services “further exacerbate the situation, depriving the citizens of their right to information and communication.”

The petitioner has also emphasised upon the constant denial of the authorities to hear and take action on the demands being raised by the farmers in regards to Minimum Support Price. As per a report in LiveLaw, the petitioner has stated “The arbitrary and illegal non-payment of Minimum Support Price sparked a deep sense of discontentment and betrayal among the hardworking farmers of the state. This unjust decision inflicted trauma upon the impoverished farming community. Despite the farmers’ pleas for the government to honour their rightful demand for at least the minimum support price (MSP) for their produce, the authorities have turned a deaf ear to their concerns.” 

Claiming the actions being undertaken by the State to be violative of the fundamental rights of citizens to move freely and assemble peaceful, guaranteed to citizens under Article 19 of the Constitution, the petitioner seeks for an independent inquiry into alleged arbitrary actions, including police intimidation and installation of obstacles.

Meanwhile, a meeting between the farm leaders and three members of the Union cabinet is supposedly taking place in Chandigarh. These ministers, namely Piyush Goyal (Food Minister), Arjun Munda (Union Agriculture Minister) and Nityanand Rai (Minister of State for Home Affairs), are holding a second round of these talks with the farmer leaders to address their concerns and demands. It is essential to note that at the first talk, the three ministers had told the farmers that their demands could not be accepted without consulting multiple Ministries.

Many detained, many face hurdles in reaching Delhi

As per a report of The Telegraph, around a hundred farmers from Karnataka, who were travelling in train to Delhi with the aim of taking part in the scheduled protest, were stopped at Bhopal by the state police. These claims were made by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) South India Convenor Shanthakumar during a press conference. As per the report, Shanthakumar stated that he was also travelling with the group in the train and “the police stopped us at the Bhopal station, and some of our members were injured,” as per Telegraph. Shanthakumar also provided that he was somehow able to reach the national capital still.

At the same conference meeting, Shanthakumar also clarified that around 23 Mahapanchayat meetings had been held across the country before announcing the march, and the protest had been planned three months before and were not spontaneous.

As per a report of the Hindu, SKM- Non-Political leader Shiv Kumar Kakka, who is also a former RSS functionary, had been detained by the Madhya Pradesh police on February 11. Kakka was on his way to Chandigarh when the said arrest had taken place. As per his statement, Kakka was about to board a train to participate in the second round of talks with the union ministers. According to the Hindu report, Kakka said “I was about to board a train to Chandigarh to participate in Monday’s discussions. I was arrested and taken to the police station. I understand that hundreds of SKM-NP’s activists have also been sent to jail. I was released after three hours. But I will go to Chandigarh at any cost to participate in the protests. The Centre is vitiating the atmosphere by arresting farmers.” 

A report of Naiduniya reported that farmer leaders of the United Kisan Morcha and its associated organizations were being arrested in different districts of Madhya Pradesh. The report asserts that about 150 farmer leaders of the state have been detained at the police station, while many are being sent to jail. As provided by the report, Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) state president Anil Yadav was arrested from MP Nagar Bhopal police station, Mahendra Singh Tomar from Rajgarh, senior Kisan Sabha leader Ramnarayan Kureria from Jabalpur. District Vice President of Kisan Sangharsh Committee in Gwalior, Shatrughan Yadav and Shiv Kumar Kakka have been arrested in Bhopal. 

Rakesh Tikait, farmer leader and national spokesperson of BKU, took to ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) to express his anguish at the arrest of farmer leaders by the authorities of Madhya Pradesh and demand their release. In his post, Tikait stated “On the instructions of the Central Government, the state president of Madhya Pradesh Anil Yadav and Aradhana Bhargava have been arrested by the police and sent to jail. The government wants to make Bharat Bandh unsuccessful and suppress the voice of farmers. The government should release them with immediate effect.”

His post can be viewed here:

केंद्र सरकार के इशारे पर मध्य प्रदेश में @OfficialBKU के प्रदेश अध्यक्ष अनिल यादव और आराधना भार्गव को पुलिस ने गिरफ्तार कर जेल भेज दिया है सरकार भारत बंद को असफल व किसानों की आवाज को दबाना चाहती है सरकार इन्हें तत्काल प्रभाव से रिहा करें।@CMMadhyaPradesh@DGP_MP@PMOIndia@ANI

— Rakesh Tikait (@RakeshTikaitBKU) February 11, 2024

In addition to this, Indore saw leaders associated with farmer organizations being made to sit in the police station, including the Depalpur and Saver police stations, on the morning of February 12. It was asserted by them that the arrests of the farmer leaders were a part of the government’s attempt to stop the march to Delhi by the United Kisan Morcha on February 13 and to suppress the call for Gramin Bharat Bandh on February 16. It has been alleged by many that the state police also arrested houses of farm leaders late in the evenings of February 11. 

