Allegations against Punjab CM's wife so serious that NHRC had to step in: Harsimrat Kaur Badal

New Delhi, Aug 22
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Saturday said that allegations of Rs 5 crore in corruption against Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's wife are so serious that it prompted the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to take cognizance of the offence and seek thorough probe into it.

Harsimrat Kaur Badal took to social media 'X' and said, "Allegations of 5 crore corruption against the wife of guru Dokhi CM Bhagwant Mann are so serious that the National Human Rights Commission had to step in."

She further said that she was awaiting the Action Taken Report from Punjab's Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP).

"Can’t wait to see the Action Taken Report from Punjab’s Chief Secretary and DGP! Gentle Reminder: The deadline is 2 weeks! Save this tweet AAP Punjab ~ I’ll ask you again on Sept 5, " she said.

Earlier in the day, the NHRC, taking cognisance of the allegations that the wife of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Gurpreet Kaur allegedly sought Rs 5 crore to suppress a rape case, directed the state authorities to enquire into the matter and submit a report on the action taken.

The allegations were reportedly made by former Punjab judge Justice Ranjit Singh and subsequently raised before the human rights commission through a complaint.

The NHRC Bench headed by Priyank Kanoongo directed the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Punjab to look into the allegations and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) to the Commission within two weeks of receiving its communication.

The Commission has also forwarded the matter to the Women Safety Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, for appropriate consideration.

According to the NHRC, the complaint was filed by the Legal Rights Observatory (LRO) and raises concerns over an alleged attempt to interfere with the handling of a rape case.

"The complaint, filed by Legal Rights Observatory (LRO), raises concerns that such interference could compromise the victim's right to dignity, safety, fair investigation, and access to justice. It requests independent verification of the allegations, preservation of evidence, and impartial enquiry into any attempt to dilute or influence the investigation," the NHRC said in a statement.

The human rights body further noted that the complainant had emphasised that the victim's right to justice must remain above any influence.