The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has summoned Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu to appear before it on June 4,  in connection with allegations that he used caste-related remarks during a public event.

Commission Chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi said the matter came to the commission’s attention through social media posts alleging that Bittu had used caste-indicative language during a visit to Dhuri in Punjab.

Garhi said the commission subsequently sought a report from the Senior Superintendent of Police in Sangrur district. However, after reviewing the report submitted by the police, the commission expressed dissatisfaction with its findings and decided to summon the minister to present his version of events.

The commission has asked Bittu to appear in person before it on June 4.

The development comes despite Bittu having already issued a public apology to members of the Scheduled Castes community.

Speaking during a visit to Amritsar, the Union minister said that certain remarks were made inadvertently during the heat of political debate and election-related exchanges. He acknowledged that some of the words he used may have been inappropriate and expressed regret if they had hurt the sentiments of the Scheduled Castes community.