I’m ‘framed’ for being dalit: Ex-mantri

A day after he was sacked from the Delhi Cabinet over an objectionable video, former women and child development minister Sandeep Kumar on Thursday alleged that he was being targeted under a “conspiracy” as he was a dalit and demanded a probe into the issue. He also asserted that he resigned on moral grounds rather than being sacked.

“This is a conspiracy against me as I belong to Valmiki Samaj. There should be a probe into this matter. I am very hurt by watching the video on television. There is no authenticity of this CD. Authenticity should be checked,” he told reporters.

In a related development, the crime branch of the Delhi police has initiated a probe to verify the authenticity of “objectionable” CD in which sacked minister Kumar was purportedly shown in a compromising position with a woman.

Asked if he was the one featured in the CD, Kumar, who held the portfolios of social welfare and women and child development, said that it is a matter of investigation and truth should come out. “I am the only dalit face of the party. I have been popular among dalit community, that’s why there is a conspiracy against me. Other political parties are after us as we do not have a political background,” he added.

Kumar was sacked by chief minister Arvind Kejriwal after receiving an ‘objectionable’ CD in which he was purportedly shown in a compromising position with a woman. The decision to remove the 36-year-old minister was taken at a high-level meeting attended by top AAP leaders and the announcement was made by Mr Kejriwal through a tweet.

Mr Kumar, however, insisted that he had resigned on moral grounds. “Someone is saying the video is two months old and others are saying it is three months old. There is no authentication; dalits have been exploited always. I belong to a poor family, so I know the facts are distorted. I have been framed because I am a dalit,” he said.

He also lashed out at the media. “Without knowing my side, the media is showing things. My family is with me. I am not afraid of such controversies. I am a loyal person and can sacrifice anything for my community.” he said.