Thiruvananthapuram: If
CPM probe panel finds that the
sexual harassment complaint against Shoranur MLA PK Sasi is serious, the complaint will be handed over to the police provided the complainant is willing, said CPM politburo member MA Baby. If she wants to approach the police, the party would lend her all support, Baby said in a Facebook post on Monday.
“It is certain that those who harass woman don’t have any place in CPM. A decision on the case, in line with the party’s stand that all complaints by women will be viewed seriously, can be expected soon,” said Baby.
He said even during floods, state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan initiated action on the complaint he received and spoke to the complainant at that time. Interestingly, Baby addresses the complainant – who is a DYFI district-level leader from Palakkad, as ‘young comrade’ whereas the press release issued by the state secretariat chose to describe her as ‘a woman’ by not mentioning any relationship with the party.
No compromise in nun case
Baby also referred to the complaint against Jalandhar bishop Franco Mulakkal in his FB post and said he hoped the police would soon initiate legal action in the case. He said LDF government wouldn’t accept a compromise in the case. “The stand of Catholic Church leadership (on the issue) is of denial. They are not willing to protect nuns who had believed in the church and surrendered their lives for missionary work. I want the Church to reexamine its patriarchal position on the issue and hope that Pope Francis would initiate a stern action,” he said.
According to Baby, it is high time Catholic Church conducted an introspection – an act that would not only benefit Christian believers in the state but also uplift Kerala society.
Baby said the recent allegations in the state followed the removal of powerful cardinal Theodore McCarrick, the archbishop emeritus of Washington, DC, following sexual allegations. “He is going to face trial in Vatican. The Pope has told that powerful bishop to lead the life of repentance and prayer till the probe is completed. I have to say the same to some bishops here,” he said.
