'Serious allegations': Harsimrat Badal on NHRC probe against Mann's wife

SAD MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal highlighted the seriousness of the NHRC's intervention following allegations that Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann's wife, Gurpreet Kaur, sought Rs 5 crore to suppress a rape case, and vowed to seek an update on the matter.

Badal on 'Serious Allegations'

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Lok Sabha MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Saturday said the National Human Rights Commission's (NHRC) intervention shows the seriousness of allegations that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's wife, Gurpreet Kaur, allegedly sought Rs 5 crore to suppress a rape case, and said she would seek an update on the matter on September 5.

In a post on X, Harsimrat Kaur Badal said, "Allegations of 5 crore corruption against the wife of guru Dokhi CM @bhagwantmann are so serious that the National Human Rights Commission had to step in. 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 @aappunjab ~ I'll ask you again on Sept 5!"

NHRC Takes Cognisance of Complaint

The remarks came after the NHRC took cognisance of a complaint alleging that Gurpreet Kaur attempted to hush up a rape case in exchange for Rs 5 crore.

NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo said the complaint was submitted by former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Justice Ranjit Singh, who alleged that the Punjab Chief Minister's wife attempted to suppress the case in return for the money.

"We have received a complaint from former Punjab-Haryana High Court Justice Ranjit Singh alleging that the wife of Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann attempted to hush up a rape case in exchange for a bribe of Rs 5 crore," Kanoongo told ANI.

He said the allegation was a matter of concern as it involved a person holding a prominent position in the state and a case concerning the safety of women and children.

The NHRC has directed the Punjab Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to inquire into the allegations and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks.

"We have directed the Chief Secretary and the DGP of Punjab to investigate the matter and submit a report to us. We have also informed the Women's Safety Division of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs," Kanoongo said.

He added that the Commission would proceed with further investigation after receiving the report.

Warning officials against acting under political pressure, Kanoongo said, "Officials should exercise the powers granted by the Constitution for the welfare of the people; if they act under any kind of political pressure, action can be taken against them. We have given them a period of 15 days."

Gurpreet Kaur Issues Legal Notice

Meanwhile, Gurpreet Kaur has sent a legal notice to Congress leader Sukhpal Khaira's brother-in-law, former Punjab judge Justice Ranjit Singh, over the allegations.

According to an official communication from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Ranjit Singh has been asked to respond to the notice within 24 hours of receiving it.

The notice states that failure to respond within the stipulated period could lead to legal proceedings and appearance before a court.

The NHRC has also forwarded the matter to the Women Safety Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Further action by the Commission will depend on the ATR submitted by the Punjab authorities. (ANI)

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