Woman Accuses Nayagarh Police Officer of Sexual Harassment; Probe Ordered

Nayagarh: A woman has levelled serious allegations of sexual harassment against the Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of Sarankul Police Station in Odisha’s Nayagarh district, prompting the district police administration to initiate an inquiry into the matter.

The woman submitted a written complaint to the Nayagarh Superintendent of Police (SP) on Wednesday, accusing the officer of exploiting her trust while she was seeking police assistance in connection with alleged harassment faced by her family in their village.

According to the complaint, the woman and her family had been subjected to social ostracism and repeated acts of intimidation by some villagers. She claimed that despite approaching the police for protection and justice, the officer allegedly misused his position and developed personal contact with her under the guise of helping resolve her grievances.

The complainant alleged that the officer frequently called her on the phone and later began making inappropriate video calls, particularly during late-night hours. She further claimed that he took her to different locations, including a hotel in Nayagarh town and a rented accommodation in Baunsia, where she was allegedly subjected to sexual harassment.

The woman stated that she initially refrained from speaking out, hoping that the officer would help ensure the safety of her family and address the issues they were facing in the village.

She also alleged that when she threatened to bring the matter before the media, the officer damaged her mobile phone and erased photographs and recordings that she claimed contained evidence related to the allegations.

In her complaint, the woman has sought a detailed investigation, including scrutiny of the officer’s mobile phone records and CCTV footage from the police station, which she believes could help verify her claims.

The allegations have been taken seriously by the district police administration. Following the complaint, the Nayagarh SP directed the Additional SP to conduct an inquiry and submit a report on the matter.

The woman has also accused the officer of previously detaining her at the police station and subjecting her to harassment in connection with what she described as a false case.

Police sources said a case has been registered and an investigation is underway. Meanwhile, the accused officer has been shifted from Sarankul Police Station to the district headquarters pending further action.