Punjab CM's wife faces NHRC probe over alleged ₹5 crore bribe to suppress rape case

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has launched an inquiry into allegations that Gurpreet Kaur, the wife of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, sought ₹5 crore to suppress a rape case. The complaint, filed by the Legal Rights Observatory and reportedly based on statements by former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Justice Ranjit Singh, raises concerns regarding the potential interference with a criminal investigation and the victim's right to justice.

A bench headed by Priyank Kanoongo has directed the Punjab Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP) to investigate the matter and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks. The NHRC has also forwarded the case to the Women Safety Division of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for consideration.

Political opposition in Punjab has reacted strongly to the allegations. Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal and BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari have called for accountability, with Badal noting the seriousness of the claims that prompted NHRC intervention. Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has issued a legal notice to Justice Ranjit Singh, demanding a response to the allegations within 24 hours.