IAS officer Anurag Goel accused of sexual exploitation

Guwahati: A serious allegation of sexual exploitation has been levelled against a senior IAS officer from Assam, Anurag Goel, who currently holds the post of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the state.

Following a complaint filed by activist and film producer Luit Kr Barman, Chief Secretary Dr Ravi Kota has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.

The complaint alleges that Goel exploited a former employee of the National Health Mission (NHM) for years with the false promise of marriage.

The investigation has been entrusted to IAS officer Aruna Rajoria, who has already recorded a statement of the victim.

According to the indictment, Goel sexually exploited the woman, a widow, for three years, leading her to believe they would eventually marry.

However, when Goel’s wife discovered their relationship, he abruptly cut off all contact with the victim, blocked her on social media and prevented her from meeting him. IAS officer Goel also allegedly forced her to resign from her job.

Barman’s complaint is based on sensitive photographs and conversations between the victim and Goel. He also alleges that the victim had earlier approached the then Health Minister Keshav Mahanta but no action was taken.

Barman has called on the chief secretary to intervene within seven days to prevent further reputational damage to the governing fraternity.

Goel, a 1996-batch IAS officer, became the new Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Assam in July last year.

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