New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Punjab government over a complaint alleging that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's wife attempted to hush up a rape case in exchange for a bribe.

NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo said the Commission received the complaint from former Punjab and Haryana High Court Justice Ranjit Singh.

"We have received a complaint from former Punjab-Haryana High Court Justice Ranjit Singh alleging that the wife of Punjab CM Bhagwant Man attempted to hush up a rape case in exchange for a bribe of Rs 5 crore. It is a matter of concern when such an allegation is levelled against a person holding a top position in a state regarding a case involving the safety of women and children," Kanoongo told ANI on Saturday.

He said the Commission has sought a report from the state administration.

"We have directed the Chief Secretary and the DGP of Punjab to investigate the matter and submit a report to us. We have also informed the Women's Safety Division of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. We will be able to proceed with further investigation only after receiving the report," he said.

Warning officials against acting under political pressure, Kanoongo said, "Officials should exercise the powers granted by the Constitution for the welfare of the people; if they act under any kind of political pressure, action can be taken against them. We have given them a period of 15 days"

The NHRC Bench headed by Kanoongo has directed the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Punjab, to inquire into the matter and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks.

The Commission has also forwarded the matter to the Women Safety Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

The Commission will take further action on the basis of the Action Taken Report. (ANI)