Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is currently facing a serious incident of workplace sexual harassment and misconduct. A fourth-grade employee of the municipal corporation has crossed all boundaries by sending obscene and inappropriate messages to a female officer. Following the escalation of the matter to higher authorities, the accused employee has been suspended with immediate effect.
WhatsApp Messages Expose Misconduct
Praveen Kumar Dhanuk, a fourth-grade employee stationed at the municipal corporation, has been accused of sending inappropriate and 'affectionate' messages to a female officer via WhatsApp. The female officer bravely presented screenshots of these obscene messages to senior officials.
Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Kumar, recognizing the seriousness of the situation, ordered Praveen's suspension. According to Additional Municipal Commissioner Pankaj Srivastava, preliminary investigations have found Praveen guilty, and his actions are a clear violation of employee conduct regulations.
Vishaka Committee to Conduct Inquiry, Job at Risk
To thoroughly investigate this matter, the local body directorate has formed a Vishaka Committee (established to prevent sexual harassment of women at the workplace). Nand Kishore, the municipal corporation's tax assessment officer, has been appointed as the chief investigator. If the Vishaka Committee's report finds him guilty, Praveen Kumar Dhanuk could face termination from service.
Concerns Raised Over Employee Deployment and Protection of Officials
This incident has raised questions about the functioning of the municipal corporation. Reports indicate that several employees are receiving salaries from the corporation while actually serving in other departments or at the residences of influential officials.
Many employees stationed at the local body directorate act arbitrarily due to the protection of officials. Female officers have previously lodged complaints of misconduct, but the lack of decisive action has emboldened such employees.