Mangalore: ACP case - Special committee to investigate sexual abuse at work
Pics: Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (BG)
Mangalore, May 25: A special committee has been formed to deal with matters relating to cases of sexual harassment against lady staff in work places, said Manish Karbikar, city police commissioner at a press meet at his office here on Saturday May 25.
The move comes in the wake of allegations of sexual harassment levelled by ASI Sreekala against ACP Jagannath.
"It is true that we have received a complaint from Mangalore south ASI Sreekala alleging sexual harassment and use of foul language against her, when she had gone to request for leave. Taking this complaint into consideration, a special team has been formed to investigate the matter," he said.
The team has been formed under certain guidelines set up by the Supreme Court, to curb the sexual harassment against lady staff in any organization, company or other places, as per the judgement on writ petition number 666/70/1992, dated 13/08/1997.
The team that has been set up in Mangalore comprises Kavitha B T, ACP, as the president, K Kalavathi, police inspector as secretary, with members Hilda Goveas, assistantt administrative officer, Mangalore city commisioner's office, Pauline Mariyappa, branch superintendent, crime branch commisioner's office, Dr Rameela Shekar, dean, School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, Vinay A Gaonkar, police inspector, CSB, Ramachandra B Maladevara, of Urwa police station, Girija, PSI, CSB and Nagini, APSI, Ullal police station.
"Sreekala's case will be investigated by the committee and appropriate action will be taken against the accused if found guilty. Until the investigations are complete, both ACP Jagannath and ASI Sreekala will continue their present duties and in the same station," Karbikar said.
"No order for suspension has been passed for the time being, but ACP Jagannath is on leave for 10 days from tomorrow. Until then, Mangalore north ACP Ravi Kumar will be handling both South and North police stations," he said.
DCP Mutturaya was present at the press meet.