Mumbai: Navghar police have registered a case against the trustees of Chembur-based Vivekananda Education Society following a complaint by the principal of Swami Vivekananda Vidyalaya and Junior College alleging sexual harassment at workplace, cheating, forgery, criminal conspiracy and illegal termination from service.In 2022, the principal was booked for allegedly hurling casteist remarks on a teacher; the probe has been stayed by Bombay HC. In the fresh complaint, she has accused the trustees of conspiring to fabricate backdated meeting minutes, forging documents, and false audit claims accusing her of financial irregularities and filing a false police complaint.The principal, who has been heading the govt-aided institution since 2017, said on Dec 9, 2022, she reported sexual harassment and assault by one of the trustees to RCF police station. However, she alleged, the other trustees gave false information to police, blocking her complaint. A formal FIR finally was registered on Jan 24, 2023. Police have filed a ‘C’ summary or closure report, which is pending.The principal alleged that soon after her complaint, her access to official email and CCTV footage was blocked, preventing her from collecting evidence. On Dec 10, 2022, another trustee issued her a suspension letter without any management committee meeting or permission from the education officer, in violation of the Maharashtra Employees of Private Schools (Conditions of Service) Rules and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) or POSH Act, she alleged.Her lawyer Devendra Shukla alleged that her office was illegally opened, documents tampered with, and jewellery worth Rs 50,000 stolen. The principal claimed that she was terminated on the basis of forged inquiry reports and defamatory allegations, while pressure was exerted on teachers to file complaints against her. She accused the trustees of criminal intimidation, extortion of Rs 10.5 lakh, and tarnishing her reputation.One of the trustees said the principal has made false allegations. The other trustees were not available for comment.
