The Hindu Business Line : Nalco CMD denies sexual misconduct

MR C. Venkataramana, Chairman and Managing Director, Nalco, at a press briefing here, has denied all charges of sexual misconduct filed against him by a woman employee of the company's Mumbai office.

"Needless controversy has been created by levelling charges that are totally false, baseless and unsustainable. I was shocked to see the molestation charge against me and another employee," he said, adding that he was ready to prove his innocence. He has submitted a report to the Secretary (Mines) on the issue and there are ongoing internal inquiries at Nalco, including one by its committee examining allegations of sexual harassment.

Mr Venkataramana as well as Mr Satpathy, Nalco's General Manager for Corporate Communications, were repeatedly asked why the company was holding a press meet for its CMD, but not the woman employee who filed the complaint. While the common refrain was one of a press briefing to clear the company's name, at one point when asked who would foot the legal expense, Mr Venkataramana said, "I have been told that if I come out successful, the company will bear the expense."

According to him, there was no need for him to step down in the interim. Nalco's Regional Manager, Mr Virender Singh, also charged in the complaint, was not present owing to ill health.

The charges concern Mr Venkataramana's alleged misconduct towards a woman employee seeking promotion. In a statement to the media, Mr Venkataramana, who filed for anticipatory bail at the Delhi High Court on February 16, said that the Mumbai police informed the Delhi High Court on Wednesday that he was required only for bailable offences.

His counsel, who was present at the press briefing, said the date for the next hearing is awaited.