This is to bring to your immediate attention a profound matter involving a senior WT who recently became a Purodha Board member (Ranchi).
There are a string of serious allegations regarding his misconduct as an Acarya-Avadhuta and gross abuse of the powers and authority he held as a trainer at the Davao training center for over a decade. His misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of several sisters who were brave enough to testify, along with the lack of appropriate actions over such an extended period, give us serious cause for concern. As a result of trials conducted after a long period of inaction, Dada’s titles were temporarily taken away, but not for a sufficient period to match the level of abuse he committed in his position as a caregiver and authority figure for young trainees.
This is not only unacceptable from a moral point of view, as it shows disrespect toward the victims of his abuse, but it also represents a serious violation of the ethical and legal standards of the organization and undermines the authority of all those involved in accepting his application.
1. Immediately remove him from the Purodha Board.
2. Clearly communicate with all stakeholders about the steps to create a Safeguarding framework for the organization that will be binding and obligatory for all WTs and Margiis to follow, creating a safer environment for all members.
3. Develop procedures for reporting and promptly addressing any abusive behavior within the organization. These procedures will limit the scope of damage caused by such behavior and provide proper support to victims.
This issue is not only a matter of safety, trust, and respect within the organization but also of legal importance. If the organization is unwilling or unable to address safeguarding issues and devise adequate prevention and appropriate punishment, then the only way to deal with prospective problems will be to take them to external agencies.
Edited from a proposal by Margiis of Switzerland.