Haryana govt transfers Jind SP amid sexual harassment allegations
Oct 30, 2024
Chandigarh (Haryana) [India], October 30 : The Haryana government on Wednesday transferred Jind Superintendent of Police (SP) Sumit Kumar, following sexual harassment allegations against him.
The action comes after a request from the Haryana Women's Commission to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to relocate him from his current post.
According to an official order dated October 30, IPS Sumit Kumar has been transferred to the SP/Railways, Ambala.
In addition to this, the Haryana government has ordered the transfer of 20 IPS officers and three Haryana Police Services (HPS) officers.
Haryana Anti-corruption Bureau (ACB) SP Rajesh Kumar has been posted as SP of Jind, as per the order.
Earlier, Haryana State Commission for Women (HSCW) chairperson Renu W Bhatia confirmed that the Commission discussed the allegations of sexual harassment with SP Sumit Kumar on Wednesday morning.
"Sumit Kumar visited our office on Wednesday morning, where we spoke with him and heard his side of the matter. From his demeanour, it appeared he attempted to absolve himself of the charges. We have scheduled an inquiry on November 7 to address certain points," Renu W Bhatia told ANI.
Bhatia also said that the Commission has formally requested Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to transfer SP Kumar to ensure a fair probe into the allegations.
"The Haryana State Commission for Women has written to CM Nayab Singh Saini, urging the transfer of SP Jind to facilitate an impartial investigation," she explained.
The transfer recommendation follows a Commission hearing held in New Delhi, during which Sumit Kumar presented his case.
In a letter to the Haryana CM, the Commission wrote, "The Commission has taken cognisance of the serious allegations circulating on social media and news channels. A hearing was conducted on 29th October 2024, in which Sumit Kumar, SP Jind, appeared personally to present his side before the Chairperson."
The Commission emphasised the need for an unbiased investigation into the sexual harassment allegations against the officer. "We believe the inquiry should proceed without any influence from the officer in question," they added.
