SP spokesperson booked over alleged casteist remarks at Delhi event

Agra: An FIR was registered against Samajwadi Party national spokesperson Raj Kumar Bhati on Tuesday over alleged casteist and objectionable remarks made during an event at Delhi’s Constitution Club on May 14. The case was registered at Civil Lines police station on a complaint by members of Muzaffarnagar Jat Mahasabha, who accused Bhati of making derogatory comments about women and members of Jat and Gurjar communities during his speech.The controversy erupted after a programme organised by All India Jat Mahasabha to mark the death anniversaries of former PM Chaudhary Charan Singh and farmer leader Mahendra Singh Tikait. The event was attended by farmer leader Rakesh Tikait and Congress MP Deepender Hooda. Jat Mahasabha secretary Rajveer Singh alleged that Bhati made several objectionable remarks during the programme. “We want strict action against him,” he said.Muzaffarnagar Jat Mahasabha members met SSP Sanjay Kumar Verma and submitted a memorandum seeking action against Bhati. Verma said the case was registered under BNS sections 196, promoting enmity between groups, and 356, defamation and insult affecting dignity. “The matter was examined by the CO (City), and prima facie evidence supporting the allegations was found,” Verma said.