The CPI(M) will probe charges of alleged sexual harassment filed against legislator PK Sasi by a young woman leader on Tuesday after the central leadership directed the state unit to look into the issue.
The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DFYI) leader filed a complaint with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury two days ago after the state leaders allegedly tried to hush up the complaint.
Yechury confirmed he had received the complaint and forwarded it to the state unit for necessary action. The woman had also sent a letter to politburo member Brinda Karat.
Reports have said that the politburo was upset with the way the state unit handled her complaint, which she lodged two weeks ago. There are also allegations that the victim was offered money to withdraw her charges against Sasi.
Sources in the party said the woman had approached senior leaders, saying she had evidence, including audio tapes, against the legislator. She has said in her complaint that she was harassed by Sasi for more than a year.
“It is a serious issue. The legislator has invited enough embarrassment to the party and he will have to pay for it,” said a senior party leader, who did not want to be identified.
{{/usCountry}}“It is a serious issue. The legislator has invited enough embarrassment to the party and he will have to pay for it,” said a senior party leader, who did not want to be identified.
{{/usCountry}}The party’s Palakkad district committee will meet on Tuesday to decide the fate of the MLA.
However, the legislator from Shornur in Palakkad district denied the charges and accused his opponents of hatching a conspiracy to defame him.
“I heard it from the media. I have no idea how such allegations cropped up. It seems there is a conspiracy to end my political career,” Sasi said adding he will reveal more details after some time.
The DFYI’s state leaders called on party state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.