FIR against Khimi Ram,Dhami: Investigation to start today

The FIR under Section 3(1)-10 of the Act was registered at the Kullu police station on Saturday on the basis of a complaint filed by party’s district president Ram Singh,a veteran RSS activist and BJP leader.

Director General of Police D S Manhas had earlier confirmed that the FIR was registered after the police received a complaint from Ram Singh. “According to law,investigations into the FIR will be done by an officer not below the gazetted rank,” he had said.

Ram Singh said he was compelled to lodge the FIR against Khimi Ram after Dharamvir Dhami used some objectionable words related to his caste in a meeting on Friday where other leaders,including MLA Govind Thakur,were also present.

“Whatever Dhami uttered at the meeting was endorsed by Khimi Ram ji. It was unacceptable to me and I chose to lodge the FIR in my personal capacity as I belong to the Scheduled Caste community,” he said.

According to reports,the meeting was convened to finalise the name of the candidate for the post of Kullu Municipal Committee chief. Being a sitting councillor twice and having been elected with a heavy victory margin,Ram’s name was proposed by Govind Ram. Dhami,however,opposed this,claiming that since Ram belonged to the SC community he was not a suitable person for the post reserved for general category. While arguing his point,Dhami allegedly used remarks related to Ram’s caste. Feeling “insulted”,Ram left the meeting and lodged the FIR the next morning.

Asked what will be his next course of action,Ram said: “The law will take its own course. I cannot do anything now.”