Report Workplace Harassment to ICC, DCP Tells SC/ST Leaders

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jan 25, 2026: Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Mithun H N on Sunday urged SC/ST community leaders to ensure that cases of atrocity or workplace harassment are formally reported to the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) instead of being informally settled.

Addressing the monthly SC/ST grievances redressal meeting at the Mangaluru Police Commissionerate, he directed the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE) to verify whether ICCs have been constituted in all government offices and institutions, as mandated under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act.

The DCP said complaints related to inappropriate gestures, use of vulgar language, scolding or any form of workplace harassment must be reported to the ICC concerned, and warned that cases of sexual atrocity or harassment would be dealt with strictly.

Referring to a sexual harassment complaint by a woman civic worker, police said the sanitation inspector concerned had been summoned for questioning. On December 31, 2025, police had also written to the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) Commissioner seeking action against the official accused of harassment.

Dalit leaders S P Anand and Paurakarmika Sangha president Anil Kumar alleged that despite earlier instructions in 2022 to suspend the same officer, the matter was later resolved following political intervention. Anand said a written complaint submitted to the MCC Commissioner had not elicited any action.

Leaders demanded a district-level SC/ST grievances meeting, to which DCRE Mangaluru Range SP Simon C A asked them to submit a memorandum for immediate forwarding to the Deputy Commissioner. They also flagged staff shortages at the DCRE police station, seeking strengthening of the unit to avoid delays in investigations.

The meeting also took up complaints of alleged cheating through jewellery “lucky schemes”, harassment by microfinance recovery agents, and obstruction caused by roadblocks during public programmes. The DCP assured action on complaints, cautioned the public against fly-by-night operators, and directed officers to ensure emergency services are not affected during public events.

DCP (Crime and Traffic) Ravishankar was also present.