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also posted on ‘X’ regarding the detention of the famer leaders and highlighted the intimidation tactic of the BJP-led state government of Madhya Pradesh. In his post, Siddaramaiah condemned the said detentions and wrote “By arresting and intimidating them, the farmers’ struggle cannot be suppressed. Such repression might only lead more farmers to take to the streets, but the struggle of the sons and daughters of the soil will not cease. If the central government truly cares about peace and order, it should immediately meet the demands of the farmers and resolve the issue, rather than repressing and brutalizing them to silence. Whether it’s at the center or in the states, whenever BJP comes to power, history bears witness that their first act of aggression is against the farmers. The first time BJP came to power in Karnataka, farmers asking for fertilizer were ruthlessly shot down by the government led by B.S. Yediyurappa. Several farmers died due to the violence inflicted on protesting farmers in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh by Narendra Modi’s government at the center.”

His post can be viewed here:

The arrest of Hubballi farmers by the Madhya Pradesh government, as they were heading to a protest in Delhi tomorrow, is highly condemnable.

I demand that the Madhya Pradesh government immediately release all the farmers from our state who have been arrested and allow them to…

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) February 12, 2024

Another protest by farmers announced, this time by SKM

The original SKM, which had super headed the previous one year long farmers protest against the three controversial farm laws, have also announced a rural and industrial strike on February 16, in collaboration with ten Central Trade Unions (CTUs). As per the report of the Hindu, in a joint statement here on Sunday, the SKM and the unions urged the Narendra Modi-led union government to learn lessons from the growing discontent among the farming community and workers of European countries and reconsider its pro-corporate policies, which are being intensified in India.

“SKM has strongly objected to the policy proposed by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to permit corporate forces, including trans-national corporations, to take over post-harvest operations in agriculture, control and dominate food production, and the value-added consumer product market. Corporate agriculture is not a panacea for the agrarian crisis; rather, it will further deteriorate the plight of the farmers and workers in India,” the statement said.

In furtherance to this, the SKM has also asserted said that the rural bandh on February 16 would take place from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., with all agricultural activities, works under MGNREGA scheme, and other rural and farm works being boycotted. “The supply and purchase of vegetables, other crops will remain suspended; all the village shops, grain markets, vegetable markets, government and non-government offices, rural, industrial and service sector institutions and enterprises in private sector are requested to remain closed. The shops and establishments of towns remain closed for the strike hours,” the SKM said, as per the Hindu, adding that normal public and private transport would remain off the roads.

“Ensure passage to emergency services of ambulance, death, marriage, medical shops, newspaper supply, board exam candidates, and passengers to the airport,” the SKM said in the statement.

Related:

Govandi slum demolition: Temporary halt after protests outside BMC office by residents, those rendered homeless to rebuild their homes at the same site

Delhi, Punjab CMs, INDIA leaders join Kerala’s protest against Centre’s policies, TN MPs wear black robes too

Farmers in Noida, Greater Noida are protesting, which are the farmer unions are leading them

Freezing temperatures do not stop thousands in Leh from protesting to demand statehood, constitutional protections

The post Farmer leaders detained in Madhya Pradesh, made to sit at police stations, saw police raids at night- attempts to stop farmers from joining protest intensify appeared first on SabrangIndia.

These rallies by the Bharat Mukti Morcha are a part of the awareness rallies the said organisation has been holding across the country, which are named as ‘EVM Scam Expose Rashtriya Parivartan Yatra – Part 2’. Through this collective effort, the protestors are demanding the removal of EVMs to save democracy in India along with establishing of elaborate administrative safeguards, procedures and security by the Election Commission of India to ensure that elections are transparent, free and fair.

EVM machine is a thief, Election Commission is the leader of thieves. -Mr. Waman Meshram (National President, Bharat Mukti Morcha)#LongMarchOnECI pic.twitter.com/hSmxjlLYi8

— #राष्ट्रीय_किसान_मोर्चा (@DHARMENDRARKM) January 25, 2024

As per Meshram, “EVM machine is a thief, Election Commission is the leader of thieves”. Meshram, who is also the national president of the All India Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation (BAMCEF), has also asked for the opposition parties and the INDIA alliance to also be a part of his agitation against EVMs. 

