Six members of the U-23 Meghalaya Women’s Cricket Team had alleged ‘sexual harassment’ by the duo
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 8: The Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) has directed the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) to initiate disciplinary proceedings against head coach Hemant Roy and assistant manager Sanjay Mondal after finding allegations of sexual harassment levelled by six women cricketers of the state’s Under-23 team to be substantiated.
In an order issued on June 5, the Commission held that the conduct of both officials amounted to sexual harassment under the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
The Commission directed the MCA to suspend Roy from coaching duties for three months and ensure that he is not assigned to coach women’s teams in the future. It further ordered that he be issued a written warning, stating that any recurrence of similar misconduct could result in his termination.
In the case of Mondal, the Commission recommended his termination as assistant manager and directed that he issue a written apology to the complainants. Both officials have also been barred from contacting or approaching the complainants, while any attempt at retaliation would invite strict action.
The findings stem from a complaint filed on May 4 by six members of the Under-23 Women’s Cricket Team, alleging repeated verbal harassment, intimidation, and inappropriate conduct by Roy, besides allegations of physical and verbal sexual harassment by Mondal during an official tournament in Agartala.
MSCW Chairperson Iamonlang Syiem stated that the Commission arrived at its conclusions after examining the testimonies of the complainants and respondents, documentary evidence, email records, and WhatsApp communications.
“Based on the material on record, including testimonies of the complainants and the submissions of the parties, the Commission finds that the conduct of both respondents amounts to sexual harassment under the POSH Act, 2013,” the order stated.
According to the Commission, multiple players corroborated allegations that Roy made repeated comments about the players’ physical appearance and body features. The Commission held that such remarks constituted sexual harassment under the POSH Act.
While Roy denied the allegations and maintained that his comments had been misunderstood, the Commission observed that statements of several players consistently supported the complaint. It also noted allegations that some players were threatened with exclusion from future teams after complaints against the coach.
About Mondal, the Commission found evidence supporting allegations of physical sexual harassment of one player during the team’s stay in Agartala in December 2025. The findings were based on the complainant’s testimony, supporting statements from teammates, documentary evidence, and WhatsApp messages produced during the proceedings.
The Commission noted that Mondal initially denied the allegations but later admitted misconduct after being confronted with electronic evidence. It further criticised remarks made by him during the hearing, observing that they reflected an attitude of objectifying women.
Apart from recommending action against the two officials, the Commission also highlighted serious institutional deficiencies within the MCA.
The MSCW observed that the association had failed to constitute an Internal Committee as mandated under the POSH Act and directed it to do so within 30 days.
The MCA has also been instructed to conduct sensitisation and awareness programmes for players, officials, and staff within 60 days, display anti-sexual harassment policies at its offices and grounds, and formally adopt an anti-sexual harassment policy.
The Commission warned that failure to comply with its directions could result in further legal and disciplinary action, including recommendations for prosecution under applicable laws.
The identities of the complainants and sensitive evidence related to the case have been ordered to remain confidential in accordance with legal provisions.
