The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has initiated a suo motu inquiry into a purported video clip in which Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring is accused of using derogatory language against the Aam Aadmi Party government's cash assistance scheme for women.
Commission's Action
Commission Chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi stated that cabinet minister Baljit Kaur brought the matter to the commission's attention, alleging that Warring used caste-based slurs against Dalits during the urban local body election campaign. The commission has requested a report from the Muktsar Senior Superintendent of Police by May 29 and has directed the police to obtain a voice sample from Warring for forensic analysis.
Warring's Denial
Warring has rejected the allegations, asserting that the video clip is a fake that has been recirculated after seven years to coincide with the local body elections. He has written to the Director General of Police and the State Election Commission, demanding an FIR against those circulating the recording. Warring questioned the commission's decision to take suo motu notice without first verifying the clip's authenticity. 'This only proves there is a definite design behind circulating this clip during the elections,' he said.
Warring further stated that the culprits behind the 'malicious campaign' would eventually be identified and dealt with strictly according to law, adding that he is proceeding with legal action against all parties involved.
