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The male researchersays at least four senior officials of TERI tried to 'coax' him to ask his 'lady friend' to settle the case out of the court
In a twist to the sexual harassment case against The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI) director-general R.K. Pachauri, a male researcher has reportedly resigned from the institute, citing pressure from the top management to convince his friend and the victim for an out-of-court settlement, reports said.
The researcher, whose name has been withheld on request, said at least four senior officials of TERI have tried to “coax” and “cajole” him to ask his “lady friend” to settle the case outside court.
One of the officials reportedly told him “this will be good for her as there is nothing more left to achieve”.
Terming the conduct of TERI officials appalling and insensitive, the male researcher said he quit because of the consistent pressure. The fresh allegation comes in the wake of repeated complaints from the victim that the institute was doing little to help her in the case.
A report said Dinesh Verma of TERI has denied the allegations.
The accusations against Pachauri boiled over last February, when a 29-year-old junior researcher accused the 74-year-old of making physical advances and sending lewd text messages and e-mails.
Pachauri's lawyers have claimed that his mobile phone, emails and WhatsApp messages were hacked and that criminals accessed his computer and phone to send the messages in an attempt to malign him.
