Saturday, April 30, 2011

Death threat to human rights defenders: a game of impunity by U.P Government in India

Issue: Corruption; impunity; threat, right to live with dignity, Human Rights Defenders

Dear Friends,
Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights came to know in the meeting on the situation of Human Rights Defender that the lives of human rights defender are in danger in Kabrai  nagar panchayat in Mahoba district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
PVCHR together with RCT provided psychological support to two Human Rights Defenders Mr. Mangal Singh and Mr.Mohan Lal Verma from Kabrai in the Training of Trainer workshop on testimonial therapy with local support from Institute of Social Development Trust, Chitrakoot.

Case detail:
Testimony of Mangal Singh
Mangal Singh son of Ghasite Singh resident of village Vishal Nagar. Kabrai, District Mahoba. I was worried about the illegal mining since childhood, When I've grown up I raised the voice against the mining around the village. This work is happening together with the mining mafia, lessee and administrative officers. When I raised the voice against them then they were making pressure on me to be quiet. When I discarded all types of temptation than they fabricated me in many fake cases. I fight against all fake cases and was continuously proving clean-handed.
The biggest incident in my life occurred on 3rd November, 2011 when lessee (Mining owner) Ms. Farhad Sultana lodge FIR against me that one week before at 11 am near Kabrai quadilateral I stopped the car threatened, intimidated and threatened death to life and asked for money to her. The case registered against me under section 387.After getting clue of the charges I instantly informed to the I.G about the incidence and escape from the house.
After escaping from home I was wondering here and there and plead with the government. At that time I was very upset because my family members were threatened, intimidated and harassed. Due to fear children were not going to school and they were being intimated by the mining owner in the school. The reason my wife was very worried and her condition become too poor.
I live too upset and eager to meet my family, but I was unable to meet them due to fear. It was more painful for me when I did not participate with my family during festivals. At that time I had great pain and I stayed mentally disturbed. I felt afraid what will happen to my family. Every time I remain fearful with the lessee and administrative officials, because they many times tried to kill and mentally tortured. This time I had great pain and I stayed mentally disturbed because I felt afraid if anything happens to me what will happen to my family. Who will look after them, children were still small. I Spended enough money to fight on numerous fake and my financial situation got worse. Still the case is pending.
My appeal to administration against the owners of mining has not put up any profit, and then I approached the court. The court ordered that security be provided to me but due to political influence   and continued to own the money of lesse, administrative officer did dilatory and inform the court not need to provide protection to him. That concern remains, what will happen now.
Testimony of Mohan Singh Verma
Mohan Singh Verma, age 45 years old is resident of Jawahat Nagar, Kabrai, Mahoba district. The mining of mountain in our village is from last 50 years; mountain is explode and stone is crushed. Our township is under the mountain. When the explosion happened stone 2 to 10 kg falls in our house. As our house is made of mud and stone come to us and our children are hurt. Fear of being injured children and families do not go outside of their home. Due to which many children injured and died in our township.
Application was given to District Magistrate to stop their illegal act, but had no effect on them and they were breaking the mountain through blasting. The blasting starts early morning at 3 am and continues for the whole day. We always live in houses because of anxiety and fear. Feared of being injured our Children are not going school.  I am worried about their future and we gave a memorandum to District Magistrate and did nine days continuous hunger strike to death in front of district headquarter. Mining officer came and assured us for the legal proceeding against them. The work stop for ten days and again the stone crushing started. The ground surface water began to go into the mountain. We got problem of drinking water. After complain to water department they send water for continuously three days. People began to get sick due to the polluted water and most of the children became disabled due to environmental pollution. Our future is not safe due to mining industry. Earth Quacks can happen any time at our place. Here from 200 to 500 crusher industry are working.

Mangal Singh filed civil misc. Writ petition (PIL) No. 63396 of 2009 under article 226 of Indian constitution Vs. State of Uttar Pradesh and others. In the judgment hon'ble Chief Justice C.K. Prasad & Pankaj Mittal that we are of the opinion that the petitioner shall be advised to approach respondent no. 4 Regional officer, pollution department, Jhansi for the redressal of the grievance. Needless to state that in case the petitioner does so, respondent no. 4 shall take appropriate action as permissible in law.  It is made clear that we have not expressed any opinion in regard to the claim made by the petitioner and that shall be examined by respondent no. 4 in accordance with the law.

Several times letter was sent to the concerned authorities to stop the illegal mining and for providing security to the human rights defender but not appropriate action was taken by them.

More information

Kabrai is one of the numerous mining sites of limestone and granite in Bundelkhand. Kabrai is surrounded by the 13 village in the area of 5 – 10 km of Kabrai. Their total population is of 90 thousand and in which 25 thousand are mining labours. According to the information given by the mining department on 225 mountains already 294 are on lesse.  In the last ten years the numbers of crasher increases more than 4 times. In the normal circumstance the density of the partial is Microgram per cubic meter but same in Kabrai is 1800. (source tehelka magazine)
One of the enduring images that have stayed with us was that of the huge craters in the ground – 250 feet deep – at Kabrai; 400-450 feet high mountains reduced to craters by blasting due to granite mining. According to an organization 5000 trucks filled with granite leave Kabrai every day.
Mining also happens to be the only "industry" for the desperate people of the region. Dalits, landless agricultural labourers and marginal farmers work in these mines in extremely hazardous conditions for pitifully low wages. Accidental deaths due to blasting, loss of hearing, blindness due to flying stone chips (during the manual breaking of stones) and silicosis are regular occurrences. Kabrai mines have 165 stone crushers in an area of length 20 kms. There are more than 1000 stone crushers in and around Mahoba which crush the stones mined from the hills.

Other relevant facts:
Uttar Pradesh's Vindhyachal and Bundelkhand range, long known for its natural environs, has now come under grave threat due to widespread illegal mining Hundreds of acres of fertile land have been rendered barren due to illegal mining. The farmers have given up ploughing the fields. The mining mafia have set up around 500 illegal quarries and dynamite and compressors have shattered the serenity of the region.

Hundreds of acres of fertile land have been rendered barren due to illegal mining. The farmers have given up ploughing the fields. The mining mafia have set up around 500 illegal quarries and dynamite and compressors have shattered the serenity of the region. Machines are used for digging 10-15 feet deep holes in which dynamite is blasted. About a thousand such detonations are carried out each day. These blasts throw out rock pieces with such a high intensity that at times people get killed

Sample letter
To,
………………………………
……………………………

Sub: please take immediate action to save the life of human rights defenders in Mahoba district.
Dear Sir/Madam

I want to bring in your kind consideration about the illegal mining happening in Kabrai  nagar panchayat in Mahoba district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. I am informed that this work is happening together with the mining mafia, lessee and administrative officers.
The blasting starts early morning at 3 am and continues for the whole day. People always live in houses because of anxiety and fear. Feared of being injured their children are not going school.  They gave a memorandum to District Magistrate and did nine days continuous hunger strike to death in front of district headquarter. Mining officer came and assured them for the legal proceeding against them. The work stop for ten days and again the stone crushing started.
When the human rights defender Mr. Mangal Singh son of Ghasite Singh resident of village Vishal Nagar. Kabrai, District Mahoba and Mohan Singh Verma, resident of Jawahat Nagar, Kabrai, Mahoba district raised the voice against them then they were making pressure on them to be quiet and fabricated them in fake cases.They many times tried to kill and mentally tortured.
Every time they remain fearful with the lessee and administrative officials, because they many times tried to kill and mentally tortured. Mangal Singh appealed to the administration against the owners of mining has not put up any profit to him, and then he approached the court. The court ordered that security be provided to him but due to impact and continued to own the money of lesse, administrative officer did dilatory and inform the court not need to provide protection to him.
Therefore it is kind request please take appropriate action to save the lives of the human rights defenders and environment of Mahoba District

Sincerely Yours

…………………………….

