Panchayat secretary accuses BDO of sexual harassment

Our Correspondent

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Palampur, June 6

A 35-year-old woman, who is Secretary panchayat, today filed a sexual harassment complaint with the police against the Block Development Officer (BDO), Baijnath, who is her immediate boss. Later, an FIR was registered in the case at Baijnath police station .

In the police complaint, she alleged that the BDO repeatedly harassed her and called for her explanations on flimsy grounds. Baijnath SHO Chint Ram confirmed that an FIR had been registered in the case and investigation was underway. He said the woman was taken to the court of the Judicial Magistrate for recording her statement under Section 164 of the CrPC and she repeated her allegation before the judge.

The victim alleged that she had also met the local MLA and complained against the uncalled for behaviour and attitude of the BDO. She added that pressure was built on her for a compromise with the BDO and to forget past incidents. In the present circumstances, she had no option but to approach the police.

Meanwhile, the BDO denied the allegations. He said he called her for explanations since she remained absent from duty many times. The panchayat representatives of the area had filed complaints against her that she was not available in her office, causing inconvenience to people. He said she had never visited his office, and therefore there was no issue of sexual harassment.

Official denies allegation

The Baijnath BDO denied the allegation, saying he called her for explanations since she remained absent from duty many times. He said she had never visited his office, and therefore there was no issue of sexual harassment.