How Should I Handle Extortion and Threats After a Security Breach at Work?

Incident at the Plant

As told to me, someone in a police uniform came to our plant after the general shift was over. This person refused to make any entry into the register at the gate. Additionally, this individual, as explained to me, also declined to provide his identity details to our security officials. The person misbehaved with our guards, abused them severely, and forcefully entered the company premises. I was also informed that this individual attempted to damage the register by striking it harshly.

Our security guards, who are ex-army officials, were insulted and demeaned by this person. He pressured XXX Dairy guards to disclose my personal information. Our guards advised him that since the general shift was over, he could come and meet me or the management during the next general shift/day and refused to share my contact details with the person in uniform.

Breach of Confidentiality by Mr. X

Mr. X from the administration function intervened and offered to provide my mobile number to the outsider without inquiring about his name, identity, position/capacity, or verifying if he was indeed from the police and which police station he represented. Mr. X did not bother to seek my consent or inform me before disclosing my personal details to an unknown individual. This is a serious offense that warrants a thorough investigation, as revealing personal information of female employees compromises their security and safety.

As a part of the HR-Admin Department, Mr. X has a clear understanding and a significant responsibility to maintain the confidentiality of all employees and provide a safe environment for them. His actions constitute a breach of trust and necessitate an investigation and prompt action.

Mr. X's irresponsible behavior has subjected me to harassment, including threatening and extortion calls from various numbers.

Please guide me on how to address this situation.

Dear Ankita, your post, though detailed, raises a few more questions and doubts.

The incident with the security guards

A rowdy individual bullied the security guards of your company to obtain your mobile number. But why did he want only your mobile number and no one else's? The ruffian might have been sent by some mafia to create a disturbance. Why did he choose to come after your working hours and not during them? Considering his behavior and timing, the sole objective seemed to be obtaining your mobile number.

Mr. X's actions

Yes, Mr. X, who works in the Admin-HR department, should not have shared your contact details, but he might have done so out of panic. Perhaps he had not faced such a situation before, and as it became unmanageable, he shared your number. However, why is getting someone's mobile number not difficult? Some women, out of gullibility, share their email IDs or mobile numbers on social media like Facebook and LinkedIn, yet they remain unharmed for years. Again, why did the bully choose you and no one else? There seems to be more to this situation.

Possible reasons for targeting

Have you taken a loan from any official or unofficial organization? If yes, have you defaulted on installment payments? Have you angered any local rowdy? Do you have any business besides your primary employment?

Threatening phone calls

Regarding phone calls from unknown numbers, what kind of threats are you receiving? What kind of extortion is being attempted? Did you record the phone calls? Why have you not approached the police?

Security investigation and response

After the incident, did the security officer investigate it? Have your senior authorities been informed? Why did none of the security personnel try to take a video of the bully surreptitiously? This is a significant security lapse. However, it is secondary because your post is about your personal security, not the company's.

Though you have written your post to blame Mr. X of the Admin department, your post reveals your sense of insecurity. It is a part of your personal life, and you need to address that first. You may gain sympathy from your post, but it is inconsequential.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar