SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) on Saturday took strict disciplinary action following findings by the Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) that sexual harassment allegations raised by members of the Under-23 women’s cricket team were valid.
As part of the action, the association suspended its Honorary Secretary, Reynald Kharkamni, while also terminating the services of the team’s coach and manager. The coach and manager have additionally been handed lifetime bans from the association.
MCA President James Sangma stated that the association accepts the Commission’s report in full and is committed to carrying out every recommendation made by the MSCW.
He said the case involving the suspended secretary has now been forwarded to the MCA Ombudsman for further proceedings.
Sangma also announced that the association will establish an Internal Complaints Committee in compliance with the POSH Act to strengthen mechanisms for addressing workplace harassment.
Clarifying the MCA’s position, Sangma said the association has no intention of challenging the Commission’s decision in court. He added that if any individuals named in the report choose to pursue legal action, they would do so independently and bear all associated costs themselves.
Addressing claims of personal bias or vendetta, Sangma dismissed such allegations, stressing that the priority should remain on delivering justice to the complainants and reinforcing safeguards to prevent sexual harassment within the association.
