The Chief Judicial Magistrate’s (CJM) court has instructed Nalbari police to register a First Information Report (FIR) against Nalbari District Commissioner (DC) Varnali Deka. The directive follows a harassment complaint lodged by Arpana Sarmah, a suspended Assam Civil Service (ACS) officer, on May 8, 2024. The case revolves around Sarmah’s claims of mental harassment and alleged misuse of power by DC Deka. Sarmah, formerly posted as the Circle Officer of Paschim Nalbari Revenue Circle, reported that the incident occurred on May 7, 2024, while she was overseeing activities at the issue and receipt counter of the 40-Tihu Legislative Assembly Constituency (LAC).
In her complaint, Sarmah alleged that DC Deka reprimanded her for delays in transferring stored materials to designated locations, a task assigned to laborers under her supervision. According to Sarmah, Deka’s behavior became increasingly hostile, prompting her to record the interaction as evidence of alleged verbal abuse and continued harassment.
Fearing further escalation, Sarmah reportedly sought shelter at the Nalbari Police Station and documented the incident, which has now led to the court’s order for an FIR against the DC.