Delhi minister Atishi seeks report from chief secretary over Women and Child Development dept's failure to act against rape accused official
New Delhi: Delhi cabinet minister Atishi on Saturday sought an explanation from Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar on how the official who raped a minor continued with work despite complaints.
In the letter, she sought a detailed report by August 28, questioning the failure of Women and Child Development (WCD) to take appropriate action against the officer who had been accused of sexual harassment and repeatedly raping a minor.
"As per several media reports the alleged officer, had previous complaints regarding sexual harassment,” the Minister said.
"This raises serious questions regarding the handling of complaints and the process of disciplinary action against officers," she added.
The Delhi Minister sought answers from the WCD officials regarding the previous misconduct by the arrested official.
She said, "If complaints of sexual harassment against this official were in the knowledge of the senior officers in the Government of NCT Delhi, then it raises very serious questions.
“How can senior officials turn a blind eye to such complaints?” the communique read.
A senior official from the Women and Child Development Department has been arrested on allegations of raping his friend's daughter, who was 14 years old at the time (now 17 years old), multiple times between 2020 and 2021, resulting in her pregnancy.
The official's wife, who is accused of providing the survivor with abortion pills, has also been taken into custody.
Following the death of her father on October 1, 2020, the survivor had been living with the accused, Premoday Khakha, and his family.
She experienced panic attacks after undergoing an abortion, according to the police. During counselling, she disclosed the incidents of abuse.
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