The chairperson of the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata – actor and BJP Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi – has allegedly refused to comply with the recommendations of the Internal Committee in a complaint of sexual harassment at the institute, according to Women Against Sexual Harassment, a forum run by survivors of sexual violence in Kolkata's campuses.
The complainant in the case, a former student and assistant professor of the institute, reached out to WASH, concerned about the institute’s delay in taking action against the accused, a powerful official of the institute, even two and a half months after the preliminary investigation report of the IC was submitted. An IC inquiry should be completed within 90 days of the complaint, according to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act or the POSH Act.
The accusations against the top official at the SRFTI include "physical assault, sexual harassment, casteist remarks, criminal intimidation, blackmailing, threats, and use of abusive language and vulgar remarks," WASH states. The survivor had filed the complaint on May 9, and after months of investigation, the IC submitted its preliminary report on October 30. The report was placed before the Governing Council led by the chairperson, Suresh Gopi, whose go-ahead is required for the second stage of inquiry to begin. Further, the WASH reports that Suresh Gopi has to sign the charge sheet submitted by the SRFTI disciplinary committee for the investigation to proceed.
"Why such delay and inaction in issuing the chargesheet even after months of submission of the ICC report which is a mandatory step according to both POSH act and government guidelines for sexual harassment cases to proceed with the completion of the inquiry? The complainant fears that the delay in the issuing of the chargesheet is an attempt to dilute the charges," the WASH page states.
The accused official had in the meantime approached the Calcutta High Court to contest the findings of the IC. However the Court said that it will not interfere with the report filed by the IC. While the court ruled out any "coercive measures" against the accused based on the preliminary report, it also said that the final inquiry must be completed within six months of the date of the order (December 20).
During the preliminary investigation, the IC had recommended that the accused official should not be present in the campus of the SRFTI while the inquiry was going on, after which the institute had ordered his transfer. However, he went to High Court and got the order quashed. He continues to work in his position, though, away from the campus.
"Every lawyer that the complainant approached to contest these verdicts refused to take up her case after learning the identity of the accused. This shows how much power and influence the accused wields," WASH adds.
All attempts by the survivor to contact the chairperson had failed, and multiple mails to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and minister Ashwini Vaishnaw did not result in any further action.
WASH writes: "It took immense courage from the complainant to come forward with her complaint when before filing it, the accused had told her 'you can't touch me in SRFTI' alluding to his connections in high places. [WASH has digital evidence of the same.] "
The page quotes the survivor: "All I want is a shot at justice which the constitution of my country guarantees its citizens. All I did was exercise my RIGHT to speak against injustice done to me but the very forces who are bound by the law to ensure that this right of mine is protected, are actively trying to deprive me of it. This is unacceptable and sends the wrong message to any woman who is facing discrimination or harassment at their workplace."
The WASH forum was started after the SRFTI faced serious allegations of sexual harassment, resulting in the compulsory retirement of two professors.
