Hyderabad: A CESS officer suspension followed harassment allegations made by a woman employee against junior accounts officer K. Ravi. The Rajanna Sircilla Cooperative Electric Supply Society (CESS) management suspended him after an internal inquiry.
The woman employee reportedly approached a local MLA and explained the difficulties she had allegedly faced at the workplace. She later submitted a written complaint to senior CESS officials, prompting management to initiate an internal inquiry.
According to the source, the allegations involved inappropriate conduct towards the woman employee. Senior officials examined her complaint and reviewed the officer’s conduct during the preliminary inquiry.
Following the inquiry, the CESS managing director issued suspension orders against Ravi. The management said the inquiry found behavioural violations in his conduct towards the woman employee.
The action triggered discussion among employees at the organisation. Meanwhile, senior officials clarified that further disciplinary action would depend on the final report of the inquiry committee.
The source said the alleged harassment had continued for a considerable period. The employee reportedly sought the intervention of a public representative after facing difficulties at the workplace.
CESS officer suspension continues during departmental inquiry
The suspension came into effect from October 1, according to the official orders cited in the source. Ravi will remain under suspension until the departmental disciplinary inquiry is completed.
During the suspension period, the officer must remain within the limits of the Rajanna Sircilla headquarters. He cannot leave the headquarters without prior permission from senior officials.
In addition, the suspension conditions provide for payment of subsistence allowance under applicable service rules. The management will continue its detailed departmental inquiry into the allegations.
Officials said further disciplinary action would depend on the inquiry committee’s final report. Therefore, the report will determine the next course of action against the suspended officer.
The source said the preliminary inquiry found that Ravi had violated conduct norms while dealing with the woman employee. However, the complete departmental inquiry remains pending.
The CESS management has continued the disciplinary process following the complaint. Further action will be taken after the inquiry committee submits its final findings.