Berhampur: A Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) consumed poison after he was accused of sexually harassing a woman officer on government duty during the Sunapur Beach Festival inauguration on February 3 in Ganjam. The incident occurred during a marathon event, where the woman officer was on duty.
The victim alleged that the PEO misbehaved with her in the crowd and sexually harassed her. She filed a complaint with higher authorities and the police station, leading to a case being registered at Golanthara police station.
After learning about the case, the accused PEO allegedly consumed poison and was admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, where he is in critical condition in the ICU.
The department has ordered an investigation into the incident, and video footage is being collected. An Additional Deputy Collector is leading the inquiry. A senior officer stated that the PEO’s health is being monitored by a three-member medical team.
