Wednesday, May 30, 2007

India's Bishops Welcome Resolution on Untouchability

India's Bishops Welcome Resolution on Untouchability
May 23, 2007
Greenwood Village, CO – Catholic Bishops of India have welcomed a resolution in U.S. Congress asking for an end to Untouchability, according to a report by AsiaNews.

Congressman Trent Franks of Arizona introduced the resolution on May 2 following a briefing on the plight of Dalit women before the US Congressional Human Rights Caucus. In his speech he asked "the Indian government and the world community to look with compassion upon India's untouchables and reach out to one of the most oppressed peoples on earth.''

AsiaNews reported that the Catholic bishops' conference of India expressed its thankfulness that the issue is being brought to light. According to the story:

“Father Arokiaraj Cosmon, the executive secretary of the episcopal commission on Dalits, explained the tragic nature of the caste system, highlighted in the resolution.

‘Dalits' conditions are well-known both at home and abroad,’ the priest said. ‘They are economically and socially ostracized, denied equal access to education and political life.

‘Out of 250 million of them, there are 16 million who are twice as penalized because they are Christian.’

‘Most violence visited upon Dalits affects women,’ Father Cosmon continued. "They cannot report crimes, especially sex crimes, or ask for police assistance because what they say is not taken into consideration.

‘Most lawyers and police officers come from the upper castes and are not well disposed towards victims.’

This support from Catholic Bishops is welcome news to the Dalit Freedom Network and to supporters of the resolution in Congress. “We hope that this statement by the Catholics in India will encourage more Members of Congress to sign on to the resolution,” said Nanci Ricks, President of the Dalit Freedom Network. “This is an historic resolution. When it is passed, it will be a strong message of hope for all Dalits in India.


The resolution, House Concurrent Resolution 139, would encourage all United States businesses and government agencies to work to end Untouchability and to ensure that no US citizens living in India practice Caste discrimination. The resolution would be the first of its kind in the US Congress. The resolution can be found here: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:h.con.res.00139:

The Dalit Freedom Network’s mission is to partner with the Dalits (India’s Untouchables) in their quest for religious freedom, social justice, and human dignity by mobilizing human, informational, and financial resources. Their website is: www.dalitnetwork.org

Monday, March 12, 2007

India: UN Finds Pervasive Abuse Against Dalits

India: UN Finds Pervasive Abuse Against Dalits

http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/03/12/india15469_txt.htm

After Review by UN Anti-Discrimination Body, Government Should Move From Talk to Action

(New York, March 12, 2007) � The Indian government should take immediate steps to implement the recommendations of a United Nations committee that found persistent violence and discrimination against Dalits, or so-called �untouchables,� a group of international human rights organizations said today.

The organizations include Human Rights Watch, the Center for Human Rights and Global Justice at New York University School of Law, and the International Dalit Solidarity Network.

On March 9, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) issued its Concluding Observations regarding India�s compliance with the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The Committee�s report found that �de facto segregation of Dalits persists� and highlighted systematic abuse against Dalits including torture and extrajudicial killings, an �alarming� extent of sexual violence against Dalit women, and caste discrimination in post-tsunami relief.

The Committee called for effective measures to implement laws on discrimination and affirmative action, and sought proper protection for Dalits and tribal communities against acts of �discrimination and violence.� The Committee has given India a year to respond to four of its recommendations, including its recommendations on how India can end widespread impunity for violence against Dalits, and Dalit women in particular.

�The UN Committee�s concluding observations confirm that India has failed to properly protect Dalits and tribal communities,� said Brad Adams, Asia Director of Human Rights Watch. �This is a prime opportunity for India to give its own policies on discrimination some meaning. Laws need to be implemented, and those who violate them must be prosecuted.�

The Concluding Observations were issued following two days of hearings in Geneva on February 23 and 26 between Committee members and the Indian delegation. During the hearing, Committee members uniformly took issue with the Indian government�s refusal to acknowledge that caste-based discrimination is covered by the Convention and is an issue of international human rights concern.


Inparticular, the Committee called on the Indian government to:
  • Introduce mandatory training on the application of India�s Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for police, judges and prosecutors, and take disciplinary measures against those who fail to implement this law.
  • Ensure the protection of witnesses and victims to caste-based crimes and ensure their immediate access to effective remedies.
  • Prosecute and punish perpetrators of sexual violence and sexual exploitation of Dalit women, and sanction anyone found preventing or discouraging victims from reporting such incidents, including public officials.
  • Eradicate the social acceptance of caste-based discrimination through public education and awareness campaigns.
  • Ensure equal access to health care, safe drinking water, and other public services.
  • Investigate all alleged cases of discrimination against Dalits in post-tsunami relief and compensate or retroactively grant benefits to victims of such discrimination.
  • Take effective measures to reduce dropout rates and increase enrollment rates among Dalits at all levels of schooling by providing scholarships and by ending classroom segregation.
  • Ensure proper enforcement of reservations or quotas to counter the under-representation of Dalits and tribal communities in government and public services.
  • Adopt measures to enhance Dalits� access to the labor market, including by extending the reservation policy to the private sector.
  • Repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act that, while providing the armed forces with widespread powers to search, arrest and shoot suspects, leading to allegations of human rights abuses, has immunity provisions under which troops cannot be prosecuted unless authorized by the Central Government.

    The Concluding Observations reflect the Committee�s disappointment with India�s presentation before the Committee on February 23 and 26. Despite India�s Solicitor General Goolam Vahanvati�s claim to the Committee that the government is �deeply conscious and concerned about caste and is fully committed to tackling this at every level,� the Indian delegation resorted to a semantic debate on the difference between caste and race to support its erroneous assertion that the Convention only covers race-based discrimination.

    Citing India�s extensive laws and policies to end caste-based discrimination, none of which have been faithfully implemented, the Indian delegation also questioned the credibility of the Committee�s sources of information. These sources included reports of India�s own governmental agencies and numerous reports by Indian and international nongovernmental organizations, including �Hidden Apartheid,� which the NYU Center for Human Rights and Global Justice (CHRGJ) along with Human Rights Watch produced as a �shadow report� ahead of CERD�s review of India�s periodic report.

    In its Concluding Observations, �the Committee reaffirm[ed] that discrimination based on the ground of caste is fully covered by article 1 of the Convention.� It cited its position expressed in General Recommendation No. 29, �that discrimination based on �descent� includes discrimination against members of communities based on forms of social stratification such as caste and analogous systems of inherited status which nullify or impair their equal enjoyment of human rights.�

    �The Indian delegation�s arrogant rejection of well-documented abuses against Dalits before UN experts in Geneva mirrors India�s systematic denial of Dalit rights at home,� said Professor Smita Narula, faculty director of the Center for Human Rights and Global Justice. �India once again squandered an opportunity to enlist the support of experts in its efforts to ensure equality in law and practice for its citizens.�

    Comprised of independent experts from around the world, the Committee was led in its review by Mr. Linos-Alexander Sicilianos of Greece. On December 27, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh likened the practice of untouchability in India to apartheid in South Africa. �After this statement,� Siciliano said, �I sincerely feel that the official position [of the Indian delegation�] is simply untenable.� The Committee formally noted its appreciation for the prime minister�s remarks in their Observations.

    Committee members characterized India�s position as a �broken record,� a �step backwards,� and cautioned that India should not �confuse growth with development.� Sicilianos reminded the government that �change cannot be achieved by legislation alone.� The Committee also highlighted its concern over �abuses at the local level� for which �radical measures� were necessary. The Indian government�s position left Committee members asking why India did not choose to view the review as �an opportunity rather than a threat.� Committee members also noted that caste-based discrimination was not unique to South Asia, but also existed in many parts of Africa
    The Committee�s sharp rebuke to the Indian government has been matched by growing scrutiny both inside and outside the country. On February 1, 2007 the European Parliament passed a resolution voicing strong concern about the plight of Dalits in India and urging the government to engage with relevant UN bodies, including CERD.

