New Delhi: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken cognizance of ThePrint’s report about allegations of sexual harassment by a senior teacher at Kalakshetra Foundation, an institute of national importance, in Chennai.
“Chairperson @sharmarekha has written to DGP Tamil Nadu to ensure that relevant provisions are invoked in the FIR against the accused teacher and also against the Director of Kalakshetra for shielding the accused,” the NCW tweeted Tuesday, while calling for a thorough, fair and time-bound investigation.
This was after a former director’s now deleted Facebook post about incidents that took place about a decade ago at the Rukmini Devi College for Fine Arts, leading to other students sharing their experiences.
Kalakshetra Foundation promptly conducted an internal investigation in accordance with the the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act 2013, but allegedly without a written complaint and exonerated the teacher. It had further threatened legal action against anyone who discussed the allegations.
Sense of relief
Kalakshetra staffers and students have been waiting for redressal for the past three months. The NCW’s announcement to investigate the allegations, within three hours of ThePrint publishing the story came as a relief to many students, faculty and alumni.
“I can’t tell you how happy I am. I am literally in tears,” said a former student who alleged that she was mentally and verbally abused by the teacher in the past.
“It’s a very positive sign that NCW has reacted quickly to the disturbing events in Kalakshetra. Protecting and believing the victims must take priority and NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma has taken the lead,” said Anita Ratnam, founder and publisher of online magazine Narthaki, which is dedicated to the performing arts.
(Edited by Tony Rai)
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