The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has given the Punjab Police a five-day ultimatum to take action against Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, the State Congress chief. This directive follows allegations that Warring made derogatory comments about Buta Singh, a former Union Home Minister and prominent Dalit leader. The NCSC’s intervention underscores the urgency of addressing issues related to caste discrimination and accountability in political discourse.
At a hearing chaired by NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana on Monday, the Commission expressed “serious concern” over the delay in the investigation and arrests despite its earlier directions.
The NCSC has sought an examination of accountability for the delay. The political stakes are high. The NCSC’s intervention also provides the opposition and Dalit organisations fresh ammunition to question whether the Punjab Police has acted with sufficient urgency.
It had also sought an Action Taken Report within 30 days. If deliberate dereliction of duty by investigating officers is established, the Commission has recommended departmental action and consideration of proceedings under Section 4 of the SC/ST Act. With Punjab already heading towards the 2027 Assembly election cycle, the controversy involving the state Congress chief and remarks concerning a prominent Dalit political figure could become another flashpoint over the treatment and representation of Scheduled Castes.
However, the Commission said the report had still not been received.
The NCSC had previously 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.