    �Instead of sidestepping its responsibilities, India should welcome assistance from the international community to eliminate caste-based discrimination,� said Rikke N�hrlind, coordinator of the International Dalit Solidarity Network. �The fact that European Parliament strongly urged its own institutions to address caste discrimination in all EU-India relations reflects growing worldwide concern about India�s �hidden apartheid.��

    More than 165 million people in India continue to be subject to discrimination, exploitation and violence simply because of their caste. In India�s �hidden apartheid,� untouchability relegates Dalits throughout India to a lifetime of segregation and abuse. Caste-based divisions continue to dominate in housing, marriage, employment and general social interaction�divisions that are reinforced through economic boycotts and physical violence.

    �Hidden Apartheid,� which was produced as a �shadow report� ahead of CERD�s review of India�s periodic report, documents India�s systematic failure to respect, protect and ensure Dalits� fundamental human rights. Severe violations persist in education, health, housing, property, freedom of religion, free choice of employment and equal treatment before the law.

    The report also documents routine violations of Dalits� right to life and security of person through state-sponsored or sanctioned acts of violence, including torture. Dalit women face multiple forms of discrimination and are frequent targets of sexual abuse. State and private actors enjoy virtual impunity for these crimes.


  • Wednesday, December 06, 2006

    HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH'S – Weekly newspaper on web

    HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH'S – Weekly newspaper on web
    Spreading the light of humanity & freedom
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/naghrw/message/186

    Editor : nagaraj.M.R.................vol.2
    issue.35...................... 11/11/2006

    editorial :AN APPEAL TO H.E.PRESIDENT OF INDIA
    - TO STOP ATROCITIES AGAINST DALITS

    In India , even today after 59 years of independence & democratic
    governance , the plight of DALITS , TRIBALS , DOWNTRODDEN & POOR has
    not improved . in fact it has worsened . the government & public
    servants just pay lip service to dalits & have totally failed to
    uplift them in 59 years of independence . the public servants want
    dalits to be as such to ride over them & to use them as pawns in power
    politics , as a vote bank. let them answer how many dalits have become
    supreme court judges in india . even today in india , the practice of
    carrying human excreta on head still persists . what is the use if
    india becomes an IT POWER or knowledge base . what is the use if india
    sends it's own satellites on it's own rockets ot space . did those
    scientific achievements has devolved , percolated to dalits & poor in
    the society , has it benefitted them ? NO . JUST SEE THE RECENT
    ATROCITIES AGAINST DALITS IN KADAKOLA , KARNATAKA & KARLINJARA ,
    MAHARASHTRA. HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN THE PAST ATROCITIES AGAINST DALITS IN
    BADANAVALU & KAMBALAPALLI , KARNATAKA.

    THIS IS AN APPEAL TO OUR HUMBLE , HUMANE FIRST CITIZEN H.E.PRESIDENT
    OF INDIA , TO HELP DALITS & POOR IN DISTRESS , OVERCOMING THE CASTEIST
    , GREEDY PUBLIC SERVANTS WHO SORROUND HIM & GIVE ADVICE TO HIM.

    JAI HIND. VANDE MATARAM.

    YOUR'S SINCERELY,
    NAGARAJ.M.R.

    PRACTICE OF UNTOUCHABILITY BY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN INDIA
    - VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS OF DALITS

    In india , rich people belonging to forward castes form educational
    trusts , proclaiming that they want to serve the society by providing
    education to all irrespective of caste or creed. By this declaration
    they get Civic Amenity sites from government authorities at
    concessional rates. Further they get tax , duty exemptions on
    materials , machines they import for the educational institution.
    However , while admitting students they are purely commercial minded ,
    the highest bidder gets the seats.
    IF AT ALL THE SOLE AIM OF THESE INSTITUTIONS IS COMMERCIAL – LET THEM
    BE REGISTERED AS COMMERCIAL BODIES , ASK THEM TO GET SITES AT
    COMMERCIAL MARKET RATES , ASK THEM TO PAY TAXES ON MATERIALS ,
    MACHINES & THEIR YEARLY INCOME. ENFORCE MINIMUM WAGES ACT , GRATUITIES
    ACT , P.F & ESI ACT TO THESE INSTITUTIONS WHO ARE PAYING A PITTANCE TO
    THEIR STAFF.
    Some institutions like industrial training institutes ( I.T.I) ,
    polytechnics , engineering colleges & medical colleges run by trusts
    floated by forward castes lack basic infrastructure , to teach
    students properly , they only appoint staff belonging to thier castes.
    Dalits , minorities , weaker section people are not at all selected.
    They don't publicly advertise for vacancies. They fill all posts with
    thier own caste people & finally even get government grant in aid. How
    ? These institutions are getting affiliations , yearly approvals form
    the government , how ? actually they should have been shut. These
    trusts want government backing for tax exemptions , lands at
    concessional rates ,monetary benefits , etc , however the same trusts
    are not willing to implement the social welfare objectives of the
    government , by providing seats to weaker sections , by providing
    appointments to dalits few posts in all category of positions
    ( not just group D - dalits are also brilliant & capable of performing
    all jobs, they have proved it ).

    Hereby , we urge honourable prime minister of india , government of
    india & honourable chief minister of karnataka , government of
    karnataka to :

    1. before giving lands at concessional rate , tax exemptions , to any
    educational trusts the government must ensure that the trust must
    adhere to the social welfare norms of the government from day one.

    2. Before giving affiliations to educational institutions the govt
    must ensure , are the institutions are providing sufficient
    infrastructure to students ?

    3. Before giving grant in aid to any institution , the government must
    ensure have the management provided jobs to dalits , minorities , etc
    as per norms from the day one . if not grant in aid should be
    rejected. Here there is no meaning in giving reservation of jobs in
    future appointments in those institutions , as all the posts are
    presently filled with forward castes , there is no expansion projects.
    So , dalits have to wait for another 30-40 years to get the vacancies
    in those institutions after the retirement of forward caste employees
    , which is not at all practical or realistic .

    4. In karnataka state , numerous Industrial Training Institutes ( ITI)
    have mushroomed , some don't even have basic infrastructure. Still
    they are running the show , how ? these ITIs run by forward caste
    people have appointed only their caste people to all posts , not even
    a single dalit is there. Still they have got government grant in aid ,
    how ? we urge honourable chief minister of karnataka , to look into
    this & in future to provide grant in aid in aid to only those I.T.Is
    which have proper infrastructure & dalits , weaker section employees
    on their pay-rolls.

    5. To order all educational institutions to make public announcement
    of vacancies in their institutions even though not covered under
    grant in aid , as they have already taken sufficient monetary benefits
    from the government.

    6. To order all educational institutions , to admit students as per
    government rates of fees. Some institutions are fleecing higher fees
    from the students , but are giving receipts for lesser amount only.

    7. If any educational institutions don't agree with the government
    norms , those institutions must be asked to be registered as
    commercial bodies , no tax exemptions , lands at concessional rates ,
    allotment of CA sites should be given to them by the government.

    By these measures alone poor & weaker section people will get justice
    . you are aware of merited but poor students committing suicides year
    after year , CET fiasco - due to their financial inability to join
    medical or engineering colleges. Numerous similar cases are there with
    regard to admission to ITIs . polytechnics. The greed & casteism of
    these educational institutions is reigning high. In the positive hope
    that you will be kind enough to put an end to this menace. Jai hind.
    Vande mataram. Thanking you.

    Your's sincerely,
    Nagaraj.M.R.

