Lady warden of Kujang sub-jail alleges sexual harassment by additional sub-jailor

Jagatsinghpur: A woman warden of Kujang sub-jail in Jagatsinghpur district has brought sexual harassment charges against the additional sub-jailor of the prison.

As per the allegations, additional sub-jailor, Ashok Behera, has been behaving with the lady warden inappropriately for the past several days. The complainant further alleged that no action has been taken against Behera even two weeks after she brought the matter to the notice of the superintendent of Choudwar Circle Jail.

“I was supposed to be posted at the female ward. However, the additional sub-jailor asked me to work in his office. When I opposed his decision repeatedly, he said that he has the right to decide the place of my work in the jail. When I worked for some days in his office, he gradually started misbehaving with me. Despite strong opposition, he touched me inappropriately and asked me to take things positively."

“After learning that I had informed the matter to other employees of the jail, he started harassing me mentally. Later, I took the matter to the higher authorities. However, no action has been taken against him,” she added.

When asked about the incident, Behera refuted the allegation and termed it as a conspiracy against him. “I too have my family. I am mentally disturbed, I cannot disclose anything about the matter and I need permission from the higher authorities before saying anything,” he said.

On the other hand, the statement of the authorities of Choudwar Circle Jail could not be obtained.