NEW DELHI, Aug 22: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Punjab Government and the State’s police chief to inquire into an allegation that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s wife demanded Rs 5 crore to suppress a rape case, officials said on Saturday.
The Commission has sought an action taken report within two weeks on the complaint, which alleged that a retired Punjab judge had publicly made the claim.
According to NHRC proceedings dated August 21, the complaint alleged that a demand for Rs 5 crore was made in connection with a rape case, purportedly involving the Chief Minister’s wife.
The NHRC took cognisance of the complaint filed by the Legal Rights Observatory (LRO), which expressed concern that such alleged interference could affect the victim’s right to dignity, safety, a fair investigation and access to justice.
The Commission has directed the Punjab authorities to conduct an inquiry into the allegations and submit the report within the stipulated period.
There was no immediate reaction from the Punjab Government.
