SIT formed to investigate sexual harassment allegations against IAS officer, major action by Nagaland Police

A senior IAS officer of the state has been booked on an FIR by the Nagaland Police on allegations of sexual and mental harassment. The state has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for the investigation. The senior IAS officer has been accused of sexual and mental harassment of numerous women officials of the Nagaland Investment and Development Authority (IDAN).

According to a statement issued from the Police Headquarters, Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) Chairperson Nginyeh Konyak had given a written complaint to the Director General of Police on March 17. This complaint was given on behalf of some female employees of IDAN. These women have alleged that the officer demanded physical relations from them in exchange for a salary hike and job security.

Nagaland Police has formed an SIT headed by a senior IPS officer on April 5, which is investigating the matter in depth. Earlier, the Women's Commission also recorded the statements of these women employees on March 5. After this, a woman DSP was given the responsibility for investigation on March 25. The DSP said in his report on April 1 that prima facie there seems to be truth in the allegations and the matter should be investigated seriously. After this, an FIR was registered on April 2.

It is worth noting that this IAS officer has been in controversies earlier also. In the year 2021, when he was the Deputy Commissioner in Noklak district, a case was registered against him for molesting two minor domestic helpers. A charge sheet was also filed in this case and the special POCSO court took cognizance of it. However, in the present case, the IAS officer has denied all the allegations. The SIT is now investigating all aspects.