Ravneet Bittu appears before Punjab SC Commission, submits written apology over Dhuri remarks
Ravi Jakhu
Chandigarh, June 24, 2026: Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu appeared before the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission on Tuesday in connection with the alleged use of derogatory remarks against members of the Scheduled Caste community during an incident in Dhuri.
Bittu appeared before the Commission following summons issued by its Chairman, Jasvir Singh Garhi. During the hearing, the Commission provided the Union Minister an opportunity to present his version of events.
Clarifying his position, Bittu stated that he has deep respect for the Scheduled Caste community and expressed regret over the remarks allegedly made during the incident. He also submitted a written apology before the Commission.
In his apology letter, Bittu acknowledged that the words used by him were inappropriate and legally wrong. He further informed the Commission that the controversial video linked to the incident had been deleted.
The controversy dates back to the Municipal Council elections in Dhuri town of Sangrur district. During polling, Bittu was involved in an altercation with police officials while protesting the arrest of a BJP leader. As the dispute escalated, he allegedly made objectionable caste-related remarks against police personnel and members of the Scheduled Caste community. Videos of the incident later went viral on social media.
Taking suo motu notice of the matter, the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission sought a report from the Sangrur Police and summoned Bittu to appear before it. During two earlier hearings, the Union Minister was represented through legal counsel. However, the Commission later directed him to appear personally.
The Commission observed that the remarks attributed to Bittu and the subsequent deletion of the video had hurt public sentiments and had the potential to disturb social harmony in the state.
In view of maintaining communal harmony and social cohesion, the Commission directed Bittu to pay obeisance at four prominent religious places associated with the Scheduled Caste community in Punjab. These include Dera Baba Brahmdas, associated with the life and legacy of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar; Dera Sant Sarwan Dass Sachkhand Ballan, linked to Guru Ravidas Maharaj; Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal; and Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar.
The Commission ordered the Union Minister to visit these religious places and pay his respects as part of its directions in the matter.