Kohima, April 15 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has demanded the “immediate suspension” of Reny Wilfred, the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer currently embroiled in an alleged sexual harassment case.
The officer should be prevented from holding office pending investigation, the federation contended in a representation to the Nagaland Chief Secretary, while expressing concern and disappointment over his continued holding of responsibility “despite serious and ongoing investigations into allegations of sexual harassment.”
He is the Joint Secretary of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), and the alleged harassment was filed against him by female employees, it pointed out.
As per the NSF, Wilfred has “reportedly exhibited a pattern of inappropriate behaviour,” and it was deeply troubling that he was “allowed to continue in a position that enables further abuse of power.”
This sends a dangerous message to both survivors of workplace harassment and the public at large—that institutional protection takes precedence over accountability, it held, adding that it undermines the morale of government employees, particularly women, and erodes public faith in the administration’s credibility.
The NSF also reiterated that the present issue is not an “isolated lapse in judgment” but concerns an “alleged repeat offender whose continued tenure in office puts the integrity of public service at risk.”
Thus, it demanded the immediate suspension of the IAS officer and that he be barred from holding any office of responsibility until the completion and public release of the final investigation report.
The NSF also cautioned against any attempts by individuals or entities to shield or influence the outcome of this investigation.
“Any such interference will be met with strong opposition from the Federation and the Naga public,” it added, urging the office of the Chief Secretary to take immediate and decisive action in the interest of justice, institutional integrity, and the safety of all employees in public offices
