Kohima, April 12 (NationPress) The Nagaland Police have established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and filed an FIR to investigate the accusations of sexual and mental harassment against multiple female employees of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) by an IAS officer, officials confirmed on Saturday.

A senior official disclosed that the Nagaland State Women Commission (NSCW) chairperson Nginyeih Konyak submitted a formal complaint to the Director General of Police on March 17 following a verbal report made by IDAN Chairman Abu Metha against the IAS officer on February 27.

Metha, who also serves as an advisor to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, raised concerns about the matter.

The accused IAS officer holds the position of Joint Secretary of IDAN in Kohima. The officer has, however, refuted the allegations made by the female employees.

Prior to the formal complaint to the DGP, the NSCW collected statements from the victimized women, all employees of IDAN.

Numerous women at IDAN have alleged that the IAS officer solicited physical favors in exchange for salary increases and other advantages.

Upon receiving the NSCW's complaint, the police headquarters initiated a preliminary inquiry on March 25 under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), conducted by a female officer of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.

This officer completed the preliminary inquiry and submitted her findings to the DGP on April 1.

The official noted that the findings of the lady officer indicated the potential commission of a cognizable offence of sexual harassment under sections 75 & 79 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), necessitating a thorough criminal investigation. The report recommended further investigation to uncover the complete truth of the allegations.

The government has set up a SIT led by a senior IPS officer for an extensive investigation into the complaint. Additionally, on April 5, four more officers were added to the SIT. The investigation is ongoing, and the police team is examining all facets of the claims.

As of April 4, the IAS officer was relieved of his duties at IDAN.

In a related incident, in 2021, the same IAS officer faced allegations of molesting two underage girls while serving as Deputy Commissioner of Noklak district. They were employed as maidservants at his official residence.

Following a thorough investigation, a charge sheet concerning this case was filed on December 2, 2021, in the court of a Special Judge under the POCSO Act in Tuensang.

The court has taken notice of the charges and initiated trial proceedings. According to police records, the case remains under trial in Tuensang, with 34 out of 50 prosecution witnesses having testified in this matter.