12 hrs ago
Mann Promises SIT Probe in Case Against Former SGPC Member
A woman accused former Sikh institution official Amarjit Singh Chawla of rape.
The case was registered in Anandpur Sahib.
Chawla denied the accusation and called it false.
He resigned from the SGPC after the case was registered.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann told a delegation that a special team would investigate.
He said the investigation should be fair and thorough.
Mann said legal action would follow if someone is found guilty.
He also said the government would pursue holding SGPC elections without unnecessary delay.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann promised an immediate SIT probe into the rape case against former SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla.
The case followed a woman's complaint in Anandpur Sahib.
Chawla denied the allegations as false and fabricated and resigned from the SGPC after the FIR was registered.
Mann said the investigation would be fair, transparent and time-bound, with action taken according to law against anyone found guilty.
Mann also reiterated that the government would pursue the long-pending SGPC elections without unnecessary delay.
- Who
- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann; former SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla; and a delegation led by Gurpreet Singh Khalsa.
- What
- Mann assured the delegation that an SIT would investigate the rape allegation against Chawla.
- Where
- The meeting took place in Chandigarh; the alleged incident was in Anandpur Sahib.
- When
- Tuesday, October 6; the report does not specify a year.
- Why
- The assurance followed repeated representations by Sikh institutions seeking an SIT probe.
Allegation and investigation
Denial and legal process
Rape allegation
Allegation and investigation
A woman filed a complaint, and former SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla was booked on a rape charge.
Denial and legal process
Chawla denied the allegations, calling them false and fabricated.
Next steps
Allegation and investigation
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said an SIT would be formed immediately to conduct a swift, transparent and thorough investigation.
Denial and legal process
Mann said action would follow the investigation and be taken in accordance with the law; no finding of guilt was reported.
Key facts
- Accused
- Former SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla
- Allegation
- Rape, following a complaint by a woman
- Investigation
- Mann said a Special Investigation Team would be constituted immediately
- Location of alleged incident
- Anandpur Sahib
- Chawla's response
- He denied the allegations as false and fabricated
- SGPC membership
- Chawla resigned after the FIR was registered
- Other issue discussed
- Mann reiterated that SGPC elections should be held without unnecessary delay
Quotes
Bhagwant Mann
Punjab Chief Minister
“The state government will ensure that the investigation is conducted in a fair, transparent and time-bound manner. The law will take its course and no person, irrespective of position or influence, will be allowed to interfere with the process of justice.”
theprint.in
“There should be no unnecessary delay in holding the SGPC elections. All legitimate steps within the government’s jurisdiction will be pursued in this regard.”
theprint.in
Sources
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