Famous online digital entertainment channel The Viral Fever’s CEO Arunabh Kumar, who had been accused of sexual harassment, steps down from his post. COO Dhawal Gusain will take over the responsibilities of the co-founder. Dhawal Gusain has worked with TVF since 2015 as their COO and had earlier worked at Hindustan Unilever, DropThought and PwC’s ‘Strategy&’.
Arunabh Kumar released a statement on twitter stating the sexual harassment case lodged against him to be the reason for his move to step down. He was booked under sections 354A (causing sexual harassment) and 509 (insult the modesty of a woman by indecent words, gesture or acts) of Indian Penal Code on 29 March. Although TVF initially denied the claims after Kumar was granted interim bail in April, a committee has been set up to look into the allegations.
A former employee who worked with TVF in 2014-2016 registered a case against the co-founder with the Mumbai Police. In a now viral anonymous blog post titled ‘The Indian Uber- That is TVF,’ she accused Arunabh Kumar of sexually harassing her when she was working in the organization. The blog was published under the name of the ‘Indian Fowler.’
In his statement, Kumar added that he was sorry for their initial response but has faith that truth will prevail and thanked his audience for standing by them during this difficult times. While Dhawal will have the full reins of the company, Kumar will be available as a mentor for the content team.