New Delhi – A controversy has erupted over the remarks made by Gujarat's Mahisagar District Collector, Neha Kumari Dubey. She made a contentious statement in her office before a Dalit law student, whose video of the incident is now circulating widely. In the video, the collector reportedly described 90% of atrocity cases as "tools of blackmail" and stated that most women also file false cases under Section 498A. Additionally, she commented on lawyers, saying they deserve to be "hit with slippers." This statement has sparked significant resentment in social and political circles, with deep frustration and anger spreading within the Dalit community. People are now taking to social media, demanding action under the Atrocities Act against the collector, calling for her suspension.

MLA Jignesh Mevani Demands Action

Congress leader and MLA Jignesh Mevani has labeled her comments as an insult to Dalit and tribal communities. He tweeted, calling on the Gujarat government to immediately suspend Collector Neha Dubey if they do not endorse her statement. Mevani also demanded that a case be filed against the collector under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Gujarat Scheduled Castes Congress President Hitendra Pitharia also demanded the filing of an FIR against the collector by visiting the police station. In a conversation with The Mooknayak, Pitharia said that when people in administrative positions harbor such casteist mindsets, it is distressing to imagine how ordinary Dalits and tribals will be treated. He called for the immediate suspension of Collector Neha Kumari and strict action against her.

The Dispute

Vijay Parmar, a Dalit law student, explained that he had visited the collector regarding a grievance. He said the collector labeled 90% of atrocity cases as blackmail tactics. Vijay claims this statement reflects the collector’s casteist mentality, showing clear prejudice against Dalits.

NCRB Data: Rise in Atrocities Against Dalits

Following Neha Dubey's statement, NCRB reports highlighting the rising cases of Dalit atrocities in Gujarat are being cited. In 2022, 57,582 cases of Dalit atrocities were recorded, showing a 13.1% increase compared to 2021. In Gujarat alone, 1,425 cases were registered in 2022, with the highest number (189) recorded in Ahmedabad. These cases include serious incidents such as murder, rape, and grievous injuries. This makes labeling atrocity cases as mere “blackmail” contradictory to NCRB data, which demonstrates a continuous rise in atrocities against Dalits.

Opposition parties in Gujarat have also mobilized, demanding the collector’s immediate suspension and an investigation into the matter. They argue that if high-ranking officials themselves practice caste discrimination, expecting justice at lower levels becomes futile. They are also calling for charges under Section 3(1)(R) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Meanwhile, Collector Neha Kumari Dubey told The Mooknayak that Vijay’s allegations were baseless. She claimed that the district administration had already issued a press release clarifying its stance.

Social organizations believe this incident illustrates the lack of sensitivity toward Dalits among certain administrative officials. The rising cases of crimes against Dalits and caste-based remarks by government officials are causes for concern.