The co-founder of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, Riyas Komu, has been reinstated in his role after an investigation into claims of sexual misconduct could not identify the source of allegations against him. After the anonymous claims were made against him last year, he stepped down from his management positions at the Kochi Biennale Foundation in October. A trustee meeting was convened soon after, during which it was decided that Lizzie Jacob, trustee and former Chief Secretary of Kerala, and Chair of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), would seek out the complaint and authorise an inquiry into the allegations of sexual assault.
The Foundation has released a statement regarding the investigation’s current status saying, ‘Since no complaint was forthcoming after pursuing the matter for several weeks, the ICC recommended the dropping of the inquiry suggested by the Foundation. This recommendation has been examined and has been accepted by the board of trustees. We look forward to Riyas Komu resuming his roles at the Kochi Biennale Foundation.’
4 April 2019
