NEW DELHI: National Commission for Women (NCW) has sought urgent intervention and action from DGP Punjab to investigate allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct involving AAP Punjab minister Balkar Singh in a video call with a 21-year-old woman seeking a job.
The video has since stirred a political storm with BJP functionary Tajinder Bagga and national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla demanding action and questioning silence of AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal on the issue. As per reports Congress candidate from Jalandhar Charanjit Singh Channi too has sought action and sacking of Balkar Singh.
TOI has sought a reaction from AAP on the case but there was no response till the time of going to press. Commenting on the video, Balkar Singh was quoted by ANI on Monday as having said, "I have no comments and (it is) not in my knowledge."
NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma in a letter addressed to Punjab police chief Gaurav Yadav said the commission has come across a "distressing post" of Tajinder Bagga on X "enclosing a video of Punjab cabinet minister Balkar Singh allegedly masturbating on a video call with a 21-year-old woman compelling her to strip naked on the pretext to provide her with a job".
She goes on to say that the commission has prima facie observed that the reported incident attracts section 354 of IPC that deals with assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty and section 354-B on assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe.
"The incident is outrageous to dignity of a woman and the commission strongly condemns the unwarranted and lascivious lascivisious behaviour of Balkar Singh. You are required to intervene and ensure fair and swift investigation in the matter.
Sharma has sought that section 354 and 354-B must be incorporated in the FIR along with other provisions of law, if the allegations levelled are found to be true. "Accused should be arrested at the earliestand a detailed action taken report be sent to the commission within 3 days," said Sharma.
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