A veterinary doctor from Bal Sachandar village in Amritsar has lodged a complaint alleging that the local police have failed to apprehend the village nambardar, despite an FIR being registered for alleged casteist slurs against the complainant. The doctor further claims he is now facing threats to withdraw the case.
The Chenab Times has learned that Dr. Ravail Singh has submitted a fresh complaint to the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, and Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar. He is seeking the inclusion of the village sarpanch and another individual as co-accused in the ongoing investigation.
Advocate Ravi Mahajan, who is representing Dr. Singh, stated that if the police do not take appropriate action, legal recourse will be sought by moving a petition against both the police department and the accused parties in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
According to the allegations made by Dr. Ravail Singh, the village nambardar reportedly hurled caste-based abuses at him on June 6, stemming from a personal enmity. Subsequently, on July 10, the accused allegedly repeated the casteist slurs over the phone, using the mobile device of an associate.
The complaint highlights a pattern of alleged harassment and discrimination, prompting the complainant to escalate his plea to higher authorities in the state administration and police. The doctor’s move to involve the Chief Minister and DGP underscores the gravity with which he views the alleged inaction and ongoing threats.
Incidents of caste-based discrimination and abuse remain a significant concern in various parts of India, with legal frameworks in place to address such offenses. The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, provides stringent provisions against atrocities committed on members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. However, the implementation and effectiveness of these laws often depend on swift and decisive action from law enforcement agencies.
In this particular case, the delay in apprehending the accused, coupled with alleged threats against the complainant, has led to a perception of inadequate response from the Amritsar police. The complainant’s legal representative’s statement about approaching the High Court signifies a potential judicial intervention if administrative action is not forthcoming.
The allegations involve not only the use of casteist remarks but also a continuation of such abuse and subsequent threats, which could be construed as attempts to obstruct justice. The inclusion of the village sarpanch and another individual as co-accused suggests a wider network involved in the alleged harassment, necessitating a thorough investigation by the police authorities.
The incident draws attention to the challenges faced by victims of caste-based discrimination in securing justice, particularly when they allege police inaction. The Punjab Police, under the leadership of DGP Gaurav Yadav, has previously emphasized its commitment to addressing all forms of crime, including those rooted in social discrimination. However, this case presents a direct challenge to that commitment and requires prompt and transparent handling.
The Amritsar Police Commissioner’s office is expected to review the fresh complaint and take necessary steps to ensure that the FIR is acted upon effectively and that the complainant is provided adequate protection against further threats. The outcome of this complaint is likely to be closely watched as it pertains to the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and the responsiveness of law enforcement in the region.
The Chenab Times News Desk