Protests by Valmiki Samaj against former MP Ramesh Katti’s alleged abusive statement in Karnataka

Karnataka Rajya Valmiki Samaj Samiti members held protests in Belagavi and other districts of Karnataka against former MP Ramesh Katti for his alleged abusive statements against the community.

Protests began on October 19 when the BJP leader reportedly made the remark before his supporters during elections to the Belagavi district central cooperative bank.

The first case was filed in Belagavi on October 19. Community leader Rajshekar Talwar registered a complaint against Ramesh Katti at Camp police station. He has demanded action under BNS and Prevention of Atrocities against SC/ST Communities Act. The complainant has submitted copies of a video clip featuring Ramesh Katti as proof.

The complaint states that while talking to his supporters after the polling was over, Ramesh Katti used obscene words against the entire Valmiki community while trying to criticise the Jarkiholi brothers. The video clip of this comment has gone viral on social media. Mr. Talwar told The Hindu that Valmiki community leaders had filed over two dozen cases against Ramesh Katti in various districts.

Mallikarjun Batagi, president of the Vijayapura district unit of Akhil Bharatiya Valmiki Samaj Seva Samiti, demanded the arrest of Ramesh Katti.

On October 20 and 21, members of Maharishi Valmiki Nayaka Samaj protested in Gokak, Belagavi, Hukkeri, Ramdurg, Bailhongal, Vijayapura, Kalaburagi, and other places, demanding the immediate arrest of Ramesh Katti. Protests were organised in Belagavi on October 21. The protestors gathered at the Rani Channamma Circle and expressed their anger. Some youth burnt Ramesh Katti’s portraits and put a garland of slippers on his images.

Protestors have called for a Karnataka bundh on October 24.