Date:01/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/01/stories/2008100154160400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

NCW takes up suo motu case

Special Correspondent

No action was taken despite complaints: commission member

Police have clues about whereabouts of accused
No complaint committee at Nokia office: NCW member

Bangalore: The National Women’s Commission has taken up a suo motu case on the suicide of Soni (26), a software engineer with Nokia who committed suicide last Friday allegedly owing to harassment by her managers Suchin and Teja.

Nirmala Venkatesh, member of the commission, said that she had held discussions with the police, the Human Resources Department of Nokia, the company’s Managing Director and the father of the deceased. She also visited the place where Soni committed suicide.

“I learnt that Soni had complained earlier to the HR department about the harassment. In spite of that, no action was taken,” she said.

Ms. Venkatesh said she was shocked to learn that no complaint committee had been constituted in the office.. Nokia, however, said in a release: “Any individual who believes that (s) he has been subjected to, or has witnessed harassment or victimisation has access to a proper system and channels through which complaints can be raised and addressed.”

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South-East) Soumendu Mukherjee said that they were making efforts to apprehend the accused.

“We have some clues about their whereabouts. The company is cooperating with us, he said.

Meanwhile, the Janavadi Mahila Sanghatane held a protest demanding action against those responsible for Soni’s death.

“There has been a delay in the investigation though she has named those responsible for her death in the suicide note, said K.S. Vimala of the sanghatane.