Angul: Action has been initiated against Reserve Inspector (RI) Govind Mahari following serious allegations of mental harassment and inappropriate conduct made by a woman Havildar in Angul district.
RI Mahari has been transferred from the Angul Reserve Office to the 9th Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) in Kalahandi. The transfer was effected on the recommendation of Angul Superintendent of Police (SP).
The woman Havildar, identified as Sumitra Biswal, alleged that RI Mahari repeatedly subjected her to mental torment and behaved in an objectionable manner. Despite bringing the matter to the notice of senior officials on multiple occasions, she claimed no timely action was taken, forcing her to stage a protest outside the SP’s office to demand justice.
Her continued demonstration eventually brought greater attention to the issue. Following the allegations, a high-level inquiry committee — including a senior Deputy Superintendent of Police and members of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) — was constituted to investigate the claims.
The Inspector General of the Northern Central Range personally met with the woman Havildar and assured her that the investigation is underway and suitable action would be taken based on the probe’s findings. Reports indicate that similar complaints had previously been raised against Inspector Mahari by other women personnel, raising concerns about repeated instances of misconduct within the department.
This transfer is being seen as an initial administrative step while the inquiry continues. Further action is expected once the investigation is completed.
