High drama over BDPO conduct

Nikhil Bhardwaj

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 22

A woman, who works as steno in the Panchayat Department office situated at the PAU, has levelled allegations of sexual harassment against the Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO). The PAU police have launched investigation into the matter.

The woman employee said she had repeatedly warned the BDPO against making obscene gestures and doing dirty talks before her. On Tuesday, he made an apology to the woman in writing. However, he again tried to sexually harass her following which the woman informed her brothers.

She said the officer had been harassing the other women staff too and he should be suspended.

The moment the woman’s brothers, along with their friends, reached the panchayat office, high drama was witnessed there. The BDPO escaped from his office. Miscreants smashed the windowpanes of his car.

However, the woman employee alleged that the windowpanes of the car were not smashed by her brothers or any of his friends, rather the BDPO himself broke them to implicate her kin in a fake criminal case.

The PAU police officials said the Punjab and Haryana High Court had formed a committee in every government department which had been empowered by the court to probe all such complaints and prepare a report. On the basis of the committee’s report, the police can take legal action against the officer.

The SHO of PAU, Bhagwant Kumar, said he visited the BDPO office and spoke with the woman. Her statement was being recorded and action would be taken as per law.

Apology by BDPO

The employee said she had warned the BDPO against making obscene gestures. On Tuesday, he made an apology to her in writing. However, he again tried to sexually harass her following which she informed her brothers.