Shillong: The Meghalaya State Commission for Women found former Meghalaya Cricket Association officials guilty of severe institutional negligence. These leaders ignored sexual harassment complaints from members of the Under-23 Women’s Cricket Team. The commission labeled this inaction a clear violation of the 2013 POSH Act.
Chairperson Iamonlang Syiem targeted former president Naba Bhattacharjee, honorary secretary Rayonald Kharkamni, operations manager Shining Star Lyngdoh, and treasurer Dhrubajyoti Thakuria. These men failed to form a mandatory Internal Committee or launch inquiries after receiving emails regarding harassment in December 2025. The commission also cited an 18-month vacancy in the Ombudsman position.
Additional failures included a lack of female coaches and inadequate nutritional support. The commission further demanded the association stop using a specific Nongpoh hotel for women’s training camps. Current leadership must now issue show-cause notices to these former officials and establish strict safety protocols within 30 days.
The association plans to challenge the ruling in court. Honorary secretary Rayonald Kharkamni disputed the findings against the board members, arguing that the association functions through collective decision-making. "He argued that the MCA operates under its constitution aligned with BCCI guidelines, where decisions are collective." The commission remains firm, recommending the suspension of any officials who suppressed the original complaints.
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