Chandigarh, June 1
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 over alleged casteist remarks made during his recent visit to Dhuri.
According to an official statement, Commission Chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi said the matter came to the Commission’s notice through videos and posts circulating on social media. The Commission had sought a report from the Senior Superintendent of Police, Sangrur, but expressed dissatisfaction with the police’s findings.
The controversy stems from an incident on May 26 during civic body elections in Dhuri, when Bittu allegedly had a heated exchange with police officials while demanding the release of BJP leader Onkar Singh. Singh had reportedly been detained for alleged campaigning during the silent period before polling.
Following the incident, allegations surfaced that objectionable remarks were used against police personnel. A video of the confrontation also circulated widely on social media.
On Sunday, Bittu publicly apologized to the Scheduled Caste community for his remarks. Speaking to reporters in Amritsar, the Union minister said the words he used should not have been spoken and expressed regret over the incident.
Bittu also stated that he was willing to apologize before the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission if required.
Punjab AAP president Aman Arora had earlier criticized the Union minister over the incident and accused him of misconduct during the confrontation with police personnel in Dhuri.
The Commission is expected to hear the matter on June 4.