Please send letter to
1.Ms. Mayawati
Chief Minister
Chief Minister's Secretariat
Lucknow
Uttar Pradesh
INDIA
Fax: + 91 522 223 0002 / 223 9234

2. Chairperson
National Human Rights Commission
Faridkot House, Copernicus Marg
New Delhi 110001
INDIA
Fax + 91 11 2338 4863

3. Mr. Jairam Ramesh
Government of India
Ministry of Environment & Forests
Paryavaran Bhavan
CGO Complex, Lodhi Road
New Delhi - 110 003.
(INDIA).

4. District Magistrate
Mahoba District
Uttar Pradesh
Fax No: 244156

5. Mrs Margaret Sekaggya
Special Representative of the Secretary General for human rights defenders
Att: Ben Majekodunmi
Room 1-040
C/o OHCHR-UNOG, 1211 Geneva 10,
SWITZERLAND
Tel: + 41 22 917 93 88              + 41 22 917 93 88     
Fax: + 41 22 917 9006

6. Chairman
Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board
PICUP Bhawan
3rd Floor, B Block
Vibhuti Khand, Gomiti Nagar
Lucknow -226010
Fax: +91-522 -2720764


Urgent appeal desk (pvchr@pvchr.org)PVCHR




Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Can dalits make a claim of their fundamental rights in the Raj of Ms. Mayawati?

On January 3, 2010, a 12 years old girl named Rita, belonging to Dalit community; a resident of Koyala Kandi village under Shivkuti police station, Allahabad district was raped by three persons while returning from her work of sweeping, washing clothes and pots of her employers at around 7 pm. On July 3, 2010 Mrs. Lalli Devi wife of Gulab, a 35 years old lady belonging to Dhrkar (scheduled caste) community, is a resident of Tikari village under Phulpur police station, Allahabad district was paraded naked and beaten by upper caste persons for opposing illegal dispossession from her land. On January 9, 2010. Mrs. Lilawati aged about 40 years, belonging to Chamar community, is a resident of Kodsar village under Tharwai police station, Allahabad district, was raped by the husband of the village head of her village, when she went to his home to take signature on the application seeking financial help from the state for the marriage of her daughter. On July 4, 2010, Mrs. Guddi Devi wife of Gulabchandra, aged about 27 year old dalit woman belonging to Chamar community a resident of Sathar village under Sarai Mamerez police station, Allahabad district was abused, sexually harassed and beaten by persons belonging to Yadav community  for opposing illegal and forceful dispossession of her land.  On 11.11.2010 an eleven years old tribal girl named Guriya was made a victim of human sacrifice but no case was registered against the perpetrators. On 25.10.2010, Mr. Sanjay Pasi, a resident of Sarai Alam village under Sarai Mamrez police station, Allahabad district belonging to a dalit community, was assaulted and beaten and seriously threatened for daring to make his wife Mrs. Shanti Devi, a candidate for the post of village head in the Panchayat election. Mr. Lalchand belonging to Chamar community, a resident of Ranipur village under Sarai Mamrez police station, Allahabad district, was assaulted, beaten and insulted for the offence as being a candidate for the post of village head in the Panchayat election, held on 25.10.2010. Mr. Gangavishnu and Mr. Kallu Mistri belonging to Chamar community are residents of Dusauti village under Handiya Police station, Allahabad district. It is alleged that upper caste candidates offered money to the above named victims to cast their votes in his favour. But the victim refused to accept the money and wished to cast their votes according to their independent will. This offence of these victims caused havoc for them. The upper caste candidate and his men pulled the victims out of their homes and beat them, insulted them by using filthy language and threatened them to face the consequences. Ms. Guddi, aged about 22 years, daughter of Mr. Jwala Prasad belonging to Chamar community is a resident of Kerwa Ranhor village under Copan police station, Sonebhadra district. Ms. Guddi was sexually exploited by an upper caste person for a long time and when she became pregnant, she was deserted by her upper caste lover and threatened not to tell about it anybody. Mrs. Bhagwani wife of Ramesh belonging to Chamar community is a resident of Kamhardih village, Robertsganj. On the date and time when the incident took place Mrs. Bhagwani was pregnant and groaning under the pain of mature pregnancy. At such a time persons belonging to upper caste came to her and asked her to go on work. When she refused they assaulted and beat her mercilessly. Mr. Biharilal, belonging to Chamar community, is a resident of Ranhor village under Chopan police station, Sonebhadra district. Mr. Biharilal was assaulted, beaten, insulted and abused for the offence that he dared to oppose the indecent comment on women of his community by some upper caste goons on 2.5.2010. Mr. Vinod Kumar Pasi, belonging to a scheduled caste community, is a resident of Gothwa village under Sarai Mamerez police station, Allahabad distritct. There is piece of land allotted for the victim's family to construct a room under housing scheme of the Uttar Pradesh state government. It is alleged that the perpetrators, belonging to influential Yadav community, are trying to take possession over the allotted land illegally. The illegal dispossession of the poor family from their land was complained with concerned administrative authorities but nothing was done to stop the perpetrators from their illegal acts. For complaining with the authorities, on 2.7.2010 the perpetrators assaulted and beat the victim for opposing the illegal dispossession from his allotted land. Mr. Kashi, originally a resident of Naugarh, Chandauli had been working for last 10 months at the house of Mr. Salim son of Ishahak, a resident of Nai Bazar village under police station Robertsganj, Sonebhadra district. The victim was working for Rs. 1600 monthly wage. On 23.7.2010 when the victim asked for his wage for 10 months, he was beaten, abused and insulted for demanding his due wages. Mrs. Mangri kol wife of Taulan Kol, is a resident of Parsauna Khurd village, Ghorawal police station, Sonebhadra district and belongs to a tribal community. On 3.5.2010 some upper caste persons as being drunk came to the shop of the victim and began to sexually harass the victim. It is alleged that the perpetrators dragged the victim inside a house to rape her. But having heard the cries of the victim some came to the place and saved the victim. It is alleged that the perpetrators not being successful to rape the victim they beat her and made her seriously injured. Mr. Laxaman son of Hiraman, belonging to a Dhobi community, is a resident of Arangi village under Karama police station, Sonbhadra district. It is alleged that upper caste persons illegally demolished his hut and took away everything from his house. It is also reported that the perpetrators assaulted and beat the family members of the victim to vacate the possession over the land allotted for the victim family. Mr. Sudhirbabu son of Vikrma Prasad, belonging ot Chamar community, is a resident of Sukrut Tola under Robertsganj police station, Sonebhadra district. The victim and others families have been living for 30-40 years on the land of Gram Samaj by making their thatched huts. On 29.08.2010 at around 10 am scores of upper caste persons came to the place armed with lathis, guns and with a bulldozer and threatened us to vacate the land. Mr. Rajesh kumar son of Jamuna Prasad is a resident of Ward No. 3, Chaman Ganj under Koraw police station, Allahabad district, is a human rights activist and has been associated with Peoples Watch, Tamilnadu and Peoples Vigilance Committee on Human Rights. Mr. Rajesh kumar, as a human rights activist, has been working for the rights of marginalized and weaker sections of the society. It is alleged that Mr. Rajesh kumar received information on his mobile from Suhas village that some upper caste persons had paraded a dalit women naked and insulted her. On the basis of the information received Mr. Rajesh kumar prepared an application and went to the Koraw police station to lodge the complaint about the incident. But due to influence of the perpetrators, the police officer of Koraw police station refused to register the complaint of Mr. Rajesh kumar.  When Mr. Rajesh Kumar told the officer that he was human rights activist them Mr. Ashok Kumar Yadav, Sub Inspector at the Koraw police station abused, insulted and threatened Mr. Rajesh kumar and refused to register the complaint. Mr. Abhayraj, belonging to Chamar community, is a resident of Mishrapur village under police station Koraw, Allahabad district. Mr. Abhayraj is a student. It is alleged that on 04.05.2010 while he returning to his home from taking both at around 10 am, he was stopped by Mr. Sushil son of Hari Mohan, who is Brahmin, on the way and was force by Mr. Sushil to give his mobile to make a call. When the victim refused to give his mobile to Mr. Sushil then he started abuse and insult her by using filthy language. When the opposed it then Mr. Sushil threatened the victim to kill him. On hearing our voices some other Brahmins men came to the place and beat the victim. When victim went to the police station to complain about the incident, Sub Inspector of the Koraw police station refused to register FIR of the victim.
Do current visits of Mayawati mean anything substantial for poor dalits?

