Moga case: DCW chief Barkha Singh says giving compensation has become 'fashion' in Badal-run Punjab

Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Barkha Shukla Singh on Sunday expressed her concern over the Punjab Government's depreciating standards on women safety, and added that the latter's move of offering compensation to victims or their families is becoming a 'fashion' and a style statement.

"Punjab is in a bad state presently. Just yesterday, another appalling incident took place where the father was beaten up for registering a complaint when his daughter was assaulted in her college," Singh said.

"Punjab is a prosperous state, but it has been facing a major drug problem and people are fed up. The government should pay attention to these issues, especially the Badal Government, which calls itself a good government. The Indian Government should not indulge in favouritism. Rather, they should take action against the culprits. Otherwise, women will have a tough time living in this country. As it is, the sex ratio in states like Punjab and Haryana is on a downfall," she added.

Singh also said that the NCW is backing the victim's family on their decision of not accepting compensation and fighting for justice instead.

"It is great that the family did not accept the compensation. Giving compensation for such things has become a fashion these days. One cannot buy the life of a human being with money. My entire organisation and I are supporting the family on their decision of seeking justice," she added.

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal had on Saturday issued an order to ban all Orbit buses, which is co-owned by him, with immediate effect, after facing extreme criticism.

A 13-year-old girl died after she and her mother were allegedly pushed off a moving bus for resisting a molestation bid on April 29 in Moga, Punjab.

Local residents rushed the two to a nearby hospital where the girl was pronounced dead.

The incident took place on a highway connecting Moga and Bathinda.