Burari Hospital contractual staff alleges sexual harassment by colleagues, NCW demands arrest of accused

New Delhi: Taking cognisance of the allegations of molestation and harassment of the woman employees at North Delhi's Burari Government Hospital, the National Commission for Women (NCW) directed the police officer concerned to thoroughly investigate the matter, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused individuals.

The Commission also sought a detailed report along with a copy of the F.I.R., within the next two days for a thorough review of the progress made in this investigation.

"NCW has been made aware of distressing allegations through a recent media post, wherein several female workers from Burari Hospital have raised serious concerns about facing sexual harassment," read an official statement.

A woman, working as a housekeeping staff on a contract basis in North Delhi's Burari Government Hospital, has accused her manager and three supervisors of molesting and harassing her and two other employees, police said.

Based on the woman's complaint, her manager Rajkumar and three supervisors Neeraj, Adarsh and Deepak of Global Venture, a firm tasked with providing multitasking manpower to the Hospital, have been booked and asked to join the probe, a police official said.

In her complaint, the woman claimed the four accused molested and harassed her and two other female employees on December 17 and December 19.

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On December 17, the accused allegedly molested them and on December 19 they abused and threatened the women of removing her from the job if she did not agree to their unreasonable demands, an official said.

Police said a case under IPC sections 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation) and 509 ( Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) was registered at Burari Police station on December 19.

"The four have been booked and bound down under 41A CrPC. Further investigation is in progress," another officer said, adding that the victim's statements were recorded in front of a magistrate and their medical examination and counselling were done.

National Commission for Women (NCW), in a statement, condemned the incident and demanded swift action against the accused.

"Immediate inquiry into this case is imperative. The deputy commissioner of police, North Delhi, has been asked to send the action-taken report and a copy of FIR to the commission in two days," the NCW said.

According to NCW, the post highlights the inaction of both the hospital authorities and the police despite the victim's complaints. All female cleaning staff members have come forward, shedding light on the torment and inappropriate demands made by the hospital authorities to retain their employment.

Despite the victims filing a First Information Report (F.I.R) against the accused individuals, Neeraj and Rajkumar, it is disconcerting to note that no substantial action has been taken even after more than five days, the NCW added.

The Delhi Commission for Women issued notices to the Station House Officer (SHO) of Burari and the Medical Superintendent of the Burari Government Hospital, seeking an action-taken report within three days.

In response to this appalling situation, the NCW has conducted a preliminary assessment and identified the provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 that appear relevant to the reported crime. Sections 509, 354, and 354-A of the Indian Penal Code have been prima facie observed in connection with this matter.

The NCW vehemently condemns these reprehensible acts of sexual harassment against women. In light of the gravity of the situation, the Commission urgently directs the concerned police officer to thoroughly investigate the matter and invoke the aforementioned legal provisions against all accused individuals, if found guilty. It is imperative to ensure swift and stringent action against the perpetrators.

Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj on Sunday directed the chief secretary to carry out a detailed inquiry into the matter. The minister said he has learnt that the services of the accused supervisors and managers have been terminated by the outsourcing firm.

Expressing deep concern over the delay and apparent negligence in handling this case by the Burari Police, the NCW calls for an inquiry into the conduct of the concerned police officer for potential dereliction of duty and procrastination.

The NCW demands the immediate arrest of the accused individuals, Neeraj and Rajkumar. Additionally, the Commission requests a comprehensive report, along with a copy of the F.I.R., to be submitted within the next two days for a thorough review of the progress made in this investigation.