Pachauri's return to TERI makes my flesh crawl, says sexual harassment complainant

The researcher, who filed a complaint against TERI chief RK Pachauri of alleged sexual harassment, on Tuesday responded to his promotion.

New Delhi: The researcher, who filed a complaint against TERI chief RK Pachauri of sexual harassment, on Tuesday responded to his promotion.

In an open letter, published by 'Firstpost', the complainant described the development as 'shameless' and said that the governing council of the green body promoted a man who is facing criminal charges. She also said that she would pursue to its logical conclusion.

The letter, which was released today, read, "The news of promotion of a man who stands booked on charges of sexual harassment at workplace, stalking and criminal intimidation by country’s who’s who makes my flesh crawl."

Notwithstanding allegations of sexual harassment by a former colleague, TERI Chief RK Pachauri was on Monday appointed Executive Vice Chairman of the green body after new Director General Ajay Mathur took over the charge from him.

The post of Executive Vice Chairman has been recently created and Pachauri will be the first to hold the post.

In February last year, a junior colleague had accused him of sexual harassment following which he had to proceed on leave but joined work in July with a court quashing the internal committee report that found him guilty of misconduct.

He was removed as chairman of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change, an international body of scientists that makes periodic assessment of climate change science, as well.

"I spoke up and was quarantined from work. Not allowed to resume work and no earnings for a long time. No money and a tainted Curriculum Vitae gave me sleepless nights. It was getting beyond my dignity to be associated with such an organisation and in the best of my interest, I quit," the letter further said.

The researcher also claimed that while she and those who supported her on her allegation against Pachauri were hounded by the organisation, others who maintained their silence were paid with unfair promotions.

"For someone in my position who has had zero support from the organisation, when made privy to such developments was most disturbing. What in the world was I to expect and why would I risk more than what is lost already. Not just the Governing Council but others in TERI have shown where their conscience leans (if any). If quitting was not enough, TERI Media Executive went ahead and publicized information leading to my identity to the Press. Those women who did not testify to the ICC were "rewarded" with unjust promotions in designations, projects and travel approvals (to name a few) and continued to remain quiet, remain involved," she wrote.

"I spoke up and was quarantined from work. Not allowed to resume work and no earnings for a long time. No money and a tainted Curriculum Vitae gave me sleepless nights. It was getting beyond my dignity to be associated with such an organisation and in the best of my interest, I quit. I felt most lighter in my mind and body on quitting TERI. I deserved better. I use this platform to further convey that the case stands as it is, I assure I will take it to its logical conclusion.," she said.