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Hindustan Times
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Stalking accused Vikas Barala dropped as law officer in Haryana
The Nayab Singh Saini-led BJP government on Monday dropped Vikas Barala from the post of assistant advocate general for Haryana, ten days after he was appointed, after a row erupted over his appointment and his alleged involvement in the 2017 Varnika Kundu stalking case. Barala did not join following the controversy that erupted after the notification on the appointment of law officers was issued on July 18, senior officials confirmed. Vikas Barala On Sunday, 45 retired IAS officers wrote an open letter to Saini against the decision to appoint Barala, who is the son of Rajya Sabha member and former Haryana BJP chief Subhash Barala. 'We are shocked to learn that a stalking accused has been named AAG by your government. He will work as the state legal officer when he himself is on the wrong side of the law. By appointing him, you have gone against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Beti Bachao slogan', the letter read. Earlier, reacting to his appointment, complainant Varnika Kundu termed it a reflection of the 'values and standards' of the authorities. Varnika, 36, the daughter of retired IAS officer VS Kundu, posted on Instagram, 'Appointing someone to a public position of power is not just a political decision, it's a reflection of values and standards. Despite months of national media attention, it has dragged on for this long with little progress. Although we seem no closer to a conclusion than we were five years ago, I continue to hold faith in the judiciary until the verdict is announced, but I won't deny that faith has wavered.' State's advocate general, Pravindra Singh Chauhan has told PTI that 'Vikas didn't join (assume charge)'. 'Generally, there is a timeframe of a week to ten days given, but if anyone does not join by then, we inform the government accordingly,' the AG further told the agency. Barala, was among over 100 law officers whose appointments were notified on July 18 by the government as assistant advocate general at Delhi office of the AG. The appointments are made by a 'selection committee' under the Haryana Law Officers (Engagement) Act, 2016. The criminal case against Barala, was registered on August 4, 2017, under Sections 354-D, 341, 365, 511 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code when Varnika, then a disco jockey (DJ), was allegedly stalked by Vikas and his friend Ashish. She was headed home when she noticed a car following her. The two accused allegedly attempted to block her path and tried to enter her vehicle. Sections of attempted kidnap were added after criticism of police functioning. Chandigarh police filed a 200-page chargesheet in the case on September 20, 2017. A district court framed charges on October 13, 2017, and trial began on October 27, 2017. Ever since, though there have been over 100 hearings in the trial court, they have been repeatedly adjourned on various grounds. In February this year, the case was transferred to the court of judicial magistrate first class where it is currently being heard. It will next come up for hearing on August 2.
The Print
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Retd IAS write to Haryana CM on engaging stalking accused Vikas Barala—‘betrayal of Beti bachao'
In a letter to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, posted on X by veteran journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, 45 former IAS officers of the 1986 batch, including R.R. Jowel and Rajni Sekhri Sibal of the Haryana cadre, voiced their outrage: 'We are a group of retired IAS officers, who served in various capacities for over three decades at the Centre and States. We are surprised to hear that a stalking case accused, son of BJP ex-state chief, one Mr Vikas Barala has been appointed Assistant Advocate General by your government. We fail to understand the reasoning behind such an appointment of (someone) accused of stalking a woman as Asst AG. He will serve as the state legal officer, when he himself stands on the wrong side of the law in such a grave issue.' Barala, accused in the 2017 stalking and attempted abduction case involving Varnika Kundu, daughter of retired IAS officer V.S. Kundu, is currently on bail, with his trial pending in a Chandigarh court. The decision to engage Barala, in a list of 