Sunny Khurma
Cheif Editor
Jalandhar, October 4, 2026: BJP leader and former Jalandhar West MLA Sheetal Angural has praised National Commission for Scheduled Castes Chairman Kishor Makwana for what he described as a proactive approach towards complaints involving members of the Scheduled Caste community in Punjab.
Angural said complaints alleging injustice and delays in securing relief for Scheduled Caste families need to be handled with seriousness, transparency and accountability.
His remarks came as the National Commission for Scheduled Castes initiated proceedings in connection with the death of a Scheduled Caste youth in Sangrur and sought a detailed report from the district authorities.
Commission Seeks Report Within 15 Days
The Commission has issued notices to the Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police, Sangrur, directing them to submit an Action Taken Report within 15 days.
The report has been sought on several aspects of the case, including the status of the investigation, police action, FIR and relevant legal provisions, arrests, chargesheet proceedings and compensation available to the affected family under applicable rules.
Angural described the Commission’s intervention as an important step towards ensuring that the matter receives proper administrative and police attention.
He said asking senior district officers to provide a time-bound response strengthens accountability and gives the affected family an institutional platform to raise its concerns.
Angural Calls Sangrur Case Serious
Referring to the Sangrur case, Angural said the circumstances surrounding the youth’s death were serious and required an impartial investigation.
He maintained that every allegation should be examined on the basis of evidence and that the administration and police must ensure that the legal process is conducted fairly.
Angural also referred to other incidents involving members of the Scheduled Caste community in Punjab and said repeated complaints seeking intervention were a matter of concern.
These comments represent Angural’s assessment of the situation. Individual allegations and questions of responsibility remain subject to investigation and due legal process.
‘Fight Is Against Injustice’
Angural said his campaign should not be viewed as being directed against any particular individual or institution.
He maintained that his objective was to ensure that allegations of injustice are properly investigated and that anyone found responsible after a lawful inquiry faces appropriate action.
According to Angural, Scheduled Caste families should not have to repeatedly approach different offices simply to secure an investigation or receive information about action taken on their complaints.
He said constitutional institutions have an important role in ensuring that complaints concerning the rights of Scheduled Castes are examined in a timely manner.
Makwana’s Role Draws Praise
Angural praised Kishor Makwana for actively taking up complaints and seeking accountability from government authorities.
Makwana currently heads the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, a constitutional body responsible for monitoring safeguards provided to Scheduled Castes and examining complaints involving alleged deprivation of their rights.
The Commission operates under Article 338 of the Constitution, which gives it powers to investigate and monitor matters relating to constitutional and legal safeguards available to Scheduled Castes.
In cases where authorities fail to submit required information, the Commission can exercise powers available to it under the Constitution, including seeking the personal appearance of officials where necessary.
Previous Punjab Matters Also Taken Up
The Commission has intervened in several Punjab-related matters during recent months.
In September, it sought a report from the Punjab Government following a separate complaint filed by Angural concerning another Sangrur case.
The Commission has also sought responses in matters involving implementation of reservation provisions and complaints affecting Scheduled Caste candidates.
Angural said such intervention strengthens confidence among families who believe their grievances are not being addressed quickly enough at the local level.
Focus Now on Sangrur Authorities’ Response
Attention will now turn to the response submitted by the Sangrur administration and police.
The 15-day report is expected to provide the Commission with the official status of the investigation and details of steps already taken by the authorities.
The Commission can examine that response before deciding whether further directions or proceedings are required.
Angural said he hoped the case would continue to be monitored until the facts were established and the affected family received a clear outcome through the legal process.
He added that protecting the dignity, constitutional rights and access to justice of Scheduled Caste citizens should remain a priority regardless of political differences.
For now, the Sangrur matter remains under examination, and responsibility for any wrongdoing can only be determined after the investigation and legal process are completed.
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