Give Chandigarh police free hand to probe stalking case:

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today said the Chandigarh Police should be given a "free hand" to probe the alleged stalking of a 29-year-old woman by two men, including the son of Haryana BJP president.
He said the police should be allowed to investigate the high-profile case "freely and independently".
"No attempt should be made to dilute the charges against the accused, one of whom is the son of the Haryana BJP president," Singh said.
He added that no political interference should be allowed and the police should have complete authority to probe the matter in a neutral manner under the due process of law.

The chief minister, in response to a question, also dismissed as "absurd" the demand for the resignation of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on moral grounds over the case.
"How can Rajnath Singh be held responsible for the incident, or for that matter for any such irresponsible behaviour involving individuals or party leaders or their kin in any part of the country, be it even Punjab," he said.
However, action needs to be taken against the accused to ensure justice for the woman and also to send out a strong signal that misuse of political powers to undermine any institution, including the police, was not acceptable, Singh said, reaffirming his "unequivocal and strong condemnation" of the incident.

The chief minister also urged Chandigarh MP Kirron Kher, whom he met briefly outside Parliament, that the guilty should be dealt with strictly, in accordance with the law.