Rs 5 crore to suppress rape case? Women's panel's notice to Bhagwant Mann's wife

The National Human Rights Commission has asked Punjab's Chief Secretary and DGP to inquire into allegations linked to the Chief Minister's wife. The case now awaits a two-week Action Taken Report and further scrutiny by the commission.The NHRC Bench headed by Priyank Kanoongo has directed the Punjab Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to conduct an inquiry into the matter. (Credits: Amit Bhardwaj)The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of allegations that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's wife sought Rs 5 crore to suppress a rape case, directing senior state officials to inquire into the matter and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks.The issue was raised in a complaint before the NHRC, which stated that former Punjab judge Justice Ranjit Singh had made the claims. The complaint were against the Chief Minister's wife and the purported suppression of a rape case in exchange for money.The NHRC Bench headed by Priyank Kanoongo, Member of the commission, has directed the Punjab Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to conduct an inquiry into the matter.NHRC SEEKS ACTION TAKEN REPORTThe commission has asked the state authorities to submit an ATR within two weeks detailing the action taken on the allegations. The NHRC has also forwarded the matter to the Women Safety Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs for consideration.According to the commission's communication, further action will be taken after it receives and examines the report from the Punjab authorities. The NHRC's decision follows the complaint raising concerns over the handling of a rape case and the allegations of an attempt to suppress it.The commission's direction means that the Punjab government and police authorities will now be required to examine the claims and report their findings to the human rights body.The allegations have not been established by the NHRC at this stage.The commission's move is an exercise of its authority to seek information and action from the relevant government agencies following a complaint.INQUIRY ORDEREDThe Chief Secretary and DGP have been tasked with looking into the matter and providing details of the action taken within the stipulated two-week period.The NHRC will examine the response before deciding on its next course of action. The commission's referral to the Ministry of Home Affairs' Women Safety Division also places the matter before a central government body concerned with women's safety.The NHRC is expected to assess the state authorities' response once the ATR is submitted.At present, the commission has sought an inquiry and report rather than reached any conclusion on the allegations against the Chief Minister's wife. Further proceedings will depend on the findings submitted by Punjab authorities and the commission's subsequent assessment.- EndsPublished By: Ritaban MisraPublished On: Aug 22, 2026 12:03 IST