    DALITS, LIKE FLIES TO FEUDAL LORDS

    A Maharashtra village serves up `moral justice' by gang raping and
    lynching a dalit family. That didn't merit front page news in
    21st-century-10-percent-growth-rate India. Shivam Vij reports

    On September 3, Siddharth Gajbhiye finally paid the price for helping
    dalits in a clutch of villages in Bhandara district near Nagpur in
    Maharashtra. A dalit himself, Gajbhiye is a police patil, an associate
    of the police hired on an honorarium, and has political connections in
    the Congress. This gave him some leverage to be of help to the
    sprinkling of dalit households who lived in constant fear of the upper
    castes. One such family was that of Surekha Bhotmange, 45, who tilled
    her five-acre plot in Kherlanji village, along with her husband
    Bhaiyyalal, growing cotton and rice. In 1996, two acres had been taken
    away as `easement area' to build a road, so that neighbouring farmers,
    who belong to the Powar and Kalar upper castes, could take their
    tractors across to other villages. Now they wanted more of their land
    for a water pathway, and Gajbhiye was helping Surekha resist that,
    despite allegations that he was doing so because he had sexual
    relations with her. Gajbhiye and Bhotmange were in fact cousins,
    belonging to the Mahar caste, the same as Ambedkar's, and
    werepractising Buddhists in the Ambedkerite tradition.

    On September 3, a mob beat up Gajbhiye, the ostensible reason being
    his alleged illicit relationship with Surekha Bhotmange. Gajbhiye
    filed a police complaint against 15 men from Kherlanji village, 12 of
    whom were arrested. Surekha signed on the FIR as one of the witnesses
    and identified the 12 in a police parade.

    Twenty-six days later, on September 29, as soon as the 12 men were
    released on bail, they were taken away in a tractor by their
    relatives. They got drunk and went to the Bhotmanges' hut threatening
    to finish off the entire family. Then they went looking for Gajbhiye
    and his brother Rajan, an engineering student. On not being able to
    find them, the drunken group returned to the Bhotmanges' hut and broke
    down the door. It was 5.40pm, Surekha was preparing the evening meal
    and the head of the family, Bhaiyyalal, was not at home. They dragged
    out Surekha, their 17-year-old daughter Priyanka, and two sons,
    23-year-old Roshan and 21-year-old Sudhir. Although Roshan was blind
    and Sudhir a graduate, they not only helped with the farming but also
    brought home extra money by working as labourers. Priyanka was more
    ambitious — a Class xii topper and an ncc cadet, she wanted to join
    the Army. Her mother had recently bought her a bicycle. But all dreams
    came to an end in a few harrowing hours.

    The mob didn't realise that Bhaiyyalal Bhotmagne and Siddharth's
    brother Rajan were just a stone's throw from their hut and had seen
    the four victims being dragged away to the village chaupal, Priyanka
    strapped to a bullock cart. By now, men allegedly from the entire
    village of about 150 Powar and Kalar families had collected. Some
    shouted to the sarpanch to allow them to sexually assault the women.
    They raped the women and killed all four, even as their womenfolk
    looked on, mute spectators to a form of justice reserved for castes
    lower than theirs. One woman, Sudha Dhenge, reportedly did protest but
    was slapped into silence. She now says she was never there.

    Surekha and Priyanka were stripped, paraded naked, beaten black and
    blue with bicycle chains, axes and bullock cart pokers. They were
    publicly gang raped until they died. Some raped them even after that,
    and finally, sticks and rods were shoved into their genitals. In the
    meantime, Sudhir managed to contact the police from his mobile phone,
    but his phone had been smashed. Its pieces are now circumstantial
    evidence. Roshan and Sudhir were beaten up, their genitals mutilated,
    faces disfigured and their bodies tossed in the air, before they lay
    dead on the ground. Hiding behind a hut, Bhaiyyalal helplessly watched
    his family's gruesome end. There was no one to call for help.
    Kherlanji had only two Mahar families; the rest were either
    perpetrators or spectators. An hour later, a village meeting was
    called and a diktat issued: no one was to say a word about the massacre.

    Siddharth Gajbhiye called the Andhalgaon police station, some six kms
    away, at 6.15pm, asking for help. As a frightened Bhaiyyalal escaped
    to another village to save his life, the four bodies were thrown at
    different places in the periphery of the village. Head Constable Baban
    Mesharam reached Kherlanji at 8:30pm and got wind of the incident, but
    did not follow official police protocol to register the report. The
    next day, when Bhaiyyalal Bhotmange went to the police station and
    filed an FIR, sho Siddheshwar Bharne did not believe him. It was only
    when the police patrol started flashing reports of the discovery of
    mutilated dead bodies on the wireless the next day that he filed an
    FIR. Constable Meshram and sho Bharne both stand suspended.

    Photographs of the bodies of Surekha and Priyanka taken by the police
    showed sticks and rods in their genitals. By the time they reached the
    post-mortem table, the sticks had disappeared. A gruesome photograph
    of Priyanka Bhotmange's body, with just a piece of cloth covering her
    genitals, is not being printed by Tehelka.

    The post-mortem report by Dr AJ Shende on September 30 said that there
    had been no rape. "Doctors were managed and the police bribed,"
    Rashtrapal Narnaware, Surekha's nephew, alleged in a statement to the
    fact-finding committee of the Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti (VJAS), a
    regional farmers' organisation. The bodies were later exhumed and the
    report of a second post-mortem is awaited. Bhandara's police
    superintendent Suresh Sagar says that only if the post-mortem
    establishes rape can he include the charge in his investigation. The
    VJAS is pushing for a third post-mortem as the due procedure specified
    by the nhrc has not been followed, and medical evidence of rape may
    never be established.

    Thirty-eight Kherlanji men are in jail as accused, but Kishore Tiwari,
    president of the VJAS, says that some of the main perpetrators are
    still free due to political pressure. Apart from various sections of
    the ipc, the sc/st Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989, has also been
    applied by the police. "In cases where a mob is involved, the
    Atrocities Act has it that the entire village could be fined to the
    tune of Rs 10-20 lakh," says civil rights lawyer Colin Gonsalves. The
    VJAS claims that there is an attempt to cover up the incident, and has
    filed a case in the Bombay High Court against the state police. "For
    years, Surekha had been trying to file a case against the grabbing of
    the two acres of land," says VJAS lawyer Vinod Tiwari, "but the police
    never filed the FIR."

    VJAS president Kishore Tiwari first read about the incident in the
    rural Vidarbha supplements of the Marathi press, which blamed it on
    Surekha's `illicit relationship' with Siddharth. Tiwari e-mailed
    journalists all over India and managed to get some Mumbai newspapers
    to report the massacre, but his e-mails to Delhi-based journalists
    were ignored.

    On October 2, when lakhs of Buddhists from all over the world had
    converged in Nagpur to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of
    Dhammakranti — Ambedkar's conversion to Buddhism — the organisers kept
    quiet about the massacre lest the issue go out of hand in such a large
    gathering. The Maharashtra government has paid Bhaiyyalal Bhotmange a
    compensation of Rs 4.5 lakhs, although according to the Atrocities Act
    the compensation should be Rs 2 lakh for every member of the family
    killed. All Bhaiyyalal wants is for the perpetrators to be hanged.


    ATROCITY ON DALITS - BBC world interview snapshots

    A team from BBC, UK visited Bhandara to take the stock of the
    situlation. The co-producer when met Mr Bhotmange and interviewd him,
    she could not stop her emotions and broke . Such was ugly portrayal of
    inhumanity! The team is in a postion to cover the massacre and details
    in few days. The documentry is said to be hosted on BBC world service
    soon. We will try to put the exerpts of an interview with Mr Bhotmange
    on this site.We will also try to keep you informed about the BBC news
    coverage here as soon as it is ready! Latest from BBC >>It is learnt
    BBC is going to air complete documentary on the event on 14th Nov
    2006. The timings will be communicated to you thru this blog. Till
    then keep writting>>

    ———————————————Interview—Exerpts———————————-

    Mr Bhotmange , the only survivor from the deceased family, is admitted
    to Bhandara Civil Hospital . He is a broken father whose children
    Roshan, Sudhir and Priyanka were tortured to death while wife Surekha
    was brutally raped and killed. When BBC correspondent visited him, he
    was looking into deep agony and mental stress.

