Chandigarh, June 25: Railway Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu appeared before the Punjab State Scheduled Caste Commission on June 24, following allegations of making casteist remarks against police officers. He submitted a written apology during the hearing.
Commission Chairman Jasveer Singh Gadhi instructed Bittu to visit four locations associated with the Scheduled Caste community to express his remorse. In his defense, Bittu stated that he is committed to respecting the Scheduled Caste community and expressed deep regret for his unintentional words.
He also provided a written apology to the commission, acknowledging that his choice of words was legally inappropriate and confirmed that he has removed the controversial video from social media.
The incident occurred during voting for municipal council elections in Dhuri, Sangrur district. Bittu had engaged in a heated argument with police officials while protesting the arrest of a BJP leader. As tensions escalated, he allegedly made offensive and casteist comments regarding the police officers and the Scheduled Caste community.
Videos of the incident went viral on social media, prompting the commission to take suo motu cognizance of the matter. They requested a report from the police and summoned Bittu for a personal appearance.
Previously, Bittu’s lawyers had represented him during two hearings before the commission. However, the commission adopted a firm stance, directing him to appear personally. They concluded that Bittu’s remarks and the circumstances surrounding the removal of the video had hurt societal sentiments and could disrupt communal harmony in Punjab.
To maintain social harmony in the future, the commission ordered Bittu to visit four religious sites to pay his respects. These sites include: Dera Baba Brahmdas (linked to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar), Dera Sant Sarwan Das Sachkhand Ballan (associated with Guru Ravidas Maharaj), the Bhagwan Valmiki pilgrimage site, and Sri Darbar Sahib in Amritsar.
The commission has mandated that he visit these religious sites and express his respect as part of their directives.
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