Dear all,
Heart-chilling news has been published in today's Times of India. The newspaper clipping is attached to this post. There is learning for various quarters from this incident. It is as below:
a) A topic of sexual harassment has to be dealt with due sensitivity. Why it was discussed in the meeting is not understood. Sexual harassment is a traumatic experience for a woman as much as a false allegation against a man. In fact, a false allegation devastates a man as he has to live with stigma on his character.
b) The executive accused of sexual harassment has taken this extreme step. Why he did not approach the HR department calling for an impartial probe is not understood. Rather, he lived with the trauma of accusation. When it was unbearable, he took the extreme step of ending his life. We do not know whether or not employees perceive an environment of justice and fairness in the company. Had it been so, the 41-year-old executive would not have taken this step.
c) Many working couples do not discuss their office matters at home. While routine matters may not be discussed, the spouse is always the first friend. One has to open up with one's spouse and share the crisis one is going through. However, the executive did not share anything with his family members.
d) Now the police authorities have booked the company authorities and a few other employees on the charges of "abetment of suicide." This is a hefty price they are paying.
The other members may go through the clipping and offer their views.
Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar
From India, Bangalore
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8225Heart-chilling news has been published in today's Times of India. The newspaper clipping is attached to this post. There is learning for various quarters from this incident. It is as below:
a) A topic of sexual harassment has to be dealt with due sensitivity. Why it was discussed in the meeting is not understood. Sexual harassment is a traumatic experience for a woman as much as a false allegation against a man. In fact, a false allegation devastates a man as he has to live with stigma on his character.
b) The executive accused of sexual harassment has taken this extreme step. Why he did not approach the HR department calling for an impartial probe is not understood. Rather, he lived with the trauma of accusation. When it was unbearable, he took the extreme step of ending his life. We do not know whether or not employees perceive an environment of justice and fairness in the company. Had it been so, the 41-year-old executive would not have taken this step.
c) Many working couples do not discuss their office matters at home. While routine matters may not be discussed, the spouse is always the first friend. One has to open up with one's spouse and share the crisis one is going through. However, the executive did not share anything with his family members.
d) Now the police authorities have booked the company authorities and a few other employees on the charges of "abetment of suicide." This is a hefty price they are paying.
The other members may go through the clipping and offer their views.
Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar
From India, Bangalore
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It is most pathetic that he had committed suicide unable to bear the ignominy of the allegation of sexual harassment. Indeed, the Secretary of ICC has a task to satisfy himself with the bonafides of the complaints received before initiating action. The authority shall be cautious in not turning the investigation into a vendetta for some service benefit or opportunity.
In my long career, there have been instances where the female employees have raised complaints of sexual harassment and when inquired into found to be unsustainable prima facie.
From India, Mumbai
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In my long career, there have been instances where the female employees have raised complaints of sexual harassment and when inquired into found to be unsustainable prima facie.
From India, Mumbai
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Hello Dinesh;
POSH Act is not complete. It is still developing. It is difficult and skillful to inquire into the allegations of Sexual Harassment. IC members should not take it lightly and should conduct impartial investigations.
In the case you cited, the victim did not approach IC or HR, indicating a failure on the part of IC and HR to instill confidence in employees that their grievances will be fairly addressed.
It is true that the majority of sexual harassment incidents go unreported and uninvestigated, reflecting the apathy of management and society. In general, I would say that Indian society is selfish. Unless an issue directly affects them, people tend not to get involved. People also struggle to open up easily to others.
Lastly, what about his wife? Neither did he speak to his wife, nor did she notice anything wrong with her husband. This situation sheds light on our family dynamics.
Ultimately, the ones who suffer are the company, losing an Officer, and the family, losing their breadwinner. The allegations remain unresolved.
Vibhakar Ramtirthkar.
From India, Pune
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POSH Act is not complete. It is still developing. It is difficult and skillful to inquire into the allegations of Sexual Harassment. IC members should not take it lightly and should conduct impartial investigations.
In the case you cited, the victim did not approach IC or HR, indicating a failure on the part of IC and HR to instill confidence in employees that their grievances will be fairly addressed.
It is true that the majority of sexual harassment incidents go unreported and uninvestigated, reflecting the apathy of management and society. In general, I would say that Indian society is selfish. Unless an issue directly affects them, people tend not to get involved. People also struggle to open up easily to others.
Lastly, what about his wife? Neither did he speak to his wife, nor did she notice anything wrong with her husband. This situation sheds light on our family dynamics.
Ultimately, the ones who suffer are the company, losing an Officer, and the family, losing their breadwinner. The allegations remain unresolved.
Vibhakar Ramtirthkar.
From India, Pune
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Dinesh; One more, the date on the news and TOI is 9 September which date is yet to arrive.
From India, Pune
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From India, Pune
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It is very sad news. Suicide is not the answer to any problem. I am not preaching. I have my own worst experience, and I started my life a second time with empty hands in a new city. Everyone goes through the ups and downs of life. Some have the worst experiences that are very difficult to bear. Still, I wish to say "No" to suicide.
Regarding family/wife—men always create a picture in front of their family that they are fine and a superman who is capable of handling everything. If they disclose their problems to the family, their image will be ruined, which is wrong. I have seen these kinds of cases in my life. Your wife/family is not only for good days; you have to make them a part of your crises. Hopefully, they will also understand. Moral support plays a vital role in coming out of depression.
I am providing counseling for these kinds of issues. If anybody wants help in this regard, they can contact me at 9717812020.
Indu
From India, New Delhi
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Regarding family/wife—men always create a picture in front of their family that they are fine and a superman who is capable of handling everything. If they disclose their problems to the family, their image will be ruined, which is wrong. I have seen these kinds of cases in my life. Your wife/family is not only for good days; you have to make them a part of your crises. Hopefully, they will also understand. Moral support plays a vital role in coming out of depression.
I am providing counseling for these kinds of issues. If anybody wants help in this regard, they can contact me at 9717812020.
Indu
From India, New Delhi
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Two angles to look into this from my individual perspective.
1. An employee is being accused and feels embarrassed, which has led to the extreme step. There is no update on the other side of the person who has accused.
2. A family member who cared for the family and wanted to keep them out of the public and media attention. The person's name is kept secret who accused of being harassed.
Any small issue today can be made into huge news using social media. Justice is delayed and denied in the majority of cases, and nothing gets its due merit of hearing. If the identity of both parties can be hidden and provided for security and due legal proceedings, no one will take the extreme step and let go of their dreams midway.
I am sure he would have had plans for the 5-year-old and a lot for his family, spare a thought. The organization should attempt to close this case with a clear hearing and provide dignity if he is proved not guilty.
From India, Bangalore
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1. An employee is being accused and feels embarrassed, which has led to the extreme step. There is no update on the other side of the person who has accused.
2. A family member who cared for the family and wanted to keep them out of the public and media attention. The person's name is kept secret who accused of being harassed.
Any small issue today can be made into huge news using social media. Justice is delayed and denied in the majority of cases, and nothing gets its due merit of hearing. If the identity of both parties can be hidden and provided for security and due legal proceedings, no one will take the extreme step and let go of their dreams midway.
I am sure he would have had plans for the 5-year-old and a lot for his family, spare a thought. The organization should attempt to close this case with a clear hearing and provide dignity if he is proved not guilty.
From India, Bangalore
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