Assistant Collector suspended for ‘misbehaving with woman’ in Odisha

An Assistant Collector identified as Umesh Chandra Lenka was placed under suspension on Wednesday for allegedly misbehaving with a working woman in Jagatsinghpur district.

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The suspension order was issued by Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari who has called for a timely completion of a departmental inquiry within the next three months. The inquiry will be conducted by a female investigation officer, assisted by a female marshalling officer. They will ensure transparency and impartiality in the process, the Minister emphasised.

According to sources, the misbehaviour charge was levelled on April 10. The victim woman working in Assistant Collector Lenka’s office was allegedly being mentally and physically tortured. The suspension order was issued based on reports of the district Collector and Grievance Committee. Subsequent steps will be taken based on the inquiry report.

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“Our government is committed to the empowerment of women. Any act of violence or torture against women will not be tolerated at all,” Revenue Minister Pujari said.