Mann's wife demanded ₹5cr to hush-up rape case? NHRC intervenes
What's the story
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked top civil and police officials in Punjab to investigate allegations that the wife of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann demanded ₹5 crore to suppress a rape case. The NHRC has given the Punjab Chief Secretary and Director General of Police two weeks to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) on the matter.
Serious concerns
Kanoongo on rape case allegation
NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, which were made by former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Justice Ranjit Singh.
"It is a matter of concern when such an allegation is leveled against a person holding a top position in a state regarding a case involving the safety of women and children," Kanoongo told ANI.
Complaint details
Complaint filed by Legal Rights Observatory
The complaint was filed by the Legal Rights Observatory (LRO) based on a statement by former judge Justice Singh, which demanded independent verification of the allegations and preservation of evidence.
The LRO argued that any interference could violate the victim's rights to dignity, safety, fair investigation, and access to justice.
The NHRC noted that these allegations prima facie indicated possible violations of human rights.
Twitter Post
Statement by NHRC member
#WATCH | Delhi | On notice served to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann's wife, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Priyank Kanoongo says, "We have received a complaint from former Punjab-Haryana High Court Justice Ranjit Singh alleging that the wife of Punjab CM Bhagwant Man… pic.twitter.com/eQcd4PO20X
— ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2026
Official warning
NHRC warns Punjab officials
Kanoongo also warned officials to use their powers for people's welfare and not under any political pressure.
"If they act under any kind of political pressure, action can be taken against them," he said.
The NHRC has sent a copy of the complaint to Punjab authorities and sought a detailed account of the action taken on these allegations within two weeks.