Nabard officer faces action for sexually harassing a woman on LinkedIn

In yet another case of online sexual harassment, an assistant general manager of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) is facing action for sending inappropriate messages to a woman on LinkedIn. [caption id=“attachment_2256736” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational image. Reuters[/caption] In his LinkedIn message, the AGM, identified as Jagdish Prasad, asked about the woman’s experience in the field of rural development and women empowerment. But then the message took a bizarre turn when he remarked about the woman’s looks and inquired about her marital status and which religion she belonged to.

"… Can you share your experience/work together at field in rural development & women empowerement? You are looking beautiful & gorgeous. Do you like & it is ok , as per your culture , IF , I say you are very sexy & hot also? Are you married or have BF? Have kids? are you follow Islam/Christianity? I do not follow any religion in practice. I respect all saints & good practices of all religions. Pl share about yourself & work, if possible. Take care Jagdish"

The woman took to social media to post screenshots of the messages. She later received an apology from the officer and an email from Nabard chairman Harsh Kumar Bhanwala assuring her that strict action will be taken. An internal probe has reportedly been initiated and Nabard chairman has said that a penalty will be imposed once the investigative procedure is completed. CNN-IBN reports that a regional officer in Jaipur sent a show cause notice to Prasad. He has also tendered his apology to the woman. Speaking to CNN-IBN, the woman said, “I want his social media communications investigated. He is in an important position and may have done this before and gotten away with it. I want a public apology not a personal conversation. Will take to police in a few days if things are not resolved.” On being asked whether she was satisfied with Nabard’s reply to her complain, she said, “It’s just an email saying strictest action will be taken. No details on what action and how long it will take.”