MYSORE: Sarita M, a research fellow of University of Mysore (UoM) and an alleged victim of sexual harassment demanded a public apology from the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Motamma.
On Tuesday, Motamma said that before going to her guide Shivabasavaiah’s house, Sarita should have ensured that his wife is present at home.
Addressing the media persons here on Thursday, Sarita said, “Motamma has forgotten that she is also a woman.”
Sarita appealed to the Chairman of the Council to expunge Motamma’s remarks and take disciplinary action against her.
“The remarks amount to defamation. If Motamma does not apologise in public, I will write about her behaviour to UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,” added Sarita.
Describing Motamma’s remarks as stupid, Sarita said that it hurt her deeply. “I don’t understand why Motamma is not demanding action against Shivabasavaiah though the charges against him are proved,” said Sarita. She added that if Motamma should have kept quiet if she did not wish to give her justice.
“Why did Motamma pass remarks in the Council, which will send across a wrong message to the society about my character?” questioned Sarita.
According to Sarita, due to the summons issued by different inquiry authorities, she was unable to concentrate on research work. Her husband Dr D R Vijaykumar said the Higher Education Minister Dr V S Acharya said there is no need for inquiry by UoM as the charges against Shivabasavaiah were proved by the Women Harassment Complaints Inquiry Committee.