CHMES dissolves molestation probe panel

The committee was formed after 39 girls, who had participated in trekking expeditions organised by the Adventure Foundation, complained in January 1998 that they were molested during these trips by Anand Munje, a director of the Foundation.

Fresh complaints of molestation were filed by six girls on November 20, 1998 with the local Mahila Hakka Saurakshan Samiti, accusing Munje of molesting them. The Samiti met office-bearers of the CHMES on December 4, giving them one month to take action against Munje. On January 9, 1999 the Samiti publicised the allegations at apress conference accusing CHMES of dilly-dallying on the issue.

CHMES secretary Major P B Kulkarni had then announced that the inquiry committee would submit its report soon and action against Munde would be announced after discussions at the governing body meeting scheduled on January 24. However, Kulkarni refused to say what transpired during the meeting.

Sources familiar with the proceedings however said that the allegations against Munje were discussed in Shah8217;s presence. The three-member committee did not table its report as one member, Dr Anita Gogate had sent in her resignation a week ago, while another member, Mohanrao Gorwadkar, expressed his inability to continue with the work. The CHMES governing body then decided to wind up the inquiry committee and appoint a single-member panel in its place.

The name of the member is yet to be announced.

Munje on January 12 served a legal notice to the Mahila Hakka Saurakshan Samiti, threatening to sue them for defamation. He has demanded an apology,failing which he has threatened to sue them for damages of Rs 1 crore.