Tribal woman with zero bank balance runs for Lok Sabha elections in Chhattisgarh
Korba: Shanti Bai Marawi, a 33-year-old resident of Bhedrapani, Gourella village under the Korba Lok Sabha constituency in Chhattisgarh, has emerged as a candidate for the upcoming elections despite having zero balance in her bank account.
Running as an independent candidate, Marawi is locally known as 'Zero Balance' due to her financial status. Her decision to enter the electoral fray shows the inclusivity of Indian democracy, where individuals from diverse economic backgrounds can participate in Lok Sabha or state assembly elections.
Hailing from the Baiga community, Marawi's motivation to contest the elections stemmed from the frustration of feeling unheard by political parties. Encouraged by her husband Ram Kumar, she took the bold step to represent her community's concerns on a larger platform.
In order to meet the electoral requirements, candidates from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, like Marawi, are mandated to submit a security deposit of Rs 12,500. Despite their modest financial means, Marawi and her husband managed to gather the necessary funds with the support of their community members, who rallied behind their cause.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Karnataka: College student dies by suicide in Dharwad, 3 policemen suspended
Dharwad (Karnataka) (PTI): A college student allegedly died by suicide here, following which three policemen were suspended over allegations of harassment linked to his death by the victim's family.
Aditya Myageri, a BSc student at a private college here, was among 18 students detained by the Vidyagiri police on April 25 during an anti-drug drive, police said on Wednesday.
He hailed from Belur village in Bagalkot district, but was staying with his friends at a rented accommodation in Girinagar area of Dharwad city, police said.
Among the 18 students tested, Aditya was among the 10 who had tested negative for ganja consumption and was subsequently released.
Some of his roommates, however, tested positive.
According to police, Aditya's family alleged that despite testing negative, he was harassed by police. They also claimed some policemen demanded Rs 2,000 to settle the matter and threatened legal action if he failed to pay.
He had called his mother asking for money, but she could not arrange it immediately, the family claimed.
On Monday night, Aditya allegedly died by suicide by hanging from a ceiling fan at his rented accommodation, with his family alleging police harassment and pressure over demand for money drove him to the extreme step, a senior police officer said.
Police Commissioner N Shashi Kumar told PTI that an unnatural death case has been registered at Vidyagiri police station. Three policemen have been suspended over the allegations, and further investigation is underway.
