Supervisor Lodges Complaint Over Alleged Extortion and Threats
A municipal supervisor in Udupi has lodged a complaint alleging that a group of municipal workers demanded he assign them favourable work duties and threatened to have a woman file false sexual harassment complaints against him if he refused. The supervisor also claimed that the workers subjected him to caste-based abuse.
Details of the Allegations
According to the complaint filed with the Udupi police, the supervisor stated that the workers had been pressuring him for several weeks to give them easier assignments. When he resisted, they escalated their tactics, warning that they would orchestrate a sexual harassment complaint through a female colleague. The supervisor further alleged that the workers used derogatory caste slurs against him.
Police Investigation Underway
Police officials confirmed that a case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those pertaining to extortion, criminal intimidation, and atrocities against scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. An investigation is currently underway, and authorities have begun recording statements from the complainant and potential witnesses.
Broader Context of Workplace Harassment
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about workplace harassment and caste discrimination in municipal bodies across Karnataka. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau, cases of caste-based crimes in Karnataka have seen a rise in recent years, with over 1,200 cases registered in 2025. The Udupi municipality has faced similar complaints in the past, prompting calls for stricter oversight and sensitization training for employees.
Impact on Municipal Operations
The allegations have created tension within the Udupi municipal office, with some workers expressing support for the supervisor while others have rallied behind the accused. Municipal Commissioner R. S. Hegde stated that the administration is cooperating fully with the police investigation and has assured that disciplinary action will be taken if the allegations are proven. He also emphasized the municipality's commitment to providing a safe and discrimination-free work environment.
