Taking forward its investigation into a case of sexual harassment involving prominent environmentalist RK Pachauri, the Delhi Police, on Friday, grilled him for three hours at his south Delhi residence.
This was the second time that the police questioned former The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) chief this week.
According to a senior police officer, Mr Pachauri was questioned at his house between 3 pm and 6 pm by a team of investigating officers from the Lodhi Colony police station with similar enquiry sessions to continue over the coming days.
In the FIR registered with Lodhi Colony police station, the woman alleged that Mr. Pachauri had sexually harassed her for about two years since she had joined TERI in September 2013.
The woman has also alleged that Pachauri had started “sexually laden conversations” with her over e-mail and SMS. She had submitted her complaint with the Delhi Police on February 13.
Sources said the police team went to Mr. Pachauri’s house at Golf Links, where he was confronted with a questionnaire of about 50 more queries on Friday. “We are in the process of establishing his culpability in terms of which section most likely defines the sexual misconduct which he is alleged to have exhibited,” said a police officer. “A few more such enquiry sessions will be needed for the purpose before investigation can formally be wrapped up and action taken as per the law,” the officer added.
Mr. Pachauri faces a case under sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354-A (sexual harassment) and 354-D (stalking) of the Indian Penal Code. It was registered on February 18.
Former TERI chief was confronted with a questionnaire of about 50 queries
