Row over appointment of Vikas Barala as Assistant Advocate General
According to official records, Mr. Barala was appointed through a government notification issued on July 18.
The Congress, in a post on its official handle on social media platform X, objected to the appointment. 'See the shamelessness of Haryana's BJP government. The government has appointed Vikas Barala, who attempted molestation and kidnapping, as AAG in the Haryana government. This means a criminal who misbehaved with girls will now represent the government in court,' the party said. 'Even before this, the BJP has been promoting those who harass women, commit rape and murder. This is just the next chapter,' it further said.
The case dates back to August 5, 2017, when Vikas Barala and his friend Ashish Kumar allegedly followed and attempted to stop a woman, who was returning home from Chandigarh to Panchkula. The woman, a disc jockey and daughter of a senior IAS officer in the Haryana government at the time, had lodged a complaint leading to the duo's arrest.
Initially, they were released on bail after being booked under bailable sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Motor Vehicles Act. Following public outrage and criticism over the handling of the case, including accusations of dilution of charges, the police later re-arrested the accused on August 9. Sections 365 and 511 of the IPC (attempt to abduct) were added to the existing FIR.
Speaking to The Hindu, the woman's father, now retired, said that only the prosecution witnesses had deposed so far in the case, even after eight years. He added that the defence was yet to present its witnesses and evidence. He declined to comment on Mr. Barala's appointment as AAG.
Mr. Subhash Barala could not be reached for a response. His personal assistant said he was attending the ongoing Parliament session.
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