Nisha Priya Bhatia, a senior RAW officer had in 2008 filed a complaint alleging sexual harassment by A.K. Chaturvedi , was arrested, compulsorily retired, and put in a hospital for ‘medical illness’. The Central Administrative Tribunal (‘CAT’) today ordered the central government to re-instate her with immediate effect.
She had accused A K Chaturvedi, of taunting her on several occasions for her preoccupation with professional matters instead of finding a man for herself. According to the Times of India,
“She claimed that Chaturvedi had said, “Kya career-career, bachhe-bachhe, posting-posting lagaye rakhti ho har waqt. Tum jawan ho, khoobsurat ho, kitna glow rehta hai tumhare chehre par. Akeli ho, maze karo. Ek achha sa aadmi dhoondh lo apne liye. Itne hain kisi ko bhi pasand kar lo. Aur us se kaho tumhe khush rakhega (Why are you always bothered about your career, children and posting. You are young, beautiful and you have a glow on your face. You’re single, have some fun. Find a suitable man, there are so many to choose from, and tell him to keep you happy).”
She was later arrested for allegedly harassing her colleagues and neighbours. She was later sent to a 14-day judicial custody. The Prime Minister’s Office/ Cabinet secretariat later issued a press statement stating that,
Anirudh Burman 