Mangaluru: Deputy commissioner of police (law and order) Mithun HN on Sunday urged members of the SC/ST community to report cases of workplace harassment to the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), which is mandatory in every organisation.Chairing the monthly SC/ST grievances meeting at the Mangaluru city police commissioner’s office, the DCP was responding to a complaint alleging that a sanitation inspector of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) made inappropriate gestures, used vulgar language and verbally abused women civic workers.DCP Mithun said cases of sexual harassment or atrocities at the workplace would be dealt with seriously and advised victims not to enter into compromises in such matters. He directed the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE) to verify whether ICCs had been constituted in all govt offices and institutions, as mandated under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act.The women’s police station inspector informed the meeting that a letter had already been sent to the MCC commissioner regarding the issue and that the official concerned had been summoned for inquiry.Dalit activist SP Anand and Paurakarmika Sangha president Anil Kumar said that in 2022, the then deputy commissioner had ordered the suspension of the same official. However, they alleged that the matter was later settled after the intervention of the then mayor. They alleged that despite a written complaint being submitted earlier to the MCC commissioner, no action was taken.Dalit activists also flagged complaints about a fraudulent “lucky scheme”. Citing a case, they said a woman invested money in a gold scheme at a jewellery store in Hampankatta, which later shut down without returning either the money or gold. The DCP said such complaints were being taken seriously and inspectors had been instructed to initiate action. He also cautioned the public against fly-by-night operators.On complaints of microfinance recovery agents allegedly threatening borrowers, the DCP advised victims to file police complaints promptly.Concerns were also raised about the blocking of the Daddalakadu main road during a Yakshagana performance. The DCP said the event was held annually and organisers had been instructed to ensure clear access for emergency vehicles.DCRE SP CA Simon urged Dalit activists to assist community members with documentation and asked the social welfare department to create awareness about procedures. The DCP noted progress in implementing the SC/ST Act in Dakshina Kannada but highlighted issues related to TA/DA disbursement for witnesses. A shortage of staff at the DCRE police station was also raised. DCP (crime and traffic) Ravi Shankar K was present.
