24 women ‘harassed’ by senior

A group of women police cops from one particular unit have filed a complaint against one of their superior officers of sexually harassing them, but so far no legal action has been taken in the matter.

As many as 24 women had submitted the complaint at least two months ago, said sources. They accused an inspector-rank officer of sexually harassing them. Delhi police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat confirmed the receipt of the complaint and that it was forwarded to the sexual harassment committee within the police. He did not comment on the exact date or the progress of the probe.

“The matter is being looked into,” he said.

These women range from constables to assistant sub-inspectors. One particular woman said that she suffered the most after she joined the force on compassionate grounds after the death of her husband. She even raised the matter with her own DCP, but things took a turn for the worse from there on as not only did he fail to mend his ways, but also ensured tougher assignments for them, said a senior police officer from the vigilance unit.

The woman then approached Delhi police commissioner Alok Kumar Verma and also forwarded a copy of the complaint to the Delhi Commission of Women. The commissioner referred the matter to the sexual harassment committee. Following suit, 23 other women from constable to ASI ranks also joined and said that he passed lewd remarks against them.

The head of the concerned unit too confirmed that the complaint was made, but said the probe was with the headquarters.