Chennai, Mar 31 (UNI) The sexual harassment row in Kalakshetra
Foundation was raised in the Tamil Nadu Assembly today to which
Chief Minister M.K.Stalin promised necessary action against those
if the charges against them are proved.
Replying to a Special Call Attention motion given notice of by the
members of various political parties, he said the state government
will conduct a detailed probe and if the charges are proved, action
will be definitely taken as per law against them, whoever they may
be.
Stating that the Kalakshetra Foundation was functioning under the
Union Cultural Ministry, Mr Stalin said the National Commission for
Women (NCW) had on March 21 suo motu taken action based on
the newspaper reports and wrote to the Tamil Nadu Director General
of Police asking him to take necessary action.
Following this the Foundation Director met the DGP and said there
was no complaints of sexual harassment in the Institution. After this
the NCW wrote another letter on March 25 to the DGP it had held
an inquiry based on the newspaper report and that the probe was
completed, the Chief Minister said.
Mr Stalin said on March 29, the NCW Chairperson had visited the
Foundation and held inquiries with 210 girl students.
Pointing out that no written complaint has been received by the
police so far on the issue, he said at this stage, the Foundation
has declared a holiday till April six for its college (Rukmini Devi
College of Fine Arts last night in view of students' protest seeking
justice) and directed the students to vacate the hostel within two
days.
Mr Stalin said after the issue came to his attention, he spoke to
the District Collector and ascertained the details.
He said for further action and to collect more details, officials from
the Revenue and police departments were directed to conduct a
probe.
The senior officials of the Revenue and Police department also visited
the Foundation today and had been holding talks with the students and
the management.
All steps were being taken to ensure the protection of the students and
a police team headed by a Woman Inspector was deployed on security
at the Institute, Mr Stalin said and assured that ction would be taken
against those if the charges were proved.
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