“Mr. Krishnamachari’s resignation was connected with the complaint and the KBF’s Internal Committee is taking action on the complaint,” stated V. Venu, confirming the resignation of Bose Krishnamachari from the Kochi Biennale Foundation on January 3, 2026. This resignation follows a sexual harassment complaint filed by a woman who had worked under him, alleging that the incident took place on December 28, 2025.
The complaint was formally received by the Internal Complaints Committee under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. In light of these developments, Krishnamachari cited family reasons for his resignation, although Venu’s remarks indicate a direct link to the allegations.
In response to the allegations, Bose Krishnamachari has refuted the charges, describing them as misleading and unsubstantiated, claiming they were taken out of context. “The allegations were misleading and unsubstantiated and taken out of context,” he stated, as he initiated legal action to defend his position.
The unnamed complainant expressed her distress, stating, “She felt trapped and violated and had at no point given her consent to physical contact or remarks or advances.” This statement highlights the serious nature of the allegations and the emotional impact on the complainant.
Krishnamachari, a co-founder of the Kochi Muziris Biennale, previously served as co-curator of its inaugural edition in 2012. His resignation comes shortly after the sixth edition of the Biennale opened on December 12, 2025, marking a significant moment in the cultural landscape of Kochi.
Despite the gravity of the situation, it is noteworthy that there was no police complaint related to the incident at the time of his resignation. The Kochi Biennale Foundation is now tasked with addressing the complaint through its internal mechanisms.
As the situation unfolds, the art community and stakeholders are closely monitoring the developments surrounding this case. The implications of Krishnamachari’s resignation and the ongoing investigation will likely resonate throughout the cultural sector in India.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the next steps for both the Kochi Biennale Foundation and Bose Krishnamachari as they navigate this challenging period.
