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Khattar rules out stripping Sandeep Singh of ministerial position
The chief minister in a reply to a question during a press conference here said that mere allegations and registration of an FIR does not make a person guilty
: Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday ruled out stripping Sandeep Singh of his ministerial position, reiterating that only investigation can prove a person guilty and that there was no issue of the minister exercising his influence on the investigation process.
Sandeep Singh, a first-time MLA from Pehowa, was booked on December 31 under Sections 354 (assault or use of criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354 A (sexual harassment), 354 B (compelling her to be naked), 342 (wrongful confinement) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) following allegations of sexual misconduct by a junior woman athletics coach.
The special investigation team on January 7 added section 509 of IPC in the FIR. The section is invoked for uttering any word or making any gesture intended to insult the modesty of a woman. If proven guilty the accused faces simple imprisonment for 3 years along with fine.
Though he was divested of sports and youth affairs portfolio on January 7, he continues to enjoy the ministerial rank even as the clamour for his ouster refuses to die down.
Women rights groups, khaps and political parties are seeking Singh’s ouster from the Council of Ministers.
The chief minister in a reply to a question during a press conference here said that mere allegations and registration of an FIR does not make a person guilty.
“I am reiterating my previous statement. Mere allegation and registration of FIR does not make a person guilty. Only an investigation can prove the guilt. Both the complainant and the minister have been questioned by the police,” Khattar said.
Asked whether it was morally appropriate that Singh continued as a minister, the chief minister said that there was no issue of the minister exercising his influence on the investigation process.
“Now if merely making a statement is construed as lending protection to the minister, then I cannot say anything,” Khattar said.
“The victim had said that till the time Sandeep Singh is the sports minister, she will not make a statement before the police. The minister himself offered to drop the sports portfolio. Whether he stays as a minister is not an issue here. He continues to be a minister of state for printing and stationery,” Khattar said.
“The minister himself has said that the allegations against him are incorrect and false,” Khattar said in reply to a question as to whether Singh should step down on moral grounds.
