| Date | 4 August 2017 |
|---|---|
| Location | Chandigarh, India |
| Also known as | Chandigarh stalking case 2017 |
| Accused | Vikas Barala and Ashish Kumar |
The Varnika Kundu stalking case refers to an incident on 4 August 2017, in Chandigarh, India, where Varnika Kundu, a disc jockey, was allegedly stalked and harassed by Vikas Barala, son of a Haryana politician, and his friend Ashish Kumar. The case gained national attention due to its implications for women’s safety, allegations of political influence, and a subsequent controversy in 2025 over Barala’s brief appointment as an Assistant Advocate General (AAG). Kundu’s viral social media post and the #AintNoCinderella hashtag sparked widespread public discourse, highlighting issues of gender-based violence and judicial delays. As of August 2025, the trial remains ongoing, with no final verdict.
Incident[edit | edit source]
On the night of 4 August 2017, Varnika Kundu, then 29, was driving home in Chandigarh around midnight when she noticed a white Ford Endeavour SUV following her for approximately five kilometers.[1]
According to her First Information Report (FIR), the occupants, Vikas Barala, son of BJP leader Subhash Barala and his friend Ashish Kumar, attempted to block her path, tailgated her vehicle, and made gestures suggesting an intent to approach or enter her car.[1][2]
Kundu, daughter of former Haryana IAS officer VS Kundu, contacted the Chandigarh Police via the emergency helpline, leading to the apprehension of the accused near Sector 26.[3][4][5]
In a detailed Facebook post, Kundu described the incident as terrifying, alleging the accused were intoxicated and attempted to intimidate her.[6]
CCTV footage from Sector 9 confirmed the accused purchasing alcohol earlier that evening, supporting claims of intoxication.[7]
Legal proceedings[edit | edit source]
On 5 August 2017, the Chandigarh Police registered an FIR against Vikas Barala and Ashish Kumar under Sections 354D (stalking) and 341 (wrongful restraint) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act (drunk driving).[1]
These were initially bailable offenses, and the accused were released within a few hours after arrest.[2]
Following public outcry and accusations of lenient handling, non-bailable charges under IPC Sections 365 (attempted abduction) and 511 (attempt to commit offences) were added on 9 August 2017. The accused were rearrested after failing to appear for a police summons.[3]
On 22 September 2017, a 300-page chargesheet was filed, supported by 48 pieces of evidence, including CCTV footage, Kundu’s testimony, her father’s statement, and accounts from PCR personnel and a friend on the phone during the incident.[8][9]
The trial began on 13 October 2017, in a Chandigarh judicial magistrate court.[10]
Vikas Barala, lodged in Burail Jail for five months, was granted bail on 11 January 2018, by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, with conditions not to influence the trial or contact Kundu.[11]
As of August 2025, the trial remains ongoing, with over 100 hearings completed, prosecution evidence presented, and defense witness examination underway.[12]
Public and political reaction[edit | edit source]
The case sparked widespread outrage across India, fueled by Kundu’s viral Facebook post and the #AintNoCinderella hashtag, where women shared photos of being out at night to challenge victim-blaming.[13]
The incident, compared to the Bollywood film Pink (2016) for its depiction of stalking, raised concerns about women’s safety and privilege in India.[14][15]
Opposition parties, including Congress and the Indian National Lok Dal, criticised the BJP for alleged leniency.[2][14]
Vikas Barala’s father, Subhash Barala, then-president of the Haryana Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), faced accusations of influencing the police to initially file bailable charges, which he and Chandigarh DGP Tejinder Singh Luthra denied.[16][2]
In July 2025, the case regained attention when Vikas Barala was appointed an Assistant Advocate General by the Haryana government, prompting backlash.[17][18]
Varnika Kundu condemned the decision on Instagram, stating it reflected poorly on the government’s values.[12]
Forty-seven retired IAS officers wrote to Haryana Chief minister Nayab Singh Saini, arguing the appointment undermined the "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" initiative.[19]
Societal impact[edit | edit source]
The case highlighted systemic issues in India, including judicial delays, with Kundu noting her "wavering faith" in the legal system due to the trial’s eight-year duration.[20][21]
It fueled discussions on women’s safety, particularly for those traveling alone at night, and the influence of political connections in legal processes.[20][21]
The #AintNoCinderella movement inspired women to assert their right to public spaces, gaining traction across social media platforms.[13][22]
The 2025 AAG controversy further underscored tensions between political privilege and accountability, with media framing the case as a test of India’s commitment to gender justice.[14]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Haryana BJP chiefs son held for stalking IAS officers daughter". The Tribune. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Indian politician's son 'attempts to kidnap' woman". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Chandigarh stalking case: Vikas Barala and Ashish Kumar sent to two-day police custody". The Indian Express. 10 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ↑ "Chandigarh 'stalking' case: They blocked my way, tried to open door of my car, says daughter of IAS officer". The Indian Express. 8 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ↑ Colaco, Jonita (7 August 2017). "I'm proud of my daughter: father of Haryana stalking victim | I'm proud of my daughter: father of Haryana stalking victim". www.asianage.com. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ↑ "'Lucky, Wasn't Raped': Woman Stalked Allegedly By Haryana BJP Chief's Son". www.ndtv.com. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ↑ "Exclusive: Watch CCTV footage of Chandigarh accused buying alcohol before 'stalking' woman". The Indian Express. 10 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ↑ Team, N. L. (22 September 2017). "Police submit chargesheet in Chandigarh stalking case". Newslaundry. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ↑ "Chandigarh stalking case: After 41 days, police submit chargesheet against Vikas, Ashish". The Indian Express. 22 September 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ↑ "Chandigarh Stalking Case: Court Frames Charges Against Vikas Barala, Friend". www.ndtv.com. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ↑ "Haryana BJP chief's son Vikas Barala gets bail in stalking case". The Hindu. 11 January 2018. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Stalking case victim questions Baralas appointment as Asst AG". The Tribune. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 "#AintNoCinderella: Why Indian women are posting midnight photos". BBC News. 9 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 Mahapatro, Abhipsha (22 September 2016). "The Quint's #PINK Debate in Light of the Chandigarh Stalking Case". TheQuint. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ↑ "Chandigarh stalking case: Varnika not at fault, says Haryana BJP MLA". The Indian Express. 13 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ↑ "Chandigarh stalking case: Accused Vikas Barala to join police probe, Haryana BJP chief assures full cooperation". The Financial Express. 9 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ↑ "Stalking case accused dropped from Haryana law officer post". The Times of India. 29 July 2025. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ↑ Spandana/Ramya, Gurmehar Kaur,Divya (1 August 2025). "When public outcry fills the gaps justice leaves behind". The Leaflet. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ↑ Manav, Sushil (26 July 2025). "Retd IAS write to Haryana CM on engaging stalking accused Vikas Barala—'betrayal of Beti bachao'". ThePrint. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 "Facing trial in stalking case, former Haryana BJP chief Barala's son Vikas is now assistant advocate general". Hindustan Times. 23 July 2025. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 Bassi, Aseem (23 July 2025). "Row erupts as Haryana BJP MP's son, facing stalking case, appointed law officer". India Today. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ↑ "Chandigarh stalking: Indian women fight victim-blaming with 'midnight selfies'". The Week. 9 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2025.