A dalit Congress worker on Monday accused Delhi Congress president Ajay Maken of using "derogatory and casteist language" against him, and lodging a police complaint, a charge dismissed by the Delhi PCC chief who claimed the voice clip was a "doctored" one.
Recalling the sequence of events which led to this episode, complainant Dharmpal Natkhat said the incident took place when he had come to meet Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on his 46th birthday.
He has lodged an FIR in this regard at the Mandir Marg police station.
"I told him (Rahul) my son died and I am a party worker, but Ajay Maken ji didn't visit my place. Rahul ji asked Ajay ji to visit my place. He (Ajay Maken) thought I was complaining against him. He called me after half-an-hour and started abusing me. I was treated like that because I am a dalit," said Natkhat.
Maken rubbished the allegation against him claiming that the voice clip was "doctored" and that he never used the alleged words. "The tape (voice clip) is doctored. I am in politics for 34 years and I have never used such language against anyone and no one has ever alleged me of using such language," he said.
Natkhat said though he was able to meet party chief Sonia Gandhi, he was later perturbed after he received threatening calls to withdraw the complaint against Maken.
"They told me if I am seen anywhere nearby the AICC, my second son would be killed. Where should I go nowIJ.. It was shocking that he used such languages," he added.
"I said I won't take back the complaint even if it costs my life. Even Oscar (Fernandes) ji came to my place. I am thankful to him. He (Maken) drinks in the evening and doesn't remain in his senses. I asked him not to drink considering his age," he added.