Bombay (Mumbai): Facing allegations of sexual harassment against its founder Arunubh Kumar, The Viral Fever  admitted that it should have responded in a better manner rather than reacting ’emotionally and too quickly’. (March 17)

In its initial statement, the company said the person behind the blog post will be found and given “severe justice”. This drew the expected outcry and flak from women’s groups, and twitterati.

The company stated that who first levelled allegations against Kumar in an ‘annonymous’ blog post, was never on its payroll.

“Yes, there have been allegations of misbehaviour against our founder, from several women. When the first blog appeared on March 12, it shocked all of us including our extended set of associates. The allegations were severe. We were confused and taken aback.

“We did send out an instant response, which may have been a bit too quick and emotional. We recognise that we should have handled that response better,” a fresh statement, issued by the corporate team of the company, said.

It said that the company immediately “began checking the facts internally” as the blog had alleged that the person was an employee with the organisation.

“However, it is a fact that we have found no records of any such person on our pay roll, in that given time period, as described in the blog. Even as we were dealing with the first episode, several other allegations surfaced soon thereafter.

“Please know that we are sincerely looking into each one of them. We are committed to getting to the bottom of these allegations. Many of you have asked so we would like to confirm that yes, we have an ICC (internal claims committee) set up in each location.”

The statement also requested for another “chance” to “learn and get better”.

The anonymous blog went viral on social media alleging molestation by Kumar by a woman claiming to be a former employee at TVF.

The blogger alleged Kumar molested her several times during her stint at the company from 2014-2016.

More women came forward on Facebook and Twitter backing her claim and narrating their experiences with Kumar.

Kumar, an IIT graduate, founded TVF in 2011.

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Citizen’s reaction: The problem with these molestation claims is that Indian laws are so one-sided that it is easy for an angry woman to claim ‘rape’ and ‘molestation’ when an adult relationship ends. Bosses should be extra careful not to get between the sheets with their subordinates. Gold digging women have a field day, first dating, then mating, and when their carefully laid trap is foiled, then they go to town bringing the man down. I make it a point never to fraternize with female colleagues, especially the unmarried ones. These office romances are for  fantasy novels. A few more such allegations, and sensible men will opt for not having women in the workplace. (Pun not intended-ed)

  crime, naked greed, women