“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.
The resignation comes after a sexual harassment complaint was filed by a woman who had previously worked under him. The incident allegedly occurred on December 28, 2025, and the complaint was officially received on January 3, 2026.
V. Venu elaborated, “A complaint was received with the Internal Complaints Committee under the PoSH Act… This was in December.” The Internal Complaints Committee is mandated to address such allegations under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
Bose Krishnamachari has refuted the charges, asserting that “The allegations were misleading and unsubstantiated and taken out of context.” He has initiated legal action in response to the complaint.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, it is noteworthy that there was no police complaint related to the incident at the time of his resignation. Krishnamachari cited family reasons for stepping down from his position.
The complainant described her experience, stating, “She felt trapped and violated and had at no point given her consent to physical contact or remarks or advances.” This statement underscores the gravity of the allegations against Krishnamachari.
Bose Krishnamachari is a prominent figure in the art world, having co-founded the Kochi Muziris Biennale and served as co-curator for its inaugural edition in 2012. His contributions to the cultural landscape of Kochi have been significant.
Following his resignation, he was appointed as the Cultural Curator of Kochi, indicating a continued role in the arts despite the controversy.
The sixth edition of the Biennale, which opened on December 12, 2025, is set to conclude on January 31, 2026, as the organization navigates this challenging situation.
Details remain unconfirmed as the Kochi Biennale Foundation continues to address the complaint through its internal processes.
