Mumbai police registers FIR against well-known investor Mahesh Murthy

Mumbai Police has registered an FIR against famous investor and startup mentor Mahesh Murthy alleging sexual harassment. The registration of case came after several complaints surfaced against him and intervention of the National Commission of Women (NCW).

A cognizable offence was registered against Murthy at the Khar Police station under section 67 of IT Act, section 354(D) and 509 of IPC following objectionable language used by him towards many women online.

While section 354D of IPC covers stalking, section 509 is meant for outraging the modesty of a woman through verbal or visual gestures.

Importantly, tech media website FactorDaily had done a series of stories on Murthy involvement in sexual harassment involving many women.

NCW had written to the Director General of Police, Maharashtra for allegedly using objectionable, derogatory, sexual remarks and obscene signs by Mumbai-based angel investor on social media platforms against several women.

Also read: This Uber Investor is alleged to have sexually assaulted five women

According to a Business Standard report, Murthy had posted an apology for some of his posts. However, NCW requested Maharashtra police top official to personally investigate the matter and take stern action against him. The NCW note mentions that such acts not only amount to outraging the modesty of women but also attract attention for cyber crime.

Meanwhile, Murthy has posted a blog 'The confessions of serial offender' in February 2017.

Besides finding details of allegations, the NCW had also asked the police to take action against Murthy within 15 days.

A couple of women entrepreneurs including a journalist and HR professional accused Murthy of inappropriate behaviour.

In February, co-founder of Vayuz - Pooja Chauhan and Wamika Iyer, Founder of FrshDay.in shared their conversation with Murthy that had made them uncomfortable because of its implicit sexual nature.