Sexual harassment charges filed against Kerala CPI (M) MLA PK Sasi, party to probe

The CPI(M) in Kerala said it will probe the charges of sexual harassment levelled against Shoranur MLA PK Sasi. The complainant, a DYFI leader, reportedly wrote to the party’s state secretary, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, informing him of the charges in the first week of August. But, as no action was taken, she sent her complaint to Brinda Karat.

However, when even this failed to elicit a response, she wrote to Sitaram Yechury, who reportedly ordered the state probe the incident. 

A two-member committee has been appointed to probe the charges. A woman will reportedly be part of the probe team.

In her complaint, the woman alleged that he not only sexually harassed her, but also called her up often and spoke to her in an innuendo-laden tone.

The issue is likely to be discussed in the CPI(M)’s Palakkad meet on Tuesday.

PK Sasi, who was the area secretary of Mannarkkad, is a member of the CPI(M) Palakkad district secretariat. The incident allegedly took place in Mannarkkad.

So when he learnt that she was planning to complain to the party leadership, some people allegedly started a hate campaign, led by the MLA, against the woman. After she complained to that state and district secretary, she also wrote to the members of the Palakkad District Committee.

Even though there was a Palakkad District Secretary meeting, this issue was not discussed.

In the second week of August, she purportedly wrote to Brinda Karat.

A woman leader, also a former MLA, along with other DYFI leader allegedly tried coercing her to withdraw her statement. The complaint said that they promised her Rs 1 crore if she withdrew her statement. They also promised to promote her in the DYFI and CPI(M).

In her complaint, she also pointed out that she cannot sit inside the party office out of fear of the MLA. She demanded that the party take strict action against the MLA and also ensure her safety.

It is reported that she has submitted recordings of the calls made by the MLA along with her complaint.

Earlier, it was reported that the Politburo intervened and asked the state party to probe the allegations. However, the central committee issued a clarification saying it hadn't intervened and said the state party took its action on its own.