Guwahati: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has urged the Nagaland government to immediately suspend IAS officer Reny Wilfred, who is facing allegations of sexual assault, stating he should not be allowed to hold any position of responsibility while the investigation is ongoing.
The NSF, in a letter addressed to State Chief Secretary J. Alam, strongly objected to Mr. Wilfred’s continued appointment despite a First Information Report (FIR) being filed against him. The FIR, lodged earlier this month, was based on a complaint forwarded by the Nagaland State Women’s Commission, following verbal statements by several alleged victims.
On April 4, the Nagaland government relieved Mr. Wilfred of his duties as Joint Secretary of the Planning and Transformation Department and the Industrial Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN). However, the NSF argued that this was not sufficient, citing the severity of the allegations.
“Allowing the IAS officer, who has repeatedly exhibited a pattern of inappropriate behaviour, to continue in a position that enables further abuse of power is deeply troubling,” the NSF stated. The organization warned against any attempt to shield Mr. Wilfred or influence the course of the investigation.
The students’ body added that not suspending the officer sets a “dangerous precedent” and signals that “institutional protection takes precedence over accountability,” potentially discouraging victims of workplace harassment from speaking out.
Mr. Wilfred has denied all allegations, calling them “counterfactual.” In a statement to the press in Kohima, he claimed to be the target of a long-running campaign by powerful individuals aimed at discrediting and threatening him.
“This is not the first time I’ve been framed,” he said, referring to earlier accusations from 2016 and a POCSO case in 2021, which he claims were fabricated after he exposed criminal activities including a child trafficking network.
He added, “The first complaint took two years to be proven false. I don’t know how long this one will take, but I will fight to ensure the truth comes out.”
As the investigation continues, civil society groups and students across the State are calling for greater transparency and a fair process that ensures justice for the alleged victims.