Hashtags of EVM hatao desh bachao (remove EVM to save our nation) can be seen trending on X (formerly Twitter) with lakhs of retweets and posts in support of this protest.

The pictures and videos from on-ground are as follows:

Jantar Mantar Ground New Delhi.
Protest March On Election Commission of India. Leadership: Hon. Waman Meshram (National President Bharat Mukti Morcha)#चुनाव_आयोग_पर_महामोर्चा pic.twitter.com/rWItwESU2R

— MSS (@Manojs0504) January 31, 2024

आज दिल्ली में evm के विरोध में भारत मुक्ति मोर्चा के बैनर तले व तमाम बहुजन संगठनों द्वारा चुनाव आयोग का गहराव किया जा रहा है।
मिडिया कांह छुप गया?@1stIndiaNews@news24tvchannel@nayak1news#चुनाव_आयोग_पर_महामोर्चा pic.twitter.com/gCVaGESh15

— Panchraj vanal (@Panchrajvanal) January 31, 2024

#चुनाव_आयोग_पर_महामोर्चा#BAN_EVM#SAVE_DEMOCRACY

I SUPPORT #BharatMuktiMorcha pic.twitter.com/cmNToiq7Ka

— Prasad Wahule (@vahule3) January 31, 2024

Scenes from Delhi

Crowds of people took to the streets at Jantar Mantar, protest is being organized by Bharat Mukti Morcha, demonstration is being organized to remove #EVM #Delhi#EVM_हटाओ_लोकतंत्र_बचाओ #IndiaAgainstEvm #BanEVM_Save_India #SupportMahaRally_AgainstEVM… pic.twitter.com/MLu5ULG6lu

— Sebastian (@Sebastian_IYC) January 31, 2024

A video of a speech being delivered by Rajendra Pal Gautam, the ex-cabinet minister of NCT Delhi, can also be seen going viral on social media. In his speech, Gautam can be heard saying “How are leaders from the Modi government so confident regarding their seats in elections? This time they are saying that they will get 400 plus seats. They have this much confidence as these EVMs are made by Bharat Electronic Ltd. Out of the seven directors heading this company, four are leaders of BJP. The micro-controller chip used in EVMs are fixed by these BJP leaders which ensures that our votes go to BJP. They are fixing votes, they are stealing our votes. But we, the followers of Ambedkar, will not let our right to vote be stolen like this. We got this right after facing many difficulties.” 

The full video of the speech can be viewed here:

नई दिल्ली LIVE:

EVM के खिलाफ महामोर्चा
जंतर मंतर #चुनाव_आयोग_पर_महामोर्चा

INDIA SUPPORT #BharatMuktiMorcha

pic.twitter.com/Pzi8wA1mF6

— Gurjar (@PratiharSurendr) January 31, 2024

Sharad Pawar, the founder and chief of Nationalist Congress Party, was also a part of the said grand protest in Delhi.  

National President of Rashtravadi supports Mahamorcha at Central

Congress Party Hon. Sharad Pawar Ji

Election Office through Bharat Mukti

Morcha #BanEVM#चुनाव_आयोग_पर_महामोर्चा #BalletPaper#BanEVM_SaveDemocracy #Bmm pic.twitter.com/0tSBvDdD0P

— The.Warrior_Monu (@MonuTurakne) January 31, 2024

BIG BREAKING:
नई दिल्ली जंतर मंतर

राष्ट्रवादी कांग्रेस के सांसद मा. शरद पवार और भारत मुक्ति मोर्चा के राष्ट्रीय अध्यक्ष मा. वामन मेश्राम जी का सम्बोधन!#SharadPawar #WamanMeshram

pic.twitter.com/g5fQEMUuZ1

— Gurjar (@PratiharSurendr) January 31, 2024

Related:

At least 40% of the EVMs were tampered here: Mohd. Arshad Khan

EVM security: Whose responsibility is it anyway?

Memorandum to ECI to implement its constitutional mandate and conduct free and fair election

Were the 2019 general elections free & fair?

The post Massive protest in Delhi by Bharat Mukti Morcha with one demand- REMOVE EVMs, SAVE DEMOCRACY appeared first on SabrangIndia.