Report workplace harassment to ICC, don't settle informally: Mangaluru DCP to SC/ST leaders

Dalit leaders highlighted the shortage of staff at the DCRE police station, stating that it was delaying investigations and the filing of charge sheets, and urged the authorities to strengthen the unit.

Mangaluru: Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Mithun H N urged SC/ST community leaders to ensure that cases of atrocity or harassment at the workplace are formally reported to the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), instead of being informally settled among themselves.

He also directed the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement to verify whether Internal Complaints Committees have been constituted in all government offices and institutions, as mandated under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act.

The DCP was speaking at the monthly SC/ST grievances redressal meeting held at the Mangaluru Police Commissionerate on Sunday. He said any complaint related to inappropriate gestures, use of vulgar language, scolding, or any form of workplace harassment must be brought to the notice of the ICC concerned.

Referring to a complaint of sexual harassment filed by a woman civic worker, Mithun H N said that cases involving sexual atrocity or harassment at the workplace would be dealt with seriously.

On the alleged atrocity involving a civic worker, the Women’s Police Station Inspector said the sanitation inspector concerned had been summoned to the station as part of the investigation. He added that on December 31, 2025, police had written to the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) Commissioner seeking action against official accused of harassing labourers.

Dalit leader S P Anand and Paurakarmika Sangha president Anil Kumar said that in 2022, then Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner had instructed the MCC Commissioner to suspend the same officer on harassment charges. However, they alleged that the matter was later resolved with the intervention of the then mayor.

Anand, said, “Before approaching the police, we had submitted a written complaint to the MCC Commissioner, but no action was taken.”

Leaders also demanded that the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner convene a district-level SC/ST grievances redressal meeting. Responding to this, DCRE Mangaluru Range SP Simon C A asked the leaders to submit a memorandum to him so that it could be forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner immediately.

Dalit leaders further highlighted the shortage of staff at the DCRE police station, stating that it was delaying investigations and the filing of charge sheets, and urged the authorities to strengthen the unit.

Raising another issue, Anand alleged that people were being cheated through so-called “lucky schemes” run by jewellery shops. Referring to a jewellery store in Hampankatte, he said several investors had lost money after the owner shut down the business without returning the amounts invested in gold. The DCP said police had taken complaints related to such schemes seriously and had instructed inspectors to initiate action. He also cautioned the public against fly-by-night operators.

On complaints regarding microfinance institution recovery agents allegedly threatening loan borrowers, the DCP advised victims to file police complaints whenever such incidents occur.

A Dalit leader also alleged that the Daddalakadu main road was recently blocked for a Yakshagana performance, causing inconvenience to the public. In response, the DCP said the event was being held annually and organisers had been instructed to ensure a clear passage for emergency vehicles while erecting the stage. He directed officers to ensure that emergency services are not affected whenever roads are blocked for public programmes.

DCRE SP Simon C A urged Dalit leaders to assist people with documentation, noting that many are unaware of its importance.

DCP (Crime and Traffic) Ravishankar was also present at the meeting.