Nowadays, almost all media sources are giving wide publicity to the visits of Ms. Mayawati in various part of the state of Uttar Pradesh and one can find a plethora of news items about the importance of these visits of the Chief Minister, which are being made in the name of inspection of the progress made in development schemes, in particular, and the rule of law, in general. Though, there are a good number of people who make fun of it for being mere an election stunt, but on the other hand, there is perception that the current visits of Ms. Mayawati is a sincere effort to improve the lot of the people in the state. Apart from these two fold perceptions of either side, in the light of the cases, mentioned above, regarding atrocities on poor dalit population, as an independent observer, the Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) is of the opinion that the current visits of Mayawati is nothing but a part of cheap politics, of which the people of the state of Uttar Pradesh have been familiar for a long time. Mayawati Raj is no exception of politics of cheap popularity and PVCHR suspects if it is of any substantial importance, not only for poor dalit population but also for an ordinary citizen residing in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
What does Ms. Mayawati fail?

It might be high time to speak out loudly about the failures of Ms. Mayawati, not only being herself a dalit, but at the same time, exercising substantial authority and power in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The first and foremost failure of Ms. Mayawati is that her government is proving itself, like other governments, to be an important tool of serving the interests of capitalists as well as feudal forces, an undeclared ally to the capitalist masters. Mayawati government is applying and using all those unfair means to remain in the power that is required in such a state, which very foundation is formed of the subtle alliance of the interests of feudal and capitalist forces. Mayawati government seems to feel no shame of assimilating in mafias and unsocial elements, who are themselves, biggest threat for the development and rule of law.

Though to some extent, it is claimed that Mayawati government has made the bureaucracy accountable but even on this front, PVCHR suspects if any substantial development has been made. There has been no check on corruption in the state; no work efficiency could be seen in government departments and offices, no clarity in policy decisions could be experienced, no check on crimes and rights violations of weaker sections of the society. There is no visible increased participation of the poor population in the affairs of the state of Uttar Pradesh in Mayawati government. An ordinary citizen is still helpless and has no say for the blatant violation of their fundamental rights. Extreme poverty and illiteracy is still pervading in the state. Majority of the children, in the state, is horribly malnourished, but it is not a matter of concern either for the Mayawati government or for media.

Mayawati government and International human rights norms and standard

Further, it is more ironic to learn that Mayawati government has shown no interest to raise awareness among the people for international norms and standard for the protection of human rights. Though Mayawati claims to be a dalit leader and worry about the protection of rights of dalit population in the state but she has been completely failed to work for a really accountable bureaucracy and government in the matters of violation of essential rights of poor dalit community. Still millions of people are deprived of their right to food as they have not been provided with BPL cards so that they could purchase food grains at subsidized rate. As the cases, mentioned above, glaringly prove that even in the cases of heinous crimes committed against the poorest of poor, no accountable system has been brought forth to eradicate, or at least reduce, the Raj of police impunity. Torture is still practiced widely with full impunity. Contrary to that, rights activists, working for the safeguard of the poor dalit population are targeted in Mayawati government in the same way as her predecessors.       
                                    

                                   List of cases, with more detail regarding atrocities on Dalit communities


(1)Ms. Rita Devi daughter of Vimla Devi, a 12 years old girl belonging to dalit community, is a resident of Koyala Kandi village under Shivkuti police station, Allahabad district. On January 3, 2010 Rita, as being a daughter of a very poor parents, was returning from her work of sweeping, washing clothes and pots of her employers at around 7 pm, when two men namely; Betu and Jalim, belonging to Yadav community, came to her and forcefully picked her up to sit on their motor bike and took her to a house behind Sri Ram Park. There was a man already present there and all three persons raped her one by one. The crime was complained with the police and the perpetrators were arrested.

(2)Mrs. Lalli Devi wife of Gulab, a 35 years old lady belonging to Dhrkar (scheduled caste) community, is a resident of Tikari village under Phulpur police station, Allahabad district. Lalli Devi lives in her thatched hut with her 10 years old son and her husband. Lalli Devi's family was allotted a piece of land under Indira Awas Yojna to construct a room. But meantime some upper caste men of her village namely, Devi Prasad Mishra, Rammurti and other got a stay order from the Court not to construct the room. After three years stay order of the perpetrators was vacated and Mrs. Lalli Devi's family started to build a room on the allotted piece of land. But on July 3, 2010 the perpetrators came to the place armed with sticks and demolished the constructed room and they set her hut on fire. When Lalli Devi opposed it, they assaulted Mrs. Lalli Devi, her son and husband. They also paraded her naked. The offence was complained with the police and case was registered but no immediate action was taken against the perpetrators.

(3) Mrs. Lilawati wife of Pancham, aged about 40 years belonging to Chamar community is a resident of Kodsar village under Tharwai police station, Allahabad district. Mrs. Lilawati has a young daughter and had arranged her marriage. She was trying to receive financial help from the government for the marriage of her daughter under welfare scheme of the state of Uttar Pradesh.   Mrs. Lilawati went to the house of the village head Mrs. Meena Devi for her help and to get her signature on the application. Mrs. Meena told Lilawati that she was village head only for the name. Meena further advised her to meet her husband Mr. Nandlal, who was actual man performing all works as a village head. According to Lilawati when she went to Mr. Nandlal, he asked her to come in the room and forcefully he raped Lilawati in the room on January 9, 2010. Mrs. Lilawati tried her best to escape her rape but it is reported that the door was shut from outside. The incident was complained with the police but no action was taken against the perpetrator, then Mrs. Lilawati filed the complaint in the Court under 156(3) of Criminal Procedure Code.

(4) Mrs. Guddi Devi wife of Gulabchandra, aged about 27 year old dalit woman belonging to Chamar community, is a resident of Sathar village under Sarai Mamerez police station, Allahabad district. On July 4, 2010 perpetrators Shiv Narayan Yadav, Basant Lal Yadav, Ramkarn Patel along with three- four policemen came to the house of the victim Mrs. Duddi Devi and illegally started to construct building on her land. When Mrs. Guddi Devi opposed the illegal construction, the above named perpetrators beat her cruelly and she got badly injured. The incident was complained with the police but no FIR was registered against the perpetrators, then the victim filed the complaint in the Court under 156(3) of Criminal Procedure Code.
  
