An IAS officer Sandeep Bhagia, who is posted as additional commissioner state tax department in Noida, has been charged with serious allegations of exploitation, harassment and inhumane behaviour by women officers.
Sources in the Uttar Pradeesh government have confirmed that a complaint of harassment of women officers has been received against the Bhagia, who is a 2018 batch IAS officer. It has also confirmed that an inquiry has been ordered in the matter.
Allegations surfaced a couple of days after a deputy commissioner of state tax Mathura Division – I and six other officers were suspended in connection with similar case of sexual harassment against subordinate.
In a letter sent to the Chief Minister, women officers have complained that they have been treated like slaves for last four months. It has also been alleged that Bhagia uses indecent words to the extent that he says, “if you do not listen to me, I will eat your job and give you a begging bowl after throwing you out of work,” the letter read.
Women officers, in the letter, have complained that Bhagia calls women officers to his office and stares at them for hours, makes calls and video calls throughout nights and often makes videos of women officers discreetly.
They alleged that officer who opposes this behaviour is implicated in a case and suspended or framed by alleging negligence in the proceedings. Women officers alleged that the additional commissioner puts unnecessary pressure on women officers.
In the letter, the women officers have pleaded that they have been forced to write this letter with a heavy heart.
“At a time when government is running a campaign for women empowerment – ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao' – an IAS officer is crushing the identity of women,” the letter read.
In the public complaint received by the government on August 5, it has been demanded that if a confidential investigation of this matter be done by an independent investigation agency or the state women commission, then all layers of exploitation, harassment and corruption will be revealed automatically.
The BuckStopper, run by a group of seasoned journalists, holds the powerful accountable. The buck stops with them, as they cannot shrug off their official responsibilities.
