The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has issued a notice to the state police chief regarding allegations against IAS officer Neha Kumari, the Mahisagar District Collector. The controversy arises from a viral video in which she is purportedly heard making abusive remarks toward a Dalit youth and denigrating members of the legal profession.
In the video, dated October 23, Neha Kumari allegedly refers to Vijay Parmar, a Dalit youth, as a “harami” and speaks about hitting him and lawyers with slippers. Furthermore, she reportedly dismisses cases of atrocities filed by Dalits and tribals as mere acts of blackmail.
Sanjay Parmar, leader of the Caste Eradication Committee, submitted a formal representation to the NCSC, prompting the commission to demand an explanation from the state police chief. The commission may also hold a hearing on the matter and, if necessary, recommend the registration of a case against Kumari.
The allegations have sparked significant protests. Activists from Dalit and tribal organisations have filed police complaints against Neha Kumari in over 140 police stations across the state as of November 26. A joint meeting of Dalit, tribal, and OBC communities is scheduled to be held in Lunawada on December 6, coinciding with the death anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Meanwhile, the state government has announced a tribal upliftment programme to be held in Lunawada at the same time. Critics allege that the government’s initiative is a strategic move to counter and suppress the growing movement against the controversial remarks attributed to the IAS officer.
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