Demanding a “free hand” for Chandigarh Police to probe the alleged stalking of 29-year-old Varnika Kundu by Vikas Barala, the son of Haryana BJP president, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh today said that no attempt should be made to dilute the charges against the accused including Vikas Barala.
The Punjab CM added that no political interference should be allowed and the police should have complete authority to probe the matter in a neutral manner under the due process of law. The chief minister, in response to a question, also dismissed as “absurd” the demand for the resignation of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on moral grounds over the case.
“How can Rajnath Singh be held responsible for the incident, or for that matter for any such irresponsible behaviour involving individuals or party leaders or their kin in any part of the country, be it even Punjab,” he said.
However, action needs to be taken against the accused to ensure justice for the woman and also to send out a strong signal that misuse of political powers to undermine any institution, including the police, was not acceptable, Singh said, reaffirming his “unequivocal and strong condemnation” of the incident.
The chief minister also urged Chandigarh MP Kirron Kher, whom he met briefly outside Parliament, that the guilty should be dealt with strictly, in accordance with the law.
