NHRC orders probe into Rs 5 crore allegation against Punjab CM's wife

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a report from the Punjab government and state police chief on a complaint alleging that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's wife demanded Rs 5 crore to suppress a rape case, officials said on Saturday.

The Commission has directed the state authorities to inquire into the allegation and submit an action taken report within two weeks. There was no immediate reaction from the Punjab government.

NHRC seeks probe into allegation

The NHRC took cognisance of the complaint filed by Legal Rights Observatory, which raised concerns over an alleged attempt to influence proceedings in a rape case.

"The complainant alleged that a retired judge publicly stated that a demand of Rs 5 crore was made in connection with a rape case, allegedly involving the wife of the chief minister of Punjab," the proceedings dated August 21 read.

An NHRC official said the Commission had taken note of the allegation that the chief minister's wife sought Rs 5 crore to suppress the case. According to the complaint, the allegation was made by a former Punjab judge.

The complaint has sought independent verification of the allegation and preservation of relevant evidence.

Rights of rape victim cited

The complainant also raised concerns that such alleged "interference" could affect the victim's right to dignity, safety, a fair investigation and access to justice.

It sought an "impartial inquiry into any attempt to dilute or influence the investigation" and stressed that a rape victim's right to justice must remain "above influence, status, or position".

The NHRC bench, presided over by its member Priyank Kanoongo, said the allegation prima facie appeared to raise concerns over the victim's human rights.

The Commission took cognisance of the matter under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

Punjab chief secretary, DGP asked to respond

The NHRC directed its registry to issue notices to the Punjab chief secretary and the Director General of Police.

"The registry is directed to issue a notice to the chief secretary of the Punjab government, and the DGP of Punjab, with directions to 'get the allegations made in the complaint inquired into, and to submit an action taken report within two weeks for perusal of the Commission'," the bench said.

"Let a copy of this proceeding be also transmitted to the Joint Secretary, Women Safety Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi, for information," it said.

The NHRC's direction is for an inquiry into the allegations; the complaint itself does not establish that the alleged demand was made.