The Nagaland Police have launched a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into allegations of sexual and mental harassment made by several women employees of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) against a serving IAS officer.

In a statement issued on April 12, the Police Headquarters confirmed that an FIR has been registered, and a formal investigation is underway. The case stems from a complaint submitted by Nagaland State Women Commission (NSCW) Chairperson Nginyeih Konyak to the Director General of Police on March 17. The complaint was based on a verbal intimation made by IDAN Chairman and Advisor to the Chief Minister, Abu Metha, on February 27.

Following this, NSCW recorded the statements of multiple IDAN women employees on March 5, who accused the IAS officer—currently serving as a joint secretary—of seeking physical favors in exchange for salary hikes and job opportunities. The officer has denied all allegations.

A formal complaint letter, along with victim statements addressed to Abu Metha, was forwarded by the IDAN chairman to the NSCW on March 3. These documents were then sent to the police headquarters, triggering a preliminary enquiry.

On March 25, a woman Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) was appointed to carry out the initial probe. Her report, submitted on April 1, found prima facie evidence supporting the allegations and recommended a detailed criminal investigation. An FIR was subsequently registered on April 2.

A Special Investigation Team led by a senior IPS officer was formed on April 5 to thoroughly investigate the case. The SIT is now examining all aspects and evidence related to the matter.

Notably, in 2021, the same IAS officer faced legal action for allegedly molesting two minor domestic workers while serving as Deputy Commissioner of Noklak. A chargesheet was filed, and the Special POCSO Court in Tuensang took cognizance of the case.