Chandigarh: Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring is facing fresh pressure over alleged derogatory remarks about former Union Home Minister and Dalit leader Buta Singh, with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) now giving Punjab Police five days to take action in the case.
The Commission has questioned the delay in the investigation and sought a report from the state authorities. The issue came up during an NCSC hearing chaired by its chairman Kishor Makwana on Monday.
The case was filed after a complaint by Sarbjot Singh, the son of the late Buta Singh. He has alleged that Warring made casteist remarks about his father during an election campaign in Tarn Taran district.
An FIR was registered against Warring in November 2025. Police invoked provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act along with Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Warring has denied any intention to insult Buta Singh and later issued an unconditional apology. He said Buta Singh was a senior Congress leader and someone he regarded with great respect, even describing him as being like a father figure.
However, the matter has not ended with the apology.
The NCSC had earlier directed Punjab Police to complete the investigation within the prescribed period and submit an Action Taken Report. According to the latest proceedings, the Commission said the report, which was expected within 30 days, had not been received.
The Commission has also raised concerns about the safety of Sarbjot Singh. He has alleged that he received threatening calls from people connected with the matter. The NCSC has recommended that he and his dependants be provided immediate and adequate police protection in Punjab as well as Delhi.
The Commission has further asked authorities to examine the delay by the investigating officers. If it is found that officials deliberately failed to perform their duties, the NCSC has recommended departmental action and consideration of proceedings under Section 4 of the SC/ST Act.
For Warring, the controversy comes at a politically sensitive time in Punjab. As preparations gradually build towards the 2027 Assembly elections, the dispute has again put questions around caste, political language and the treatment of Dalit leaders in the spotlight.
For now, all eyes are on Punjab Police and what action, if any, follows the NCSC’s five day deadline.
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