The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has given Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu until June 15 to respond to allegations of making casteist remarks against police officers during his recent visit to Dhuri town. Commission Chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi disclosed that although Ravneet Singh was summoned on Thursday, his representatives sought and were granted an extension. Ravneet Singh has expressed regret for any unintended offense caused, emphasizing that his comments were made in a highly charged situation during the civic body elections in Sangrur.
Union Minister Ravneet Singh clarified that his remarks were not meant to demean any specific community, including Scheduled Castes, OBCs, Hindus, Sikhs, or others. He explained that the comments were made in the heat of a confrontation with Punjab Police personnel on May 26, which garnered selective attention due to the tense atmosphere. Additionally, he offered apologies to various social groups, NGOs, deras, and religious leaders if his statements were perceived as offensive.
Following the circulation of a video on social media, the State Commission for Scheduled Castes instructed the Senior Superintendent of Police to investigate an incident involving the detention of BJP leader Onkar Singh during the silent period of campaigning. A video capturing a tense exchange between the Union Minister and police officials, including Senior Superintendent Ravjot Grewal and Superintendent Rajesh Chibber, went viral, prompting the commission’s intervention. Punjab AAP President Aman Arora criticized the Union Minister for alleged hooliganism and using objectionable language towards police personnel in Dhuri.
