An association of IAS officers has described as “absolutely shocking” the alleged stalking of a bureaucrat’s daughter in Chandigarh.
It has demanded “exemplary and timely punishment” for such offences.
‘Absolutely shocking’
The Indian Administrative Service (Central) Association, which claims to represent all 5,004 IAS officers working across the country, stressed in a tweet the need to make India “a safe place” for women.
“Absolutely shocking. Time we made our nation a safe place for all women. Exemplary and timely punishment for offences a must,” the association said on Sunday.
The son of Haryana BJP chief Subhash Barala was arrested on Saturday with a friend for allegedly stalking the woman.
The accused, Vikas Barala (23) and Ashish Kumar (27), were later released on bail as they were booked under bailable sections of the IPC and the Motor Vehicles Act.
Punjab CM reacts
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday said that no attempt should be made to dilute the charges against the accused.
‘Unfortunate’
“The woman had clearly stated that there was an attempt to abduct her. The charges should be registered under relevant sections of the law,” he said during a visit to the Capital, adding that such incidents were unfortunate.
‘Police must act’
Responding to a question regarding the Chandigarh Police’s assertion about CCTV footage of the alleged stalking incident not being available as the cameras were “non-functional”, Captain Amarinder said, “So what if the footage is not available. The woman has made her statement and the police must act on it.”