Kolkata: Based on a June 26 order from Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW), Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) has slapped a lifetime ban on the state’s Under-23 women’s cricket team head coach and the team manager for an alleged sexual harassment complaint against the duo.The state association has also suspended its honorary secretary, Rayonald Kharkamni, for his failure to take prompt and appropriate action after complaints were lodged twice in Dec last year. The U23 women’s team was playing a tournament in Tripura capital Agartala at that time.Since no prompt action was taken by the association, complaints were lodged with MSCW, and the Commission found the duo guilty of inappropriate behaviour following an inquiry. Kharkamni’s role in alleged concealment of the issue has been referred to MCA ombudsman, retired high court judge BD Agarwal.Board of Cricket for Control in India (BCCI) secretary Deavjit Saikia confirmed that the board has received an email from MCA president James PK Sangma regarding the matter.“Yes, we have received an email from the MCA president yesterday (Saturday) on the issue. As this is a very sensitive matter, we must check the facts before commenting on this. BCCI doesn’t interfere in all their (MCA) internal matters. However, after proper investigation, if any action needs to be taken, BCCI will take stringent action for sure. BCCI shows zero tolerance (in these matters),” Saikia told TOI on Sunday.Meanwhile, in its termination letter to the coach, MCA wrote, “The findings of the MSCW establish conduct that is not merely a breach of your contractual and professional obligations to the MCA, but a violation of the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of the women players in your care. The MCA cannot and will not permit any individual found guilty of such conduct to remain associated with this organisation in any capacity whatsoever.”Distancing the incumbent leadership from the previous administration, Sangma, a Rajya Sabha member who assumed charge as MCA president in March this year, said, “The Commission found that office bearers who received complaints failed to act despite having knowledge of the allegations.”Sangma also vowed to fast-track the formation of a mandatory Internal Complaints Committee under Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act. “The absence of this committee is a serious lapse,” Sangma said in Shillong on Saturday, assuring full cooperation from MCA in any further legal proceedings.
