The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday, October 17, 2022, suspended a 1990-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer for the alleged sexual assault of a 21-year old woman. The officer Jitendra Narain was posted as chief secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Island when the alleged incident took place.
The Ministry said it received a report on October 16 from the Andaman and Nicobar Police regarding the alleged sexual assault of a woman by Mr. Narain, when he was serving as chief secretary of A&N Islands.
According to the statement, the government is committed to ensuring zero-tolerance towards the acts of indiscipline by its officials irrespective of their rank and status, especially with regard to incidents involving the dignity of women.
“As the report indicated the possibility of grave misconduct and misuse of official position on the part of Jitendra Narain, IAS (AGMUT:1990), the Union Home Minister directed to take immediate strict action against the officer concerned as per law,” the ministry said.
Accordingly, Mr. Narain has been placed under suspension with immediate effect and disciplinary proceedings have been ordered against him.
An FIR has been registered and action in the criminal case is being taken separately by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of A&N police.
The police registered a case in October on the complaint filed by the woman alleging that she was sexually abused by Mr. Narain and Labour Commissioner R.L. Rishi at the latter’s official residence on two occasions in 2022. Mr. Narain is posted as chairman and managing director of Delhi Financial Commission (DFC).
