Culprits in Chandigarh stalking case will be punished: Govt

The government today asserted in the Lok Sabha that those involved in stalking and alleged attempt to abduct a 29-year-old woman in Chandigarh will be punished.
The government assurance came after the issue was raised by Congress member Deepender Hooda and led to a war of words with the BJP members.
Hooda demanded action against the culprits as well as those who are trying to hurt the image of the victim on social media.
Haryana BJP chief's son Vikas Barala and his friend Ashish Kumar are the accused in the case.
Hooda wanted to know why no female officer was present when the statement of the victim was recorded under Section 164 of CrPC before the SDM.

BJP member from Chandigarh Kiron Kher shot back, saying Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had given a clear direction to the police not to yield to political pressure in the case and do whatever is right.

She also said that boys should not be allowed out during nights while the girls should be allowed.
Stressing that she had also stood up for the rights of the girls, Kher said one should accept that there are societal norms.
While one section is progressive, the other is not so, she said and lamanted "misogenist" comments made some political leaders in past.
As the two sides trade charges, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar assured the members that "whosoever has committed the wrong would be punished. No one will be let off."

The minister said even the "victim is appreciating" the prompt action taken by the Chandigarh police".
Kumar urged the Opposition parties to desist from giving a political colour to the sensitive issue. He stressed that it is the duty of the government to safeguard the women.
The two accused in the case were re-arrested yesterday after they were charged with a non-bailable offence of attempted abduction under section 365 of the IPC and section 511, which relates to an attempt to commit an offence punishable with life or other imprisonment.
A Chandigarh court today remanded them to a two-day police custody.