'Chief Minister's wife demanded Rs 5 crore to settle rape case'; opposition parties launch protest against Punjab govt

CHANDIGARH: Opposition parties in Punjab have launched protests against the government following an allegation that Gurpreet Kaur, wife of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, demanded Rs 5 crore to settle a rape case. The allegation was made against Kaur in a complaint filed before the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) by retired Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Ranjit Singh. The NHRC has sought reports from the Punjab Chief Secretary and the state police chief on the matter.

Opposition parties, including the BJP, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal, have targeted the Aam Aadmi Party government over the allegations. They have also demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The BJP described the allegations as extremely serious and called for an independent investigation.

Gurpreet Kaur and AAP leaders, however, have denied the allegations. Kaur said she had sent a legal notice to the complainant over the matter. She also alleged that retired Justice Ranjit Singh is a relative of Congress leader Sukhpal Khaira. Kaur said those making such allegations should first verify the facts. She also warned that those making the allegations should be prepared to face legal action.