Allegation does not make anyone guilty: Haryana CM Khattar charged with sexual harassment against Minister Sandeep Singh : The Tribune India

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PTI

Chandigarh, January 3

Haryana Chief Minister ML Khattar on Tuesday called sexual harassment allegations against Minister Sandeep Singh “absurd” and said a person does not become guilty just because an accusation is made against him. she.

He said police are investigating the matter and further action will be taken once the investigation report is available.

Singh gave up the sports portfolio on Sunday, saying he took the plunge for moral reasons and claimed the accusations leveled against him by the coach were baseless. However, he had not resigned from the BJP-led ministry in Haryana.

“A sportswoman made an absurd allegation (anargale) against the Minister of Sports. But simply making an allegation does not make a person guilty. Police are investigating the allegations.

“Chandigarh Police are investigating the case and Haryana Police are also collecting their report. We will take further action once the (investigative) report comes,” Khattar told reporters in Sirohi, Rajasthan, where he had traveled to attend a Brahma Kumaris event.

Khattar said that being Minister of Sports, a problem could have been raised that an impartial investigation did not take place.

Therefore, Singh will not remain Sports Minister and he has been removed from his position so that a proper and fair investigation can take place, he said.

“As Minister for the Department of Sport, a concern could have been raised that an impartial investigation did not take place. Therefore, he will not remain Sports Minister, he has been removed so that a proper and fair investigation can take place,” the Chief Minister said.

Chandigarh Police on Saturday registered an FIR against the 36-year-old BJP leader for sexual harassment and forcible confinement.

The Haryana Police Chief has set up a committee after Singh filed a complaint against the coach, claiming she tarnished his image.

A “khap panchayat” threatened on Monday to start a major unrest if Singh was not sacked.

The coach, meanwhile, recorded her statement in front of Chandigarh police here on Tuesday.

A women’s organization also demanded that the Haryana government institute criminal proceedings against the minister.

The Vice President of the Democratic Women’s Association of India, Jagmati Sangwan, said that the guidelines under the Sexual Harassment of Women in the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redress) Act 2013 or of the POSH Act are clear, “an FIR should be registered and criminal proceedings brought against the accused”.

“The case involves a Minister who committed the alleged crime in a position of power. He has not resigned from his post and continues to exercise all the powers of a Minister. He is in a position to influence the investigation “, she said.

Sangwan said the committee set up by the DGP of Haryana was going to be useless.

“When an FIR has already been registered by the Chandigarh Police, this committee will be of no use, but it can only hinder the investigation,” she said.

The chief minister should immediately fire the minister and initiate criminal action. The FIR that was filed in Chandigarh and they should be given a fair environment to properly investigate him, she said.

Sangwan, a former volleyball player, who was awarded the prestigious Bhim award for outstanding sportsmen in Haryana, said she had also served as assistant director, sports, at MDU University in Rohtak earlier and that She knew very well what the women’s coach has to go through. at present.

“She should be served justice in this case. What other reason can there be for her to make such allegations. Is she Sandeep Singh’s political rival? she asked.

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