Rana Gurjit, Majithia spar over ‘sexual harassment’ by tehsildar

Jupinderjit Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 12

Congress MLA Rana Gurjit Singh and Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia were involved in a heated exchange during zero hour today over a case of alleged sexual harassment of a soldier’s wife by a tehsildar in Amritsar.

Rana Gurjit alleged that the tehsildar sought sexual favours from the woman on the pretext of providing her property documents. He said the tehsildar made several calls to the victim from a Dubai SIM card. He said the woman informed her husband and relatives, who asked her to call the revenue official home. They allegedly beat him up when he reached there.

Rana Gurjit claimed that a case was registered against the woman and six of her relatives, but no action was taken against the tehsildar due to political patronage. Reacting angrily, Majithia said the tehsildar had already been booked, adding that the ADGP (Crime) was investigating the matter.

Majithia said the Congress MLAs had made it a habit to politicise every issue, but they should spare such sensitive ones. Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal intervened to end the verbal duel. He assured the House that strict action would be taken in the case within 24 hours.

Scholarship scheme dues

Congress MLA Sunil Jakhar raised the issue of non-payment of dues to Dalit students under the post-matric scholarship scheme. He said though the Centre had given Rs 173 crore, the state government had released only Rs 44 crore. He asked where the remaining money was used. Minister for SC/BC Welfare Gulzar Singh Ranike assured the House that the pending money would be released by the month-end.

Gurdwara land dispute

Preneet Kaur sought the immediate intervention of the CM on a potential law and order situation in Patiala. She said a court had ordered that land on which a gurdwara was built in Khalsa Mohalla should be returned to the Wakf Board. Preneet said there could be a backlash if the officials went to take possession of the land.