Forum Against Atrocities on Women, Dalith Sangarsha Samiti (established by Krishnappa), and Democratic Youth Federation of India have come to the support of Woman Assistant Sub Inspector who has been accused of targeting a colleague with casteist slurs.
The case against the woman ASI was filed after she filed a complaint demanding an investigation into her alleged sexual harassment by Assistant Commissioner of Police T.R. Jagannath on September 7. Head Constable Mohan, named a co-accused in her complaint, filed a complaint with Mangalore South police on September 10 accusing her of abusing him on September 9. This case has been registered under the provisions of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
“It is shocking that the police have allowed a false complaint to be filed against the woman officer. Such a complaint has been filed only to intimidate the woman officer who is fighting hard for justice,” said Vidya Dinker from the Forum Against Atrocities on Women. Such a measure does not inspire confidence in women to report harassment at workplace. “We are here to morally back her in her fight for justice,” she added.
Ms. Dinker said the woman officer’s complaint of sexual harassment was the first in the State to be filed after enactment of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. Nine-member committee constituted by Police Commissioner Manish Kharbikar did not inquire into the complaint in a right way. “It was more about the woman officer than her complaint.” As there was no District Authority to question the finding, the woman officer was forced to file a private complaint before the local magistrate, who has ordered the Woman Police to inquire into the complaint.
DYFI District Secretary Muneer Katipalla said it was unfortunate that Congress ministers were supporting Mr. Jagannath, who has been serving in the district for more two decades. Despite serious allegations, Mr. Jagannath has been allowed to resume duties in the city.
