Jagatsinghpur: A Child Welfare Committee (CWC) member in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district has been arrested for sexually harassing a 25-year-old woman, employed as a district coordinator for an NGO, for seven months.
The accused has been identified as Bibekananda Bal. He is working with CWC under the Women and Child Development Department of the Odisha government.
In her complaint, the woman, who interacted with Bal for work-related projects during her visits to the CWC office, alleged that he repeatedly made inappropriate advances, misbehaved, and attempted unwanted physical contact under the guise of seeking personal favours. Bal had also been visiting her residence, adjacent to the NGO office, since February this year.
She has also submitted photographs and videos evidence to support her allegations.
A native of Cuttack, she is working with Ruchika Social Service Organisation, an NGO that works for underprivileged children, including those living in slums, child labourers, and street children.
Benudhar Senapati from Ruchika Foundation told the media that they were forced to lodge an FIR as their complaint to CWC chairperson, Jagatsinghpur collector, and district child protection officer, elicited no response.
Jagatsinghpur SDPO Ajinkya Mane confirmed that a case has been registered and further investigation is underway.