    BBC correspondent: We can not imagine the situation you are going
    through, can you please tell us something about the whole tragedy!

    Mr Bhotmange: Sir, I am not in a condition to tell you, Sorry! The
    whole incidence comes again and again in front of my eyes and I get
    pained.

    BBC correspondent: Ok, we do not wish to trouble you more. Then Mr.
    Bhotmange was well advised if he opens his voice, it will be heard by
    the world. So this is right time to speak out! He was told that whole
    world is with him. Then he got up and said loudly…..

    Mr Bhotmange: Siddharth Gajbhiye is our relative. He used to visit us
    and support us in our fight for land. Recently not quite long, he was
    manhandled by the caste assailants from our village, which my wife and
    daughter witnessed. They testified in front of police. It infuriated
    the assailants and they threatened us. I thought it's not that
    serious. But they were! They killed my family. They killed all! Mr
    Bhotmange closed his eyes and uttered "my wish - hang them to death!"
    Seeing his distressed face, BBC team left the room (ICCU) with wet eyes.

    `Forensic' Angle - 01Nov06

    As reported earlier our panel of doctors met Dr. Shende who did
    postmortem of Priyanka, her brothers and mother. Their conversation
    with Dr Shende is already available on this blog for your reading.
    Today same panel of doctors is with us to share the conversation they
    had with a forensic expert from Govt. Medical College Nagpur. This is
    the best medical college in central India. Forensic experts here
    conduct on an average 15 to 20 postmortems a day. They know law and
    other guidelines concerned to postmortem, nay, many of them are LLB!
    The panel met one of the senior forensic experts here and briefed him
    on Kherlanji incidence. They also narrated the conversation they had
    with Dr Shende. ( refer item: Meeting with Dr who did postmortem)


    Panel: Seeing the case, what is the procedure a Medical Officer has to
    follow ,in short, when Police brings an unclaimed and unidentified
    body of a young female for postmortem?

    Forensic Expert: Apart from documentation, he should look for injuries
    all over the body. He should preserve the viscera, vaginal swab and
    pubic hair for forensic examination.

    Panel: Can he preserve the vaginal swab and pubic hairs even if police
    are not suspecting rape and they did not mention about it in their
    Inquest Report?

    Forensic Expert: Off course he can! I would say he should! Inquest
    report is usually prepared by a constable who has little medical
    knowledge. So it is a duty of a Medical officer not only to assist the
    Police but at times guide them. Also, if a medical officer has not
    preserved these samples, he can not shield himself under the pretext
    that rape was not suspected by the police.

    Panel: Dr Shende informed us that he too did not suspect rape because
    there were injury marks only outer sides of thighs and not on inner
    sides (talking bout Priyanka)?

    Forensic Expert: (laughs) That sounds ridiculous, if you imagine
    someone biting you on thighs your natural reaction would be to
    approximate your thighs to each other. That means there would be
    minimum injuries on inner side.

    Panel: Taking different angle, let's assume that Dr Shende was under
    external pressure during the postmortem, what worst he can do with the
    body?

    Forensic Expert: In such situations doctor can be pressurized to wipe
    the vagina clean so that no sperm parts are found even if through
    vaginal swab is taken for subsequent postmortems.

    Panel: If police suspects rape under section 376 of CRPC, is it
    essential that the body should be sent to district hospital for
    postmortem?

    Forensic Expert: If the medical officer is an MBBS doctor then its
    not. But if he is BAMS doctor then he has to.

    Panel: And is it essential that during postmortem a lady medical
    officer should be present?

    Forensic Expert: No its not! If rape is suspected and victim is alive
    only then a lady medical officer is required during examination
    otherwise not.

    Panel: Considering the sensitive nature of this incidence are there
    any special precautions which should have been taken by the team of
    doctors who conducted the second postmortem?

    Forensic Expert: Yes! They could have asked for the presence of a
    forensic expert from forensic medicine department.

    Panel: Can it be done?

    Forensic Expert: Yes, the civil surgeon has all powers to ask the
    Superintendent of Police (SP) for the same.

    Panel: And SP has to oblige?

    Forensic Expert: If he doesn't, the civil surgeon can refuse to do the
    second postmortem. Panel: Thanks Doctor for your time. We will come
    back to if need comes!

    Panel can further put questions to which the expert can answer, so if
    you have any please put it now and here>>>

    (Actually second postemortem was conducted beofre 15 th Oct. and Civil
    Surgeon,Bhandara, Mr Ramteke, was one among the team who did not care
    to invite any forensic expert from Govt Medical College Nagpur ! Pathetic

    APPEALS TO H.E PRESIDENT OF INDIA

    APPEAL NO.1
    Dear sir,
    INDIA: A Family is facing constant attacks and attempts on their lives
    due to alleged collaboration between the police and the criminals
    Name of victims:
    1. Sabita Adhikari, aged 39,?
    2. Sankar Adhikari, aged 46, husband of the victim 1
    3. Ratan Chandra Adhikari, aged 78, father of the victim 2
    4. Trishna Adhikari, aged 18, daughter of the victim 1
    All of them are residing in Ghuripara village, Maynagarh post,
    Maheshtala police station, South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal
    state, India
    Alleged perpetrators:
    1. Mr. Pratap Chandra Ghosal from Ramnagar village, son of Pannalal Ghosal
    2. Mr. Ramen Arunday alias Runu from Ramnagar village in Nandirpara
    3. Ms. Sova Arundey, wife of Ramen Arunday
    4. Mr. Monmatha Halder from Ramnagar village
    5. Mr. Kalipada Mondal from Chakchatta Ghuripara village, son of late
    Tulshi Mondal
    6. Mr. Shankar Pal from Ramnagar village, son of late Panchu Pal
    7. Bumba from Ramnagar village
    8. Mr. Netai Ghosh from Chakchatta Ghuripara village
    9. Mr. Kishore Sardar from Uttar Ashuti village, son of late
    Jatindranath Sarkar
    10. Mr. Bitu Mondal from Raipur Ghuripara village, son of Ranjit Mondal
    11. Mr. Mintu Das, from Chakchatta Ghuripara village, son of Santosh Das?
    12. Mr. Shyamal Ganguly from Chakchatta Ghuripara village, son of
    Manik Ganguly
    13. Mr. Durga Ganguly from Chakchatta Ghuripara village, son of Manik
    Ganguly
    14. Mr. Nirmal Mukharjee, Secretary, Maheshtala, C.P.I.(M) Zonal
    Committee?lt;br />15. Mr. Tinku Naskar from Ganipur village, son of
    Ajit Naskar
    (All are responsible for committing attacks, attempts to murder and
    dacoity against the victim and her family) à®?lt;br />16. The
    Inspector-in-Charge (I.C.) of the Maheshtolla police station and other
    police officers attached to the same police station?
    I am extremely disturbed to learn that entire family have been
    terrorized by local criminals mentioned above for over one and a half
    years due to constant and deliberate inaction by the Maheshtala
    police. After reading the details of the affair I am forced to
    conclude that the police inaction might be due to the nexus between
    the police and the criminals. With complete police inaction into the
    victim's repeated complaints and requests for help, the victim's
    family is now living under the shadow of fear for their very lives.
    To briefly explain the background of the case, Mrs Sabita Adhikari
    completed payments of the money to purchase the land of Mr. Pratap
    Chandra Ghosal situated at Ghuripara village, Maynagarh post,
    Maheshtala, Mouza under Maheshtala police station, South 24 Parganas
    district, West Bengal, India. However, Pratap Chandra delayed the
    execution of a sale-deed in her favour. On 14 April 2005, Pratap
    Chandra came to the said land tried to forcibly expel Sabita's family
    claiming that the land is owned by him. Pratap Chandra also allegedly
    hired a local criminal named Ramen Arunday alias Runu to oust Sabita's
    family from her property. Since then, Sabita's family have had to
    experience constant and severe types of attacks, murder attempts and
    attempted rape by Ramen and his men to the present day.
    I am particularly concerned by apparent inaction by the Maheshtala
    police in this case, which follows as below:
    1. On 14 April 2005, when Pratap Chandra and his men attacked Sabita's
    family to vacate them, he came along with a policeman of the
    Maheshtala police station.
    2. When Pratap Chandra along with a huge group of 70-80 persons
    extensively damaged the properties of the victim on 17 April 2005, one
    armed police officer of the Maheshtala police station was present
    there but did not attempt to interfere in the matter at all. He rather
    allegedly initiated a false proceeding against Sabita under section of
    107 Criminal Procedure Code.
    3. Despite Sabita's complaint regarding the several death threats by
    Ramen and his men, Mr. Mahapatra, the Inspector-in-Charge (I,C.), and
    other officers of the Maheshtala police station did not take any
    action to investigate them and arrest the alleged perpetrators. The
    victim's family was reportedly heard from Ramen's men that the police
    were working at the beck and call of the Ramen.
    4. On 19 July 2006, Rarem armed with pistol and other firearms
    attacked Sabita's house along with his men, demolished Sabita's
    building and looted valuable items. During this attack all the
    victim's family members were severely injured. During the attack,
    Sabita's sister Ms. Mona Sheet desperately sought for help from the
    Maheshtala police but the I.C. and other police officers refused to
    receive her complaint and even did not attempt to come to save
    Sabita's family. Even some police officers, who were passing near the
    incident place with a jeep, simply ignored it.
    5. Due to the intervention from the Additional Superintendent of
    Police(S.P) of South 24 Parganas, the I.C. of the Maheshtala police
    finally registered Sabita's complaint against Ramen and three other
    offenders (Case No. 147/2006, under section of
    148/149/443/379/354/427/326 of the Indian Penal Code) but all the
    accused were released on bail on the very first date of appearance as
    the police did not start a case of attempted murder or dacoity against
    them. The perpetrators are now constantly threatening Sabita's family
    and other witnesses in order to tamper with the evidence.
    6. On 5 August 2006, Ramen along with his men forcibly entered
    Sabita's house and threatened to kill her family if they would not
    vacate the premises within 24 hours. Sabita immediately lodged a
    General Diary (G.D.) at the Kalitala Investigation Centre under
    Maheshtala police station regarding the incident (G.D. Entry No.57,
    dated 05.08.2006) but the police have not taken any serious action to
    investigate the incident and arrest the alleged perpetrators.
    In light of above, I strongly urge your immediate intervention into
    this matter. Please provide urgent protection to the victim and her
    family who are under severe threats. I also urge you to give
    investigation authority into the case of alleged attacks, dacoity and
    death threats by the alleged perpetrators to other independent police
    agency (not to the Maheshtala police) and ensure that those
    responsible are brought to justice without delay. The whole process of
    investigation into this case should be carried out without undue
    delay, considering long sufferings of the victim's family. The
    investigation must be conducted into the alleged inaction of
    Maheshtala police into this case and the responsible police officers,
    in particular the I.C., must be punished by law.?
    I look for your urgent intervention into this case.
    Your's sincerely,
    NAGARAJ.M.R.

