Punjab minister faces ouster amid sexual harassment allegations

Punjab’s Governor Banwarilal Purohit publicly censured State Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Thursday, alleging he had committed a severe offence and was unworthy to continue serving in the cabinet. Governor Purohit urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to confront the issue head-on and demand accountability from his
minister.
Kataruchak has found himself in the eye of a storm, with serious allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him, notably by opposition forces. Sukhpal Khaira, a Congress MLA, had lodged the complaint with Governor Purohit, even providing video evidence purportedly featuring Kataruchak. On May 1st, Khaira submitted what he called a “highly objectionable video of gross misconduct” involving the minister, recommending the clip be subjected to forensic analysis. While delivering the video, Khaira refrained from naming the minister directly, yet insisted that if verified as authentic, the minister should be expelled from the Cabinet. The video’s subsequent forensic examination affirmed its authenticity, it was found to be non-morphed.
Governor Purohit’s call to action followed a notice issued by the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) to the Punjab Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, instructing them to investigate the allegations surrounding Kataruchak’s video. In addition to its demand for a thorough probe, the Commission also requested the Punjab government to provide protection to the victim. NCSC Chairperson Vijay Sampla issued a warning to Punjab officials, declaring that the Commission could exercise its powers under Article 338 of the Indian Constitution if an action taken report was not provided within the mandated timeframe. This might include the issuance of summons for personal appearances in Delhi. The NCSC became involved after receiving a letter from the alleged victim, who hails from a Scheduled Castes community in a village in Pathankot.