Commission Takes Suo-Moto Notice of Ambedkar Statue Vandalism, Sarpanch Hostage Incident and Attack on Dalit Families
Chandigarh News (April 2): Taking serious note of incidents involving atrocities against Dalits and marginalized sections across Punjab, Chairman of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission, Mr. Jasvir Singh Garhi, has issued three consecutive suo-moto notices in separate cases. Immediately upon his return from abroad, the Chairman directed swift action and sought detailed reports from the concerned police authorities.
According to information received by the Commission, an incident was reported from Kathgarh town in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district, where a woman Sarpanch and her husband, Baba Kale Shah, were allegedly held hostage, subjected to caste-based abuse, and physically assaulted. Taking serious cognizance of the matter, the Commission has directed the Senior Superintendent of Police, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, to submit a detailed report by April 7, 2026.
In another case, damage to the statue of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar was reported in village Noorpur Jattan, district Hoshiarpur. The Commission has directed the Senior Superintendent of Police, Hoshiarpur, to appear with a comprehensive report on April 9, 2026.
Similarly, in a third incident reported from village Beipuri in Tarn Taran district, two Dalit families were allegedly assaulted, abused, and their household belongings damaged by the village Sarpanch. Videos related to the incident have also gone viral on social media, raising serious concerns. Taking strict notice, the Commission has sought a detailed report from the Senior Superintendent of Police, Tarn Taran, by April 9, 2026, directing that a DSP-level officer must personally appear before the Commission to present the report.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi said that atrocities against poor, marginalized, and Dalit communities will not be tolerated under any circumstances in Punjab. He emphasized that the Commission is committed to taking immediate action in such cases and ensuring strict legal proceedings against those found guilty.
He further warned that if any responsible officers of concerned departments are found negligent in handling cases of caste-based discrimination, action will also be initiated against them under Section 4 of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
The Chairman reiterated that the Commission remains committed to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and security of Scheduled Castes and other marginalized communities across Punjab, and any attempt to undermine these rights will invite strict legal consequences.
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