New Delhi: In a startling complaint received by the National Commission for Women (NCW), some women inmates of the Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry have alleged sexual harassment and other perverted acts such as defecating and urinating in their rooms.

However, the inmates refused to categorically identify the perpetrators since they were "threatened that they will be asked to leave the Ashram if they lodged any complaint".

Complaining about "perverted acts of sexual harassment", five sisters living in the Ashram told the Commission during its October 6 visit to the city that "quite a few inmates" were facing such harassment.

Giving the details of the complaint, NCW chairperson Poornima Advani said the Commission has directed the newly formed Women's Commission in Pondicherry to investigate the matter.

"It is a serious problem and requires a thorough investigation into the complaints. The NCW will closely monitor the investigation," she said.

The Commission has also asked the Pondicherry Government to set up short-stay homes for the women inmates in view of the complaints of no separate hostel facility available for women in the Ashram.

The complainants, whose father was working in the Ashram, have been living there for many years after deciding not to get married, Advani said.