New Delhi, Aug 2026: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Saturday called for a thorough investigation into allegations that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s wife, Gurpreet Kaur, allegedly sought ₹5 crore to suppress a rape case.
Reacting to the development, Badal said the allegations were serious enough for the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to take cognisance of the matter and direct Punjab authorities to conduct an enquiry.
In a post on social media platform X, Badal alleged corruption involving the Chief Minister’s wife and said she was awaiting the Action Taken Report (ATR) from Punjab Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP).
She also reminded the state authorities of the two-week deadline set by the NHRC and said she would follow up on the matter on September 5.
The NHRC earlier took cognisance of allegations that Gurpreet Kaur had allegedly sought ₹5 crore in connection with an attempt to suppress a rape case. The allegations were reportedly made by former Punjab judge Justice Ranjit Singh and subsequently brought before the human rights body through a formal complaint.
The NHRC Bench headed by Priyank Kanoongo directed the Punjab Chief Secretary and DGP to examine the allegations and submit an Action Taken Report within two weeks of receiving the Commission’s communication.
The Commission has also forwarded the matter to the Women Safety Division of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for appropriate consideration.
According to the NHRC, the complaint was filed by the Legal Rights Observatory (LRO), which raised concerns over an alleged attempt to interfere with the handling of a rape case.
The human rights body said the allegations, if established, could have serious implications for the rights of the victim, including the right to dignity, safety, a fair investigation and access to justice.
The complaint has sought independent verification of the allegations, preservation of relevant evidence and an impartial investigation into any alleged attempt to influence or dilute the rape case.
The NHRC stressed that the interests and rights of the alleged victim must remain paramount and should not be compromised by any external influence.
Badal’s remarks come amid heightened political exchanges in Punjab, with the SAD leader using the NHRC’s intervention to target the Bhagwant Mann-led government and demand accountability from the state administration.
The allegations against Gurpreet Kaur remain allegations at this stage, and the NHRC’s direction calls for an enquiry and submission of an Action Taken Report rather than establishing the claims as proven facts.
The Punjab government and police are now expected to examine the complaint and place the findings and action taken before the NHRC within the stipulated two-week period. The outcome of the enquiry could determine the next course of action in the politically sensitive matter.