95 law officers notified on 18 July 2025, has been slammed as a betrayal of Haryana's 'asmita' (pride) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Beti Bachao' campaign, by the ex-IAS officers, with calls for its immediate revocation. Gurugram: The appointment of Vikas Barala, stalking accused and son of BJP Rajya Sabha member and former BJP Haryana chief Subhash Barala, as Assistant Advocate General (AAG) in the office of Advocate General for Haryana in Delhi has stirred a massive controversy, with 45 retired IAS officers expressing outrage over what they describe as a serious lapse of ethics. The letter, referring to the 2011 Supreme Court judgment that invalidated P.J. Thomas's appointment as Central Vigilance Commissioner because there was a criminal case pending against him, contends that Barala's appointment is as indefensible. To The Chief Minister, Haryana, Chandigarh. Sir, We are a group of retired IAS Officers, who served in various capacities for over three decades at Centre and the States. We are shocked to learn that a stalking case accused, son of BJP Ex-State Chief, one Mr. Vikas Barala has… — ParanjoyGuhaThakurta (@paranjoygt) July 25, 2025 'It appears that your government did not take into account the fact that there is a serious criminal case against Mr Barala, or else he would not have been appointed, being ineligible for holding such a sensitive position,' the officers said. They added, 'This appointment is against the 'asmita' of Haryana. By appointing this accused as Asst AG, you have opposed the slogan of Hon PM's Beti Bachao. We ask you to cancel his appointment immediately, as his continued stay in the position is bound to influence the determination of the case in which he stands accused. We also request you to approach the judiciary to expedite the trial of the case, as already over seven years have elapsed.' The letter was signed by prominent retirees such as P.D. Vaghela, G.V. Venugopala Sarma and Ravi Capoor, among others. All these ex-IAS officers are from Varnika Kundu's father VS Kundu's 1986 batch. Also read: Anil Vij calls gang rape charge against Haryana BJP chief Badoli 'very serious', says party will act Political and public backlash The appointment has invited tough responses from political circles and civil society. Actor and ex-MP Divya Spandana, also popularly known as Ramya, was amongst the first from the world of cinema to express her indignation on X: 'The BJP Govt in Haryana has appointed the accused Vikas Barala in the Varnika Kundu stalking case as Assistant Advocate General of the very state that is prosecuting him!! @PMOIndia @AmitShah @arjunrammeghwal @NayabSainiBJP How did the screening committee approve this?' The BJP Govt in Haryana has appointed the accused Vikas Barala in the Varnika Kundu stalking case as Assistant Advocate General of the very state that is prosecuting him!! @PMOIndia @AmitShah @arjunrammeghwal @NayabSainiBJP How did the screening committee approve this? — Ramya/Divya Spandana (@divyaspandana) July 23, 2025 Her post amplified the scepticism over the screening process which led to Barala's selection despite the severity of Barala's outstanding charges. The Congress party also criticised the appointment and has asked for his removal from the post. पिछले कुछ साल में महिला अपराध के कई मामले सामने आए हैं, जिसमें BJP द्वारा अपराधियों का संरक्षण किया जा रहा है। ताजा कड़ी में मामला हरियाणा का है, जहां विकास बराला नाम के व्यक्ति को लॉ ऑफिसर के तौर पर नियुक्त किया गया है। विकास बराला, BJP राज्य सभा सांसद सुभाष बराला का बेटा… — Congress (@INCIndia) July 25, 2025 Aditya Devilal, the INLD MLA from Dabwali, said in a message on X that those who claimed to be against dynastic politics have today appointed the son of a former Haryana BJP president as Advocate General—and that too, someone who was himself an under-trial. 'Is this the new justice of the Nayab government?' he asked. Haryana PWD Minister Ranbir Gangwa, however, defended Barala's selection and said that the Opposition has nothing better to do, so was making a hue and cry over all issues. 'The selection has been made by a committee constituted for this purpose. The committee has checked all documents before making appointments,' Gangwa told media persons at Chandigarh on Friday. Varnika Kundu, whose 2017 experience ignited countrywide discussions about women's security, issued a tempered but evocative message on social media after media started calling her for comments: 'Appointing someone to a public position of power is not just a political decision, it's a reflection of values and standards. So, perhaps, the questions should be directed at the authorities whose ethics and standards allowed this decision to be made.' 