Mangalore, May 24: Members of the city unit of Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and other like-minded organisations such as Forum Against Atrocities on Women (FAAW) held a protest in front of the District Commissioner's office here on Friday, against the alleged sexual harassment on a female police officer by ACP T R Jagannath.
Based on a complaint filed with the Women's Commission by ASI of Pandeshwar police station Shrikala accusing the ACP of mental and sexual harassment over sanction of leaves, the protestors demanded immediate suspension and strict legal action on the ACP.
Women activists Sara Aboobaker, Vidya Dinker and others participated in the protest.
Speaking on the occasion, DYFI district president Muneer Katipalla said that the ACP in question had several complaints against him on misuse of his office. Loan shark mafia operated without check in areas under Pandeshwar station limits. Their business flourished under the eye of the ACP Jagannath. Even while he was stationed in Ullal police station, illegal activities took place. The same ACP was present when activists including Vidya Dinker were jailed over MSEZ row. Despite several cases of harassment against him, no action has been taken by the government till date. Although he enjoyed the support of the BJP government earlier, ACP Jagannath still continuing in his post even after these incidents is in all sense an insult to the people who rejected the BJP as their rulers, he said.
A special police team should be set up to investigate the complaints made against the ACP till date, and strict action should be taken, he urged, threatening to adopt severe measures if no action was taken by the police department.
Sara Aboobaker expressed shock over the incident that there was no security even for a police officer. “What security can women in general expect if a female police inspector herself faces sexual harassment?” she said.
Vidya Dinker said that the current demands from the organisation of FAAW were that a senior female police officer should look into the matter of sexual harassment of ASI Shrikala and the ACP should be suspended till the inquiry is done.
"As per the Vishaka Guidelines, a committee headed by a woman ought to be set up in each police station, Police Commissioner and Superintendent's office, to prevent sexual harassment of female members of the police force. Although Commissioner of Police Manish Kharbikar was ignorant of this rule, he has promised to constitute such a committee,” she said.
Related: Harassment case against ACP: ASI goes to Women's Commission
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