A lady officer’s fight for justice

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Mar 8, 2015 :  She filed a complaint of harassment at her workplace almost two years ago,  35-year-old lady  police sub-inspector continues to fight her case. On May 23, 2013, this woman officer lodged a complaint with the then Police Commissioner Manish Kharbikar, she had  accused the then Assistant Commissioner of Police T.R. Jagannath of sexual harassment. 

The complaint was inquired by a committee formed on the directions of the Police Commissioner. The inquiry panel in July, 2013, submitted a report stating that they did not find substance in the allegations.  Following this report, the woman officer filed a private compliant before the Judicial Magistrate First Class court.

The court directed the women’s police station inspector to investigate the case in September 2013. While the investigation was in progress, the woman officer sought change in the investigation officer and the court directed the Barke Police Station Inspector to investigate the matter.  The Barke Police Inspector examined a few colleagues of the woman officer.

He also issued notices to the husband of the woman officer. He then submitted a B report to the court stating that there was no evidence to substantiate the allegation. The woman officer challenged the report.

The accused officer who had been placed under suspension for few weeks following the complaint, reported to duty and served in the office of Inspector-General of Police (Western Range).  He retired from service 2014.

The lady officer is presently on sick leave.  Well known local Activist Vidya Dinaker, who has been supporting the woman officer in her fight, said the officer was determined to take her fight to a logical conclusion.  The woman officer enjoys support of people and her fight figures on the facebook page ‘Page Zero-Honouring Everyday Heroes’, she added.