'Our politicians govern the nation; the rest of us are merely hoping that they recall that they work for the Indian citizen.' Frustrated with the slow pace of the trial, she said, 'Despite months of national media attention, (the trial) has dragged on for this long with little progress.' 'Though we are no nearer to a verdict than we were five years ago, I remain confident in the judiciary up until the time of the judgment—but won't deny that confidence has been shaken,' she added in her statement. Kundu expressed gratitude to the media and public for standing by her side, observing, 'It made all the difference—gave me great courage and still moves me to tears.' A high-profile case The issue arose out of an incident on the night of 4 August 2017, when Varnika Kundu, who was a disc jockey at the time, was returning home from Chandigarh's Sector-8 market at 12:15 AM. She spotted a Tata Safari following her. In her complaint, she explained how Vikas Barala and his friend Ashish Kumar followed her, tried to stop her, and tried to force themselves into her car. 'I attempted to take a different route closer to Sector-7, but they compelled me towards Sector-26. One of the accused alighted and reached my car, trying to open the door. It was saved only due to the central lock,' she said. Kundu made a call to the emergency helpline (100), alerted her father, and called Chandigarh Police, which nabbed the duo. An FIR was lodged under IPC Sections 354D (stalking), 341 (wrongful restraint), 365 (attempt to abduct), 511 (attempt to commit an offense), and charges of drunk driving. The case, which was registered in Sector 26 police station in Chandigarh, gained national attention as Subhash Barala was the Haryana BJP chief at that time. Vikas Barala was detained on 9 August 2017, following public backlash, and remained in Burail jail for five months until he got bail from the Punjab and Haryana High Court in January 2018. Charges were framed in October 2017, and the trial is ongoing, with the next hearing scheduled for 2 August 2025, for recording defence evidence. Appointment process Barala's appointment was one of more than 95 law officers, such as AAGs, Deputy Advocates-General, and others, in a notification dated 18 July 2025. The process, regulated by the Haryana Law Officers (Engagement) Act, 2016, is one where the screening committee analyses the legal experience of the applicants. Section 8(c) of the 2016 Act disqualifies a person 'convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude' unless overturned or pardoned. A top Haryana government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, justified the appointment, saying, 'According to law, there is no irregularity. Barala is eligible and does not fall under any disqualification.' Vikas Barala and Subhash Barala have not responded to requests on Whatsapp for comment. This report will be updated if they make a statement. (Edited by Viny Mishra) Also read: Why UPSC has returned Haryana govt's proposal for promotion of 27 of its officers to IAS
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Two Jorhat students step into DC's shoes for a day
1 2 3 4 Dibruugarh: Under govt's "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" campaign, two students from Jorhat — Sanshita Baruah and Geetashree Sharma — got the rare opportunity to serve as district commissioner for a day on Saturday. The initiative, aimed at empowering young girls and exposing them to governance, allowed the students to shadow Jorhat DC Jay Shivani and participate in official duties. Sanshita, a Class 9 student from Pragjyotika Senior Secondary School in Titabor, and Geetashree, a postgraduate student from Chandra Kamal Baruah Commerce College, earned this privilege after winning a district-level essay competition. Jorhat DC Jay Shivani expressed pride in the students' enthusiasm and highlighted the initiative's objective. "Witnessing policy implementation and decision-making firsthand has strengthened my resolve to join the civil services in the future," Geetashree said. "We got to see how the district's progress is monitored and how different departments function. We even learnt about election processes," Sanshita said.
