SHILLONG : The Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) has suspended its Secretary, Rayonald Kharkamni, and imposed lifetime bans on the Under-23 women’s team’s head coach and manager following directions issued by the Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) in connection with a sexual harassment case and an alleged cover-up.
MCA President James P.K. Sangma announced that Kharkamni has been suspended with immediate effect pending disciplinary proceedings before the association’s independent Ombudsman, retired Gauhati High Court judge B.D. Agarwal.
The association also dismissed Under-23 Women’s Team Head Coach Hemant Roy and Team Manager Sanjay Mondol after the MSCW found that their conduct violated the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act).
“There is no space for sexual harassment in the MCA. Neither is there space for anyone who is a party to such misdoings,” Sangma said, adding that the findings of the inquiry will also be forwarded to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
According to a second order issued by the MSCW, four senior MCA officials failed to act on written complaints submitted by women cricketers through the association’s official email in December 2025. The Commission also found that the MCA had failed to constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), a mandatory requirement under the POSH Act.
The officials held responsible for alleged negligence include former MCA President Nababrata Bhattacharjee, Secretary Rayonald Kharkamni, Operations Manager Shining Star Lyngdoh, and former Treasurer Dhrubajyoti Thakuria.
The Commission observed that none of the officials initiated an inquiry or contacted the complainants despite receiving the complaints. It described the absence of an Internal Complaints Committee as a serious violation of the law that left the women players without any formal grievance redressal mechanism.
Sangma said show-cause notices will be issued to the four officials, who have been suspended pending the Ombudsman’s final decision. Their responses have been sought by June 30.
Responding to reports that Kharkamni may challenge the MSCW order in court, Sangma clarified that any legal action would be in Kharkamni’s personal capacity and that the MCA would not bear legal expenses related to sexual harassment cases.
The MCA President also declared all resolutions passed during the May 9 Apex Council meeting as void, alleging that the meeting was convened without his approval and in violation of the MCA Constitution despite existing suspension and stay orders.
To strengthen safeguards for women cricketers, the MCA announced the immediate formation of an Internal Complaints Committee with an external member, as mandated under the POSH Act. The association will also introduce a comprehensive anti-sexual harassment policy and conduct mandatory awareness and sensitisation programmes for office-bearers, coaches, selectors and support staff.
Additionally, Sangma confirmed that the MCA will immediately stop using the Nongpoh hotel identified by the MSCW after reports that contraceptives were found in players’ rooms during women’s camps.
The Commission also raised concerns over alleged retaliation against complainants, including attempts to discourage players from approaching the Commission and alleged breaches of confidentiality under the POSH Act. The MCA has assured full compliance with the Commission’s directions and stated that corrective measures are being implemented immediately.