New Delhi: A day after a letter surfaced on social media alleging sexual harassment by Jind Superintendent of Police (SP) Sumit Kumar and implicating other officials, Haryana BJP state chief Mohan Lal Badoli announced that the state government would conduct a thorough investigation. Speaking to media in Sonipat on Saturday, Badoli assured that action would follow if the allegations are substantiated.
The letter, reportedly sent by a woman police officer, accuses Kumar of inappropriate conduct towards multiple women personnel. It also implicates two senior women officers—a Station House Officer (SHO) and a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)—in allegedly running a “honey trap” scheme. The officer detailed instances of coercion, claiming that her annual confidential report (ACR) was negatively impacted when she refused to comply.
Seven women officers have since submitted complaints to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, senior police officials, and Additional Director Generals of Police (ADGPs) via email, urging action. The investigation is being led by Astha Modi, SP of Fatehabad, who confirmed that statements from 19 women personnel have been recorded, with a report to be filed upon the investigation’s conclusion.
Woman cop alleges sexual harassment
In the letter, one complainant narrated an incident where an SHO allegedly took her to the SP’s residence under the pretext of making tea. She described how the SP tried to force himself on her when they were alone. When she reported this to the SHO, she was instructed to “cooperate” for her career’s sake. A DSP later echoed similar advice, further pressuring her. The letter also claimed that the SHO, DSP, and others were involved in a scheme targeting affluent men for extortion, adding that the complainant feels her life is in danger if these actions continue.
Vinest Phogat reacts
In a post on X, Congress MP Vinesh Phogat expresses solidarity with the women facing harassment and doubted the government would provide justice to the victim. She draws parallels with her own experiences, urging societal support and punishment for the culprits.
“Just like the protectors of wrestler daughters became their predators, the same is happening this time with the daughters of Haryana in Haryana Police. I have little hope that the Haryana or Central government will do justice to these women of Haryana Police. Their voices must have either been suppressed by now, or are being suppressed every day.The entire police, political and broker system breaks you and your family and forces you to compromise with injustice.But just as every section of society supported us, we and the entire society are also with them. The culprits should be punished, ” Phogat wrote.
