Opp. charges Akalis with running ‘ mafia raj’ in Punjab, stalls Parliament

The Moga bus molestation case rocked Parliament on Tuesday as the Opposition charged the BJP ally SAD of running a “mafia raj” in Punjab.

The Opposition demanded action against the “owners” of the bus service and accused the SADBJP government in Punjab for not taking the issue seriously. A 13- yearold girl in Moga died after she was allegedly thrown off a moving bus after being molested by the staff of the bus belonging to a company owned by the ruling Badal family of Punjab.

Both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha witnessed multiple adjournments over the issue.

Soon after the Upper House met for the day, Congress members raised the issue, with Ms Ambika Soni alleging there was a complete breakdown of law and order in Punjab, which necessitated the Centre’s intervention.

SAD members protested against raising of the issue in the House, but the Opposition members kept speaking, even without notice.

The Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said it was a “very serious issue as those who are ruling the state are owners of the bus... police action has been only against those involved in the molestation but owners of the bus have been left out”. He said the case is incomplete without the owners being booked.

“There is anger in Punjab and people of the village did not cremate the body of the victim for three days. Keeping in view the anger in the state, action should be taken against the owners of the bus,” Mr Azad said.

Other parties in the Rajya Sabha, including the Left, joined in the protest with the BSP’s Mayawati demanding imposition of President’s Rule in the state. She said no action has been taken against the culprits. “Life and property of women in Punjab is in danger... President’s Rule should be imposed,” she said.