Vinod Kumar, the immigration officer accused of sexually harassing a woman at the New Delhi International Airport has been suspended on Friday.
A woman from Bengaluru had alleged that the immigration officer had verbally sexually harassed her.
The woman claims, on March 18, while on her way to Hong Kong, the woman was proceeding from domestic to international transfer, Vinod Kumar checked her passport, stamped it and let her go. But then he followed her to the escalator and started asking unnecessary and rather intrusive questions.
- Are you going to Hong Kong to see you husband or to have fun with other men?
- Do you smoke, drink and eat chicken?
- Have you had your birth control operation done?
- My wife is refusing to have a third child, will you bear my child?
The woman says there weren’t too many people in the vicinity when he was asking the questions. But she made a phone call to a friend during which Vinod Kumar slipped away.
After returning from the trip, the lady and her husband tried to register a complaint. Vinod Kumar’s boss Alok Verma heard them patiently. He was apologetic but refused to take a written complaint saying he was not eligible to do so. He directed the couple towards an online grievance redressal system and assured them that their complaint will be taken up seriously.
While in Verma’s office the couple encountered Vinod Kumar. When the lady’s husband confronted him, Kumar did not deny any of the allegations. However, other officers present said action could be taken only after a complaint is lodged.
The lady’s family has written an e-mail to the authorities seeking strict action against the officer. She said, “if nothing happens we will go to the Home Minister.”
Who is he to ask such questions? Immigration authorities must sack him. This is an infringement of her right to privacy.
- Pramila Nesargi, Lawyer and Activist
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has apologised on behalf of the government and sought action against Vinod Kumar.
Sometimes men behave very offensively and unfortunately regressively. A notice has been sent to the immigrations authority. I will recommend that strict action be taken.
- Lalithaa Kumaramangalam, NCW Chairperson
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