(5) Ms. Guriya aged about 11 years was a daughter of Madangopal belonging to a tribal community from Vadhwar village under Koraw police station, Allahabad district. It is alleged that the daughter of Mr. Ramashankar Patel alias Lala had been ailing for sometimes and the family of Ramashankar had been involved in some witch hunting activities as believing in to cure her ailing 22 years old daughter. It is said that on 11.11.2010 the victim Guriya went to see the witch hunting activities at the home of Jhunnilal Patel son of Banshidhar Patel along her with 4 years old brother but she never returned home. On 13.11.2010 father and other family members of the victim went to the Koraw police station to register the case regarding missing of Guriya but Sub Inspector, Mr. Virenndra Mishra, refused to register the case and reprimanded the victim father and his family members and forcefully confined them to stay at the police station. Next day on 14.11.2010 dead body of Guriya was recovered from a well behind the house of Jhunnilal Patel. It is alleged by Mr. Madangopal that his daughter has become a victim of human sacrifice but police registered no case against the perpetrators.

(6) Mrs. Rajkali wife of Ramsagar belonging to dalit community, a resident of Sikari village under Barahsil police station, Allahabad was beaten by the upper caste persons (Brahmins) on 10.7.2010 while she was opposing the perpetrators for not taking away the compost belonging to her family. The victim complained with the police and other authorities, including National Human Rights Commission and National Commission for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe about the incident about the incident but no action was taken against the perpetrators, then the victim, with the help of Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights filed a complaint in the Court under Section 156(3) of Criminal Procedure Code.

(7) Mr. Rakesh Pasi son of Shankar Lal, a resident of Tikara Pipari village under Kaurihar police station, Allahabad district was detained at the police station for whole night, severely tortured and threatened by Mr. Hashimuddin, in-charge of Lalgopalganj police post, Allahabad district on 28.5.2010 for refusing to work as a bonded labor. The victim complained with concerned authorities, including National Human Rights Commission and National Commission for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe about the incident but no action was taken against the perpetrators, and then the victim, with the help of Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights, filed a complaint in the Court under Section 156(3) of Criminal Procedure Code.

 (8) Mr. Sanjay Pasi son of Ramkaran Pasi, a resident of Sarai Alam village under Sarai Mamrez police station, Allahabad district belonging to a dalit community, was assaulted and beaten and seriously threatened on 25.10.2010 at the polling booth by upper caste persons, for daring to make his wife Mrs. Shanti Devi, a candidate for the post of village head in the Panchayat election held on 25.10.2010. The victim complained with concerned authorities like District Election Officer and National Commission for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe about the incident but no action was taken against the perpetrators, and then the victim, with the help of Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights, filed a complaint in the Court under Section 156(3) of Criminal Procedure Code.

(9) Mr. Lalchand son of Ramnaval belonging to Chamar community is a resident of Ranipur village under Sarai Mamrez police station, Allahabad district. Mr. Lalchand was a candidate for the post of village head in the Panchayat election, held on 25.10.2010. The influential Yadav candidate forcefully captured the polling booth for fake voting. When the victim opposed it they assaulted, beat and insulted the victim. The victim complained with concerned authorities like District Magistrat, State Election Officer, National Commission for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe and National Human Rights Commission about the booth capturing and assault on the victim, but no action was taken against the perpetrator.

(10) Mr. Gangavishnu son of Ramautar and mr. Kallu Mistri son of Rameshwar Prasad belonging to Chamar community are residents of Dusauti village under Handiya Police station, Allahabad district. It is alleged that upper caste candidates offered money to the above named victims to caste their votes in his favour. But the victim refused to accept the money and wished to cast their votes according to their independent will. But this offence of these victim caused havoc for them. The upper caste candidate pulled the victims out of their homes and beat them, insulted them by using filthy language and threatened them to face the consequences. The victim complained with concerned police authorities about the incident, but neither any FIR was registered in the police station nor any action was taken against the perpetrators.

(11) Ms. Guddi, aged about 22 years, daughter of Mr. Jwala Prasad belonging to Chamar community is a resident of Kerwa Ranhor village under Copan police station, Sonebhadra district. Ms. Guddi was sexually exploited by a upper caste person for a long time and when she became pregnant was deserted by her upper caste lover and threatened not to tell about it anybody. The victim complained with concerned police authorities and National Commission for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe about the incident but no action was taken against the perpetrators, and then the victim, with the help of Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights, filed a complaint in the Court under Section 156(3) of Criminal Procedure Code.

(12) Mrs. Bhagwani wife of Ramesh belonging to Chamar community is a resident of Kamhardih village, Robertsganj. On the date and time when the incident took place Mrs. Bhagwani was pregnant and groaning under the pain of mature pregnancy. At such a time persons belonging to upper caste came to her and asked her to go on work. When she refused they assaulted and beat her mercilessly. The victim complained with concerned police authorities and National Commission for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe about the incident but no action was taken against the perpetrators, and then the victim, with the help of Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights, filed a complaint in the Court under Section 156(3) of Criminal Procedure Code.

(13) Mr. Biharilal son of Sumer, belonging to Chamar community, is a resident of Ranhor village under Chopan police station, Sonebhadra district. Mr. Biharilal was assaulted, beaten, insulted and abused for the offence that he dared to oppose the indecent comment on women of his community by some upper caste goons on 2.5.2010. The victim complained with concerned police authorities and National Commission for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe about the incident but no action was taken against the perpetrators, and then the victim, with the help of Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights, filed a complaint in the Court under Section 156(3) of Criminal Procedure Code.

(14) Vinod Kumar Pasi son of Kamla Prasad Pasi, belonging to a scheduled caste community, is a resident of Gothwa village under Sarai Mamerez police station, Allahabad distritct. There is piece of land allotted for the victim's family to construct a room under housing scheme of the Uttar Pradesh state government. It is alleged that the perpetrators, belonging to influential Yadav community, are trying to take possession over the allotted land illegally. The illegal dispossession of the poor family from their land was complained with concerned administrative authorities but nothing was done to stop the perpetrators from their illegal acts. For complaining with the authorities, on 2.7.2010 the perpetrators assaulted and beat the victim for opposing the illegal dispossession from his allotted land. The incident was complained but no action was taken by the police. The victim complained with concerned police authorities and National Commission for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe about the incident but no action was taken against the perpetrators, and then the victim, with the help of Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights, filed a complaint in the Court under Section 156(3) of Criminal Procedure Code.

(15) Mr. Kashi son of Basawan, originally a resident of Naugarh, Chandauli had been working for last 10 months at the house of Mr. Salim son of Ishahak, a resident of Nai Bazar village under police station Robertsganj, Sonebhadra district. The victim was working for Rs. 1600 monthly wage. On 23.7.2010 when the victim asked for his wage for 10 months, he was beaten, abused and insulted for demanding his due wages. The victim complained with concerned police authorities but no action was taken against the perpetrators, and then the victim, with the help of Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights, filed a complaint in the Court under Section 156(3) of Criminal Procedure Code.

