Kochi: Representatives of Denotified Tribes (DNTs) and several other public intellectuals have called for the removal of Puducherry Lt. Governor Kiran Bedi for describing members of DNTs as ‘Ex-Criminals’.
The representation submitted to President Pranab Mukherjee by National Alliance Group founded by the late Mahaswetha Devi representing the DNTs, called for the “immediate termination of Kiran Bedi from the post of LG for violating the Constitutional post”.
The Group based in Ahmedabad has also submitted a separate petition to Rameshwar Oraon, chairperson of National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Tribes against Ms Bedi.
Ms Bedi courted the wrath of social activists for her tweet stating that “Ex-criminal tribes are known to be very cruel. They are hardcore professionals in committing crimes. Rarely caught and or convicted”. Ms Bedi had tweeted the message on August 1, 2016.
“We are shocked and horrified at the insensitive and biased statements made by a person who is the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry”, the petitioners said.
“Addressing DNTs as Ex-Criminal Tribes itself is colonial expression and her expression adds to the insult by saying that DNTs are ‘hardcore criminals’, they said.
The petitioners demanded that Ms Bedi should tender a public apology to members of DNTs in the country and an administrative probe should also be ordered against her under the relevant sections of the Prevention of Atrocities Against SC/ST Communities Act.
