Punjab Police Told To Act Over Congress Leader’s Alleged Anti-Dalit Remarks

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has given the Punjab Police five days to take action against State Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring over alleged derogatory remarks concerning former Union Home Minister and Dalit leader Buta Singh. The direction came during a hearing chaired by NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana on Monday, with the Commission expressing concern over the delay in the investigation and arrests despite its earlier directions.

The case stems from remarks allegedly made by Warring during an election campaign in Tarn Taran district. Buta Singh’s son, Sarbjot Singh, who is the petitioner in the matter, attended Monday’s hearing. He has also alleged that he has received threatening calls from individuals linked to the case, adding a security dimension to the ongoing dispute.

The NCSC had earlier directed Punjab authorities to complete the investigation within the prescribed timeline and provide protection to Sarbjot Singh and his dependants under Section 15A of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The Commission had also sought an Action Taken Report within 30 days, but noted that the report had not been submitted.

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Expressing concern over the delay, the Commission has sought accountability for the handling of the case. It has recommended departmental action if deliberate dereliction of duty by investigating officers is established and has also called for consideration of proceedings under Section 4 of the SC/ST Act. The latest directive effectively puts the Punjab Police under a five-day deadline to demonstrate progress in the matter.

The Commission has separately recommended immediate and adequate police protection for Sarbjot Singh and his dependants in both Punjab and Delhi. The NCSC stressed the importance of protecting complainants and their families while an investigation involving alleged offences under legislation designed to protect Scheduled Castes is underway.

The controversy also carries political significance in Punjab, where parties are preparing for the 2027 Assembly elections. The allegations involving the state Congress chief and remarks concerning a prominent Dalit political figure could intensify debates over the treatment and representation of Scheduled Castes. The NCSC intervention is likely to add pressure on the Punjab government and police to complete the investigation and respond to the concerns raised by the complainant.

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