Symbiosis Director Asked to Go On Leave: #Me Too Campaign

Megha Murkya

Pune, 21st Oct 2018: The Director of Symbiosis Centre for Media and Communication, Anupam Siddhartha, compelled to go on leave after more than 100 former and present students filed a detailed petition accusing him of sexual harassment.

The petition contains graphic details of years of alleged harassment meted out by him. On account of the petition signed, the Symbiosis International University conducted an inquiry while sending him on leave.

Earlier about 10 present and alumni of the institution also shared their grievances, condemning some senior students and faculty members of molestation. They also criticized the authorities on their failure to take an action against the accused. Considering these accusations Symbiosis Society took action, asking the complainants to contact the institution so that their grievances could be addressed.

Assuring justice, principal director of Symbiosis Society, Vidya Yeravdekar said “We had convened the internal committee to look into the matter. Since the petition has been signed by more than 100 students, it will take time for the committee to talk to each of them. Hence as an interim measure, the committee has recommended that Anupam Siddhartha goes on leave pending inquiry.”