DCW issues notice to city cops over complaint from policewomen

Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has issued a notice to Delhi Police on a complaint of sexual harassment by some women police constables. According to sources, around 24 women police constables had alleged sexual harassment against an inspector-level officer of Delhi Police and also brought up the matter with DCW.

“The matter is very serious. We expect the women officers to protect the interest of sexual harassment victims in the city but how can they work if they themselves are facing sexual harassment. We have issued the notice to Delhi Police to submit a report into the matter,” said a senior officer with DCW. 

The women police personnel complained to the DCW after their grievances could not be resolved by the Deputy Police Commissioner (DCP) level officer of the area. According to the complaints, the culprit inspector boasts of having access to the corridors of power and used to overlook the directions of the DCP. Senior officers in Delhi Police have confirmed complaint against the inspector and an internal inquiry is going on into the matter.

One of the complainants has alleged that the accused singled her out after she complained to the DCP. “He started harassing me when I rebuffed his overtures and brought up the matter to seniors,” said the victim. 

“He used to comment on my clothes and call me in his office alone,” she added. Her complaint was received in the Police Head Quarters on April in which the women official said that she was so much depressed that she wanted to commit suicide.  

“We have referred the case to the internal sexual harassment committee and waiting for the report. Action will be taken as per recommendations of the report,” said a senior police officer. In another complaint, a 23-year-old women police personnel has accused the same inspector of making a mockery of her skin colour and gait. She also alleged that the officer threatened her for bringing the matter to the senior police officers. The women officials claimed that the personal staff of the accused was also involved in harassment of the victims.