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NEW DELHI: A woman army officer posted in Alwar has accused her Commanding officer of harassment and filed a report with the internal complaints committee of the army. An inquiry has been ordered into the matter by the Defense Ministry.
"Post receipt of complaint from a Woman Officer of sexual harassment against an Ex - Commanding Officer, an inquiry has already been convened for investigation of the case and it is under progress," Rajasthan-based Defense Ministry spokesman Lt Col Manish Ojha said in a statement.
"Indian Army remains committed to upholding highest standards of ethical behavior by all ranks," he added.
The 26 year old captain in Signal Corps, who also took part in the Republic day parade this year, manifesting ‘Naari Shakti, has alleged that she was being subjugated by her senior for the last six months when she was first posted at the Alwar military station. She had filed the complaint with the sexual harassment committee two months ago but the committee replied to the matter only early this month and recommended that a “necessary action” will be taken against the accused.
The father of the army officer too has written a letter to the Defense Minister, in it he raised objection to the “higher officers” securing “plum posting” for the accused as a reward.
"I am the proud father of an Army officer who marched down Rajpath this year to showcase 'woman power'. I am absolutely disappointed today and the reason is that my daughter was sexually harassed by her commanding officer and she complained to the higher-ups," said the letter written by the woman's father.
In the name of taking action, the higher officials gave him a plum posting and before leaving the unit, the commanding officer decided to tarnish the image of my child. Now, my little child is trying her best to not let her head or shoulders drop," said the father.
The incident comes in the wake of a series of attempts made by the Air Force and Navy to induct more women in the combat roles by allowing them to be deployed as fighter pilots, which was hitherto desisted.
