Senior officers under scanner

Surat: At least 25 women home guards have accused their superiors of physical and mental harassment. The Surat home guard commandant on Friday ordered probe into the allegations.
In a written application to Surat police commissioner on Friday, the women accused officer Bhavna Kanthariya, and officer commanding Somnathsinh G Gaherwal of torturing them physically and mentally and not allowing them to perform their duty.

They further accused both their superiors of corruption. They have alleged that they were being asked to spend time with male officers and if they refuse they were threatened.

“If you don’t keep me happy, I will not give you posting or post you at a place where you may not be able to reach in time”. This is what one of the male officers told the women home guard, stated the application. The application also accuses senior male officer of touching women home guards under the pretext of checking their uniform.

This is the first time that such complaint has been made by women home guards.

Surat home guard commandant Dr Praful Shiroya said, “I have handed over investigation to deputy commandant who submit report in three days. Once probe report is submitted take further action will be taken.”

Meanwhile, city police commissioner Satish Sharma said, “The matter has been referred to local level complaints committee set up under Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 which is headed by DCP Vidhi Chaudhary. The committee will probe the matter.”