Coming under tremendous public pressure to take action against Shornur MLA PK Sasi, who has been accused of sexual harassment, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Kerala has stated that it is willing to hand over the probe to the police if necessary. The ruling party has been accused of not taking the victim’s complaint seriously, with the CPI(M) earlier stating it would carry out its own probe.
CPI(M) politburo member MA Baby on Monday took to Facebook to say that if the party during its probe finds that the sexual harassment complaint against PK Sasi is serious, then the complaint will be handed over to the police. He also added only if the complainant is willing, the case will be handed over to the police.
“There is no doubt that anyone who harasses a woman will not be a part of the CPI(M) and a decision regarding the case, which will be in line with the party’s stand that any complaint by a woman will be viewed seriously, will be taken soon,” he said.
In his Facebook post, MA Baby also said that even during the time of the floods, the State Secretary of the party, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan had spoken to the complainant, who is a DYFI leader.
“The state leadership of the party has assigned central committee members, AK Balan and PK Sreemathy to probe the incident and AK Balan has ensured that a report will be submitted regarding this at the earliest,” added MA Baby is his post.
Earlier, former Chief Minister of Kerala and CPI(M) leader, VS Achuthanandan had said that strict action would be taken against Shornur MLA PK Sasi, who is alleged to have sexually harassed a DYFI leader.
Achuthanandan had said that after studying the situation, appropriate measures will be taken. Since it is an issue concerning a woman, strict action can be expected against the MLA, he added.