Days after a female subordinate accused Assistant Director Manoj Choudhary of touching her inappropriately, staff members at the Divisional Agriculture Department came out in his support, seeking an impartial probe into the matter.
Work at the Divisional Agriculture Department came to a standstill as employees locked the office doors and submitted memorandums to both the district collector and the divisional commissioner.
The agitation took place under the banner of the Madhya Pradesh Agriculture Officers' Association. Officials, including female employees, submitted memorandums to the Commissioner and Collector.
Officials claimed that the 'victim' is known to have made such allegations in the past.
Her actions have led to a sentiment of vulnerability among male colleagues.
State president of the association, Ajay Kaushal, said that though the organisation respects women, the action taken in this case was one-sided and unjust. He said that the Koh-e-Fiza police had unilaterally proceeded in the matter despite contrary facts placed before them.
The complainant has reportedly made unfounded allegations in the past. Her husband’s public statements, accusing department officials, were seen as attempts to tarnish the department’s reputation, which the association strongly condemns, he said.
The Koh-e-Fiza police registered an FIR in the matter on Saturday after a female employee accused Choudhary of touching her inappropriately at the Bhopal Collectorate office of the department.
