Naval officer sent on leave over molestation charge

A senior decorated Navy officer has been sent on leave and a Board of Inquiry ordered against him after a junior woman officer accused him of molesting her twice, including once at the house of a top admiral. Navy sources said the incident happened this month.

“We are seized of the matter and a Board of Inquiry has been ordered into the incident which is likely to submit its report soon. “Navy has a zero tolerance policy for such issues. Appropriate action will be taken once the inquiry is completed and the report is submitted,” Navy spokesperson Captain D K Sharma said.

Sources said the woman, a Lieutenant, has complained that her senior, a surgeon commander rank, molested her twice.

Incidentally, one of the incident happened at the house of a senior Admiral. At the time of the incident, the senior Admiral was on official duty in Vishakhapatnam. He had called for the medical team to check on his 95-year-old mother who is bed ridden. The accused doctor was awarded with Vishist Seva Medal this year.