Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister ML Khattar today termed as “absurd” the allegations of sexual harassment against minister Sandeep Singh and said a person does not become guilty just because an accusation is levelled against him.
He said the police are investigating the matter and further action will be taken once the inquiry report comes.
Sandeep Singh gave up the sports portfolio on Sunday, saying he has taken the step on moral grounds, and claimed that the charges levelled against him by the woman coach are baseless. However, he had not resigned from the BJP-led Haryana ministry.
“A woman sportsperson has levelled an absurd (anargal) allegation against the sports minister. But just levelling an allegation does not make a person guilty. The police probes the allegations.
“The Chandigarh police is investigating the matter and the Haryana Police too is gathering its report. We will take further action once the (inquiry) report comes,” Khattar told reporters in Rajasthan’s Sirohi where he had gone to attend an event of the Brahma Kumaris.
Mr Khattar said being a sports minister, an issue might have been raised that an impartial inquiry is not taking place.
Therefore, Sandeep Singh will not remain a sports minister and he has been removed so that a proper and fair inquiry takes place, he said.
“Being a minister in the sports department, an issue might have been raised that an impartial inquiry is not taking place. Therefore, he will not remain a sports minister, he has been removed from there so that a proper and fair inquiry takes place,” the chief minister said.
The Chandigarh police on Saturday registered an FIR against the 36-year-old BJP leader on charges of sexual harassment and wrongful confinement.
The Haryana Director General of Police set up a committee after Sandeep Singh lodged a complaint against the coach, claiming she had tarnished his image.
A ‘khap panchayat’ on Monday threatened to launch a big agitation if Sandeep Singh is not sacked.
