Opposition Steps Up Attack On Bhagwant Mann Over ₹5 Crore Allegation In Rape Case

The BJP has joined the Opposition's demand for Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's resignation following allegations that his wife, Gurpreet Kaur, sought Rs 5 crore to suppress a rape case.

The demand comes after the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the Punjab government and its Director General of Police, seeking a report within two weeks on the allegations.

BJP leader Iqbal Singh Lalpura said the NHRC notice was a serious development and called for an independent investigation into the matter. The commission's proceedings stated that the complaint referred to a former judge's alleged public claim that Rs 5 crore had been demanded in connection with a rape case involving the Punjab Chief Minister's wife.

The Shiromani Akali Dal and the Congress have also sought Mann's resignation, intensifying pressure on the Aam Aadmi Party government ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections.

Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said Mann should immediately clarify the allegations and explain the circumstances behind them.

Meanwhile, Gurpreet Kaur has issued a legal notice to former Punjab judge Justice Ranjit Singh, demanding an apology over the allegations. NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo said the complaint was linked to the former judge.

The AAP has rejected the allegations as baseless. AAP women's wing chief Amandeep Kaur Arora accused the Opposition of pursuing a political agenda and said Gurpreet Kaur's legal action demonstrated that the claims were being challenged in court.