Women’s Commission flags workplace safeguard lapses and explains timeline
DIMAPUR, APRIL 14 (MExN): The Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) has issued a clarification on its role in the ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual harassment within the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), confirming that an FIR has been registered and that counseling has been extended to affected employees. The Commission also pointed to lapses in the constitution of workplace safeguards under the POSH Act at the time it received the complaint, and said that its invitation for counseling was addressed to all female employees of IDAN “so that their privacy is maintained and their names are not disclosed.”
In a press release issued by NSCW Chairperson W Nginyeih Konyak, the Commission stated that it took suo motu cognizance of the matter after receiving information from “reliable sources” that allegations of sexual harassment had arisen at IDAN. This clarification comes amid heightened public scrutiny following the recent constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) by the Nagaland Police to probe the allegations involving IDAN Joint Secretary Reny Wilfred, IAS.
The Commission’s involvement began on February 27, when NSCW officials met with IDAN Chairman Abu Metha and received a verbal complaint regarding “allegations of sexual harassment by Reny Wilfred, IAS, Joint Secretary, IDAN, towards certain female employees of the organization.” Subsequently, on March 5, NSCW formally wrote to the IDAN Chairman requesting a list of all female employees under the Authority. In response, the Under Secretary of IDAN furnished the name list, enabling the Commission to begin a process of recording statements. The NSCW said it proceeded to hear the statements of female employees “as per the name list furnished,” and added that this was done in line with the provisions of the NSCW Act, 2006.
After hearing the women and “considering the gravity of the offence as stated by some of the victims,” the NSCW filed an official complaint with the Director General of Police (DGP), Nagaland, on March 17. According to the press release, the police headquarters (PHQ) subsequently ordered a preliminary enquiry led by a female officer of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.
Based on the findings of this inquiry, an FIR was registered on April 2, under the State Crime Police Station, PHQ, naming the NSCW as the complainant. This marks the formal entry of the case into the criminal investigation process.
The NSCW also revealed administrative lapses in the implementation of workplace safeguards under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, noting that “on the date 27/02/25 when the NSCW received the verbal complaint, the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) under the establishment of IDAN was not properly constituted as per the POSH Act.”
The Commission had earlier issued a direction dated February 26 to IDAN to constitute an ICC “with immediate effect.” In response, the Under Secretary of IDAN issued two orders—one appointing a Grievance Redressal Officer (GRO) and another constituting the ICC.
However, the NSCW noted a procedural flaw in that “the GRO and the ICC Convenor are the same and one person,” which is not permitted under the POSH Act. The Commission then directed IDAN to reconstitute the ICC appropriately. On March 3, IDAN informed NSCW that it had reconstituted the ICC as per the POSH Act.
More recently, the Commission received a letter dated April 2, from female employees of IDAN seeking “legal advice and counseling for victims of Sexual Harassment.” In response, NSCW sent an invitation on April 3, for counseling and legal support scheduled the following day. The Commission said that “the invitation was addressed to all the female employees of IDAN, so that their privacy is maintained and their names are not disclosed.” Services were provided as requested on April 4 at the NSCW office.
