Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s wife Gurpreet Kaur on Sunday strongly rejected allegations that she had demanded Rs 5 crore to suppress a rape case, challenging those making the accusation to prove their claim or prepare to face legal proceedings. Breaking her silence on the controversy, Kaur described the allegations as “baseless” and said she was neither intimidated by them nor reluctant to confront her accusers.
“I think it is easy to level baseless allegations. I am fully prepared to face these baseless allegations. I was not scared earlier nor am I now,” Kaur told reporters on the sidelines of a Teej function in Patiala.
She then issued a direct challenge to those behind the allegations, saying they should either substantiate their claims or be prepared for legal action.
NHRC notice sparks row
The controversy intensified after the National Human Rights Commission issued a notice to the Punjab government and the state police chief over a complaint alleging that Kaur had demanded Rs 5 crore to suppress a rape case.
The allegation remains unproven, and Kaur has categorically denied it.
The NHRC intervention subsequently triggered a political confrontation in Punjab, with opposition parties demanding answers from the Aam Aadmi Party government and the Chief Minister.
Congress, the Shiromani Akali Dal and the BJP have all targeted Mann over the allegations and demanded that he clarify his position.
Kaur’s remarks on Sunday marked her first public response since the controversy erupted.
Legal notice sent
The Chief Minister’s wife has also moved towards legal action against those she says are responsible for making the allegations.
AAP MLA Amandeep Kaur said on Saturday that Gurpreet Kaur had served a legal notice on a former judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in connection with the accusations.
The notice demanded an apology within 24 hours. It warned that failure to withdraw the allegations and apologise would result in legal proceedings, with the dispute being taken before a court.
Gurpreet Kaur’s public comments on Sunday reinforced that position, making clear that she intends to challenge the accusations legally unless evidence is produced to substantiate them.
Opposition targets Mann
The controversy has meanwhile provided fresh ammunition to Punjab’s opposition parties, which have sought to put pressure on the Chief Minister over the serious nature of the allegation.
Congress, SAD and BJP leaders have demanded greater transparency from Mann and his government following the NHRC notice.
AAP has pushed back strongly against the opposition offensive.
Amandeep Kaur defended both the party and the Chief Minister’s wife on Saturday, describing the accusations against Gurpreet Kaur as baseless.
With the NHRC seeking a response from the state authorities and Gurpreet Kaur threatening legal proceedings against her accusers, the dispute is now playing out simultaneously on legal and political fronts.
For her part, Kaur has put the burden on those making the accusation, insisting that they produce evidence to support the Rs 5-crore claim or face her in court.