Author: Vivek Deshpande
Publication: The Indian Express
Date: September 14, 2005
A surrendered woman Naxalite from Gadchiroli,
Pushpakala, has alleged that she ran away from her dalam as she was subjected
to sexual harassment by the dalam's deputy commander.
A case has been registered against Tipagarh
Dalam's deputy commander Lacchanna on the basis of her complaint.
"This is the first instance of an offence
being registered in the case of alleged sexual harassment by a woman Naxalite."
Joint Commissioner, Ant-Naxalite Operations, Pankaj Gupta said.
The Police and several activists in the region
have been claiming sexual harassment of female Naxalites by male Dalam members
is a common occurrences.
"Pushpakala told us that when she brought
Lacchanna's act to the notice of Shubhenakka, the Korchi Dalam Commander,
she was advised to put up with it and use contraceptives," Gadchiroli
Superintendent of Police Shirish Jain said.
Pushpakala also alleged Shubhenakka told her
that she too used contraceptives, Jain added.
"The police should know that those who
speak of social justice indulge in such activities in their own backyards,"
Gupta said.
The police have sent Pushpakala's name for
benefits under the recently-noticed Naxalite surrendered policy. She is one
of the 213 names sent for the government's approval.
