Social activist held on rape charge

Patiala, November 27

Radio journalist and social activist Baltej Pannu was arrested today for allegedly raping and cheating a woman employee of Punjabi University. Pannu has been instrumental in highlighting the shortcomings of Akali ministers in his programmes targeted at audiences in Canada, USA and Australia, etc.

The complainant has accused Pannu of raping her on the pretext of marriage. Patiala SSP Gurmeet Chauhan said they had recorded the victim’s statement in the presence of a Judicial Magistrate.

Sources said Pannu was being targeted by the state government as he had been critical of its performance.

Patiala MP Dr Dharamvira Gandhi condemned the arrest of Pannu, claiming the arrest of any person without probe was not justified. — TNS