FIR against Punjab Congress chief Warring over caste-based comments on Buta Singh

The Cyber Crime Police Station, Kapurthala, has registered an FIR against Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president and MP Amrinder Singh, also known as Raja Warring, over allegations of making derogatory, caste-based remarks against the late former Union Home Minister Buta Singh, who belonged to the Mazhabi Sikh (Scheduled Caste) community.

The complaint was filed by Sarabjot Singh Sidhu, son of the late leader, and former minister Joginder Singh Maan (nephew of Buta Singh), who alleged that while addressing a public gathering during a by-election campaign in Tarn Taran, the Congress leader used objectionable language referring to his late father’s caste and physical appearance.

The complainant stated that the accused allegedly remarked that Buta Singh was made Union Home Minister “only because he was a black Mazhabi Sikh who worked in buffalo fodder feeding activities".

Sidhu argued that the statement was socially demeaning, defamatory and aimed at humiliating not only his father’s legacy but the entire Mazhabi Sikh community.

According to the FIR, the remarks were reportedly made in public and have caused deep resentment among members of Scheduled Caste communities.

The complaint further states that such language reinforces caste-based discrimination and violates constitutional values of equality and dignity.

Sidhu asserted that the words amounted to body shaming, caste humiliation and promotion of hatred, claiming that the intent behind the statement was to create disrespect toward a marginalised community.

The matter was placed before the Senior Superintendent of Police, Kapurthala, who sought a legal review from the Deputy District Attorney.

In a legal opinion dated November 3, the prosecution advised that a prima facie offense was made out under relevant provisions of the law.

Acting on the recommendation, the SSP directed the Cyber Crime Police to register a case.

Following the directive, the FIR was formally lodged on November 4 under Section 353 and Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with Sections 3(1)(u) and 3(1)(v) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

The case has been handed over for investigation and officials have confirmed that further inquiry is underway to verify the allegations and collect evidence, including video recordings, witness statements, and media reports related to the alleged speech.

Police officials stated that a copy of the FIR has been provided to the complainant and relevant supervisory officers and the control room were informed immediately after registration of the case.

No statement has yet been issued by the accused or his representatives regarding the allegations.

The investigation will examine whether the statement was made in the reported manner, the context of the speech, and whether the legal provisions invoked in the FIR are applicable. Authorities have indicated that action will proceed as per the findings of the probe.