Bhubaneswar, (Orissa Today), June 26: Odisha-cadre IFS officer V Karthick faces allegations of serious misconduct and misuse of his official authority, prompting an internal inquiry into charges of sexual harassment. The inquiry, conducted by an internal committee and submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, recommends his premature repatriation from his current role as Lecturer at CASFOS in Coimbatore to his home cadre in Odisha before June 30.
According to the report, there is a strong likelihood of misconduct, with suspicions raised against the officer. The committee suggests disciplinary action and prohibits his future placement in training institutions or organizations involving women, citing his lack of gender sensitivity and behavior detrimental to both the employer and colleagues.
The investigation found instances of inappropriate WhatsApp communication with female officer trainees and staff at CASFOS, Coimbatore, including intimate relationships and late-night visits by trainees to his residence. The committee condemned his conduct as contrary to institutional ethics and values, noting specific instances of inappropriate messaging with a woman forest range officer from Maharashtra.
Concluding its findings, the committee warned that Karthick’s behavior sets a detrimental precedent within the organization and undermines the working culture of the training academy.
