Delhi cops to grill former TERI chief RK Pachauri in sexual assault case

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, June 24, 2015: The Delhi Police will question RK Pachauri, the former chief of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), for the first time on Wednesday in the alleged case of molestation and sexual harassment filed against him by a research associate.

Sources said a team of senior officials of the south district police will visit Pachauri’s house either in the morning or evening. "A team will visit RK Pachauri’s house for questioning. Who all will be going for questioning isn’t confirmed yet but the team will comprise at least three officials, including one inspector, investigative officer," the sources added.

Delhi Police have prepared a questionnaire on the basis of the woman’s complaint. "We have prepared a set of questions which will be shown to senior officials and, after their clearance, a final questionnaire will be prepared," sources added.

According to sources, the police have been planning to question Pachauri since the last 15 days. Pachauri is accused of allegedly harassing a woman research analyst at TERI. Citing several texts, emails, and WhatsApp messages as evidence to prove her claim, the woman said Pachauri harassed her soon after she joined TERI in September 2013.

The police had booked Pachauri on charges of molestation, stalking, sexual harassment (Sections 354, 354A, 354D of IPC) and criminal intimidation (Section 506 of IPC). The woman had submitted her complaint to the police on February 13 after approaching TERI on February 9.

The 29-year-old research associate alleged that she was sexually harassed by the TERI’s then director general Pachauri. She had also given a written complaint to the institute’s governing council alleging lack of action against Pachauri and expressing fear for her work and career.

She had also accused some senior TERI employees of showing a "biased role with respect to the police investigations", "sensitising" junior workers when an inquiry is on, and not maintaining the requisite "neutrality" in the case.

Later, an internal committee of TERI found Pachauri guilty. The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) found that Pachauri indeed made repeated attempts at establishing a personal bond with the young woman colleague which caused her "harassment".

 

Courtesy: Indiatoday