PONDA: Usgao-Ganjem Panchayat Secretary Honaji Morajkar was granted interim relief on his anticipatory bail application in a case involving allegations of outraging the modesty of a 22-year-old woman.
The next hearing is scheduled for January 21. The complaint, filed on January14, alleged that the secretary sent lewd messages causing sexual harassment and outraged the modesty of the complainant, who was employed on a contractual basis. The day after the complaint was lodged, the accused went on sick leave and filed an anticipatory bail application, which the court accepted, granting him interim relief.
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In response to the incident, the Usgao Ganjem Panchayat has now appointed a new secretary. Addressing the allegations, Sarpanch Ramnathi Dangui stated, “The court will decide the matter regarding outraging the modesty of the girl.” He however dismissed additional allegations of financial misappropriation made by the complainant.
Explaining the contractual arrangements, Dangui clarified, “Employees were appointed on a contract basis for a house survey. The rate for the survey was fixed at Rs 150 per house. The agreement was structured to ensure the panchayat benefits as per the terms with the contractor.”
Meanwhile, local residents have expressed outrage over the alleged misconduct by the secretary, calling for strict legal action. They commended the complainant for her courage in coming forward to protect others from similar incidents.
Naresh Naik, a local from Ponda, criticised the delay in action, stating, “The police should act swiftly in such cases, even before the accused seeks anticipatory bail.”
