Karnataka government orders police action in IIM Bangalore caste discrimination case

Karnataka’s Social Welfare Department has directed Bengaluru Police to take action against Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B) officials, including Director Dr. Rishikesha T. Krishnan, over allegations of caste-based discrimination.

The directive stems from an inquiry conducted by the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE) into complaints by Dr. Gopal Das, an associate professor and Scheduled Caste (SC) community member. Dr. Das alleged workplace discrimination and humiliation by senior IIM-B officials.

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The investigation, prompted by a complaint submitted to President Droupadi Murmu during her January visit, uncovered evidence of caste-based bias. A November 26 report by DCRE Additional Director General of Police Arun Chakravarthy highlighted incidents such as the public disclosure of Dr. Das’s caste via a mass email. The report also criticized IIM-B for failing to establish legally mandated grievance mechanisms for SC/ST employees.

In response, IIM-B denied the allegations, stating Dr. Das was denied promotion due to complaints of harassment from doctoral students. The institute emphasized its commitment to diversity and inclusion, highlighting its adherence to constitutional reservation policies and the existence of a grievance redressal system.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda has stated he has yet to receive the Social Welfare Department’s letter regarding the case.