Assam: Sexual harassment allegations rock Goalpara Municipality; Mayor denies charges, calls it politically motivated

A serious allegation of sexual harassment has emerged from Goalpara Municipality, with Deepa Singh, a temporary employee associated with monitoring self-help group schedules, accusing Municipal Mayor Mahananda Pathak of misconduct. The allegations have triggered public attention and administrative scrutiny.

At the heart of the controversy, Deepa Singh claims that she was subjected to sexual harassment by the Mayor during her tenure. However, in a press conference, Mayor Pathak categorically denied the charges, calling them baseless and politically motivated.

According to Mayor Pathak, Deepa Singh was never formally appointed as a permanent employee of the municipality. Instead, she worked under the supervision of the Executive Magistrate. 

He further asserted that Singh had not performed any official duties for nearly a year, and was subsequently suspended by the Executive Magistrate following a series of complaints regarding her conduct.

Mayor Pathak claimed that the allegations were filed only after disciplinary action was taken against her. “This accusation is nothing but a retaliatory move,” he said. “This is a calculated attempt to malign my image through a political conspiracy.”

The case has prompted calls for an impartial inquiry, as issues of workplace harassment and misuse of allegations remain highly sensitive. 

Women’s rights organizations and political observers have urged that the matter be handled with due diligence, ensuring that neither justice nor reputation is compromised without proper investigation.

Authorities are yet to release an official statement regarding the next steps, though sources confirm that a formal inquiry may be initiated to ascertain the veracity of the claims and counterclaims.