Now, female officer to probe woman cop’s harassment

The inquiry into sexual harassment charges against reserve inspector (RI) Kulbhushan Ojha, in-charge of Reserve Police Lines, was transferred to a woman police officer on Thursday after the previous investigating officer failed to submit his report even after five days. The senior superintendent of police (SSP), J Ravinder Goud, has now directed the woman officer to submit her findings within two days.

A woman constable, who was posted as ‘duty munshi’ (who allotts duties to other constables at Police Lines), has accused the RI of sexually harassing her.

She complained about the matter to the SSP on Saturday after which an under trainee IPS officer Gaurav Singh, who is posted as assistant superintendent of police (ASP) (Police Lines), was handed over the inquiry but he failed to reach to any conclusion. Sources said woman constables of the Police Lines were reluctant to record statements before a male officer.

“The inquiry has been now handed over to deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Babita Singh, presently posted as circle officer, Cantt,” said the SSP.

He said stern action would be taken against the RI if the allegations were found true.

A source said the inquiry was transferred, as the victim requested inquiry by a gazetted woman officer. “The victim stated that many woman constables had been harassed by the RI but were reluctant to record their statements before a male officer,” said the source.

The source said the woman constables were further not willing to complain against the RI because of his clout.

The RI, however, had rejected the constable’s claims and pleaded she was trying to frame him after being relieved from the previous post. The post is considered important and people want to remain on it due to monetary interest, he said. “She has been transferred on allegations of demanding money for allotting duties,” he added.