    APPEAL NO.2

    Dear sir ,

    INDIA: A person illegally detained in prison by allegedly fabricated
    charges and the prison officials collecting bribe

    Name of the victim: Mr. Ashok Kumar Basu Roy, aged 53 years, son of
    late Santhosh Kumar Basu Roy, residing at 2 Motilal Colony, Dum Dum,
    Kolkata, West Bengal

    Name of alleged perpetrators:
    1. Inspector in Charge, Dum Dum police station
    2. The Superintendent, Dum Dum Central Jail, North 24 Parganas,
    Kolkata, West Bengal
    Place of incident: Dum Dum police station and Dum Dum Central Jail
    Date of incident: From 20 September

    I am writing to you to bring to your attention the case of Mr. Roy,
    the victim named above. I am informed that Roy was forcefully
    discharged from a hospital where he was receiving treatment and
    detained at the Dum Dum police lock up for more than 24 hours and
    later produced at the local magistrate court with fabricated charges.
    I am informed that the arrest and fabrication of charges was
    instigated by a local MLA [Member of Legislative Assembly]. When Roy
    was produced in court, the records relating to his arrest produced in
    the court showed discrepancy regarding the manner of arrest. In fact
    Roy was arrested on 20 September from the B. S. Medical Centre, and
    detained in Dum Dum police station lock up. However the police records
    showed that Roy was arrested from his house and that too on 21
    September ironically on a complaint filed at the police station the
    next day. The difference in dates itself must have suggested to the
    magistrate that the police has fabricated the case and tampered with
    the actual records. However, it is disheartening to know that the
    magistrate has not taken any action in this regard, but remanded Roy
    to the custody of the same police.

    I am also informed that a bail application filed by Roy was rejected
    and he was later remanded to judicial custody to the Dum Dum Central
    Jail, where he was asked to pay Rs. 500 as bribe to the jail
    authorities. I am informed that the jail authorities have now asked
    for more money, which if Roy did not pay, he would be inhumanly
    treated inside the prison. I am informed that Roy is still in prison.

    While this case depicts the manner in which the police fabricate case
    records it is also an example of how an ignorant magistrate in fact
    facilitates the further failure of the criminal justice system in
    India. It is also surprising to note in this case that in fact the
    police who arrested Roy on a fabricated case with a post dated
    complaint, has not taken any action against those who assaulted Roy.

    I therefore call upon you to initiate immediate action into this case
    and order an impartial inquiry into this case. I request you to
    investigate the allegation regarding the practice of corruption at the
    Dum Dum Central Jail. I am concerned about Roy’s physical condition
    which I am afraid will further deteriorate if he is further detained
    in prison.

    Your's sincerely,
    NAGARAJ.M.R.

