Chandigarh: The National Commission for Scheduled Castes has directed Punjab authorities to take immediate legal steps to arrest those accused, including Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, in connection with alleged derogatory remarks made against former Union Home Minister late Buta Singh.
The directive was issued on Monday during a hearing presided over by NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana. The commission instructed the concerned authorities to provide an update on the action taken within five days, while calling for the prompt completion of the probe and the filing of a charge sheet before the competent court without further delay.
The case originates from alleged objectionable remarks made by Warring during an election campaign meeting in Tarn Taran. During Monday’s proceedings, Punjab Police DSP Harpreet Singh and DSP Gulzar Singh from the Economic Offences and Cyber Crime wings represented the state authorities, while the petitioner, Sarabjot Singh, son of late Buta Singh, was also present.
Expressing serious concern over the procedural delays in arresting the accused and concluding the investigation, the commission noted that its earlier recommendations from May 5, 2026, and requests for an Action Taken Report had not been addressed. The panel recommended fixing accountability for these lapses, suggesting departmental action and potential proceedings under Section 4 of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities Act against investigating officers if wilful neglect of duty is established, with a comprehensive report due within 30 days.
The commission also addressed safety concerns raised by Sarabjot Singh regarding alleged continuous threats, recommending immediate and adequate police protection for him and his dependants in both Punjab and Delhi under Section 15A of the Act to ensure he can pursue the case without fear or harassment.
