UP Minister gets personal secretary arrested over sexual harassment allegations

Representational Photo: IANS


In a strong display of zero-tolerance towards misconduct, Uttar Pradesh Minister Aseem Arun on Thursday had his own personal secretary (PS), Jai Kishan Singh, arrested after he was accused of sexually harassing a female employee at the Social Welfare Department headquarters.

The victim, an employee at the Bhagedar Bhawan office under the Social Welfare Department, approached the minister earlier in the day and broke down while recounting the repeated harassment and obscene behaviour she allegedly endured from Jai Kishan. Deeply moved by the woman’s distress, the minister immediately assured her of justice.

Minister Arun, a former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer with 27 years of service before joining the BJP in January 2022, personally called the police from his office after confronting Jai Kishan about the allegations. The accused reportedly tried to offer excuses, but the minister refused to tolerate any such misconduct, regardless of the offender’s position.

Cops from Gomti Nagar police station, led by Inspector Brijendra Chandra Tripathi, arrived at the office shortly after receiving the call. In the presence of the minister, the female employee submitted a formal written complaint against the accused. A case was promptly registered, and Jai Kishan Singh was taken into custody for questioning.

The accused, Jai Kishan Singh, holds the position of Review Officer in the department and hails from Bamrauli in Prayagraj. He currently resides with his family in the Vikrant Khand area of Chinhat, Lucknow.

Inspector Tripathi confirmed, “Based on the victim’s complaint, an FIR has been registered. Appropriate legal action will be taken after investigation.”

Minister Aseem Arun emphasized that such crimes will not be tolerated under any circumstances, saying, “Whether it’s my personal secretary or anyone else—if someone commits such a crime, strict action will follow.”

The case is under active investigation.