    APPEAL NO.3
    Dear sir ,
    INDIA: Alleged assault of innocent man by the police to settle private
    feud
    Name of the victim: Mr. C. R. Suresh, son of Ramakrishnan, residing at
    Chulliparambil house, Kaloor post, Kaloor village, Thrissur district,
    Kerala state, India
    Alleged perpetrator: Mr. Shamsudin, Sub Inspector attached to the
    Pudukkad police station in Thrissur district, Kerala state, India
    Date of the incident: 2 October 2006
    Place of Incident: Pudukkad police station
    I am writing to you to express my concern about an alleged police
    assault of the victim named above at Pudukkad police station, Thrissur
    district, Kerala on 2 October 2006. I was informed that Mr. Suresh was
    summoned to the police station by the sub inspector mentioned above
    and when he did so the SI assaulted him and also verbally abused him.
    The victim also says that the same SI had in the past registered a
    false charge against him which he is contesting in court.
    I am also informed that the victim was not informed the reason for his
    summon to the police station. After assault and abuse, he was simply
    asked to leave from the station. The victim was admitted at the
    Thrissur District Hospital for two days to receive treatment for his
    pain caused by the assault.
    I am very concerned about the use of force by police officers in India
    and this case point out nothing other than how the police misuse their
    authority. I am aware that violence and abuse is one of the many ways
    by through which the police in India discharge "law enforcement"
    duties. I am shocked to know that there are no independent mechanisms
    in India that could inquire into such cases so that the police
    officers responsible for violating law than protecting it are punished.
    I am also informed that the government of India is in the process of
    ratifying the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman
    and Degrading Treatment or Punishment. I urge you to recommend the
    government of India not to place any reservations while ratifying the
    convention and also further to remove the reservations the government
    has placed while ratifying other conventions.
    I also urge you to order an impartial inquiry into this case and see
    to it that the officer if found guilty is punished.
    Sincerely your's,
    NAGARAJ.M.R.
    APPEAL NO.4
    Dear sir ,
    INDIA: Alleged police inaction into dowry death of a woman
    Name of victim: Mrs. Malati Malakar, wife of Mr. Chandan Malakar,
    Naridana village, Champahati, South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal
    Alleged perpetrators:
    1. Mr. Chandan Malakar, the victim's husband, son of Mr. Brajragopal
    Malakar
    2. Mr. Brajragopal Malakar, the victim's father-in-law
    3. Mrs. Lakshmi Rani Malakar, the victim's mother-in-law
    (The three are residing in same address of the victim)
    4. Mr. Gourahari Roy, investigating officer of the Baruipur police
    station in South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal
    5. The Officer-in-Charge of the Baruipur police station, South 24
    Parganas district, West Bengal
    Place of incident: Mr. Chandan Malakar's house, Narina village, Champahati
    Date of incident: Around 11:30am on 4 August 2006
    I am writing to you to express my concern about the alleged case of
    dowry death of Mrs. Malati Malakar which is now under investigation at
    the Baruipur police station of South 24 Parganas district, West
    Bengal. It is alleged that Malati was died from the burn injuries
    suffered by her when her husband and in-laws set her on fire after
    pouring kerosene over her at her husband's house on 4 August 2006. The
    case registered by the local police is Crime 182(8) 06 dated 4.08.06
    of Baruipur police station. The case is registered against Malati's
    husband Chandan and his parents under Sections 498A, 326, 302 and 307
    of the Indian Penal Code. However, from the facts provided to me I am
    concerned about the impartiality and the fairness in the police
    investigation.
    According to the information I have received, Malati died on 8 August
    2006 at the National Medical College & Hospital Kolkata after
    suffering 90% burns. I am informed that Malati's husband and his
    parents were constantly troubling her asking for more dowry. I am also
    informed that when the torture and ill-treatment became unbearable
    Malati tried to lodge a complaint at the Baruipur police station on 7
    December 2004 but by mistake handed over the complaint to a village
    authority instead of filing it at the police station. I am also
    informed that Malati before her death has made a dying declaration
    which is a vital piece of evidence, which might provide insights to
    the cause of her death.
    I am informed that the prime suspect in the case Mr. Chandan –
    Malati's husband – is yet to be arrested in this case. It is alleged
    that Chandan is now staying in his village house in the address
    provided above and even though the police aware that he is staying at
    his home is for some reason failing to arrest the suspect. I am also
    informed that the Malati's father Mr. Sunil has suspicions regarding
    the manner in which the police is conducting the investigation in this
    case. For example Malati's family is yet to get a copy of the First
    Information Report registered in the case, in spite of the fact that
    under the Criminal Procedure Code of India, the complainant – in this
    case Mr. Sunil – Malati's father, has repeatedly asked for the same
    from the police. Sunil also entertains doubts in the manner in which
    the postmortem report is prepared in this case.
    I am informed that Sunil has also lodged a complaint to Superintendent
    of Police, South 24 Parganas district on 23 August 2006 expressing his
    concerns in this case but is yet to get any response from the said
    officer regarding the progress of the investigation in this case. I am
    informed that Sunil also suspects that since Chandan has good
    connections with the ruling party in West Bengal he is unlikely to be
    arrested in the case and as long as he remains free he would be in a
    position to manipulate the evidence in the case to facilitate an
    acquittal, later in trial.
    I am also informed that currently the charges leveled against the
    accused in the case do not include Section 304B of the Indian Penal
    Code. I am informed that in a trial of a crime registered under
    Section 304B of the Penal Code the presumption is against the accused,
    in this case Malati's husband and his parents. However the police has
    registered a case under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which call for
    a more severe punishment, but difficult to prove. From the facts of
    this case, particularly after coming to know that the father of the
    victim was threatened by the investigating officer for pursuing the
    case, I feel that the police is intentionally avoiding the inclusion
    of Section 304B in the charge to facilitate an easy defense for the
    accused.
    In light above, I urge you to order an inquiry into the case to ensure
    that the case is properly investigated and that the culprits punished
    in accordance with law. I also urge you to take adequate action
    against the police officers if they are found to be conniving with the
    accused in this case. I am also informed that the Hong Kong based
    Asian Human Rights Commission has written separate letters to the
    United Nations agencies, particularly to the office of the Rapporteur
    on violence against women, its causes and consequences Ms. Yakin
    Erturk, calling for an immediate intervention in this case.
    I expect that you will take appropriate actions in this case.
    Your's truly,
    NAGARAJ.M.R.
    APPEAL NO.5
    Dear sir ,
    INDIA: 14 year-old girl allegedly kidnapped and trafficked by state
    protected gangsters
    Name of the victim: Lovely Khatun, daughter of Mr. Jilal Mondal, aged
    14 years, Jotkanai village, Murshidabad District, West Bengal, India
    Alleged perpetrators:
    (1) Mr. Tiarul Islam son of Surat Saikh, Jotkanai village, Par
    Raghunathpur post, Murshidabad district, West Bengal
    (2) Mr. Sahidul Islam, son of Akimuddin Mondal, Par Raghunathpur post,
    Murshidabad district
    Alleged co-conspirators:
    (1) Mr. Surat Saikh, son of Khairuddin, Par Raghunathpur post,
    Murshidabad district
    (2) Mrs Monjura Bibi, wife of Mafikul Islam, Par Raghunathpur post,
    Murshidabad district
    (3) Mr. Majar Saikh, son of Islam Saikh, Par Raghunathpur post,
    Murshidabad district
    (4) Mr. Majar Saikh, son of Abdul Bari, Tulsipur village, Murshidabad
    district,

