Mangaluru: In a strict act of departmental enforcement, head constable Santosh CJ, attached to the Ullal police station, has been suspended from service following serious allegations of harassment made by a woman and his subsequent unauthorised absence from duty. The suspension order was issued by Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy on January 7, underlining the department’s stance on maintaining discipline and accountability within the police force.

According to official sources, the action was taken after a detailed review of the complaint history and the conduct of the accused officer, which was found to be in violation of departmental norms and service rules.

Complaint dates back to 2023

The roots of the case trace back to 2023, when the woman first approached the Kavoor police station with a complaint against Santosh CJ. In her initial complaint, she stated that she had prior acquaintance with the head constable and alleged that he had harassed her.

At that time, the matter did not proceed to a formal case, as Santosh reportedly apologised to the woman. Following the apology, the complainant withdrew her complaint, believing that the issue had been resolved and would not recur.

Alleged harassment resumed

However, police sources revealed that despite the earlier apology and withdrawal of the complaint, Santosh allegedly resumed harassing the woman after some time. Disturbed by the continued behaviour, the woman decided to escalate the matter instead of approaching the local police station again.

On December 17, she reportedly brought the issue to the notice of higher police authorities, detailing the alleged harassment and expressing concern over her safety and well-being.

Senior officers took cognisance of the complaint, especially in view of the fact that the accused was a serving police personnel, which added gravity to the allegations.

Unauthorised absence from duty

Adding to the seriousness of the matter, Santosh CJ allegedly failed to report for duty at the Ullal police station from December 18 onwards. Officials stated that he neither reported to work nor informed his senior officers about his absence, which constitutes unauthorised absenteeism under service rules.

A senior police officer said that repeated attempts were made to ascertain his whereabouts and seek an explanation for his absence, but the lack of communication further raised concerns regarding his conduct.

“Unauthorised absence, especially when a serious complaint is pending, is viewed very seriously. It amounts to dereliction of duty and indiscipline,” the officer said.

Department orders suspension

Taking into account the harassment allegations, the complaint submitted to higher authorities, and the unauthorised absence from duty, the police department decided to initiate disciplinary action. Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy subsequently ordered the suspension of Santosh CJ with immediate effect.

Officials clarified that the suspension is a precautionary and administrative measure, intended to ensure that a fair and impartial departmental inquiry can be conducted without any influence or interference.

Inquiry to follow

Police department sources confirmed that a detailed departmental inquiry will be initiated to examine the allegations of harassment as well as the charge of unauthorised absence. Based on the findings of the inquiry, further action will be taken in accordance with the law and service regulations.

“The suspension does not amount to a final verdict. It is meant to uphold departmental discipline and to facilitate a transparent probe,” an official statement said.

Emphasis on accountability within police force

The action against the head constable has been viewed as a strong message from the department regarding accountability and zero tolerance towards misconduct, particularly in cases involving allegations against women.

Senior officers reiterated that police personnel are expected to maintain the highest standards of professional and personal conduct. Any deviation, especially acts that bring disrepute to the force, will attract strict action.

Public confidence and departmental discipline

The incident has also drawn attention to the importance of internal mechanisms within the police department to address complaints against its own personnel. Officials stated that swift action in such cases is necessary to maintain public confidence in the police system.

The suspension, they said, reflects the department’s commitment to ensuring that no individual is above the law, regardless of rank or position.

Conclusion

With the suspension now in place, the focus will shift to the departmental inquiry, which is expected to determine the veracity of the allegations and the extent of misconduct, if any. The case serves as a reminder of the responsibility borne by police personnel and the consequences of failing to adhere to ethical and professional standards.

Further developments are awaited as the inquiry progresses.