Congress Leader Arrested Over Alleged Casteist Remarks in Madhya Pradesh

Arrest of Congress Leader in Madhya Pradesh

In Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh, a Congress leader was taken into custody on Thursday following allegations of making derogatory and caste-based remarks against BJP MLA Rajendra Meshram.

A police official confirmed the arrest, stating that on September 21, MLA Meshram filed a complaint at the Vaidhana police station against Bhaskar Mishra, a former secretary of the state Congress unit, claiming that Mishra's comments could harm social harmony.

Punnu Singh Paraste, the city police superintendent, mentioned that a case has been registered against Mishra under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the Indian Penal Code.

He further noted that Mishra already has 14 criminal cases registered against him. The court has placed Mishra in judicial custody. A video of Mishra's alleged remarks surfaced on September 12, prompting protests.

While BJP leaders praised the police for their actions, asserting that no one has the right to use casteist slurs, the opposition Congress expressed dissent, claiming that a political comment was deliberately being linked to caste to exert pressure.