    Officials appeared to help the alleged perpetrators:
    (5) Mr. Premashish Chattaraj, Officer in-charge, Domkal police
    station, Murshidabad district
    (6) Mr. Khudiram, Sub-Inspector, Domkal police station, Murshidabad
    district
    (7) Mr. Shaukat Saikh, Sub-Inspector, Domkal police station,
    Murshidabad district
    (8) Mr. Snehasis Dirghangi, Sub Divisional Police Officer, Domkal,
    Murshidabad district
    (9) The District Magistrate, Murshidabad district
    (10) The Superintendent of Police, Murshidabad district
    Place of incident: Jotkanai Village, Par Raghunathpur post office,
    Domkal police station, Murshidabad district, West Bengal, India
    Date of incident: 26 August 2006
    I am writing to express my concern over the alleged abduction of a 14
    year-old girl from Jotkanai village by a criminal syndicate in the
    Murshidabad district of West Bengal on 26 August 2006. I am informed
    that the father of the abducted minor girl, Mr. Jilal Mondal, who
    tried to lodge a complaint of abduction at the Domkal police station
    was ill-treated by the police officers and finally the police,
    registered a case of man missing, that too after forcing Jilal to pay
    a sum of Rs. 500 as bribe. According to the information I have
    received, on 26 August 2006, Lovely Khatun, Jilal's daughter was
    allegedly abducted by two men named Tiarul Islam and Sahidul Islam.
    Both men were purportedly working in collusion with four other persons
    from Murshidabad district named Surat Saikh, Monjura Bibi, Mafikul
    Islam and Majar Saikh.
    I am also informed that the police officers are insisting that the
    alleged abductors named by Jilal are persons of good character in
    spite of the fact that Jilal had named them as the abductors of his
    daughter. It is alleged that the police has thus far not registered
    any case against those who are named by the father of the minor girl,
    but is dragging their feet after registering a case of man missing,
    instead of a crime of abduction.
    I am aware that under the Criminal Procedure Code of India, the police
    must register all complaints exactly as narrated by the complainant at
    the police station and a copy must be served to the complainant.
    However, I am surprised to know that in this case thus far the attempt
    of the police is to register their version of the complaint than what
    the father of the abducted girl had to say. The complaint lodged by
    Jilal is currently registered as Missing Diary number 1669, dated –
    27/08/2006. From the alleged suspicious conduct of the police officers
    I have a reasonable suspicion that the police officials are conniving
    with the alleged abductors to protect them from any criminal action.
    The possibility that the police officers are conniving with the
    abductors is further fortified from the allegation made by Jilal that
    when he insisted that a criminal case be lodged against the persons
    whom he think has abducted his daughter, the police refused to accept
    the information and threatened Jilal with dire consequences, should he
    continue to pursue the issue further. It is also alleged that the
    police then verbally abused him. Jilal was then detained for several
    hours in the police station in order to show the seriousness of the
    police officers' threats.
    I have learned that since the original complaint, Jilal has lodged at
    least two other complaints at the same police station in an attempt to
    recover his daughter. Jilal has filed a complaint with the Domkal
    police station against the alleged offenders on the October 5 and the
    10 October 2006, and has also informed the matter to the Sub
    Divisional Police Officer Mr. Snehasis Dirghangi.
    I am aware that Jilal has also informed the Superintendent of Police
    and District Magistrate of Murshidabad, about the police inaction and
    of the ill treatment he received at the station. However, no action
    has been taken. As a consequence, Jilal is now living in fear that his
    actions in seeking justice will bring about the dire repercussions
    promised to him by the police. He believes that an attack on his
    family or property could befall him any day. I am also informed that
    the girl might have been subjected to child trafficking. I am informed
    that the alleged perpetrators named 1 to 6 above are those with a
    history of involving in child trafficking.
    I would like to call your attention to three grave concerns that I
    have regarding this case. (1) The Domkal police have breached the law
    in failing to file a kidnapping case at the request of the father.
    According to Sections 359 and Section 366 of the Indian Penal Code,
    kidnapping a minor and that too for suspected abuse of the minor is
    serious crime. (2) According to the Criminal Procedure Code of India,
    if the police receive a complaint regarding an offence serious in
    nature like kidnapping, the police must immediately register a case.
    In this case, the police was even informed the detailed address of the
    alleged suspects. However, for the reasons best known to the police,
    which appear to me as a case of bribery and corruption the police has
    thus far failed to take any action in this regard. (3) While his
    daughter is still missing, the father is running between different
    police stations and even to get his complaint registered, though as a
    man missing case he was made to pay money, which is illegal and a
    crime in India.
    I strongly urge you to commission an independent investigation into
    this matter in order to secure the young girl's freedom, arrest those
    responsible, as well as examine the Domkal police and the district
    magistrate for their absolute negligence in helping this victim of
    human trafficking.
    I am also informed that the Asian Human Rights Commission based in
    Hong Kong has written separate letters to the concerned agencies
    within the United Nations including the office of the office of the
    (1) Mr. Juan Miguel Petit, The UN Special Rapporteur on the sale of
    children, child prostitution and child pornography (2) Ms. Sigma HUDA,
    The UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially in
    women and children (3) Ms. Yakin Erturk, The UN Special Rapporteur on
    violence against women, its causes and consequences (4) The Head of
    UNICEF Filed Office in Kolkata and (5) Ms. Ann M. Veneman, Executive
    Director of the UNICEF calling for an urgent intervention into this case.
    I look forward to hearing about your action on this urgent matter.
    Your's sincerely,
    NAGARAJ.M.R.
    Dalits ostracized in Karnataka - PUCL Karnataka report on Kadakola
    By Dr. V Lakshminarayana, Sister Celia, Dr. E Rati Rao,
    R.V.Chandrashekar, Srikanth Karabi, Sister Anna and Gopal. 28October 2006
    Kadakola, a small village near Basavabagevadi in Bijapur district is
    in the news for the past few months for reasons not so encouraging.
    Chalavadi community, a lower caste in the hierarchy is facing a social
    boycott from the upper caste and including Madigas which also a dalit
    community, for having used the Village tank water.

    A fact finding team comprising of Dr. V. Lakshminarayana and Dr.
    Ratirao from PUCL, Sister Celia and sri R.V Chandrashekar from NAPM,
    Srikanth Karabi from Human rights forum of Bijapur, Sister Anna and
    sri Gopal from Nava Sanidhya Samsthe of Bijapur, visited the village
    on 27-28th October 2006.

    Before the formation of Karnataka state Bijapur was a part of Mumbai
    province and even today one can visualize the cultural, Socio-economic
    moorings of the erstwhile Mumbai province in this region. The land
    owning pattern and the feudal system has remain unchanged since the
    British period and the social relations have, since the times of
    Peshwas the maratha rulers, who protected the Hindu caste hierarchy.
    Ironically the village Kadakola is situated 30 km away from Basavana
    Bagevadi, the birth place of Basavanna, the 12th century social
    reformer, who fought against the caste system within the hindu fold.
    But this region has not seen any anti caste movement nor any OBC
    movement and the land reforms implemented in 1970s by the Devaraj Urs
    government has had no effect here. There has been no effort whatsoever
    to disturb the socio-economic relations of the region throughout the
    history. And one cannot find any progressive social or ideological
    tendencies here, with Dalit movement being weak and left parties
    having almost no support base.

    But the region has a history of atrocities against the Dalits.
    Sasanur, a near by village was a centre of caste conflagration in 1946
    when more than 50 chalavadi daliths were burnt alive. Dr.B.R.Ambedkar
    had visited the place after the incident. 1979 a relative of local MLA
    had raped a chalavadi girl and the incident was hushed up with a
    compensation of Rs.50/-. The infamous Devadasi system, once prevalent
    here is not found now.

    Recent Incidents
    It all started on 25th of July 2006 when Cahalavadi Ramanna, the
    president of " Forum for protection human rights of untouchables "
    gave a press statement that the Chalavadi dalits of kadakola, who are
    being prevented from using the tank water for drinking purpose for
    centuries, would break the tradition on 25th of July and would
    directly access the water themselves, as against the system of two
    intermediary caste people( Vaddas and Bhajanthris ), pouring water to
    them from a distance. The district administration immediately went
    into action and some dalit children were made to lift water from the
    tank. This incident infuriated the upper caste people and they along
    with Madigas, also a dalit community, imposed a social boycott on the
    Chalavadi community, which virtually meant not engaging them on daily
    wages, no access to shops and flour mills and any public services and
    facilities available. More than anything else the tank water was
    polluted to avoid chalavadi dalits using it.

    On 17th of October 2006 Justice Sadashiva commission, appointed by the
    state to study violations in implementation of statutory rights of SCs
    and STs , was camping in Bijapur and the Chalavadi daliths of Kadakola
    conducted a sit in demonstration in front of the commission's office ,
    protesting against the social boycott imposed on them. Justice
    Sadashiva promised the protestors of intimating the same to the
    government for further action.

    But much damage had already been done in the village. The chalavadi
    were denied jobs from 25th of July itself, they had no access to any
    shops to buy their daily needs, and the families were starving for
    months. Muniyappa a 75 year old bonded labour working for a landlord
    for the past 25 years, for a mere 2 quintals of jowar per year, was
    kicked out from the job. Temples and government corridors were closed
    for them and the students were barred from taking part in any
    functions of the school. The three doctors in the village refused to
    attend to chalavadi dalit patients and the government hospital was
    open to themonly from 25th October 2006.

    After these incidents appeared in the press, many groups and parties
    visited the village. The prominent among them being Maruti Manpade of
    CPI-M, Dhimathi Kaladagi of KRRS, Lakshmana Banahatti of Dalit
    panthers. They could find out that even though more than 40 cases of
    atrocities have been reported inkarnataka in this year , the
    government's "Committee against atrocities on SC-ST" has never met
    even once and no minister has visited the village. The above groups
    apprehended the fear of torching of chalavadi colony by the upper
    castes and demanded for withdrawal of the boycott and providing jobs
    to the community people immediately and insisted on relocating the
    dalith colony. All these groups have planned for a March to DC office
    at Bijapur on 4th November 2006.

