Moga molestation case: Issue forces RS to adjourn twice

Ambika Soni raised the issue saying there was a complete breakdown of law and order in Punjab

Opposition led by Congress today forced two adjournments in Rajya Sabha demanding discussion over death of a teenaged girl in Moga in Punjab after being allegedly molested and thrown off a bus owned by ruling Badal family.

When the House met for the day, Ambika Soni (Congress) raised the issue saying there was a complete breakdown of law and order in Punjab, necessitating Centre's intervention.

Other parties including the Left joined in the protest with Mayawati (BSP) demanding imposition of President's rule in the state.

The demand for a discussion on the issue was strongly opposed by Akali Dal members, forcing Deputy Chairman P J Kurien adjourned the House for 10 minutes. Opposition continued to vociferously press their demand when the House reassembled, forcing another adjournment till noon.

Soni said the situation in Punjab merits direct intervention of the Centre as law and order has broken down.

Anand Sharma (Cong) said this was a very serious issue and the House should condemn the incident.

Kurien said no notice on the subject has been given. "I am not saying anything about merit of what you are saying. All I have said is please give notice."

Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) said the chair should allow some matter that has come up so urgently. "Because of the importance of the incident, please allow us to discuss."

Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the matter needed to be discussed as the bus belonged to a company run by senior goverment functionary.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the state government had taken immediate action against the culprits and it was not proper to discuss the working of state governments in the House.

"If you want to discuss various issues, give a notice," he said.

Kurien said he has two notices for suspension of business under rule 267 on separate issues and wants to dispose of them first.

Soon after the notices were disallowed after the movers spoke briefly, Opposition was again on their feet raising the Moga incident.

Mayawati (BSP) said no action has been taken against the real culprits. "Life and property of women in Punjab is in danger... President's rule should be imposed," she said.

Kurien however insisted that a notice be given seeking a discussion on the issue. But opposition members were unrelenting and moved into the aisles shouting slogans, forcing adjournment.