Punjab govt told to probe Rs 5 crore bribery claim against CM Mann's wife in rape case
The National Human Rights Commission has issued notices to the Punjab government and its police chief over a complaint alleging that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's wife demanded Rs 5 crore to suppress a rape case officials said on Saturday, Aug 22.
The NHRC directed authorities to inquire into the allegation and submit an action taken report within two weeks. No immediate reaction was available from the Punjab government.
"The complainant alleged that a retired judge publicly stated that a demand of Rs 5 crore was made in connection with a rape case allegedly involving the wife of the chief minister of Punjab" the proceedings dated 21 August read.
An NHRC official said the Commission had taken cognisance of the allegation that Mann's wife sought Rs 5 crore to suppress a rape case noting it had been levelled by a former Punjab judge.
The complaint filed by the Legal Rights Observatory raised concerns that such interference could compromise the victim's right to dignity safety fair investigation and access to justice. The complainant sought independent verification of the allegation preservation of evidence and an impartial inquiry into any attempt to dilute or influence the investigation emphasising that a rape victim's right to justice must remain above influence status or position.
An NHRC bench presided over by member Priyank Kanoongo said the allegation prima facie appeared to violate the victim's human rights after taking cognisance of the matter under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act 1993.
"The registry is directed to issue a notice to the chief secretary of the Punjab government and the DGP of Punjab with directions to get the allegations made in the complaint inquired into and to submit an action taken report within two weeks for perusal of the Commission" the bench said.
A copy of the proceedings would also be sent to the Joint Secretary Women Safety Division Ministry of Home Affairs for information it added.
(Inputs from PTI)
