Mahisagar Collector Neha Kumari’s alleged ‘casteist remarks’ invite NCSC notice

The row involving Mahisagar Collector Neha Kumari’s comments over the misuse of the ‘atrocity act’ has taken a serious shape as the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has taken cognisance of it and has issued notice to her.

A controversy erupted when Kumari while addressing a crowd at a taluka-level programme, had passed derogatory remarks against the applicants of a proposal at the public event.

Kumari had addressed the applicant with the term ‘Chappal Khol Ke Maarne Jaisi Hai’ (they are worth hitting with a sandal).

The state’s Dalit community leaders condemned her statement. Moreover, a massive protest is to take place on Friday against Kumari’s comments in Mahisagar’s Lunawada, organised by Congress’ Vadgam MLA Jignesh Mevani.

Notably, after alleging sheer inaction by the state’s BJP government despite registering several complaints, the issue was taken up with the NCSC by an applicant named Sanjay Parmar.

Parmar levied serious charges against Kumari, including the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, as well as human rights violations.

NCSC Deputy Director Anuradha Dusane issued a notice to Gujarat’s Director General of Police (DGP) Vikas Sahay, seeking an action taken report (ATR) regarding this ordeal, providing the victim’s, as well as the accused’s name.

Alongside, the notice sought details regarding proceedings by the police department in this case. It sought a reply from the police chief within 15 days of its issuance.

The NCSC also observed that the accused in this case will be produced before them within seven days after the police department fails to respond to this notice.