Independent committee to begin probe into Rahul Johri’s case on Thursday

The investigation into allegations of sexual harassment made against BCCI CEO Rahul Johri would begin on Thursday in Mumbai by the three-member independent committee which was set up by the Committee of Administrators.

The panel led by Justice (Retd.) Rakesh Sharma would have to submit its report within a time period of 15 days.

The CoA on Tuesday fixed the reference terms for the independent committee wherein the three-member body would, “inquire into” all claims of sexual misconduct made against Johri by an unknown woman on Twitter “whether anonymous or otherwise, whether they relate prior to his employment with BCCI or otherwise, in accordance with law”.

Also read: #MeToo: CoA forms three-member panel to probe into allegations against Rahul Johri

A handsome amount of Rs 1,50,000 would be paid to the members of the committee on a per day/meeting basis by the BCCI. Also they would be given a “one-time fee for reading the material and writing the report” and the committee members in turn, would have to maintain all that all the details about the case “including the name and identity of any complainant who comes forward before the Committee, if any” be kept highly confidential. Even Johri has been asked to keep all the information disclosed to him during the course of the proceedings strictly confidential”.

The committee also have been directed to publicly ask people for information “containing relevant contact details/email id(s)” of people who want to come out and put their facts pertaining to the case in front of the committee. The panel might choose the BCCI website or any other medium to issue the public notice.

Former Mumbai skipper Shishir Hattangadi has also shown interest in assisting the BCCI in this case by providing necessary information about Johri.