(16) Mr. Ramkewal son of Lalmani from Dhobi community aged about 62 years old is a resident of Arawali village under Robertsganj police station Sonebhadra district. On 23.7.2010 upper caste persons came to the house of the victim and asked for the victim. At that time the victim was not present at his house. The Victim's wife Amarawati told them that her husband was not at home. Then the perpetrators started abusing her husband using filthy language. When Mrs. Amarawati opposed it the perpetrators abused her and beat her. They also tore her clothes and sexually harassed her. Seeing this when her son Vinod opposed it they also beat her son Vinod. When the victim and her family members went to the police station to complain about the incident, the police officer reprimanded them and asked them to leave the police station. Then the victim complained with higher police authorities and National Commission for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe but no action was taken against the perpetrators, and then the victim, with the help of Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights, filed a complaint in the Court under Section 156(3) of Criminal Procedure Code.

(17) Mr. Purushottam Chaudhari son of Sahangu Prasad, a resident of Munsafi colony, Robertsganj belonging to a dalit community was assaulted and beaten on 12.5.2010 by upper caste persons for standing his motor bike before the shop of the perpetrators. The victim complained with concerned police authorities about the incident but no action was taken against the perpetrators, and then the victim, with the help of Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights, filed a complaint in the Court under Section 156(3) of Criminal Procedure Code.

(18) Mrs. Mangri kol wife of Taulan Kol, is a resident of Parsauna Khurd village, Ghorawal police station, Sonebhadra district and belongs to a tribal community. On 3.5.2010 some upper caste persons as being drunk came to the shop of the victim and began to sexually harass the victim. It is alleged that the perpetrators dragged the victim inside a house to rape her. But having heard the cries of the victim some came to the place and saved the victim. It is alleged that the perpetrators not being successful to rape the victim they beat her and made her seriously injured. The victim complained with concerned police authorities and National Commission for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe but no action was taken against the perpetrators, and then the victim, with the help of Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights, filed a complaint in the Court under Section 156(3) of Criminal Procedure Code.

(19) Mr. Laxaman son of Hiraman, belonging to a Dhobi community, is a resident of Arangi village under Karama police station, Sonbhadra district. The victim is an educated person and works as a Shikshamitra. On 26.4.2010 the perpetrators came to my house and started to abuse and beat my family members. When we opposed it, they demolished our huts and took away the thing from my house and threatened by putting pistol on the head of my father to keep quiet. The perpetrators assaulted, threatened the victim and his family to vacate the possession over the land. The victim complained with concerned police authorities but no action was taken against the perpetrators, and then the victim, with the help of Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights, filed a complaint in the Court under Section 156(3) of Criminal Procedure Code.

(20) Mr. Sudhirbabu son of Vikrma Prasad, belonging ot Chamar community, is a resident of Sukrut Tola under Robertsganj police station, Sonebhadra district. The victim and others families have been living for 30-40 years on the land of Gram Samaj by making their thatched huts. On 29.08.2010 at around 10 am scores of upper caste persons came to the place armed with lathis, guns and with a bulldozer and threatened us to vacate the land. They said that they had purchased the land. The victim asked them to show the paper. At this they began to abuse us and to remove our huts otherwise they would kill us under the bulldozer. They demolished out huts with the help of bulldozer and destroyed everything in our houses. They also killed our animals by the bulldozer. The victims complained about the incident with the commissioner and other police authorities. They also complained with the National Commission for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe but no action was taken against the perpetrators. Then with the help of Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights, filed a complaint in the Court under Section 156(3) of Criminal Procedure Code.   

(21) Mr. Rajesh kumar son of Jamuna Prasad is a resident of Ward No. 3, Chaman Ganj under Koraw police station, Allahabad district. The victim is a human rights activist and has been associated with Peoples Watch, Tamilnadu and Peoples Vigilance Committee on Human Rights. Mr. Rajesh kumar, as a human rights activist, has been working for the rights of marginalized and weaker sections of the society. It is alleged that Mr. Rajesh kumar received information on his mobile from Suhas village that some upper caste persons had paraded a dalit women naked and insulted her. On the basis of the information received Mr. Rajesh kumar prepared an application and went to the Koraw police station to lodge his complain about the incident. But due to influence of the perpetrators, the police officer of Koraw police station refused to register the complaint of Mr. Rajesh kumar.  When Mr. Rajesh Kumar told the officer that he was human rights activist them Mr. Ashok Kumar Yadav, Sub Inspector at the Koraw police station abused, insulted and threatened Mr. Rajesh kumar and refused to register the complaint.    

(22) Mr. Shiv Shankar Pasi son of Nanku, belonging to a scheduled caste community, is a resident of J.73/4 Sarai Maswanpur under Kalyanpur police station, Allahabad district. Mr. Shiv Shankar's sister, who was widow used to live at 587D, 2 Drumand Road, Civil Lines.   On 25.7.2010 Mr. Balkrishn Tripathi son of Ganga Prasad Tripathi murdered the sister of the victim for money after hatching a conspiracy. The perpetrator, Mr. Balkrishn Tripathi was a broker in selling out  a house owned by victim' sister. It is reported that the house was sold out for Rs. 14 lakhs. Further it is alleged that Mr. Balkrishn Tripathi committed the murdered the victim's sister for this money. It is alleged that after committing murder, Mr. Balkrishn Tripathi himself went to the police station and lodged an FIR as claiming himself to be the husband of the deceased. The victim has complained about the facts with concerned higher police authorities and has filed a case in the Court.

(23) Mr. Abhayraj son of Ramakant, belonging to Chamar community, is a resident of Mishrapur village under police station Koraw, Allahabad district. Mr. Abhayraj is a student. It is alleged that on 04.05.2010 while he returning to his home from taking both at around 10 am, he was stopped by Mr. Sushil son of Hari Mohan, who is Brahmin, on the way and was force by Mr. Sushil to give his mobile to make a call. When the victim refused to give his mobile to Mr. Sushil then he started abuse and insult her by using filthy language. When the opposed it then Mr. Sushil threatened the victim to kill him. On hearing our voices some other Brahmins men came to the place and beat the victim. When victim went to the police station to complain about the incident, Sub Inspector refused to register the FIR of the victim. Then victim complained with other higher police authorities about the incident but no action was taken against the upper caste perpetrators. In the end, the victim filed a complained in the Court under Section 156(3) of Criminal Procedure Code.
                     

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Detention Watch गिरफ़्तारी पर गश्त

After long formal and non –formal meeting with various organizations associated with PVCHR and National Alliance on Testimonial Therapy (NATT), PVCHR as secretariat is now formally launching Detention Watch. The Work of the Detention Watch will be to monitor any type of detention happening with the adult and children in your area such as -
• Judicial Custody
• Police Custody
• Custody in Remand Home
• Administrative Custody

If you find any such types of cases in your area please do make call on helpline no +91-9935599331 and email on pvchr.adv@gmail.com

Monday, April 18, 2011

In Relation to take immediate appropriate action in the case of custodial death.

6 April, 2011
Chairperson,
National Human Rights Commission,
New Delhi.


Sir,
I wanted to draw your kind attention about an incident of brutal custodial death of Mr. Kamalesh Singh s/o Late Ram Milan Singh resident of Badya Village under the Nijamabad Police Station in Azamgarh District (Uttar Pradesh). As per report published in the local newspapers (enclosed with this application), concerned administration has suspended the policemen involved in the brutal custodial death of Mr. kamalesh Singh & has ordered to conduct a Magisterial Inquiry.
In such a situation, I request you to direct the state government to take following steps, immediately:
1.     To conduct an inquiry in this incident of custodial death under section 176(1)A Cr.PC by a Judicial Magistrate.
2.     To provide compensation to the victim's family.
3.     To ensure Videography of the Post-Mortem Report of the victim & the same is informed to NHRC.  

