National Human Rights Commission Probes Allegations Against Punjab CM's Wife in Rape Case The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has initiated an investigation into allegations that the wife of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann attempted to secure ₹5 crore to suppress a rape case. The complaint, filed by former Punjab judge Justice Ranjit Singh, alleges that the wife of the chief minister sought financial compensation to ensure the case was dismissed or downgraded. The NHRC, a statutory body tasked with protecting human rights, has formally acknowledged the allegations and directed the Punjab government to conduct a thorough inquiry. The commission’s bench, chaired by Priyank Kanoongo, has mandated that the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police in Punjab take charge of the investigation. The directive requires these officials to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks, detailing the steps undertaken to probe the matter. The NHRC emphasized that its decision to act was based on the gravity of the allegations, which involve potential misuse of public office and interference in judicial proceedings. In addition to the state-level inquiry, the NHRC has forwarded the case to the Women Safety Division within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. This move underscores the commission’s commitment to ensuring that the allegations are examined through a national lens, particularly given the sensitivity of the issue and the involvement of a high-profile individual. The Women Safety Division is expected to coordinate with state authorities to gather evidence and assess the validity of the claims. The NHRC has stated that its next course of action will depend on the findings of the Action Taken Report.#national_human_rights_commission #bhagwant_mann #ranjit_singh #priyank_kanoongo #women_safety_division
