Bhuabneswar, Mar. 26. ( Odisha.in ):Gayatri Panda, Orissa Legislative Assembly's first and the only Assistant Marshal has been subjected to sexual harassment, allegedly by none other than Speaker Maheswar Mohanty, the lady alleged Wednesday.
Mohanty denined the allegation and said he is ready for any probe. "The allegation is baselsss" he said.
Talking to Odisha.in, Gayatri alleged that though she was working in the post since 2001, she had never faced any problem until the present Speaker Maheswar Mohanty started demanding sexual favours from her. Since she did not relent to his lust, Mohanty has started taking vindictive actions by suspending her.
Gayatri who has done her Post Graduation from Utkal University claimed that being fedup with the objectionable beheaviours of Mohanty, she reported the matter in writing to the Secretary of Orissa Assembly who is the administrative head . But he took no action in the matter. On the other hand she becme victim of repeated haressment.
She alleged that the Speaker pressurised her in many ways to oblige to his lust. Even he sent his driver at the late hours of evening to attend him in his residence. She was asked by the Chief Marshal to meet the Speaker alone during the lonely hours.
Gayatri said that though on 21st February she had filed a complaint before the Secreatry of Orissa Assembly requesting him to take appropriate action to save her from sexual harassment by the Speaker and also to give her adequate protection, the Secretary took no action.
After over a month has lapsed and the mental torture continued she was forced to report the matter to Rutuparna Mohanty, Secreatry of Maa Ghar, and an eminent woman activist of Orissa.
Odisha.in is in possession of Gayatri's CONFIDENTIAL LETTER to the Secreatary and also her letter to Rutuparna Mohanty seeking her intervension.
Talking to Odisha.in, Gayatri said, now she has no hesitation to expose the shady deals taking place inside the State Assembly complex.
Though the Speaker holds the highest post and is expected to give protection not only to the legislators but also to all the employees, Mohanty is working in a different manner. " No woman is safe in the Assembly complex " she said.
Commenting on the alleged activities of Speaker Mohanty, Rutuparna said, the Speaker who holds a high post of diginity
should step down , with due respect to the Chair and pave way for initiating action under Sexual Harassment at Work place so that poor Gayatri can get justice.
Odisha.in
