PANAJI
As the Goa Police initiated procedure to inquire into the allegations of sexual harassment brought forward by two Goa University (GU) students during their internship program, recent developments have shed light on their initial reluctance to proceed with the matter.
In its preliminary inquiry, the presiding officer placed on record that the complainants had requested the previous Inquiry Committee (IC) not to conduct proceedings from May 10, 2023 to June 16, 2023.
They also missed a meeting on July 8 when the IC was constituted to inquire into their allegations, subsequent to which they were given another opportunity to meet on July 28 wherein the procedure of inquiry was explained to them.
During a conciliation meeting held via Google Meet on September 5 when the victim students remotely appeared before the IC, it was revealed that the girls put forth five conditions for the senior police officer. He agreed to four of these conditions but vehemently refused the fifth, which was a written and unconditional apology.
Sources further disclosed that the students referred to ‘comments’ made by the officer in the car and on the beach as sexual harassment. The Goan has reliably learnt the students alleged illegal activities at a South Goa beach after which they headed to the place accompanied by the officer. However, no evidence was found.
The officer, who earlier did not respond to the IC notice, has alleged that mobile evidence provided by the complainants was fabricated and he can prove it.
He also questioned the delay in conducting and concluding the inquiry alleging that it might have led to the loss of crucial evidence into the matter.
As the conciliation efforts failed to yield a settlement, the matter was forwarded to Director General of Police Jaspal Singh for further action.