Thanking You

Sincerely Yours


(Dr. Lenin)
General Secretary  

--
Dr. Lenin
Executive Director/Secretary General -PVCHR/JMN
Mobile:+91-9935599333
Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.
--The Buddha
"We are what we think. With our thoughts we make our world." - Buddha
This message contains information which may be confidential and privileged. Unless you are the addressee or authorised to receive for the addressee, you may not use, copy or disclose to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received the message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail to pvchr.india@gmail.com and delete the message. Thank you.

Custodial death in Azamgarh

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Petition against witch hunting in Sonbhadra of UP in India



From: DIG Police ComplaintCell Lucknow <digcomplaint-up@nic.in>
Date: 2011/4/15
Subject: Fwd: Petition against witch hunting in Sonbhadra of UP in India
To: spsbr@up.nic.in, Superintendent of Police Sonebhadra <spsbr-up@nic.in>, digrmir@up.nic.in, digrmzp12@sify.com
Cc: pvchr.india@gmail.com


To,

          S.P., Sonbhadra

          The complaint Dr. Lenin, PVCHR ED, Varanasi,  E-Mail to: - pvchr.india@gmail.com is being forwarded for enquiry and necessary action. If there is no legal hassle regarding this matter then kindly send brief reply to the complainant regarding action taken.

    

Addl.S.P. (P/G),

D.G.P. Hqrs, U.P. 

Lucknow.   



----- Original Message -----
From: UP Police Computer Cetre Lucknow <uppcc-up@nic.in>
Date: Tuesday, April 5, 2011 9:33 am
Subject: Fwd: Petition against witch hunting in Sonbhadra of UP in India
To: DIG Police ComplaintCell Lucknow <digcomplaint-up@nic.in>
Cc: PVCHR ED <pvchr.india@gmail.com>

> Sir
> The message from above mail is forwarded to your kind attention and response.
> UPPCC

>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: PVCHR ED <pvchr.india@gmail.com>
> Date: Tuesday, April 5, 2011 9:33 am
> Subject: Petition against witch hunting in Sonbhadra of UP in India
> To: upendra dubey <upendra_amit2005@rediffmail.com>
>
> Please find the stories of witch hunting in Sonbhadra of UP.Please take immediate and appropriate action for rule of law and rehabilitation of victims.
> case No.1:
>  

> पूर्वांचल के सोनभद्र जिले में  'डायन' बता कर औरतों, ख़ास कर दलित और पिछड़ी जातियों की महिलाओं के साथ अमानवीय व्‍यवहार का सिलसिला लंबे से चलता आ रहा है। बीते कुछ सालों से 'मानवाधिकार जन निगरानी समिति (PVCHR)' की टीम लगातार इन मसले पर काम कर रही है। उनके हस्‍तक्षेप से न केवल इस भयावह ज़ुल्‍म से पर्दा हटना शुरू हुआ है बल्कि पीडित महिलाओं के पुनर्वास की दिशा में पहल भी शुरू हुई है। PVCHR का यह काम देश के अन्‍य हिस्‍सों में ऐसी कुरीतियों और मानवाधिकारों के लिए संघर्ष करने वालों के लिए वाकई प्रेरक है। लेनिन रघुवंशी अगले कुछ दिनों में डायन बता कर सतायी गयी कुछ और महिलाओं की ख़ुदबयानी सरोकार से साझा करेंगे। फिलवक्‍़त पेश है जगेसरी की कहानी उन्‍हीं की जुबानी : संपादक

>  

>  

> बेजुबान कर दी गयी जोगेसरी देवी

> मेरा नाम जगेसरी देवी, उम्र 32 वर्ष है। मेरे पति रमाशंकर हैं। मेरे चार लड़के तेजबली 11 वर्ष, रामबली 6 वर्ष, श्याम नारायण 4 वर्ष और राजनारायण एक वर्ष के हैं। मैं ग्राम-करहिया, पोस्ट-म्योरपुर, थाना-दुद्धी, ब्लॉक-म्योरपुर तहसील-दुद्धी, जिला-सोनभद्र की रहने वाली हूँ। मेरी शादी जुबैदा के आसनडीह में हुई थी। चार वर्षों तक मैं ससुराल में रही। बाद में मायके करहिया में अपने बाबूजी की देखभाल करने आ गयी। मेरी बड़ी तीन बहनें अपने ससुराल में ही रहती हैं। खेती के लिए आठ बीघे ज़मीन है जिस पर मैं और मेरे पति खेती करके अपना जीवन बीता रहे हैं।

> मेरी चचेरी बहन दुल्लर और बहनोई सहदेव जो मेरे घर से तीन घर की दूरी पर रहते हैं। इनको पाँच लड़के और दो लड़कियाँ थी। कुछ वर्ष पहले बीमारी के कारण इनके दो लड़के मर गये थे, अभी सानिया और एक छोटा बच्चा जो काफी समय से बीमार चल रहा था। मंगलवार की रात (31.07.2010) को सानिया मर गयी। यह ख़बर सुनते ही मैं भागी-दौड़ी उनके घर गयी। वहाँ पर पहले से ही चार औरतें और ओझा खेलावन झाड़-फूंक कर रहे थे। मैं अन्दर बैठी थी। मेरे बहनोई अपने घर के दरवाजे़ पर लाठी, डंडा और टेंगारी लेकर पैर फैलाकर बैठ गये।

> बार-बार यही बात मुझे देखकर कहते 'डायन' मेरे लड़के को खा गयी है। मैं तुम्हे नहीं छोड़ूंगा। देखें बाहर कैसे निकलती है। यह बात सुनकर मुझे डर लगता था। सेाचती, यह क्या कह रहे हैं। किसी तरह रात गुज़री, सुबह हुयी।

> मौक़ा मिलते सहदेव जैसे ही दरवाजे़ से हटा मैं अपने घर जल्दी से चली आयी। अगर वह आ गया तो फिर मुझे नहीं जाने देगा। घर आकर झाड़ू बर्तन करने लगी। कुछ दिन बीता। शायद उस समय बारह बज रहे थे। आस-पास के लोग लाश दफ़नाने के लिए आने लगे। मैं अभी घर का काम कर ही रही थी। तभी सहदेव ने मुझे बुलाया 'यहाँ आओ'। मैं रात की बात से डरी थी, लेकिन मरनी होने के कारण वहाँ गयी। गाँव के सभी लोग बैठे थे। क़रीब साठ लोग थे। ओझा झाड़ फूक कर रहा था। मैं भी गाँव के लोगों के बीच में जाकर बैठ गयी। सहदेव ने मुझे आगे आने को कहा। मैं जा रही थी, सोच रही थी कि सभी बैठे हैं, वह सिर्फ़ मुझे ही क्यों बुला रहा है।

> क़रीब पहूंच कर मैंने जीजा से पूछा, क्या बात है। वह मेरे हाथ में मरी हुई सानिया देकर कहा 'डायन  इसे जिला, नहीं तो मैं तुम्हे नहीं छोड़ूगा।' ओझा खेलावन मेरे चारों बगल घूमता और झाड़-फूंक करता। बच्चे को गोद में लेकर मैं डरी-सहमी हुई बैठी थी। काफी झाड़-फूंक करने के बाद सहदेव ने मुझे अपनी जुबान निकालने के लिए कहा। सुनते ही मैं घबरा गयी। यह अब क्या करेगा मेरे साथ। गाँव के लोग चुपचाप बैठकर तमाशा देख रहे थे। तभी सहदेव ने मुझे कहा, 'अपनी जुबान निकालो इस पर चिया चरायेंगे (जुबान के ऊपर चावल का दाना रखकर मुर्गी से चराना)।' मेरा दिल अन्दर से धक-धक कर रहा था। जैसे ही जुबान बाहर निकाली, सहदेव ने चालाकी से अपनी हाथ में ब्लेड लिया था। मैंने उसे नहीं देखा था। मेरे जीभ पर वार किया, जीभ कट गयी।

