The probe is being conducted discreetly. Two women officers remain firm in pursuing the complaint, which was filed several weeks ago.
Published Aug 24, 2025 | 7:02 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 24, 2025 | 7:02 PM
The investigation follows a report from the DIG recommending action under the POSH Act.
Synopsis: A woman police officer in Kochi, speaking anonymously, noted that while ICs exist, many female officers remain hesitant to report harassment, fearing retaliation from colleagues or superiors.
A complaint has been lodged against former Pathanamthitta SP VG Vinodh Kumar – a senior IPS officer – for allegedly sending lewd messages to women sub-inspectors. Kumar is currently serving in Thiruvananthapuram, .
In July, he was transferred to the Police Headquarters as Assistant Inspector General (Law & Order).
The complaint was submitted by women sub-inspectors to DIG Ajeetha Begum, who handles cases concerning women and children.
SP Merin Joseph of Police Headquarters has been assigned to probe the matter. The statements of the complainants have already been recorded. The officer in question, who currently holds a key position overseeing law and order in the Capital, is under scrutiny.
According to the plaint, the alleged messages were sent during his tenure as District Police Chief in Pathanamthitta.
The probe is being conducted discreetly. Two women officers remain firm in pursuing the complaint, which was filed several weeks ago.
The investigation follows a report from the DIG recommending action under the POSH Act.
When South First contacted DIG Ajeetha Begum, she said, ”So far, only two complaints have been received. We have registered them and transferred them to the SP, so the probe is ongoing.
Every unit has an Internal Committee (IC), including at Police Headquarters.
Women in the police force are aware of this, and they can approach the IC at any time. We also conduct awareness sessions for women officers to encourage them to raise their voices against any form of injustice or oppression.”
After the Hema Committee’s findings, enforcement of the POSH Act has intensified across Kerala. An official from the Women and Child dept told South First that organisations with 10 or more employees are required to set up an Internal Committee (IC) under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
The IC is responsible for addressing complaints, ensuring compliance, and maintaining a safe workplace. Section 4(1) of the Act mandates this requirement, and failure to establish an IC can lead to penalties, including fines and, in repeated cases, potential cancellation of business licenses or registrations.
Women’s Commission Chairperson Adv P Sathi Devi, however, said she had seen some reports but was not fully aware of the matter as she is currently resting due to illness.
A woman police officer in Kochi, speaking anonymously, noted that while ICs exist, many female officers remain hesitant to report harassment, fearing retaliation from colleagues or superiors.
On the other hand, SI Annie Shiva from Ernakulam Women’s Police Station highlighted that ICs are now functioning effectively.
”Women Police officers today are more confident about speaking out against harassment. With more women in leadership roles within the department, many feel comfortable approaching senior female officers directly.” she told South First.
(Edited by Amit Vasudev)
