Chandigarh: The Punjab Pradesh Mahila Congress staged a protest in Chandigarh against the AAP-led state govt, attempting to gherao CM Bhagwant Mann’s official residence over alleged anti-women policies and the shielding of a rape accused.Chandigarh Police deployed heavy barricading to halt the advance of the marching women activists before they could reach the Chief Minister’s residence.Addressing the demonstrators, Punjab Mahila Congress president Baljit Kaur alleged that ₹5 crore was paid to secure the release of a rape accused. She demanded a high-level inquiry and immediate legal action into the matter.Protest leaders criticised the govt’s flagship financial schemes for women, contrasting them with the safety situation. They alleged that while women are offered promises of ₹1,000–₹1,500, a rape suspect was allegedly protected for money, calling it blatant discrimination and a cruel joke against the women of Punjab.The party’s Mohali district president Paramjit Kaur and state secretary Charanjit Kaur objected to the police response, accusing the administration of using heavy-handed and authoritarian tactics to suppress a peaceful protest.The Congress unit warned it will expand the agitation across all districts and constituencies in Punjab if prompt action is not taken against those responsible.
