Controversial Ambedkar skit won first prize despite disqualification efforts: Reports
Bengaluru: The controversial skit, performed at the Jain University CMS students recently, allegedly demeaning Dr. B R Ambedkar and the Dalit community, was performed at the Mount Carmel College, according to sources in the College.
The sources of information, who wished to remain confidential, said that the skit was performed by The Delroys Boys of the CMS at the MadAds contest of the ‘Cul-Ah!’ art fest of the Mount Carmel College. Under25, a students’ organization of MCC, had organized the MadAds contest on February 4, when the Jain University students had presented the skit.
The Delroys Boys had also been awarded the first prize for the performance, as per the source, reports The Indian Express. The team had been awarded the prize in spite of disqualification efforts. “During the performance, complaints were reportedly being made by some people from the audience that the act is casteist but the jury did not act on it saying that the ‘act is not vulgar’,” the sources said.
The Under25’s Instagram page revealed that the jury for the MadAds competition included Rebecca Florence, former vice president of the council of St Joseph College of Commerce (SJCC), Niss Geo, former student council president at Baldwins Methodist College, and Harshil J Shah, who had earlier been a part of the Delroys Boys group.
Also, an official from CMS had earlier confirmed that the skit had been performed at two other similar fests and was not extempore.
It is yet to be confirmed if the skit was presented before the faculty of Mount Carmel College.
A student of the College said, “When Under25 approached the judges to disqualify the performers of the skit, the judges labelled it as dark humour and said the skit was fine. However, some members quit the association as a mark of protest against the skit.”
Dr Charmaine Jerome, vice-principal of the College was not available to comment on the matter.
A police officer told The Indian Express, “We learnt that the skit was performed at MCC as well, but we need to find the video evidence for the same. Based on which further action will be taken.”
Krishnakant, DCP Bengaluru South, who did not comment on the involvement of the College in the play, said, “The nine accused in the case have been sent to judicial custody and further investigation is on.”
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.
25 killed in lightning strikes, hailstorms in several districts of Bihar
Patna, Apr 10 (PTI): At least 25 people were killed in lightning strikes and hailstorms in several districts of Bihar on Thursday, officials said.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), Nalanda reported 18 deaths, followed by two in Siwan, one each in Katihar, Darbhanga, Begusarai, Bhagalpur and Jehanabad.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, however, claimed in a post on X that over 50 people died on Thursday.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of more than 50 people in various incidents of storm, rain, lightning, tree and wall collapse in Bihar. I express my deepest condolences. May God provide strength to the families affected by the disaster in this hour of grief,” he wrote in Hindi.
He also said that the state government should compensate farmers for their crop loss due to the sudden rain and give them proper compensation.
Earlier, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar condoled the deaths and announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased.
On Wednesday, 13 people had died in lightning strikes in four districts of Bihar.
The India Meteorological Department has issued an ‘orange alert’ (be prepared) for a number of districts, including Darbhanga, East Champaran, Gopalganj, West Champaran, Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Gaya, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Nalanda, Nawada and Patna.
It has also forecast heavy rainfall on Friday and Saturday in these districts.
"Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) likely to occur at few places over Madhubani, Darbhanga, East Champaran, Gopalganj, West Champaran, Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Gaya, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Nalanda, Nawada, Patna," the IMD said in a bulletin.
Water-logging was also reported on Thursday from several parts of Patna following heavy rain.
The state capital recorded an average of 42.6 mm rainfall till 5.30 pm.
Officials of the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) and district administration, however, claimed that rainwater was drained out in the shortest possible time despite the downpour.
