Kendrapara, April 26: A police inspector here has been accused of sending lewd text messages to his subordinate female colleague.

“We are investigating the matter. A cell constituted to look into such complaints is examining it to ascertain the veracity of the charge,” said sub-divisional police officer Nrusingha Charan Swain.

This is the first case in Kendrapara being investigated under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redress) Act, 2013. Since the act came into force last year, no complaint had been lodged.

“Based upon the complaint of the victim, the cell, headed by a female police inspector, is conducting an inquiry. After it submits the findings and recommendation, legal action will be taken,” said Swain.

Both the accused and the victim are posted at Kendrapara police station. An official said that when the victim had rejected the inspector’s amorous advances, the accused allegedly reacted in reprisal and sent her to Ganjam district on poll duty.

Rights activists are of the view that cases of women being sexually harassed at workplace often go unreported.

“Social stigma and pressure tactics at the workplace are to be blamed for this,” said rights activist Avanti Behera.

She said the committee formed to take up such cases existed only on paper. “Many female employees are not even aware of the law. There is a need for regular awareness sessions to sensitise working women. Treating women with respect and creating the right kind of environment at the workplace is the need of the hour,” she said.