CHANDIGARH: Union minister of state for railways Ravneet Singh Bittu will appear before the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission on June 4 in connection with allegations that he used casteist remarks during his visit to Dhuri on May 26.
The commission issued a notice to the minister on June 1, summoning him to appear before it on June 4. Bittu is expected to appear at around 11am before commission chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi.
The controversy stems from an incident on May 26, when Bittu was involved in a heated exchange with police officials in Dhuri while demanding the release of BJP leader Onkar Singh. Singh had reportedly been detained for allegedly campaigning during the “silent period” ahead of the civic elections.
During the confrontation, the minister allegedly used objectionable and caste-related remarks against police personnel, prompting complaints and subsequent intervention by the commission. Taking cognisance of the allegations, the commission sought an explanation from the Union minister and directed him to appear in person.