Overview
- Ravneet Singh Bittu appeared before the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission on Wednesday and submitted a written apology in which he said the words he used were wrong and that he had deleted the viral video.
- The commission accepted the apology, directed Bittu to pay obeisance at four sites linked to the Scheduled Caste community and disposed of the matter to promote social harmony.
- The controversy began with a May 26 clash in Dhuri during civic polling when Bittu argued with police while seeking the release of a BJP leader and a video of the exchange circulated widely online.
- The commission had taken suo motu notice after the video went viral, asked for a police report, summoned Bittu and pressed him to appear in person after he missed two earlier hearings.
- During the hearing Bittu emphasised central government welfare measures for Scheduled Castes and the pilgrimage status given to Ambedkar-linked sites, a defence that may shape how the issue is discussed in political and public debate.