500-Page Chargesheet Against RK Pachauri Will Include His SMSes, Emails: Sources

The TERI governing board has asked Dr RK Pachauri to go on an indefinite leave pending the ongoing case.

NEW DELHI:  A 500-page chargesheet is likely to be filed against scientist RK Pachuari in a sexual harassment case filed against him by a research assistant.

The chargesheet is likely to include SMSes and emails purportedly sent by him, say sources. It is also likely to include statements of 25 key witnesses. Dr Pachauri has denied the charges.

In February last year, a 29-year-old research assistant working at non-profit think tank TERI or The Energy Research Institute accused Dr Pachauri of sexual harassment.  Subsequently the TERI Board announced that Dr Ajay Mathur would be the new Director General replacing Dr Pachauri.

But in a surprise announcement, the TERI board also appointed Dr Pachauri as Executive Vice Chairman leading to protests from women’s rights groups and TERI university students.

But after a second woman made similar allegations this week, the TERI governing board asked Dr Pachauri to go on an indefinite leave pending the ongoing case against him in court.

“Dr RK Pachauri, who had been at the Head of the Institute since 1982 will be on leave from TERI, TERI Governing Council, and TERI University till this is reviewed by the Governing Council given the subjudice nature of the matter,” the statement said.http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/500-page-chargesheet-against-rk-pachauri-will-include-his-smses-emails-sources-1277204