NCSC Seeks Arrest of Accused in Tarn Taran Remarks Case Within Five Days
NCSC directs immediate arrest of accused in Tarn Taran derogatory remarks case, flags probe delay, seeks protection for petitioner.
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has recommended the immediate arrest of accused persons in connection with alleged derogatory remarks made by Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Amrinder Singh Raja Warring against former Union Home Minister, the late Buta Singh, during an election campaign in Tarn Taran, Punjab.
Chairman Kishor Makwana presided over a hearing on the matter on Wednesday. The petitioner, Sarabjot Singh, son of the late Buta Singh, was present, along with DSP Harpreet Singh and DSP Gulzar Singh of Punjab Police, representing the respondent authorities.
The Commission expressed serious concern over the delay in completing the investigation and arresting the accused, despite recommendations made during a previous hearing on 5 May 2026. It noted that the required Action Taken Report had not been submitted within the stipulated 30-day period.
Taking serious note of the continuing delay, the Commission recommended that authorities initiate immediate action, in accordance with law, for the arrest of the accused and submit a status report within five days. It also urged expeditious completion of the investigation and filing of the charge-sheet before the competent court without further delay.
The Commission called upon the competent authority to examine accountability for the delay in investigation and arrest. If wilful neglect of duty by investigating officers is established, departmental action, including consideration under Section 4 of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, may be taken.
In view of the petitioner's complaint of receiving threatening calls from the alleged accused, the Commission recommended immediate and adequate police protection for Sarabjot Singh and his dependents in both Delhi and Punjab, under Section 15A of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. It reiterated that protection of victims, complainants, witnesses and their dependents is a statutory safeguard, and that the petitioner must be able to pursue the matter without fear or intimidation.
The Commission has sought an Action Taken Report on its recommendations within 30 days.