New Delhi, Aug. 22 -- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Saturday took cognisance of allegations that the wife of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann sought Rs 5 crore to suppress a rape case. The complaint states that these allegations were made by former Punjab judge Justice Ranjit Singh.

The NHRC Bench headed by Priyank Kanoongo has directed the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Punjab, to inquire into the matter and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks.

The Commission has also forwarded the matter to the Women Safety Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

The Commission will take further action on the basis of the Action Taken Report.

Earlier, on August 19, the NHRC Bench...