Mangaluru: Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Mithun H N has urged leaders from the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) communities to ensure that all cases of workplace harassment, including sexual harassment and caste-based atrocity, are formally reported through prescribed legal mechanisms instead of being informally resolved within the community.

He was speaking at the monthly SC/ST grievances redressal meeting held at the Police Commissionerate on Sunday. The DCP said informal settlements often weaken cases and delay justice, and stressed that complaints related to inappropriate gestures, use of vulgar language, scolding, intimidation or any other form of harassment at the workplace must be reported to the concerned Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).

Stress on Internal Complaints Committees

Mithun H N emphasised that under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, it is mandatory for all government offices and institutions to constitute Internal Complaints Committees. He directed the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE) to verify whether ICCs have been formed and are functioning in all government departments and institutions.

He noted that many victims first approach supervisors or community leaders due to lack of awareness, which often leads to compromise or pressure to withdraw complaints. He reiterated that any complaint involving sexual harassment or atrocity at the workplace would be dealt with seriously if reported through proper legal channels.

Civic worker harassment case under investigation

Referring to a complaint of sexual harassment filed by a woman civic worker, the DCP said such cases would not be taken lightly. The Inspector of the Women’s Police Station informed the meeting that the sanitation inspector accused in the case had been summoned as part of the investigation.

The inspector added that on December 31, 2025, police had written to the City Corporation Commissioner seeking departmental action against the official accused of harassing labourers. Further action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.

Allegations of past inaction by authorities

Dalit leader S P Anand and Paurakarmika Sangha president Anil Kumar said that in 2022, the then Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada had instructed the City Corporation Commissioner to suspend the same officer over harassment charges. However, they alleged that the matter was later resolved following the intervention of the then mayor.

Anand said that before approaching the police in the present instance, a written complaint had been submitted to the City Corporation Commissioner, but no action was taken. The leaders expressed concern over repeated delays and demanded accountability from civic authorities.

Call for district-level grievances meeting

The leaders demanded that the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner convene a district-level SC/ST grievances redressal meeting to address long-pending issues. Responding to this demand, DCRE Range Superintendent of Police Simon C A asked the leaders to submit a memorandum to him, assuring that it would be forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner without delay.

Shortage of staff at DCRE police station

Dalit leaders also highlighted the shortage of staff at the DCRE police station, stating that insufficient manpower was delaying investigations and the filing of charge sheets. They urged the authorities to strengthen the unit to ensure timely justice in cases related to atrocities and discrimination.

Simon C A urged community leaders to assist victims with documentation, pointing out that many people are unaware of the importance of proper paperwork in pursuing legal action.

Other grievances raised

Anand also alleged that people were being cheated through so-called “lucky schemes” run by jewellery shops. Referring to a jewellery store in the Hampankatte area, he said several investors had lost money after the owner shut down the business without returning the amounts invested in gold. The DCP said police had taken complaints related to such schemes seriously and instructed inspectors to initiate action, while cautioning the public against fly-by-night operators.

On complaints regarding microfinance institution recovery agents allegedly threatening loan borrowers, the DCP advised victims to file police complaints whenever such incidents occur.

Another issue raised was the recent blocking of the Daddalakadu main road for a Yakshagana performance, which caused inconvenience to the public. The DCP said the event was held annually and organisers had been instructed to ensure a clear passage for emergency vehicles. He directed officers to ensure that emergency services are not affected during public programmes.

Conclusion

The meeting concluded with senior police officers reiterating their commitment to addressing grievances of SC/ST communities through lawful and transparent processes. DCP (Crime and Traffic) Ravishankar was also present, as officials stressed the need for awareness, documentation and institutional accountability to ensure justice.