Chandigarh: Jind SP Sumit Kumar, who is facing investigation on sexual harassment allegations, appeared before the Women’s Commission in Chandigarh on Tuesday. He got his statements recorded. Meanwhile, Haryana Women Commission wrote a letter to the Chief Minister and recommended the removal of Jind SP from the post till the completion of the investigation. At the same time, the investigating officer of this case, Fatehabad SP Aastha Modi, appeared before the Commission through video conferencing and gave the status report regarding her investigation so far. Recently, a letter had gone viral on social media, in which Jind SP Sumit Kumar was accused of sexually harassing female policemen. No complainant came forward openly in this matter, but the Chief Minister issued orders to the DGP to investigate the matter. The DGP handed over the investigation of the case to Fatehabad SP Aastha Modi.
Investigating officer and accused officer summoned
Meanwhile, taking cognizance of the letters going viral on social media, the Women’s Commission on Tuesday summoned the investigating officer and the accused officer. Jind SP reached the Women’s Commission and got his statement recorded. He termed all the allegations against him as baseless and said that till now not a single complainant has come forward in this matter. The complaint has been made viral by creating a fake e-mail on behalf of a YouTuber from Jind. The first complaint was without signature, while the second complaint came with signature.
Wrote a letter to Chief Minister Naib Saini and said
Fatehabad SP Aastha Modi, who is investigating the case, appeared before the VC and gave her investigation report. After recording the statement, Women’s Commission Chairperson Renu Bhatia said that the women policemen whose names have gone viral in the letter have been asked to appear before the Commission on November 7 and get their statements recorded. Meanwhile, the Women’s Commission has written a letter to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini saying that Jind SP has been accused of sexual exploitation. Till the investigation of the case is completed, he should either be replaced, or his headquarters should be shifted to Chandigarh or he should be sent on leave till the investigation is completed.
I will cooperate in investigation, media trial should be stopped: SP
Jind SP Sumit Kumar, after recording his statement in the Women’s Commission, said that not a single complainant has come forward in this case yet. No female policeman has given any statement even before the investigating officer. Sumit Kumar has demanded the Women’s Commission to intervene in this matter and stop the media trial.
Time.news Interview: A Conversation on the Allegations Against Jind SP Sumit Kumar
Interviewer (Editor of Time.news): Good evening and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have a pressing issue to discuss, one that pertains to allegations of sexual harassment within law enforcement. Joining us is Dr. Preeti Sharma, a legal expert and advocate for women’s rights. Thank you for being here, Dr. Sharma.
Dr. Preeti Sharma: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial topic, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss it.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Recently, Jind SP Sumit Kumar appeared before the Women’s Commission amid allegations of sexual harassment against him. The Haryana Women Commission has also recommended his removal from the post during the investigation. What is your take on how the situation is being handled?
Dr. Sharma: The swift action by the Haryana Women Commission is commendable. It highlights a serious approach towards addressing sexual harassment, especially within the police force, which can often be a closed environment. The recommendation to remove the SP from his duties is a necessary step to ensure a fair investigation. This creates a space where the inquiry can proceed without undue influence.
Editor: As we’ve seen, the investigation officer, Fatehabad SP Aastha Modi, provided a status report via video conferencing. In situations like this, how important is transparency during the investigation process?
Dr. Sharma: Transparency is crucial. When allegations of this nature arise, it is vital for public trust that the investigations are conducted openly and that the processes are communicated effectively. By allowing officers to present their reports in a public forum like the Women’s Commission, it fosters accountability and reassures the victims and the public that there is a dedicated effort to address the issue seriously.
Editor: Interestingly, although there’s been a letter alleging misconduct that went viral, no complainants have come forward publicly. This raises the question of what barriers prevent victims from speaking out.
Dr. Sharma: Absolutely. There are several factors at play here—fear of retaliation, societal stigma, and the very real possibility of being disbelieved or facing backlash can all silence victims. In this case, it’s particularly challenging because we are dealing with an environment where the accuser is often in a vulnerable position, especially if they are colleagues in law enforcement. It’s essential that support systems and safe reporting mechanisms are in place to encourage victims to step forward.
Editor: Speaking of environments, how do you think the culture within police forces contributes to these situations?
Dr. Sharma: The culture within police departments can often be hierarchical and patriarchal, which may downplay or dismiss allegations, especially those against higher-ranked officers. There is a pressing need for cultural reforms that promote respect, equality, and accountability amongst officers. Training on sexual harassment should also be mandatory, and there should be strict consequences for those who violate these standards.
Editor: Given that our society is moving forward in many ways, what more can be done to protect and support women in such institutions?
Dr. Sharma: We need comprehensive policy reforms that not only provide clear reporting guidelines but also strong protective measures for whistleblowers. Moreover, creating women-centric support networks within police departments can empower women to report misconduct without fear. Training sessions on gender sensitivity and harassment prevention should also be integrated into their professional development programs.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sharma, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. It’s a complex situation that requires ongoing dialogue and action.
Dr. Sharma: Thank you for bringing attention to it. It’s essential that we continue to talk about these matters to effect change.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. This has been a thought-provoking discussion on a vital issue affecting our society. Stay informed, and we’ll meet again for more important dialogues at Time.news.