Chhattisgarh official suspended on sexual abuse charges

RAIPUR - A forest department official was Wednesday suspended in Chhattisgarh after 12 women employees of the department levelled sexual abuse charges against him.

“Ashok Sonwani, who was posted in Kanker district as ranger, has been suspended with immediate effect. Several women forest guards levelled sex abuse charges against him. A recent government enquiry has confirmed the charges,” a forest department official said.

He said the action was taken after the issue was brought to the notice of forest minister Vikram Usendi last week. Usendi is also from Kanker district.

The official said the women had informed the senior forest department here early this month that Sonwani’s act had put them under severe mental stress.