Title: NHRC Issues Notice to Punjab Government Over Alleged ₹5 Crore Demand to Suppress Rape Case

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of allegations that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s wife demanded ₹5 crore to allegedly suppress a rape case and has issued a notice to the Punjab government.

The NHRC bench headed by its member Priyank Kanoongo directed the Punjab Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to get the allegations investigated and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks.

The Commission has initiated the proceedings under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The complaint was filed by the Legal Rights Observatory (LRO), which alleged that money was demanded in connection with the rape case.

According to the report by Akashvani, the NHRC has also forwarded the matter to the Women Safety Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs for appropriate consideration. The allegations have not been established at this stage and are subject to investigation by the authorities.