Patiala: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s wife Dr Gurpreet Kaur Mann on Sunday broke her silence on the Rs 5 crore bribery allegation against her, calling it “baseless, fabricated and politically motivated” and challenging her accusers to prove the charge or face legal action.Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a state-level Teej celebration in Patiala Rural, Dr Mann said: “It is very easy to throw baseless allegations. I am fully prepared to firmly confront them. I was neither scared earlier nor am I afraid today. I challenge them to prove their claims or prepare for legal action.”The allegation was made by retired Punjab and Haryana high court judge Justice Ranjit Singh, who claimed Dr Mann had sought Rs 5 crore in exchange for help in scuttling a rape case.The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of a complaint over the allegation and sought an action-taken report from Punjab chief secretary and DGP within two weeks. The matter has also been referred to the Union home ministry’s women safety division.Dr Mann has sent a legal notice to Justice Singh seeking an unconditional public apology within 24 hours, failing which she has threatened criminal defamation proceedings.The allegation has triggered a political row, with Congress and SAD seeking a central agency probe, while the ruling AAP has dismissed the charge as a deliberate smear campaign against the CM’s family.Dr Mann attended the Teej celebration with Punjab health and family welfare minister Dr Balbir Singh and Punjab State Women Commission chairperson Raj Lali Gill. Addressing women at the event, she described Teej as a symbol of joy and cultural bonding and highlighted govt schemes including the Chief Minister’s Health Scheme, Aam Aadmi Clinics and Mawan-Dhian Satkar Scheme.Traditional phulkari shawls were also distributed among participants. Dr Balbir Singh said the turnout reflected the govt’s commitment to women’s safety, dignity and cultural revival.
