NCSC Gives Punjab Police Five-Day Deadline in Case Against State Congress Chief
NCSC sets five-day deadline for Punjab Police action against Amarinder Singh Raja Warring over alleged anti-Dalit remarks; flags probe delay and threats to complainant.
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has directed the Punjab Police to act within five days against State Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring over his alleged derogatory remarks targeting former Union Home Minister and Dalit leader Buta Singh.
At a hearing chaired by NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana on Monday, the Commission voiced serious concern over the lack of progress in the investigation and the failure to make arrests despite earlier directives. The case stems from remarks allegedly made by Warring during an election campaign in Tarn Taran district.
Buta Singh's son, Sarbjot Singh, who filed the complaint, attended the hearing and told the Commission he has been receiving threatening calls from individuals linked to the case. The NCSC has now recommended immediate and adequate police protection for Sarbjot Singh and his dependants in both Punjab and Delhi, stressing that safeguarding complainants and witnesses is a statutory duty, not a discretionary act.
The Commission had earlier instructed Punjab authorities to complete the probe within a prescribed timeline and provide security under Section 15A of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. It had also sought an Action Taken Report within 30 days, which has not yet been received.
In its latest directive, the NCSC has called for an examination of accountability for the delay. If deliberate dereliction of duty by investigating officers is established, it has recommended departmental action and consideration of proceedings under Section 4 of the SC/ST Act.
The controversy carries political weight as Punjab moves toward the 2027 Assembly election cycle. The case involving the state Congress chief and remarks about a prominent Dalit figure could sharpen debates on the treatment and representation of Scheduled Castes. The NCSC's intervention also gives opposition parties and Dalit organisations grounds to question whether the Punjab Police has acted with sufficient urgency.