Narasaraopeta civic chief accused of harassing woman volunteer

VIJAYAWADA: An inquiry has been ordered against Narasaraopeta municipal commissioner for alleged rude behaviour with a woman volunteer. A video clip of the commissioner K Ramachandra Reddy yelling at a woman volunteer Sk. Akhtar went viral on social media platforms. She has alleged harassment despite discharging her duties. Guntur district collector Vivek Yadav directed the RDO to conduct an inquiry into the matter.

In the video clip, Reddy is seen angrily warning the Akhtar for not attending the outreach programme held in Narasaraopeta on Friday. Akhtar said that she had attended the programme and had gone home to give lunch to her children at 1 pm. She deplored that Reddy had warned on phone that she would be removed from the job.

Meanwhile, Reddy said that he did not harass or abuse the woman but had questioned her absence from the programme and leaving work without obtaining permission. He said that the video clip was an edited one and did not show the complete ruckus. He said that Akhtar and her brother were removed as they were neglecting their duties. However, on the recommendation of MLA Dr Gopireddy Srinivas Reddy, they were taken back. He stated that he would be sending a detailed report about the incident to higher officials.   

Srinivas Reddy plunged into action to resolve the issue by calling Akthar and her brother to inquire into the matter. The two agreed to work following the norms.

A team of officials led by RDO Seshi Reddy conducted an inquiry. They will send the report to the collector, who will take the final call.