The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission on Monday summoned Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu to appear before it on June 4 in connection with allegations that he used casteist remarks during a recent visit to Dhuri.
Commission Chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi said the matter came to the Commission's notice through videos and content circulating on social media, which allegedly showed Bittu using objectionable caste-related words during his interaction in Dhuri.
According to an official statement, the Commission had sought a report from the Senior Superintendent of Police, Sangrur, regarding the incident. However, after examining the report submitted by the police, the Commission expressed dissatisfaction and decided to summon the Union minister for a personal appearance.
The development comes a day after Bittu publicly apologised to members of the Scheduled Caste community over his remarks, acknowledging that the language he used was inappropriate. The BJP leader said that as a minister he should have exercised restraint and admitted that such words should not have been uttered under any circumstances. He also expressed his willingness to appear before the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission and tender an apology.
Also read: J-K Police ASI succumbs to injuries in Jammu
The controversy stems from an incident on May 26 in Dhuri, where Bittu was involved in a heated exchange with police officials while seeking the release of BJP leader Onkar Singh. The latter had reportedly been detained by the police for allegedly campaigning during the silence period ahead of the civic body elections.
During the confrontation, Bittu was accused of using objectionable and caste-related remarks against police personnel. Voting for civic body elections in Punjab was held on the same day. Addressing reporters in Amritsar on Sunday, Bittu expressed regret over the incident and apologised to anyone who may have been hurt by his comments.
"I bow my head and apologise to all members of the Scheduled Caste community who may have been hurt by my words. Whatever the circumstances at that time, being a minister, I should not have used such language. It should not have happened," he said.
A video of the altercation between Bittu and police officials subsequently went viral on social media, drawing criticism from political opponents and triggering demands for action.
Earlier, Punjab AAP president Aman Arora had strongly criticised Bittu, accusing him of engaging in "gundagardi" and using objectionable language against police personnel during the Dhuri incident. The Commission is expected to hear the matter when Bittu appears before it on June 4.
Follow us