> मैं दर्द से तड़पने लगी। रोती-बिलखती रही। सोचा, ये क्या हुआ। आस पास बैठे किसी ने मुझे सहारा नहीं दिया। न ही सहदेव को ऐसा करने से मना किया। मुँह से ख़ून निकलने लगा। देखते-देखते ज़मीन पर ढेर सारा ख़ून फैल गया। मेरे पति भी डर की वजह से नहीं बोले। सारा कपड़ा ख़ून से लथपथ हो गया था।

> यही बात दिमाग़ में आती रही कि यह क्या हुआ। क्या सचमुच मैं डायन हूँ? मेरी आँखों के सामने ओझा और सहदेव ने मेरी कटी हुई जुबान के छोटे-छोटे टुकड़े कर, उसमें चावल का दाना मिलाकर मुर्गी से चरवाया, फिर सभी लोग लाश लेकर दफ़नाने चले गये। उनके पीछे-पीछे मेरे पति भी गये।

> वहाँ पर उन्होंने लाश को दफ़नाने के बाद उसकी कब्र पर मुर्गी छोड़ कर चले आये। वह मुझे उसी हाल में छोड़ कर चले गये। आस पड़ोस की औरते़ भी मुझे डायन समझ कर अकेले तड़पते हुए छोड़ कर चली गयीं। मैं रात भर बिना दवा के रोती-बिलखती रही। सुबह से कुछ खाना भी नहीं था। जुबान कटने के बाद तो मुझसे पानी भी नहीं पीया जा रहा था। रात भर मैं कलपती रही। किसी ने मेरी मदद नहीं की। छोटे-छोटे बच्चों को किसके भरोसे मैं छोड़कर अस्पताल जाती। आज भी इन बातों को याद करती हूँ तो उन लोगों पर गुस्सा आता है। सोचती हूँ, क्या सचमुच मैं 'डायन' हूँ?

> सुबह हुई, चारो तरफ़ बात फैल गयी। मैं म्योरपुर सामुदायिक स्वास्थ्य केन्द्र पर दवा लेने गयी तो वहाँ के डॉक्टर ने मेरे पति से पूछा, 'क्या हुआ?' फिर मेरे पति ने उन्हें सारी बातें बतायी। तभी वहाँ पर दुद्धी थाना के दारोगा और सिपाही एक जीप से आये। मुझे अस्पताल में भर्ती कर लिया गया।

> बार-बार दारोगा मुझसे पूछते कि क्या हुआ था। मेरे मुँह से आवाज़ नहीं निकलती, बोलने की कोशिश करती तो मेरा घाव दर्द करता। सबने मेरे पति से बयान लिया। चार दिन तक मेरा इलाज हुआ। मेरे बच्चे घर पर अकेले थे। पति मेरी देखभाल करते। बस्ती से कोई भी मुझसे मिलने नहीं आया। मुझे हर वक्त अपने बच्चों की चिंता लगी रहती थी। सोचती, कहीं उन लोगों के साथ वे लोग कुछ उल्टा-सीधा न  करें।

>  

> जोगेसरी के संघर्ष को सलाम और सम्‍मान

> मैं अस्पताल से घर वापस आयी तो पता चला सहदेव का छोटा लड़का जो बीमार था वह भी मर गया। यह सुनते ही मेरा जी फिर से धक-धक करने लगा। मेरे हाथ पैर काँपने लगे। बार-बार यही सोच कर मन शान्त करती कि सहदेव और ओझा तो पुलिस कि गिरफ्त में है।

> लेकिन अभी भी डर लगता है कि जब वे छूटकर आयेंगे तब उनका व्यवहार हमारे प्रति कैसा होगा। मेरे पति बहुत ही सीधे हैं। वे लोग मुझे 'डायन' कहकर मेरी ज़मीन हड़पना चाहते हैं। बस्ती में पहले भी एक परिवार के लोग झगड़ा करके बेघर कर चुके हैं। डायन कहकर मेरी जीभ काट ली। अब वे मुझे और मेरे परिवार को यहाँ से भगाना चाहते हैं। यहीं चिन्ता दिन-रात खाये जा रही है। रात को नींद नहीं आती। मन हमेशा घबराता है। मैं ढंग से खा भी नहीं पाती। गिलास से सीधे पानी नहीं पी पाती। आवाज़ भी लड़खड़ाती है। जब बोलती हूँ तो जुबान लड़ती है।

> मैं चाहती हूँ कि जिन लोगों ने मेरे साथ ऐसा किया। मुझे 'डायन' बनाया, उन्हें कड़ी से कड़ी सज़ा मिले। अब भी सहदेव के डर से बस्ती के लोग मेरे पास नहीं आते। बाहर का कोई भी मिलने आता है तो वे लोग कहते हैं कि लिखने से क्या होगा। मेरा कोई कुछ नहीं बिगाड़ सकता। यह सुनते ही मुझे बहुत ज़ोर से गुस्सा आता है।

> आपको अपनी पीड़ा साझा कर के मेरा मन हल्का हुआ है। आपने जब मेरी बात को पढ़कर सुनाया तो मेरा विश्वास बढ़ा है। मेरे अन्दर का डर कुछ कम हुआ है। मैं चाहती हूं कि इनको ऐसी सज़ा मिले कि फिर कोई ऐसा करने की हिम्‍मत न जुटा न पाए।

> (फ़रहत शबा ख़ानम के साथ बातचीत पर आधरित)

Case No2:\
>  
> http://www.sarokar.net/2011/04/डायन-शब्द-अब-भी-मेरी-कानों/
>

> पीडिता सोमारी देवी

> मेरा नाम सोमारी देवी है। मेरी उम्र 40 वर्ष है। मेरे पति का नाम दिनेश गौड़ है। मेरे 3 लड़के हैं  जो विवाहित है। बड़ा लड़का संजय है। वह सिर्फ़ साक्षर है। दूसरा लड़का रघुनाथ प्रसाद, तीसरा दीन दयाल है। सभी लड़के बाल बच्‍चेदार हैं। मैं अबकी बार वन विभाग में सदस्य बनी हूँ। मैं थोड़ा बहुत पढ़ी-लिखी हूँ। मेरे पास दो बीघे ज़मीन हैं, जिसमें मैं खेती-बारी करती हूँ। मैं ग्राम – बलियारीपुर, पोस्ट – म्योरपुर, थाना – दुद्धी, ब्लाक – म्योरपुर तहसील – दुद्धी, जिला – सोनभद्र की रहने वाली हूँ।

> घटना का वह दिन आज भी भुलाये नहीं भूलता। 14 जनवरी 2010, मकर संक्रांति का त्यौहार था। सभी हंसी-खुशी से त्‍यौहार मना रहे थे। मैं घर से निकली, तभी याद आया गाय बाँधना है। उस समय लगभग 2 बज रहे थे। मैं गाय को खूंटे से छोड़ी और उसे बांधने घर से थोड़ी दूर सड़क पार बांधने जा रही थी।  मेरे पति मेरे साथ थे। जो गाय को पीछे से हांक रहे थे। गाय को खूँटे से बांध कर मैं खड़ी थी तभी मेरे पास शिवनारायण गौड़ आया और मुझसे बातों-बातों में शरारत करने लगा।

