The alleged molestation and death of a teenaged girl in Moga in Punjab resonated in both Houses of Parliament today with opposition demanding a discussion on the issue and Rajya Sabha witnessing two adjournments after uproar.
Soon after the Rajya Sabha met for the day, Congress members raised the issue with Ambika Sonia alleging there was a complete breakdown of law and order in Punjab, which necessitated the Centre's intervention.
Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said it was a "very serious issue as those who are ruling the state are owners of the bus...Police action has been only against those involved in the molestation but owners of the bus have been left out."
He said the case is incomplete without the owners being booked. "There is anger in Punjab and people of the village did not cremate the body of the victim for three days. Keeping in view the anger in the state, action should be taken against the owners of the bus."
In the Lok Sabha, Congress members raising the Moga incident and disrupted proceedings of the House, causing several adjournments.
The House witnessed heat when Amarinder Singh (Cong) raised the issue of the death of a 13-year-old girl in Moga after she was allegedly thrown off a moving bus after being molested by the staff of the bus belonging to a company owned by the ruling Badal family of Punjab.
"Law and order situation in Punjab is bleak," Singh said, adding that this was not the first time that Orbit buses have been involved in such cases.
Amid protests by SAD members, he said the incident was a "culmination" of the "detriorating" law and order in Punjab.
Other parties in Rajya Sabha including the Left joined in the protest with Mayawati (BSP) demanding imposition of President's rule in the state.
She said no action has been taken against the culprits. "Life and property of women in Punjab is in danger... President's rule should be imposed," she said.
The demand for a discussion on the issue was strongly opposed by Akali Dal members, forcing Deputy Chairman P J Kurien adjourn the House twice even as the opposition continued to vociferously press its demand.
