The Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) has issued a press statement today regarding the allegations of sexual harassment had arisen within the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN).
Having received information on the allegations through reliable sources, the NSCW sought an appointment with the Chairman of IDAN, Abu Metha, and met him on February 27, 2025. During the meeting, the Commission received a verbal complaint regarding allegations of sexual harassment by Reny Wilfred, IAS, Joint Secretary, IDAN, towards certain female employees of the organization. Later, on March 19, 2025, NSCW received a forwarding letter of a complaint of sexual harassment at IDAN from Abu Metha, Chairman IDAN dated 03/03/25 and through that letter he had sought counseling for the victims.
“Upon receiving this verbal complaint, the NSCW took immediate cognizance of the matter. An official letter dated 5th March 2025 was issued to the Chairman of IDAN, requesting the list of all female employees working under the authority. In response, the Under Secretary, IDAN, furnished the name list of all the female employees under IDAN. That, as per the provisions of the NSCW Act, 2006, necessary steps were initiated to hear the female employees of IDAN as per the name list furnished and thereby statements were taken at NSCW office. That, upon hearing the female employees and considering the gravity of the offence as stated by some of the victims, the NSCW being working for the safety and security of the women, the NSCW filed a complaint letter dated 17.03.2025 addressed to the DGP, Nagaland for necessary steps to be taken as per the law. That on receipt of the Complaint letter from NSCW, the PHQ instituted a preliminary enquiry by a lady officer of the rank of Dy.SP. On completion of the Preliminary Enquiry and as per the findings of the preliminary enquiry an FIR dated 02.04.2025 was registered under the State Crime Police Station, PHQ, Nagaland, wherein the NSCW was made the complainant,” stated the NSCW.
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The Commission also Informed that when it received the verbal complaint on February 27, the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) under the establishment of IDAN was not properly constituted as per the POSH Act.
“Earlier, a formal direction was issued by NSCW to the IDAN Chairman dated 26/02/2025, to constitute the ICC under POSH Act with immediate effect at IDAN to address grievances of sexual harassment at workplace as mandated by the Act. That, by letter dated 26 February, 2025, the Under Secretary of IDAN communicated two (2) Orders with regard to the appointment of Grievance Redressal Officer (GRO) and Constitution of ICC on the same date. However, it appeared through the communiqué that the GRO and the ICC Convenor are the same and one person, therefore, the NSCW again redirected the IDAN office to reconstitute the ICC as per the provisions of the POSH Act. Accordingly, by letter dated 03/03/25, the under Secretary of IDAN communicated to NSCW about the reconstitution of ICC on the same date ie. 03/03/25 as per the POSH Act,” mentioned the Commission.
Further, on April 2, a letter was received addressed to the Chairperson NSCW from female employees IDAN, seeking legal advice and counseling for victims of Sexual Harassment.
“Therefore, in response to their letter dated 02/04/25, the NSCW sent an invitation vide letter dated 03/04/05 for counseling and legal support on 04/04/2025. The invitation was addressed to all the female employees of IDAN, so that their privacy is maintained and their names are not disclosed. Accordingly, the service was provided as sought at the office of NSCW on 04/04/25,” stated the Commission.
