Kozhikode: A woman employee was allegedly sexually harassed during an Onam celebration at the Collectorate here on Thursday. However, controversy erupted after some leaders of a pro-government organisation reportedly intervened in favor of the accused.

The incident took place during an Onam event attended by the District Collector.

According to the complaint, a senior officer from the K-section misbehaved with the woman in the corridor in the presence of colleagues. The employee immediately lodged a written complaint with the Additional District Magistrate (ADM).

Later, leaders of a pro-government organisation approached the ADM, insisting the matter should not be reported to the police and should instead be settled within the office.

The ADM said the complaint is under consideration of the Internal Committee that investigates cases of harassment against women and that a decision would be taken only after their findings. The deputy collector in charge of the inquiry was instructed to submit a preliminary report within three days. With Sunday being a holiday, the report is expected to be handed in on Monday.

The event was organised under the banner of the Revenue Recreation Club of the Collectorate staff council.