Dr RK Pachauri has been accused sexually harassing a 29-year-old woman when she worked as a researcher with him. (File Photo)
Highlights
- TERI students refuse degrees from Dr RK Pachauri 2 days after his return
- In a newly created post, ex-TERI chief was made Executive Vice-Chairman
- Dr Pachauri is an accused in a sexual harassment case
The controversy around the re-appointment of noted environmentalist Dr RK Pachauri in a newly created post in TERI grew today, with a second woman reiterating accusations of molestation and some TERI students refusing to accept degrees from him.
Around 200 students are expected to receive their certificates at the convocation of the TERI University on March 7. Dr Pachauri is the chancellor of the university.
A second woman today reiterated her charges of molestation against Mr Pachauri, saying he was a repeat offender and that she wasn't the only one who was harassed. "I was laughed at when I complained to TERI," the woman told NDTV.
She said it was definitely one of the reasons that made her leave TERI. She said she did not file an FIR as she did not work in TERI for long. "But when I heard about that woman who had taken him to court, I thought my coming forward will support her," she said.
Dr Ajay Mathur was appointed as TERI chief last year following an internal inquiry committee which found Dr Pachauri guilty of misconduct. But when Mr Mathur took over as the new Director General of TERI on Monday, Dr Pachauri who had been the acting DG, was appointed as Executive Vice-Chairman.
As the woman who accused him of sexual harassment slammed the appointment, this evening, a group of students sent an email to the TERI university, saying Dr Pachauri's re-appointment was "completely antithetical" to their convictions and they were "not in a position to accept our degrees from Dr Pachauri".
Mentioning his contributions to TERI, the e-mail said, "No measure of such contributions can be used to justify alleged criminal behavior in form of actions that cause serious harm to another human being."
On Thursday, the Delhi High Court will hear a plea for the cancellation of Dr Pachauri's bail, which alleges that he failed to cooperate with the investigation. Dr Pachauri has filed his reply in court denying the allegations and accused the complainant of trying to sensationalise the case.