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Shri Bhaurao Namdev Tayde, a 57-year-old Hindu Mahar (Scheduled Caste) resident of Bhiwandi, has been working as a Library Attendant at K.M. Agarwal College, Gandhari, Taluka Kalyan, since August 2001. On 31 May 2019, the Chairman of the institution, R.B. Singh, and Principal Dr. Anita Manna, allegedly knowing his caste, falsely accused him and suspended him illegally without following due procedure or obtaining prior approval from the Joint Director, Higher Education, Panvel. Despite intervention by the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and an order from the Divisional Joint Director on 27 February 2020 revoking the suspension and reinstating him, the Joint Secretary of the institution challenged the order in the High Court, which refused to grant a stay.
On 23 August 2023, Principal Anita Manna and others allegedly conspired to file a false and malicious complaint against Tayde with the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police, and later Khadakpada Police Station, accusing him of misconduct. According to Tayde, this complaint, supported by 157 staff members, contained false information and was aimed at humiliating him, tarnishing his social image, and restricting his right to enter the college premises. Statements from staff members also reportedly demanded that he be banned from the campus. He claims this was done with hostility and caste-based animosity, causing him mental and financial distress.
Under the RTI Act, Tayde obtained copies of the complaint and related inquiry documents, which he says prove the allegations were baseless and caste-motivated. The police later disposed of the complaint for lack of evidence. However, he maintains that the actions of the Principal and staff—knowingly providing false information to public servants, preventing him from accessing public and institutional premises, and initiating false criminal proceedings—constitute offences under various sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. On 20 March 2025, he formally lodged a complaint (Crime Reg. No. 249/2025) at Khadakpada Police Station against Principal Anita Manna and 157 employees involved.