THE NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (NHRC) has taken cognisance of allegations that the wife of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann allegedly sought Rs 5 crore to suppress a rape case, directing the state authorities to enquire into the matter and submit a report on the action taken.

The allegations were reportedly made by former Punjab judge Justice Ranjit Singh and subsequently raised before the human rights commission through a complaint.

The NHRC Bench headed by Priyank Kanoongo has directed the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Punjab to look into the allegations and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) to the Commission within two weeks of receiving its communication.

The Commission has also forwarded the matter to the Women Safety Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, for appropriate consideration.

According to the NHRC, the complaint was filed by the Legal Rights Observatory (LRO) and raises concerns over an alleged attempt to interfere with the handling of a rape case.

"The complaint, filed by Legal Rights Observatory (LRO), raises concerns that such interference could compromise the victim's right to dignity, safety, fair investigation, and access to justice. It requests independent verification of the allegations, preservation of evidence, and impartial enquiry into any attempt to dilute or influence the investigation," the NHRC said in a statement.

The human rights body further noted that the complainant had emphasised that the victim's right to justice must remain above any influence.

"The complainant emphasises that a rape victim's right to justice must remain above influence, status, or position," the Commission stated.

The NHRC said that the allegations contained in the complaint appeared, prima facie, to raise concerns regarding possible violations of the human rights of the victim. The Commission, therefore, directed the competent authorities in Punjab to examine the matter and take appropriate action in accordance with its directions.

In its communication to the Punjab authorities, the Commission enclosed a copy of the complaint and sought a detailed response regarding the action taken on the allegations.

"Accordingly, I am forwarding herewith a copy of the complaint/ intimation as an attachment for taking appropriate action in the matter as per the directions of the Commission. It is requested that an Action Taken Report be sent to the Commission within 2 weeks from the date of receipt of this letter," the human rights commission stated.

[HP]