CM Mann’s wife sends notice to ex-judge over Rs 5-cr demand claim in rape case

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s wife, Dr Gurpreet Kaur, has sent a legal notice to a former high court judge in connection with allegations that she sought Rs 5 crore to suppress a rape case.

Dr Kaur reportedly sent a legal notice to the retired Punjab and Haryana High Court judge on Saturday (August 22), seeking his response within 24 hours of receiving it failing which further legal proceedings will be initiated.

This development comes after the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the Punjab government and its police chief over a complaint alleging that Dr Kaur demanded Rs 5 crore to suppress a rape case.

NHRC seeks probe

The complaint was filed with the NHRC by the Legal Rights Observatory (LRO), alleging that Justice (Retd) Ranjit Singh publicly stated that a demand of Rs 5 crore was made in connection with a rape case, allegedly involving Dr Kaur.

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Accordingly, the NHRC directed the authorities to inquire into the allegation and submit an action-taken report within two weeks.

The LRO reportedly raised concerns that such “interference” could compromise the victim’s right to dignity, safety, fair investigation and access to justice.

LRO requests verification

The LRO has also requested independent verification of the allegation, preservation of evidence, and “impartial inquiry into any attempt to dilute or influence the investigation”, and emphasised that a rape survivor’s right to justice must remain “above influence, status, or position”.

The allegation prima facie seems to be a violation of the human rights of the victim, an NHRC bench presided over by its member Priyank Kanoongo said after taking cognisance of the matter under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, according to August 21 proceedings.

The NHRC has reportedly forwarded the case to the Women Safety Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs for consideration. It said it will take further action after it examines the report from Punjab authorities.

Congress, SAD attack Mann

Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said serious allegations have been levelled and the chief minister should clarify on the allegations made. “The chief minister should give his clarification on the issue. Why such allegations have been levelled, what is the matter, he should clarify,” Warring told reporters.

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Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former Punjab minister Bikram Singh Majithia said Chief Minister Mann should respond to the allegations that have been levelled. “A serious allegation of demanding a Rs 5-crore bribe has been levelled against your wife, and the NHRC has sought a report from your DGP and Chief Secretary,” Majithia said in a post on X on Saturday.

He said Mann should immediately recommend handing over the matter to the CBI to ensure justice for the victim. “Bhagwant Mann, a serious allegation of demanding Rs 5 crore has been levelled against your wife. You have lost the trust of the people of Punjab on moral grounds. Immediately send your resignation to the Punjab Governor,” Majithia said in his post.

(With agency inputs)