NCSC seeks action against 'Bigg Boss 16' contestant Vikkas Manaktala for casteist remark

National Commission for Scheduled Caste has sought action against 'Bigg Boss 16' contestant Vikkas Manaktala for his alleged casteist remark against co-contestant Archana Gautam, according to news agency PTI.

The remark was made during an episode that was aired on TV Wednesday.

A notice has been issued to the Maharashtra government, state Police, Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Endemol India Private Ltd, Viacom18 private limited and Colors TV. The NSCS said sou-moto cognizance is based on the information received via social media regarding Vikkas calling Archana a ‘low caste person’.

According to Indian law, the NCSC said, ‘This is clearly an offence punishable under SC/ST Act, and the Commission has decided to investigate into the matter in pursuance of the powers conferred upon it under Article 338 of the Constitution of India. You are hereby requested to submit action taken report to the undersigned within seven days of receipt of this notice’.

For the unversed, Archana Gautam had unsuccessfully contested the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections on a Congress ticket.