In a swift move to address a shocking allegation of workplace misconduct, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of a serious sexual harassment case involving a senior Kolkata police officer. The officer, who serves as the Officer-in-Charge at a South Suburban Division police station, has been accused by a female civic volunteer under his supervision of sexual harassment and abuse of authority.
The incident, which reportedly occurred in late February, came to light after the volunteer filed a written complaint on Sunday. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar has directed West Bengal’s Director General of Police, Piyush Pandey, to ensure immediate legal action, including registering an FIR, conducting a fair investigation, and imposing strict departmental measures. A detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) must be submitted within five days, covering FIR status, probe progress, and steps to strengthen safeguards against workplace harassment in police units.
Condemning the act in the strongest terms, the NCW highlighted how such behavior by a senior law enforcer erodes public trust in policing institutions. ‘This despicable conduct violates the victim’s dignity, equality, and protection from sexual harassment at the workplace as enshrined in the Indian Constitution and the POSH Act, 2013,’ the commission stated on social media platform X.
Police sources revealed that departmental inquiries began promptly upon receiving the complaint, in line with sexual harassment guidelines. The accused officer has already been transferred to another station, with further action pending initial probe findings. No FIR had been registered as of Monday evening, but authorities assure transparency.
This case underscores the urgent need for robust internal mechanisms within law enforcement to prevent power imbalances from leading to exploitation. As the investigation unfolds, all eyes are on the West Bengal Police to deliver justice swiftly and restore faith in their commitment to protecting the vulnerable, especially women volunteers who support civic duties.