Lok Sabha panel takes note of Navneet Rana's complaint

The Lok Sabha Privileges Committee has taken cognizance of the letter addressed to it by Amravati MP Navneet Rana alleging that casteist slur was made against her and she was not provided drinking water while in custody of Mumbai police. Sources said Rana had written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla as well as the Lower House Privileges Committee headed by BJP MP Sunil Kumar Singh on the issue.

On Tuesday, the Parliamentary Committee started the process of seeking a reply from the Maharashtra government on the charges levelled by Rana. Explanation has also been sought from the Mumbai police commissioner, state DGP and other authorities in the matter and they have been directed to reply within 24-48 hours.

Once the Maharashtra government and Mumbai police send their replies, the Privileges Committee will decide the next course of action where the cops concerned are likely to be summoned. As per the rules, Rana will also be asked to present her side of the story as the complainant.

The date for hearing the issue will be decided by the committee once the response is received. The Lok Sabha Speaker's office has also begun the process by asking the Union home ministry to get in touch with the Maharashtra government and Mumbai police and seek an explanation on the charges levelled by Rana.