4 days ago
Former BJP MP Faces Fresh FIR Over Alleged Dalit Remarks
Police have filed a new case against former BJP MP Pratap Simha.
They say he insulted Dalit community members during a Ganesha procession.
The procession happened on September 18 in T Narasipura, in Mysuru district.
The complaint was filed by Madhu K T of a local Ambedkar-related organization.
The case uses laws that protect Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities.
Police also say the speech included remarks about an inspector’s caste.
An earlier case was filed over alleged provocative comments about that inspector.
Simha says the allegations are completely false.
He says he respects B R Ambedkar and will fight the case in court.
Police registered a fresh FIR against former BJP MP Pratap Simha on September 22 over alleged derogatory remarks against Dalit community members.
The alleged remarks were made during a September 18 Ganesha idol immersion procession outside the T Narasipura police station in Mysuru district.
The complaint was filed by Madhu K T, president of the B R Ambedkar Kshemabhivruddhi Kreeda Kala Sangha.
The case cites the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and Sections 352 and 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Simha denied making anti-Dalit remarks, while an earlier FIR concerned alleged provocative comments about Inspector Dhananjaya B.
- Who
- Former BJP MP Pratap Simha is accused; the latest complaint was filed by Madhu K T, president of the B R Ambedkar Kshemabhivruddhi Kreeda Kala Sangha.
- What
- Police registered a fresh FIR over alleged public insults against Dalit activists and alleged caste-related remarks about an inspector.
- Where
- During a Ganesha idol immersion procession on a public road outside the T Narasipura police station in Mysuru district, Karnataka.
- When
- The alleged incident occurred on September 18; the fresh FIR was registered on September 22 and reported on September 23.
- Why
- The complaint alleged that Simha publicly insulted Dalit community members, portrayed them in a degrading manner, and referred to an inspector’s caste.
Police and Complainants’ Allegations
Pratap Simha’s Response
Alleged remarks against Dalits
Police and Complainants’ Allegations
The complaint and FIR allege that Simha delivered an insulting and abusive speech targeting Dalit activists and portraying them in a degrading manner.
Pratap Simha’s Response
Simha said the allegation was completely false and that he never spoke against the Dalit community.
Remarks about Inspector Dhananjaya B
Police and Complainants’ Allegations
Police records allege that Simha made provocative comments about the inspector and referred to his caste during the procession.
Pratap Simha’s Response
Simha questioned what he had said that justified an atrocity case and maintained that he acted within the Constitution and the law.
Political interpretation
Police and Complainants’ Allegations
Dalit organisations protested in support of the police officer, while BJP leaders later said Simha’s remarks were his personal opinion rather than the party’s position.
Pratap Simha’s Response
Simha said he respects B R Ambedkar, has written about his contributions, and is not anti-Dalit.
Key facts
- Accused
- Former BJP MP Pratap Simha
- Latest FIR
- Registered September 22 at T Narasipura police station
- Alleged incident
- Ganesha idol immersion procession held on September 18
- Complainant
- Madhu K T, president of the B R Ambedkar Kshemabhivruddhi Kreeda Kala Sangha
- Laws cited
- Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act; Sections 352 and 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
- Earlier FIR
- Registered over alleged provocative remarks targeting Inspector Dhananjaya B
- Simha’s response
- He denied anti-Dalit remarks, described the allegation as false, and said he would contest it in court
Quotes
Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar
BJP MP from Mysuru-Kodagu
“It is totally a false allegation, and I never spoke against the Dalit community at all. I want all to read B R Ambedkar’s books. I have been a great admirer and have written articles about his contribution. I will fight it in the court using the same constitutional rights that Ambedkar provided to our country.”
indianexpress.com
“We respect the police department, but not incompetent officers like Dhananjaya. You are drawing salary from the taxpayers’ money. We will come to power in one and a half years and clear all dues.”
indianexpress.com
A senior police officer
A police officer commenting on the registration of the case and ongoing investigation
“We have registered an FIR under appropriate sections of the law based on the complaint received, and further investigation is underway.”
theprint.in
Sources
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