Guwahati: In a significant legal development, the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s (CJM) court has directed Nalbari police to file a First Information Report (FIR) against District Commissioner (DC) Varnali Deka following serious allegations of harassment made by Arpana Sarmah, a suspended Assam Civil Service (ACS) officer.
The order was issued after Sarmah formally lodged a complaint on May 8, 2024, detailing claims of mental harassment and improper conduct by the DC.
The allegations stem from an incident that took place on May 7, 2024, when Sarmah, who was serving as the circle officer for Paschim Nalbari Revenue Circle, was tasked with managing operations at the issue and receipt counter of the 40-Tihu Legislative Assembly Constituency (LAC). According to Sarmah, she was reprimanded by DC Deka for not ensuring the swift transfer of materials stored in trunks to their designated locations by the assigned laborers.
Sarmah’s complaint indicates that the situation escalated quickly, with DC Deka’s conduct becoming more hostile and verbally abusive. In an attempt to protect herself and document the interaction, Sarmah tried to record the encounter. However, as the harassment intensified, she felt increasingly threatened and eventually sought refuge at Nalbari Police Station, where she reported the incident.
The CJM court’s decision to order an FIR marks a crucial step in the legal proceedings against DC Deka. The case has garnered significant attention, with many questioning the alleged abuse of power and the treatment of government officers in the state. The filing of the FIR could pave the way for further investigation into the matter, with both parties likely to provide additional evidence in the coming weeks.
As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how the legal system will address these allegations, which highlight concerns over accountability and workplace conduct within the Assam Civil Service.