Peace-keeper under scanner for sexual misconduct
The United Nations is probing allegations of sexual misconduct against an Indian Army officer deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo. HT reports.
The United Nations is probing allegations of sexual misconduct against an Indian Army officer deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
An inquiry was ordered after the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), the powerful UN probe agency, received an allegation of sexual exploitation against two military personnel, including Major RS Ghumman belonging to the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles.
Ghumman and a Tunisian officer were reportedly found in the company of prostitutes while leaving a pub in North Kivu province in July.
An OIOS employee reported the matter after she witnessed the two peacekeepers having an argument with the sex workers.
The UN code of conduct in the Congo prohibits peacekeepers from soliciting prostitutes. Army sources said the officer had almost completed his deputation and was due to leave for India shortly.
Troops finishing their tenure are placed under surveillance as sexual abuse and exploitation usually take place during the last two months.
Raids are regularly conducted at no-go places such as nightclubs, bars and red light areas.
Ghumman is also facing action for violating a 'curfew' that prohibits peacekeepers from venturing out of their barracks at night.
It is learnt that the Tunisian officer has admitted to being with Ghumman that night.
The UN's Conduct and Discipline Unit is carrying out the probe.
The Army is likely to take action against the officer after taking into account the findings of the CDU.
Two years ago, 12 Indian peacekeepers had come under the UN scanner for having sex with prostitutes.