Sukhbir calls for stringent action in 'Chandigarh stalking' case

Former deputy chief minister of Punjab Sukhbir Singh Badal on Monday urged the Chandigarh administration to take strong action against Haryana Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief Subhash Barala's son, who is accused of stalking daughter of an IAS officer.

Urging for stringent cognizance, Badal said that a case of such serious nature should be dealt carefully and the charges in the matter should not be diluted.

"Chandigarh admininistration should take strong action. Whoever the person is, what they have done is very bad. No charge should be diluted, it's a very serious case," said Badal.

However, the BJP earlier today dismissed reports of Subhash Barala's resignation, after his son, Vikas Barala, was arrest and later let off by police in a stalking case.

"BJP Haryana Chief Subhash Barala has not resigned. The matter is related to his son. The law will take its own course," BJP sources revealed.

Earlier, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar too opined that the incident had no involvement of Subhash Barala. However, he assured that the accused, of found guilty, will be punished.

"I have complete faith on the Chandigarh Police. Justice will prevail. The accused will be punished once found guilty. This is my official stand on this matter. This case has nothing to do with Subhash Barala. Such act is highly condemnable if proved correct," the Chief Minister told the media.

A case was registered by the Chandigarh Police against Vikas and other youth under Section 354 D (stalking) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 185 (Motor Vehicle Act) of the CRPC on the basis of complaint filed by the woman.

In the latest development, the CCTV footage of five cameras reportedly went missing, thus resulting in further criticism of the BJP-led state government.