No pressure on police in Chandigarh stalking case: Government

Accusing the Congress of politicising the case of a BJP leader's son chasing a woman in Chandigarh, Union Minister Ananth Kumar on Thursday said there is no political pressure on police and the law will take its own course.

The issue was raised in the Lok Sabha during Zero Hour by Congress leader Deepender Hooda, who slammed ruling party members for "character assassination" of the woman, who was chased by Vikas Barala -- the son of Haryana Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Subhash Barala.

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister said it was government's duty to protect women and it acted accordingly.

"It is the duty of government to protect women... In this case, both government and police have taken prompt action," Kumar said, adding: "The law will take its own course. I urge my friends from Congress not to politicise the issue."

Raising the issue, Hooda had said: "They (BJP leaders) question why the girl was there...I ask what the boy was doing there?"

BJP MP from Chandigarh Kirron Kher said: "I would like to thank Chandigarh Police for prompt action. The girl has also thanked police for quick action."

"People must also realise that there is a procedure...she did not mention the charge of abduction in front of the magistrate," Kher said.

The MP also slammed those who questioned why the girl was out late in the night.

"What is wrong in a girl being out late in the night or enjoying a drink? Problem is not becauase women are out late in the night, problem is because boys are out late in the night. So boys should not be allowed to stay out late," she said.

Kher also said that Home Minister Rajnath Singh had told Chandigarh Police not to be influenced by any political pressure.

"Home Ministry has instructed police that no political pressure should be entertained. I have stood up for the rights of the girl. It is not about my party or your party, it is a social problem," she added. - IANS