PANAJI
In the disciplined force that boasts zero tolerance to crimes of any sort, a disturbing case of sexual harassment has surfaced – another incident that could further embarrass the department.
A recruit at the Police Training School (PTS), Valpoi has alleged that her superiors -- two head constables including an instructor -- have been harassing and threatening her.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, the department remained conspicuously silent; but as The Goan began its inquiry into the incidents, superiors swiftly moved to transfer the errant hawaldars, albeit without disciplinary action.
Internal complaints, accessed by The Goan, reveal a troubling pattern of harassment and favouritism within the PTS revealing how the duo, one of whom remained at his position for over a decade, have been harassing the new lady recruit constable.
The first complaint dated August 6 accused an ‘unauthorized outdoor instructor,’ Anil, of allegedly harassing the female recruit through abusive phone calls, inappropriate messages and offensive comments.
“The unauthorized outdoor instructor Anil has been harassing/molesting the lady recruit police constable through phone by sending/speaking abusive language, through messages, staring at her with wrong intentions, passing vulgar/offensive comments… the victim has repeatedly requested him not to bother her but Anil continued doing the same,” reads an extract of the complaint, submitted to higher-ups on behalf of staff Moinuddin Khwaja.
The complaint also reveals that Anil, who has been attached to PTS since April 2013, was briefly transferred to the Ponda police station in April 2021 but returned to PTS after just four days. Khwaja further alleged that Anil has been serving as a drill instructor without proper qualifications and illegally receiving a 15 percent teaching allowance.
Meanwhile, during an internal inquiry, sources said, the victim recruit confessed to the harassment she had been enduring during her ongoing training period. However, another head constable, Sudan, is also accused of indirectly threatening her for filing a complaint against Anil.
In a separate complaint dated August 12, Sudan, who already faces a pending departmental inquiry and allegations of misconduct, is accused of shielding his colleague. “On August 11, Sudan reported for duty at PTS Valpoi and was seen indirectly threatening the recruit over her previous complaint against Anil. He questioned why she testified against Anil during the internal inquiry. Sudan’s actions appear to be hand in gloves with Anil, as both share a very cheap character towards the women in society,” the complainant alleged, seeking action against both officers.
The Goan contacted a senior officer, who conceded receiving these complaints adding that a report was submitted to the police headquarters for further action. Later Friday evening, sources said, the department had begun the process to transfer both the head constables.
