SDM accused of sexual harassment, probe ordered

A woman from Kullu has accused Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services (HPAS) officer Vikas Shukla, currently serving as the Sujanpur Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), of sexual harassment.

According to reports, the woman alleged that Shukla developed a relationship with her under the pretext of marriage. The matter reached the High Court, which intervened and directed the state government to conduct an inquiry. Following this, the Chief Secretary ordered a formal investigation into the allegations.

Responding to the charges on Friday, Shukla denied the allegations, terming them a conspiracy. He claimed that the complainant was attempting to trap him and that the accusations began after he distanced himself from her. The officer added that he had already faced an inquiry on the issue earlier and was prepared to cooperate again to prove his innocence.