Angul: Alleging prolonged mental harassment and workplace pressure by senior officials, a woman Havildar of the Odisha Police has resigned from her post.

The Havildar, identified as Sumitra Biswal, was serving at the Reserve Office (RO) in Angul district. In her resignation letter submitted to the Superintendent of Police (SP) Rahul Jain, she accused Reserve Inspector Governed Mahari and Havildar Subhakant Sahu of continuous harassment and causing severe mental distress.

Biswal alleged she was subjected to personal remarks and undue pressure, including comments involving her family, which made the work environment unbearable. She also claimed while working alongside male colleagues, she felt unsafe and unsupported within the department.

“I am unable to continue my duties due to constant harassment and mental agony. Despite my sincere efforts to perform my responsibilities with dedication and integrity, the situation has become intolerable and is adversely affecting my mental well-being and professional performance,” she stated in her letter.

The woman Havildar further said repeated complaints failed to bring her justice, forcing her to take the extreme step of resigning. She urged the SP to accept her resignation immediately and take appropriate action against the officials concerned to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Speaking to media with teary eyes, Biswal expressed disappointment over the department’s inability to address her grievances and ensure justice.

Meanwhile, the Angul SP has reportedly assured the matter will be looked into. However, the woman Havildar has expressed apprehension she may not receive justice from the police administration.