By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
The Police have registered an FIR against unidentified persons following a complaint lodged by Congress leader and advocate Anju Arya over an alleged “purification” ritual performed at the Ramlila Maidan in Hladwani town of Nainital district in Uttarakhand after a public meeting addressed by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.
SSP Nainital Dr Manjunath TC said the FIR was registered at Haldwani Kotwali on the basis of Arya’s complaint.
In the complaint, she alleged alleged caste discrimination, social humiliation and hatred and a sense of inferiority towards Kharge, who belongs to the Scheduled Caste community. A case has been registered under Sections 196 and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 3(1)(r) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Kharge had addressed a public meeting at the Ramlila Maidan on August 8. Following the rally, reports emerged that a purported “purification” ritual had been carried out at the venue.
The Congress had condemned the alleged act, describing it as an insult to Kharge and members of the Scheduled Caste community. The party had also demanded registration of a case against those responsible and held protests over the issue.
The SSP said the investigation will be conducted by Nainital Superintendent of Police (Crime) Dr Jagdish Chandra.
During the investigation, police will examine the facts surrounding the alleged incident, the allegations made in the complaint, available evidence and the role of individuals connected with the matter.
The case comes amid heightened political attention over the alleged incident, with the Congress maintaining that the reported purification ritual amounted to an insult based on caste.