Chandigarh: The Punjab State Commission for Women has taken serious note of alleged objectionable remarks made by Akali leader Virsa Singh Valtoha about a woman who has reported sexual assault, as well as the alleged disclosure of her identity.
Taking suo motu cognisance of media reports, the commission issued a notice to Valtoha and directed the Punjab Police to conduct a detailed investigation and submit a report by September 26.
Exercising its powers under Section 12 of the Punjab State Commission for Women Act, 2001, the commission said there would be no compromise on the rights, dignity and safety of women in the state.
According to the commission, reports and videos in the media indicated that Valtoha had allegedly used derogatory language against the woman.
The commission directed the Punjab DGP and the Director, Bureau of Investigation, to conduct a fact-based and detailed inquiry into the matter and determine whether any legal provisions had been violated.
If any violation is found, the police have been directed to provide details of the action taken under the law and submit the report to the commission by September 26.
Valtoha has presented his side through social media following the allegations and controversy. He claimed that the woman who filed a case against Amarjit Singh Chawla had previously been involved in cases such as fraud. Valtoha alleged that a fraud case against the woman was pending before a court in Nabha and that she had previously been jailed.
He also claimed that the allegations made by the woman were baseless.
