State government has suspended IAS officer Reny Wilfred following “criminal investigation” into several allegations of sexual harassment.
An official correspondence by the Department of Personnel & Administrative Reforms (P&AR), Personnel ‘A’ Branch to secretary Department of Personnel & Training Ministry of Personnel, PG and Pensions, stated that the officer has been placed under suspension with effect from May 21, 2025 in connection with a “criminal investigation” initiated against Wilfred, IAS (NL:2015).
Further, an order issued by chief secretary Dr J Alam stated that a case was under investigation against Reny Wilfred under sections 74, 75(2), and 79 of the BNS. In view of the seriousness of the matter, the state government invoked sub-rule (3) of Rule 3 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, to effect the suspension.
Further instructions in the order mandated that during the period of suspension, Wilfred would remain stationed at the P&AR Department, Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima. He has been directed not to leave the headquarters without obtaining prior permission from the competent authority.
The suspended officer will be entitled to subsistence allowance as per Clause (a) of sub-rule (1) of Rule 4 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969. This includes leave salary on half-average pay and admissible dearness allowance.
NMA demands justice for victims
Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) has welcomed the suspension of Wilfred and demanded justice for the victims.
Speaking to Nagaland Post, NMA adviser Rosemary Dzüvichü expressed relief at the state government’s action, stating that the move should have come much earlier. She alleged that Wilfred had caused significant harassment not only to the victims but also to members of the Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) by reportedly filing cases against its members.
Dzüvichü described the incident as a “shame to the entire IAS fraternity,” questioning the delay in the state government’s response.
“Many questions have arisen during this long wait for government action.
What made it so difficult for the state to find a replacement in the Finance Department, that such an inordinate delay had to occur?” she asked, adding that the delay was “an insult to Naga intelligence.”
Reiterating the NMA’s stance, Dzüvichü appealed for justice under the law for the crimes committed against Naga women. “No outsider should expect to live in Nagaland by exploiting, defaming, or harassing our women and daughters,” she asserted, noting that Naga women had come of age and would continue to resist all forms of violence.
She pointed out that the NMA had consistently voiced concern over the delay in initiating action against the officer, and had extended support to the victims and NSCW during the course of the controversy.
With the suspension now in effect, she reiterated the NMA’s demand for a fair and swift investigation.
Suspension long overdue: NSF
Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has expressed strong support for the suspension of Wilfred, stating that the decision, though delayed, was a step in the right direction and must be followed by strict legal action.
NSF president Medovi Rhi said the federation “100 percent welcomed” the suspension of Wilfred, disclosing that the student body was preparing to escalate the matter if no action was taken against him.
“We were getting ready to issue an ultimatum or even take the issue to the streets through public rallies,” Rhi revealed, noting that the suspension order came out just as the pressure was building.
He said the NSF had written to the state government regarding the matter in March this year.
While the government had communicated its perspective on the issue, he mentioned that the NSF was prepared to act had there been further delay.
“We were of the view that if the matter continued to be dragged on, we would have to intervene more assertively,” he said.
Rhi reiterated the federation’s solidarity with the NSCW, noting that both the organisations were aligned in their demand for justice.
He stressed that no government officer, regardless of their bureaucratic contributions, should be allowed to escape accountability.
“He may have been efficient in securing funds from the Centre, but that should never come at the cost of the integrity and honour of our sisters,” he asserted.
He claimed that the testimonials of the victims provided clear evidence of wrongdoing by the suspended officer.
“We believe the suspension is a bit too late and the action too lenient. However, it is a necessary step,” he said, adding that the NSF would continue to monitor the progress of the investigation to ensure justice was served.