    Findings of the team
    In this backdrop the team visited Kadakola on 27-28th October 2006.
    The village is situated on the banks of River Doni , with rich black
    soil suitable for growing cotton, Jowar and other dry crops. There are
    500 houses in the village of which 86 are of Chalavadi dalits, 50
    Reddy lingayats (veersahaivas), 50 Ganigas, 30 Talvars, 40 Madigas and
    40 Muslims, as told by Mallikarjuna Chalavadi, who says that the reddy
    lingayats own majority of land holdings. Neither Madigas nor
    Chalavadis own any land, though 2-3 years back government had
    disbursed some land to 4-5 dalits. Among chalavadis some 30 youth have
    studied upto 10th standard, 8 of them being girls .As the bore well
    water in the village is hard all dalits depend on the tank water for
    drinking purpose. Untouchablety is being practiced in several ways
    here, apart from the present boycott. When the upper castes cross
    theDoni river, the untouchables ,i.e., chalavadis, are supposed to
    carry their slippers to the other end of the river.

    The wages paid to the agricultural labours are Rs.30-40 for men and
    12-20 for women. After Ramanna chalavadi gave the press statement, all
    the uppe rcastes and the Madigas assembled in a temple and decided
    unanimously to impose social boycott on the Chalavadi dalits. "The
    government had arranged work 15 days, now we don't have any work on
    hand nor any government help. The DC is speaking of compromise
    settlement but to no avail. We are unable to fetch any provisions. Two
    upper caste men have been booked under atrocity case for having beaten
    Mr.Chayappa with slippers, and they are infuriated. But no case has
    been booked against those imposing boycott, for more than 3 months we
    are starving and surviving on assistance from relatives.

    The BJP MLA Shivaputra Desai is advising us to compromise, but we are
    not being compensated nor do we have a penny on hand, there are no
    telephone facilities for us. We have all voted to these parties and
    candidates and Taluk panchayat member of Telgi Nyamannanavar,
    president Srimantha Hallagi belong to our village, but his brother
    Ningappa Basantharappa Hallagi is the man behind the boycott, both
    these brothers are united against us and all these leaders belong to
    the reddy lingayat community" so narrates Smt.Chalavadi Yamunamma.

    Sangappa shivappa says "We are afraid of our houses being torched and
    so we keep awake throughout the nights. Madigas are also using the
    tank water but they have joined with the upper castes. More than 70
    muslim families in the villages have stood by us and they have saved
    us from attacks from upper castes. The villages is still haunted the
    specter of caste discrimination. On the Dipavali day a 10 year old
    chalavadi boy was driven out from a cracker shop calling him an
    untouchable."

    Muniyappa chalavadi had more to say "We are afraid the 60 year old
    sasanur incident may repeat here as the upper castes are threatening
    us of torching our houses. Today there are no chalavadis in Sasanur.
    If we were to live happily we should be shifted to the other side of
    the river near Allamaprabhu temple ,otherwise we should be given
    poison " says Muniyappa sadly.

    When the team met Mr Srimanth Allagi , the president of Taluk
    Pachayat, who belongs to the reddy lingayat community, he said "We
    have advised all the villagers to live in harmony" andwhen we were
    discussing at that time a news of fire at Kadakola made him deepart
    from the scene.

    Then the team proceeded to Basavana Bagevadi and met Tahasildar Mr.M R
    Reddy, who, after hearing us said that the administration has given
    job for the affected people worth one lakh rupees and 10 kgs of
    rations is being provided to each family. We were also told that
    Atrocity case has been booked against 2 persons. When questioned "Why
    no such case has been filed against those imposing the boycott "the
    Tahasildar and also the DYSP told the team that they were trying for a
    compromise settlement amicably.

    Then the team met the DC at Bijapur and he said the administration has
    taken steps to give jobs for the chalavadis and there is no dearth of
    funds. When questioned about filing of cases against the perpetrators
    of crimes, the DC said "He has not received any complaints "When we
    reminded him about his authority to file case Suo motto he was speechless.

    The DC was apprised of the fact that the chalavadis are living in the
    grip of fear and hence they are not in a position to lodge any
    complaint. To the team's observation that the upper castes of Kadakola
    have not stood by their promise of withdrawing boycott, as assured to
    the DC and the district administration has not taken any steps to file
    a case against the perpetrators of the crime during the past three
    months, the DC had a ready answer " We are trying to solve the problem
    amicably through negotiations". In fact the DC tried to pass on the
    blame on outsiders, i.e., Dalit leaders from outside, for creating all
    the trouble. When we met the people of Kadakola village on 28th of
    October they were gripped by the fear of reprisal and hunger had taken
    away much of their enthusiasm.

    Findings of the committee

    * The Chalavadi community of Kadakola is the victims of heinous caste
    system which is still alive and kicking.

    * The lower castes of the village are not supposed to directly access
    the public water tank and some upper castes used to pour water to
    them. When dalits tried to break this tradition trouble arose and
    instead of appointing police to monitor things the administration has
    appointed aged dalits and they have been attacked. The government has
    not taken any concrete steps in this issue.

    * Even after three months the social boycott imposed on the chalavadi
    dalits have not been revoked and the upper caste leaders who promise
    to the DC of revoking the same have violated the promise. This boycott
    has made life hell for the chalavadi community and the government has
    not offered any help in the form wages or jobs. The chalavadi dalits
    are treated worse than animals.

    * The administration has not filed atrocity cases against any of the
    upper castes who are responsible for imposing the boycott. Cases have
    been filed against 2 people for attacking the dalits. No arrests have
    been made and the culprits are roaming free in the village. The
    administration is trying to convince them for revoking the boycott. It
    is nothing but violation of law of the land and it is a shame on civil
    society for having tolerated the medieval caste suppression and
    oppression.

    * The government is playing dubious politics in the issue and the
    political parties including the left and Dalit groups are almost
    silent on the issue. This is frustrating development.

    Demands of the fact finding team

    * All the upper caste leaders responsible for imposing the boycott
    should be arrested forthwith under atrocities act.

    * Shifting of dalits to other place is not a viable solution, instead
    an atmosphere of harmony to be created in the village for the dalits
    to live happily.

    * Dalits of the village should be provided with jobs, health care and
    suitable security. The fear of reprisal from upper caste people, who
    had burnt 50 people in Sasanur 60 years ago, is hovering over dalit
    colonies and the government should initiate steps to clear the air of
    suspicion.

    * Deputy commissioner, District chief of the Police, And the
    Tahasildar who have failed in their duty to arrest the perpetrators of
    the crime should be transferred forthwith.

    * Dalits allege that the upper caste people have the support of
    Political parties and local upper caste politicians and hence they
    indulge in such heinous acts. We feel that the politicians should make
    a self introspection and protect the constitutional, legal rights of
    the dalits.

    Members of the team: Dr. V Lakshminarayana, Sister Celia, Dr. E Rati
    Rao, R.V.Chandrashekar, Srikanth Karabi, Sister Anna and Gopal. 28-10-2006

    Tuesday, November 07, 2006

    Dalits protest killing of family

    http://www.hindu.com/2006/11/07/stories/2006110716361400.htm
    Dalits protest killing of family
    Vehicles set on fire; police respond with lathicharge, teargas shells
    Nagpur: The killing of four members of a Dalit family in Bhandara district of Maharashtra on Monday sparked violent protests by Dalits, who set on fire several vehicles and fought pitched battles with the police. At least 15 persons were arrested in connection with arson and violence, police said. The protesters set on fire several vehicles, including a police van and state transport buses, at the Indora locality here, they said.
    "The police resorted to cane charge and fired about 45 teargas shells to disperse the protesters," Additional Commissioner of Police Bhushan Kumar Upadhyaya told PTI here on Monday night. He said some policemen received minor injuries in stone pelting. The number of Dalits injured in the lathicharge was unknown.
    Four members of a Dalit family were allegedly killed by non-Dalits at Khairlanji in Bhandara district two months ago. The Government on Monday ordered a CID probe into the incident, Deputy Chief Minister R.R. Patil said in Mumbai. Trouble broke out when the protesters burnt tyres to block traffic on the busy Nagpur-Jabalpur National Highway. — PTI

    Thursday, September 21, 2006

    Dalit History