Bibekananda Bal, a member of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in Jagatsinghpur, has been suspended by the state government following allegations of sexual harassment against an NGO worker.
The victim, a coordinator with the Ruchika Voluntary Organisation, bravely came forward with a harrowing account of seven months of relentless harassment. She alleged that Bal pursued her with messages, calls, and invitations, promising to expedite her work if she complied. When she refused, he resorted to threats and an attempted assault at her residence, which she resisted, forcing him to flee.
The incident, reported to senior officials on February 15, 2025, and again on July 31, 2025, saw no initial action, prompting her to file a complaint at the Jagatsinghpur police station (Case No. 567/25).
The Women and Child Development Department issued an order on August 4, 2025, suspending Bal based on a report from the District Magistrate.
