Sheejith Krishna: Accused of Sexual Harassment as Former Dance Professor at Chennai Academy

Several former students have accused Sheejith Krishna of sexually harassing them between 1996 and 2001. These students, now living abroad, filed a complaint in the Madras High Court, prompting the court to direct the Chennai Police Commissioner to investigate the allegations.

While Krishna’s team has not yet responded to the accusations, a senior police officer has confirmed the arrest, stating that “the former students allege Sheejith used them.” The issue of sexual harassment at the Kalakshetra Foundation came under scrutiny last year when professor Hari Padman was terminated and arrested following findings of guilt by an inquiry committee.

Additionally, a significant number of students protested, alleging sexual harassment by faculty and repertory artists. Their grievances also highlighted perceived inaction by the administration.

The management and the National Commission for Women initially denied any sexual harassment allegations until the matter reached the court. Subsequently, around a hundred students, including male students, submitted written complaints to the state women’s commission.

An independent committee provided a set of recommendations, which the Madras High Court has urged the institution to implement, condemning its failure to address sexual harassment as a “blight on Kalakshetra.” Some of the recommendations include restrictions on students entering teachers’ quarters except during community celebrations, a ban on engaging repertory artists, a reduction in emphasis on performance, and an increased focus on deep learning and refining artistic forms.