Woman beaten in Punjab: Badal bows to public, orders probe

Chandigarh, March 5: After public pressure, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Tuesday ordered a magisterial probe into the Tarn Taran incident of a victim of sexual harassment being beaten up in full public view by the Punjab police.

And the the woman, who was beaten up by the policemen, voiced the concern expressed by the millions in India and said "I appeal to the government to investigate the matter. Where are our politicians when we need them? They come to us only when they need votes."

She also alleged that the police were trying to bribe her to take the case back. "They are trying to bribe us, but this is not going to happen," she said.

Actress and MP Jaya Bachchan asked at the Parliament today, "everyday media is reporting a new incident. Has anything happened? Nothing has happened. I feel as helpless as a common person." She had spoken emotinally in Parliament on the Delhi gangrape incident in December last.

Meanwhile, a team of the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe commission is also visiting Tarn Taran for ivestigation.
The National Commission for Women wanted the state home minister must resign. "This barbaric incident took place when the girl went to the police for help, it is their duty to ensure that a judicial probe looks into the matter. The state home minister must also resign," NCW Chairperson Mamta Sharma said.

The government in Punjab has promised not to spare the guilty policemen. The ruling i Akali Dal MP Naresh Gujral has assured that the Punjab government will not spare the guilty policemen. "It is a shameful thing happening. Police insensitivity across the country is an issue. There is a need to look at the police training. These erring police officials will not be spared and strong action shall be taken after inquiry. No politician will be allowed to interfere," Gujral was quoted by a section of media.

The online community was outraged and here are some of the reactions:

Kiran Mazumdar Shaw ‏@kiranshaw: Shocked to see those who are meant to protect the citizens of #India, are the ones harassing people.

Rahul Dave ‏@RahulDaveBhopal: Same thing happening almost everywhere. Especially in B & C grade cities.

Kapil Dudakia ‏@kdudakia: When the protector becomes the abuser - it is time for India to find its soul and social morality again.

Rakesh ‏@Rakesh040273: Punjab police woman assault case- the father of the woman, who was also beaten up with her, is a war veteran.

Aapka Pyaara ‏@diggybhai: Shows Punjabi mardangi of Punjab Govt.Woh bhi in the week when world is busy preachin abt womens Day.

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