> मुझे कुछ समझ में नहीं आ रहा था। आखिर बात क्या है। शिवनारायण से इससे पहले मैं कभी बात नहीं की थी, ना ही उससे कोई झगड़ा या विवाद हुआ था।

> जब तक मैं कुछ समझ पाती शिवनारायण मुझे डायन कहते हुये, बग़ल में जल रहे कौड़े में झोंक दिया। आग की लपटे थोड़ी धीमी थी। मेरी साड़ी पीछे के बगल़ बिल्कुल जल गई। मैं सुती पेटीकोट नहीं पहनी रही होती तो मेरा पूरा अंग जल जाता। मेरे पति दौड़कर मुझे बचाये। बायें और दाहिने पैर में और कमर के नीचे मैं जल गई थी। उस समय मैं दूसरे के सहारे घर तक आयी। शिवनारायण वहाँ से भाग गया। सोमारी देवी के जज्‍बे और संघर्ष को नमनघर आने पर

> इसी साड़ी में दरिन्‍दे ने जलता छोड़ दिया

> मेरी बहुओं ने घाव पर मरहम लगाया और मेरी साड़ी बदली। मैं बार-बार यही सोच रही थी उसने मुझे डायन कहा। मुझे जलने की चिंता ज्‍़यादा नहीं थी, उस बात की थी जो मेरी कानों में बार-बार गूँज रही है, डायन कहे जाने की। उसके पहले किसी ने मुझे ऐसा नहीं बोला था। उस घटना को आज भी याद करती हूँ तो शरीर में बिज़ली जैसी दौड़ जाती है। सोचती हूँ, मेरे पति मौके़ पर न होते तो वह मुझे जान से ही मार डालता। रह-रह कर मुझे गुस्सा भी आता है।

> उसने किसलिए मुझे डायन कहा मैं नहीं जानती, लेकिन समाज में उसने मेरी इज्जत उछाल दी है। सभी की जुबां पर है कि कोई तो बात रही होगी। जब इस बात को सूनती हूँ तो मन उदास हो जाता है। किस-किस के सामने से अपनी बेगुनाही साबित करूँगी। सोच-सोच कर आँखों में आँसू आ जाते हैं। घटना के दूसरे दिन मैं पति के साथ दुद्धी थाने गई। अपने साथ हुई घटना को बतायी और एफआईआर दर्ज हुआ। पुलिस वाले उसी दिन शिवनारायण को पकड़ कर थाने पर ले आये। थाने पर उसने अपनी ग़लती स्वीकार की और बोला, 'मैं उस समय नशे में था, मुझे कुछ भी होश नहीं था'। उसने पैरों पर गिर कर माफ़ी माँगी। उस समय तो ऊपर से मैंने उसे माफ़ कर दिया, लेकिन मन अभी तक उसे माफ़ नहीं कर सका है। औरत की समाज में यही इज्जत मिली है, जिसको जो मन में आए, कह दें। अपनी बातों को, दुःख को बाँट कर इस समय बहुत हल्का महसूस कर रही हूँ। मैं चाहती हूँ कि जिसने मेरा साथ यह ग़लत व्यवहार किया है उसके खिलाफ़ कार्यवाही हो और मुझे न्याय मिले।

>  (फ़रहत शबा ख़ानम और मीना कुमारी पटेल के साथ बातचीत पर आधारित

>  
> VARANASI: It is impossible for Jagesari Devi (32), a tribal woman of Sonebhadra district, to forget the fateful day when she became a victim of witch hunting and her tongue was chopped off. She was branded a 'dayan' (witch) by a local 'ojha' (sorcerer). Though her wounds have healed, the scars remain forever. The unforgettable nightmare has rendered the Holi festival colourless for her.
>
> "Am I really a dayan," wonders Jagesari, wife of Ramashankar and a native of Karahiya village under Dudhi police station in Myorpur Block of Sonebhadra district. Following this inhuman act of others, today she can neither speak properly nor can eat or drink with ease.
>
> In her testimony to a human rights organisation, Peoples Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), she narrated her ordeal with the hope to get justice.
>
> The daughter of her brother-in-law Sahdev died due to illness on August 1, 2010. When she went to his house to condole the death, she saw that a local sorcerer was also present there. He started claiming that Jagesari was a dayan and had caused the death. Soon, the orthodox people were supporting the man who chopped off her tongue in punishment. She cried out for help, but no one heard her cries. Somehow, her husband managed to rush her to a hospital for treatment.
>
> "After being labelled a witch and facing physical torture and social humiliation, how can she be expected to lead a normal life?" questioned Lanin Raghuvanshi of PVCHR. The PVCHR, in association with the Rehabilitation and Research Centre for Torture Victims of Denmark, organised a programme of public hearing recently in the city to hear the story of Jagesari and other such victims of witch hunting. The volunteers tried to document the cases of witch hunting in remote villages of Sonebhadra.
>
> According to Raghuvanshi, poor and low-caste women are easily branded as witches, mostly in tribal areas. The woman once branded a witch finds it impossible to get rid the stigma. She is subjected to violent acts like physical torture and social humiliation, even to the extent of being stripped naked.
>
> Manbasia (45) is another woman who has been subjected to inhuman ordeal in Ghaghari Tola Sahgora village, under Babhani police station, in Myorpur block of Sonebhadra district. After the demise of a boy in the village, she was not only attacked with sharp weapons but also paraded naked in public on July 17, 2010. "I was not a dayan, then why was I paraded naked?" she questioned. Her husband Jodhilal said he had to mortgage his land for his wife's treatment.
>
> However, officials of both police stations categorically denied that such cases had ever taken place in their respective areas. Both Vijaymal Singh Yadav, inspector of Dudhi police station, and Asharam Goyal, inspector of Babhani police station, when contacted over phone on Thursday told TOI that they had no information about witch hunting or practice of witchcraft in their area. However, in another case of witch hunting, a woman Somari Devi (40), wife of Dinesh Gond and native of Baliyari village under Dudhi police station, was also humiliated on January 14, 2011. A local native after branding her a witch, pushed her into fire. Her saree was burnt, however, her husband saved her. In her testimony, she alleged that the police did not register her complaint. Instead of punishing the culprit, the police let him off scot-free, she said.
>
> Raghuvanshi says there are many factors responsible for the prevalence of witch hunting. One of the reasons is socio-economic. Generally witch hunters do so for property (grabbing) reasons. Sometime women become victims for refusing sexual advances. But, in most of the cases, women suffer because they are unable to get any help from the society. "Most of the cases go unreported," he said and added "police do not play a positive role in stopping harassment of women in the name of witchcraft practice."
>
> "We are forwarding the testimonies of these women to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to draw its attention towards this social evil and get victims of witch hunting some justice," Raghuvanshi said and added it was vary sad that the human rights of women were being violated openly in the name of witchcraft practice.
>
> --
> Dr. Lenin
> Executive Director/Secretary General -PVCHR/JMN
> Mobile:+91-9935599333
>  
> Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.
> --The Buddha
>  
> "We are what we think. With our thoughts we make our world." - Buddha
>  
>  
> This message contains information which may be confidential and privileged. Unless you are the addressee or authorised to receive for the addressee, you may not use, copy or disclose to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received the message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail to pvchr.india@gmail.com and delete the message. Thank you.
>

Featured Post

Tireless Service to Humanity

Dear Mr. Lenin Raghuvanshi, Congratulations, you have been featured on Deed Indeed's social platform. ...