Wed Oct 22 09:18:00 UTC 2025: Summary:
Members of the Karnataka Rajya Valmiki Samaj Samiti have launched widespread protests across Karnataka against former MP Ramesh Katti following his alleged use of abusive language directed at the Valmiki community. The protests, sparked by a video clip of Katti’s remarks made during the Belagavi district central cooperative bank elections, have resulted in numerous complaints and calls for his arrest under relevant laws, including the Prevention of Atrocities against SC/ST Communities Act. Protests have included burning effigies and a call for a Karnataka bundh.
News Article:
Karnataka Gripped by Valmiki Samaj Protests Over Ex-MP’s Alleged Slurs
Belagavi, Karnataka – October 22, 2025 – Widespread protests have erupted across Karnataka as members of the Karnataka Rajya Valmiki Samaj Samiti voice their outrage against former MP Ramesh Katti for alleged abusive remarks targeting the Valmiki community. Demonstrations began on October 19th, following the circulation of a video purportedly capturing Katti making the offensive comments during the Belagavi district central cooperative bank elections.
Community leader Rajshekar Talwar filed the initial complaint against Katti at the Camp police station in Belagavi, demanding action under the BNS and the Prevention of Atrocities against SC/ST Communities Act. Talwar submitted the video clip as evidence of Katti’s derogatory remarks, which allegedly included obscene language used while criticizing the Jarkiholi brothers.
“Valmiki community leaders have filed over two dozen cases against Ramesh Katti in various districts,” Talwar told The Hindu.
The protests have spread rapidly, with members of Maharishi Valmiki Nayaka Samaj staging demonstrations in Gokak, Belagavi, Hukkeri, Ramdurg, Bailhongal, Vijayapura, Kalaburagi, and other locations on October 20th and 21st. Protesters are demanding Katti’s immediate arrest. In Belagavi, demonstrators gathered at Rani Channamma Circle, expressing their anger by burning portraits of Katti and placing garlands of slippers on his images.
Mallikarjun Batagi, president of the Vijayapura district unit of Akhil Bharatiya Valmiki Samaj Seva Samiti, has strongly condemned Katti’s alleged statements and reiterated the demand for his immediate arrest.
In response to the escalating tensions, protestors have called for a Karnataka bundh on October 24th, signaling a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute. The case has sparked intense debate and renewed focus on caste-based discrimination in Karnataka. Police have yet to comment on whether an arrest warrant will be issued.
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