Guwahati: A sexual misconduct allegation by Assamese filmmaker Rosy Borah against National Award-winning film critic Utpal Datta has escalated into a wider Me Too moment in Assam, with several women coming forward with similar accounts after her public disclosure.
Borah first shared her experience through a video on social media on March 8, alleging that Datta behaved inappropriately towards her at a private gathering in January 2026. In the days that followed, multiple women publicly alleged that they too had received unsolicited messages, inappropriate remarks, or advances from the senior critic and filmmaker.
The growing number of allegations has intensified scrutiny not only on Datta, who has not publicly responded, but also on the institutions now handling the matter.
Borah has since confirmed that a formal complaint has been registered with the Assam State Commission for Women. While details remain confidential, the Commission is expected to examine the case and determine further action.
Speaking to media, Borah said she initially chose to remain silent due to shock and uncertainty, but later decided to speak out to encourage others to come forward. “Many people stay silent because of the social standing of those involved. I spoke up so that the next generation does not face the same situation,” she said.
According to Borah, the incident took place at a wedding anniversary celebration hosted by Datta and his wife in Guwahati. She alleged that Datta placed his hand on her back in a manner that made her uncomfortable, prompting her to immediately push it away.
Her account also describes an unsettling exchange at the gathering, where another individual allegedly raised concerns about Datta’s interactions with women — concerns that were dismissed at the time.
Following Borah’s video, the issue gained traction online, with several women sharing similar experiences in comment threads and messages. In one instance, a costume designer alleged that Datta had contacted her under the pretext of an interview and requested photographs in revealing attire. Screenshots of the alleged conversation have circulated online, though their authenticity has not been independently verified.
Questions over Assam Women’s Commission
The response of the Assam State Commission for Women has come under criticism, with concerns raised over the pace and transparency of its actions.
Angoorlata Deka, Chairperson and former BJP MLA, confirmed that Borah had approached the Commission and that proceedings were under consideration. However, there has been no detailed public update on the status of the complaint, timelines for inquiry, or whether other complainants are being formally engaged.
The lack of visible progress has led to accusations of institutional apathy, particularly given the seriousness of the allegations and the number of women who have since come forward.
The Commission has yet to outline the procedural steps being taken in the case.
University stance faces backlash
Assam Down Town University, a private university in Guwahati, where Datta is an honorary faculty member, is also facing mounting criticism over its response.
The university’s founder, Narendra Nath Dutta, said the institution would consider removing Datta only if an “equally competent” replacement is available. The remark has drawn sharp reactions, with many questioning the basis of linking administrative action in a sexual misconduct case to the availability of a substitute.
No interim measures, such as suspension or an internal inquiry, have been publicly announced by the university so far.
Datta, a prominent film critic and former director of a Guwahati-based film festival, has had a long career in media and academia, including senior roles at All India Radio. He is also a recipient of the Best Film Critic award at the National Film Awards.
As the controversy unfolds, the focus is increasingly shifting beyond the allegations themselves to the institutional responses, and whether they reflect a commitment to accountability in Assam’s artistic and academic spaces.