Audio clip exposes Wayanad forest officer pleading with colleague to drop sexual harassment case

Wayanad: An audio clip has surfaced in which Ratheesh Kumar (36), a Section Forest Officer under the South Wayanad Forest Division, can be heard pleading with a female colleague to withdraw a sexual harassment complaint filed against him.

Last week, Padinjarathara Police registered a case against Ratheesh for allegedly sexually assaulting a female colleague during a night shift at the office.

In an audio clip released by Manorama News, Ratheesh can be heard admitting to his actions and pleading with the woman officer to withdraw the complaint. He acknowledges his wrongdoing and begs her not to expose him, offering to do "anything" in return as a favour.

"I can't even look at your face now. I made a mistake. Please find a way to settle this," he is heard saying in the recording.

However, the female officer declines to drop the case against him and asks who will answer for the sexual assault and mental distress she faced. 

The incident occurred when Ratheesh broke into the room of a female beat officer, who was on night duty, and attempted to assault her. She managed to escape by raising an alarm and running out. Ratheesh, who had gone home after his duty, returned at night to commit the sexual assault, according to Manorama News. 

Ratheesh is also accused of two other sexual assault cases within the Forest Department.