Cop shifted for sexual harassment

SHILLONG: The officer in-charge of Ladyrmbai Outpost, Habanjop Khonglah, has been transferred to the SP’s office after an FIR was filed against him for sexually harassing a 24-year-old advocate.
Police officials from East Jaintia Hills district said the officer has been transferred from the outpost to the SP’s office.
In the FIR filed at the Women Police cell, the advocate alleged that the officer tried to touch her inappropriately when she had gone to the outpost for her legal work and apologised for the act. However, the officer started sending her lewd messages and even exposed his private parts to the girl during a video call.
According to the police, a case has been registered against the accused and investigation was on under Section 354 of IPC for which maximum punishment is three years. The police, however, have not arrested the accused as, according to a senior police official, he is cooperating with the investigation and his statement has also been recorded by the police.
The police said arrest is necessary only in cases where punishment is above seven years. A show cause notice has also been issued to the accused as per the departmental proceedings and the police would take a call on his suspension after hearing him.