Keonjhar: A junior engineer of Jumpura block in this district allegedly raped a woman employee, who knocked on the door of superintendent of police (SP) Kabita Jalan Wednesday.
In her complaint, the woman alleged that the JE sexually exploited her for six years and blackmailed her with an obscene video. The incident has posed a question mark on the safety of women at workplaces.
The victim, a village level worker (VLW), has warned of committing suicide if not provided justice.
The complaint stated that the woman was posted as VLW at Badaneuli under Jhumpura block in 2006. In 2009-10, junior engineer Bibekanada Pradhan, who was in charge of the panchayat, had called her to the block office on the pretext of seeking her help in computer work during the visit of a commissioner. However, she was allegedly raped there by the JE, but did not reveal the matter out of fear.
Later, the JE allegedly forced her into physical relation at the panchayat office. When she opposed, the JE allegedly threatened to hire hooligans from Jharkhand to attack her.
In the complaint, the victim also alleged that a local chowkidar was hired by the JE to stand guard outside the panchayat office whenever the accused committed the illicit act.
One day, the JE and the panchayat executive officer made her drink a drug-laced cold drink and raped her when she was in an unconscious state. They recorded the act on a cell phone. The JE used the obscene clip to blackmail her and threatened to eliminate her family if she revealed the matter.
Taking serious note of the matter, Jalan asked the victim to lodge a complaint with local police. Action will be taken against the guilty after a probe, the SP said. PNN
