Western Command denies harassement charges of woman officer

Chandigarh, Jul 15 (UNI) Denying that restrictions had been imposed on the movement of Capt Poonam Kaur of Kalka based ASC battalion, the Western Command authorities today denied allegations of physical and mental harrasment levelled by the officer against her superior officers.

Clarifying reports appearing in a section of the media in this context, a Western Command spokesperson said that during her last posting at Misamari in Assam the officer had induldged in similar activities. She had refused to carryout her assigned duties and when questioned had alleged 'mental harassment'.

The sppksperson said that these allegations were inquired into and disciplinary action was contemplated. Keeping in view of her young age and the pleadings of her mother she was let off. However her "mental weakness" was recorded in her profile.

Refering to the recent case, the spokesperson said that Capt Poonam Kaur she was posted to Kalka in October last year from Eastern theatre. During December, the officer requested for allotment of married accommodation on compassionate grounds.

Though she was unmarried and not authorised married accommodation, her case was sympathetically considered and a married accommodation was allotted to her for her mother to stay with her.

Instead her grandmother is staying with her, the spokesperson stated.

Giving further details the spokesperson said that on June 30, the officer was ordered to move to Pathankot for commanding one of the detachments of her unit located there. She accepted to go to Pathankot but citing personal reasons, requested that her move be delayed till July 11 and again when she was instructed to move on July 11, she requested that she be permitted to leave on July 12, which was also agreed.

According to the spokesperson on July 12 Capt Poonam refused to move to Pathankot thereby disobeying legal and legitimate orders.

On the following day she asked for an interview with the Major General ASC at HQ Western Command and her request was accepted and she was granted an interview on July 14.

At HQ Western Command she was asked to give her grievance in writing which she refused and returned to her unit, the spokesperson claimed.

In view of the media news appearing today, Major General ASC visited the ASC Bn to meet the Commanding Officer as also the officer. She has refused to come out of her quarters and meet the Major General ASC or the Commanding Officer, the spokesperson added.

The spokesperson clarified that the officer had not been placed under any restrictions and was totally free to move around and neither is she under house arrest and there is no guard at her residence. A guard remains at the entry to the military station at Kalka as during normal course and it continues to be in place for the safety of the army premises and not for her obstruction, the spokesperson said.

UNI HS BP1729