LARKANA: Investigation report on harassment charges leveled by a former incharge of women and children protection cell Qambar-Shahdadkot against her male colleagues says the evidence suggests possibility of indirect sexual harassment.

Superintendent of Police (investigation) Haseeb Jawaid Soomar Memon, completed probe into lady police constable Ms Sanam Parveen Brohi’s accusations she made in a video clip against Inspector Riaz Soomro and head clerk Sikandar Ali Lashari, and submitted the report to DIG Nasir Aftab who had tasked him with the investigation, a source told Dawn on Thursday.

The SP recorded statements of the officials concerned, secured CDR reports and witnesses and arrived at the conclusion on the basis of the available evidence that “allegations of verbal sexual harassment conveyed through seemingly friendly conversations and frequent transfer orders from the WCPC branch, suggest that the possibility of indirect sexual harassment cannot be entirely ruled out”.

He advised that a conducive and secure working environment must be provided to LPC Ms Brohi in accordance with the policies protecting women’s rights at workplace. “Proper measures should be taken to ensure LPC Brohi’s protection as working woman, enabling her to perform her duties without fear of harassment, discrimination or any form of unfair treatment,” he said.

He recommended that Inspector Soomro should be transferred on account of his prolonged stay in the district for a minimum period of two years in compliance with provisions of police rules.

She [the complainant] should also not be posted to same position at SP/SSP office for two years and departmental action might be taken against him [the inspector] if deemed fit, he said.

He exonerated head clerk from all charges after finding no evidence against him, and stressed that Ms Brohi might not be reposted as in-charge of the women and child protection cell (WCPC) as the position required an official of a higher rank.

Published in Dawn, December 20th, 2024