AAP approaches national commission for scheduled castes on assault case

NEW DELHI: A day after its councillor Rakesh Kumar was allegedly manhandled by BJP councillors, the AAP today approached the National Commission for Scheduled Castes demanding strict action under the provisions of the SC/ST Act against those who assaulted him.

A party delegation led by AAP's Delhi unit convenor Dilip Pandey and including Kumar and party MLA Rajendra Pal Gautam, went to the Commission's office here.

Pandey said since Chairman P L Punia was not in the office, they were assured that the issue would be taken up on Monday.

Claiming that the attack was an act of "murder of his human right", Kumar in his complaint has alleged that he was not only manhandled, but was also hurled with "castiest abuses". He also demanded protection from the BJP councillors.

Later speaking to reporters Pandey said that the alleged attack on Kumar reflected the "anti-minority" and "anti-dalit" attitude of the BJP.

He further alleged that ever since the BJP has came to power, attacks on dalits and minorities have "increased".

Pandey said the party will also protest outside the BJP office tomorrow morning.

Terming the attack as "utterly shameful", Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had yesterday accused BJP of "assaulting dalits" all over the country and said Aam Aadmi Party will take up the matter with the President.