Rs 5 crore to suppress rape case? Women's panel's notice to Bhagwant Mann's wife

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has ordered the Punjab government and its police chief to investigate allegations that the wife of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann demanded ₹5 crore to suppress a rape case. Officials confirmed the directive came after a formal complaint was filed with the NHRC, which cited a retired judge’s claim that such a demand was made. The NHRC instructed the Punjab government to submit an action taken report within two weeks. As of now, there has been no public response from the Punjab administration. The allegations emerged from a complaint filed by the Legal Rights Observatory, which accused the wife of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of seeking ₹5 crore to cover up a rape case. The complainants emphasized that such interference could undermine the victim’s right to dignity, safety, and fair investigation. They requested independent verification of the allegations, preservation of evidence, and an impartial inquiry into any attempts to influence the investigation. The complainants stressed that the victim’s right to justice should not be compromised by influence, status, or position. The NHRC took cognizance of the allegations under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, following a hearing led by member Priyank Kanoongo. In its proceedings dated August 21, the NHRC noted that the complainant alleged a retired judge had claimed that a demand of ₹5 crore was made in relation to a rape case involving the chief minister’s wife. The commission directed its registry to issue notices to the Punjab chief secretary and director general of police, instructing them to investigate the allegations and submit an action taken report within two weeks. It also requested that a copy of the proceedings be sent to the Joint Secretary of the Women Safety Division in the Ministry of Home Affairs for information. The NHRC’s directive comes amid growing concerns over the handling of sexual violence cases in the state. The commission has referred the matter to the Women Safety Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, indicating that the issue may require attention beyond the state level. This step underscores the gravity of the allegations and the potential implications for the victim’s rights. The NHRC has not yet confirmed the validity of the claims but has mandated an inquiry into the matter. The allegations involve a former Punjab judge, Justice Ranjit Singh, who reportedly made the claims public. The complaint against the chief minister’s wife centers around her alleged involvement in suppressing a rape case through financial means. While the NHRC has not validated these claims, it has initiated a formal process to ensure transparency and accountability. The Punjab government and police are now under obligation to investigate the allegations thoroughly and provide detailed reports to the NHRC within the specified timeframe. The NHRC’s actions reflect its role in safeguarding human rights and ensuring due process in sensitive cases. The commission has emphasized the need for an impartial inquiry to determine whether the allegations hold merit. Until the investigation yields results, the situation remains under review, with the NHRC awaiting the submission of the action taken report from Punjab authorities. The outcome of this inquiry will shape the next steps in addressing the allegations and protecting the rights of the victim involved.