MPDO suspended over allegations of harassing woman Panchayat Secretary

TIRUPATI: Panchayat raj commissioner had placed mandal parishad development officer Patan Rafi Khan, who has been facing charges of harassing a woman for sexual favours at MPDO's office in Indukurpet of Nellore district, under suspension.

A woman, working as panchayat secretary in village secretariat, alleged that the MPDO was after her for the past few months and she informed the matter to her family unable to bear the humiliation.

Earlier this month, the family members and relatives of the panchayat secretary came to the MPDO office and beaten up the officer and some other staff who tried to protect him after heated arguments. After the attack, the MPDO asked the relatives of the woman to prove their allegations and he was ready for any action if he is found guilty.

After receiving complaints from both the parties, the Indukurpet police registered cases and further investigation is being done. Meanwhile, following the allegations, panchayat raj commissioner Kona Sashidhar placed the MPDO under suspension even as the police investigation and a departmental enquiry is underway.