India Today
19-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
15-year-old Puri girl doused with petrol, set on fire. Naveen Patnaik blasts BJP
A 15-year-old girl was doused with petrol and set on fire in Odisha's Puri on Saturday, coming on the heels of the death of a college student who self-immolated herself after complaining of sexual harassment by a minor, who has suffered 70% burn injuries, has been to AIIMS Bhubaneswar and is critical. The incident happened in Bayabar village when the girl was going to her friend's house. She was waylaid by three miscreants, taken to the banks of the River Bhargavi and set on incident happened just 1.5 km away from the Balanga police station. The trio fled after the incident. The police have launched a manhunt for the miscreants.A senior police officer said that the girl suffered burn injuries to her back, abdomen and other victim's cousin brother said she was kidnapped, tied up near the river and set on fire. He said the incident happened barely 500 metres from their house. "My sister was going to her friend's place carrying some books. On the way, three people kidnapped her. They tied her up near the river and set her on fire using petrol. We don't know why she was attacked. We have filed a complaint with the police," he media reports said the girl's family has ruled out personal enmity or a love affair angle as possible CHIEF MINISTER REACTSDeputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said the police have been instructed to immediately arrest the culprits."I am deeply pained and shocked to hear the news that some miscreants in the Balangir region poured petrol on a fifteen-year-old girl on the road and set her on fire... All necessary arrangements are being made for her treatment. The government will bear all medical expenses," Parida said."The police administration has been directed to arrest the culprits immediately and take strict action," Parida, who also holds the Women and Child Development portfolio, PATNAIK SLAMS BJPTearing into the ruling BJP government, former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said such incidents against women had become almost daily across the state."These are not stray cases of violence. These incidents occurring with shocking regularity point to a deep systemic failure of governance. It shows that criminals have become emboldened under the present government and are not worried about being punished," Patnaik squarely blamed government inaction for Odisha becoming highly unsafe for women."Will the government wake up from this deep slumber and take speedy action so that the criminals are arrested? And more importantly, will the government respond so that such incidents are not repeated?" he MODI HAS BLOOD IN HIS HANDS'Calling it an incident of "criminal negligence", the Trinamool Congress lashed out at the ruling BJP government, remidning it of its 'Beti Bachao' slogan."BJP, where is your Beti Bachao slogan now? Where is NCW hiding? Or are they too busy witch-hunting opposition voices instead of protecting India's daughters? This isn't governance. It's criminal negligence. PM Modi, blood is on your hands!" the TMC, which has an axe to grind with the Odisha government over the alleged detention of Bengali migrants, incident comes at a time when tempers are yet to soothe in Odisha over the death of a student of Fakir Mohan 20-year-old student set herself on fire on July 12 after her repeated sexual harassment complaints against a professor allegedly went unaddressed by the college second-year student suffered 95% burns and passed away at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Monday.- Ends
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Odisha CM must step down after student's death: JMM
1 2 3 Ranchi: JMM on Wednesday demanded the resignation of Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi over the death of a college student in Balasore district a day before. The 20-year-old student, who set herself on fire protesting alleged inaction on her sexual harassment complaint against her department head in Balasore, succumbed to her injuries late Monday night after a 60-hour battle for life. The girl initially reported the matter to the college principal on June 30 and posted her ordeal in a social media post, tagging authorities and reported the matter to the police on July 1. Addressing a press conference in Ranchi, JMM's general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya demanded that the CM must take accountability and step down. He also clamied that violence against women are rising in states where they are in power. "The death of the student in Balasore is once again a reminder how BJP ruled states are increasingly becoming unsafe for women. The woman fought hard to save her dignity, but the BJP govt in Odisha didn't take any concrete action against her perpetrators in the first place before it became too late. We wonder how the CM is still in office there," said Bhattacharya, citing how women continue to suffer right from Manipur to UP, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar among others. "BJP's Beti Bachao campaign has now turned into Beti Jalao. As usual, PM and home minister of this country are conveniently silent," he said. "It is beyond anyone's imagination that a student had to face torment in her own institution. Even after raising the complaint, attempts were on to hold her wrong. Who will give justice to the deceased student," he added. Hitting back, BJP spokesperson Ajay Sah said, "JMM should be ashamed of its selective politics. It remains silent when criminals are from their alliance ruled states but pounces on any unfortunate incident in a BJP-ruled state. When students at Kolkata's R J Kar Medical College were protesting after a rape incident, JMM's leadership was silent. Examples are abound. Does JMM determine the seriousness of a crime based on the party ruled state? Even in Jharkhand, instances of rape and women abuse are surfacing daily. It should talk on its own govt. BJP govt in Odisha will ensure the strictest action."
