Photo credit: Hindustan Times
Chandigarh-A political controversy has intensified in Punjab after Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal said allegations that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s wife, Gurpreet Kaur, sought ₹5 crore to suppress a rape case were serious enough for the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to take cognisance.
According to reports published on August 22, 2026, the NHRC has directed Punjab’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to look into the allegations and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks. Badal said on social media that she would follow up on the matter on September 5, referring to the two-week deadline.
It may be mentioned here that the ₹5-crore demand is an allegation, not an established finding of corruption or guilt. The significance of the NHRC action is that the commission has sought an inquiry into the complaint; the investigation and ATR are expected to establish what, if anything, occurred.
The story is being reported by The Economic Times, Times of India and other outlets today.
