Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Union Minister of State for Railways and senior BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu appeared before the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission on Wednesday in connection with a controversy over alleged casteist remarks. Through his legal representatives, Bittu presented his detailed response before the commission and admitted that certain words used by him during the incident were legally inappropriate. He also reiterated that he had already issued a public apology over the matter.
During the hearing, Commission Chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi advised Bittu to visit four prominent religious and social sites to promote social harmony and brotherhood. The chairman suggested that Bittu pay respects at Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, Dera Ballan in Jalandhar, Ram Tirath Temple in Amritsar, and the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Memorial in Phillaur.
Garhi said such visits would help acknowledge the sentiments of the affected community and send a positive message to society. He added that the gesture could also help ease tensions and emotional distress caused by the controversy.
Explaining the circumstances surrounding the incident, Bittu told the commission that the situation was highly tense on the day of the controversy. He said the disputed video had already been removed from his social media platforms.
According to Bittu, he was first stopped in Sangrur by a police officer who informed him that BJP leader Onkar Singh had been taken into custody. He said he then went to the concerned police station but was told that Onkar Singh had been shifted elsewhere.
Bittu alleged that he was subjected to inappropriate treatment during the episode, which left him mentally disturbed. He further claimed that upon reaching Dhuri, he became involved in a heated exchange with police officials amid an already tense atmosphere.
