New Delhi, August 22:
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) from the Punjab Government and Police over allegations concerning a purported ₹5 crore demand to suppress a rape case, with the complaint naming the wife of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
The complaint was filed before the NHRC by the Legal Rights Observatory (LRO) and referred to a statement attributed to former judge Justice Ranjit Singh, according to the complaint.
The NHRC, through its Law Division, issued a notice dated August 21, 2026, addressed to the Chief Secretary, Punjab, and the Director General of Police, Punjab, directing them to inquire into the allegations and submit an Action Taken Report within two weeks of receiving the communication.
The Commission noted that the complaint alleged that a demand of ₹5 crore was made in connection with a rape case and raised concerns regarding the possibility of interference with the investigation and the victim’s rights.
The NHRC said the allegations, on a prima facie basis, appeared to concern human rights issues, including the victim’s right to dignity, safety, fair investigation and access to justice.
The Commission has directed the Punjab authorities to conduct an appropriate inquiry into the allegations and furnish the ATR within the stipulated period.
A copy of the proceedings has also been forwarded to the Women Safety Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi, for information.
The NHRC further directed that a copy of the report in the matter be sent to the Commission by email. The Commission will consider further appropriate action after receiving and examining the report from the Punjab authorities.
The allegations contained in the complaint remain allegations and have not been established by the NHRC or any court.(KNC)