Five cops suspended for inaction in sexual harassment complaint

Sivaganga: In a swift disciplinary action against police inaction, five police personnel, including two inspectors, were placed under suspension for failing to act on a sexual harassment complaint filed by a woman in Devakottai.According to police sources, a woman had approached the Devakottai police station on May 18 to lodge a sexual harassment complaint against a local autorickshaw driver. Instead of initiating immediate action, the officials reportedly made the victim run from pillar to post and delayed registering the case.Following a preliminary inquiry into allegations of procedural delay and negligence of duty, south zone IG Vijayendra S Bidari issued the suspension orders.The suspended officials have been identified as inspector Geethalakshmi of the Devakottai all women police station (AWPS), Devakottai town inspector Durairaj, Devakottai AWPS special sub-inspector Rajeshwari, and Devakottai town special sub-inspector Jeya and Devakottai town constable Santhana Krishnan.Senior officials reiterated that a zero-tolerance policy will be maintained regarding laxity in handling crimes against women. Further departmental investigations are underway.Meanwhile, a senior police official confirmed to TOI that based on the complaint from the victim, a sexual harassment case against the autorickshaw driver was registered, and he was arrested.