A senior BBC executive has been suspended as the corporation investigates an explicit image of male anatomy that appeared on his Instagram page. Kamlesh Purohit, who oversees the BBC's Asian and black programming strategy, stated that his account had been hacked after the image was posted last Friday.
The image, which depicted exposed male genitals with a black bar covering the face, was visible for approximately 20 minutes before Purohit deleted it. Colleagues who saw the image subsequently lodged complaints with senior management, leading to a formal investigation. Purohit has been instructed not to report for work while the probe is ongoing.
A BBC source indicated that the corporation has strict guidelines regarding employees' social media usage, emphasizing that such activity must not bring the organization into disrepute. The source added that the image caused shock and disgust among colleagues, particularly women, prompting formal complaints.
The BBC has stated that breaches of its social media policy could lead to termination of employment. The corporation confirmed that any complaints or concerns raised are treated with the utmost seriousness and are managed through robust processes.
This is not the first instance of Purohit facing scrutiny for his online activity. In 2019, he was reprimanded by BBC bosses for a Twitter post that read: 'virginity is like a balloon, one prick and it's gone.' At that time, he was cautioned that his social media activity could damage the corporation's reputation.
Purohit, who relocated to the UK from Kenya, joined the BBC in 1986 after earning a degree in electronic engineering. His career at the BBC included roles such as Head of Sport at BBC Asian Network, presenting shows on BBC Radio Leicester, and eventually becoming the station's editor. In 2022, he was assigned to oversee the BBC's Community project, a role that involves engaging with children and family groups. He had described this role on social media as devising a strategy for BBC Local Radio's community content and reshaping Asian and black programmes as part of the BBC's Digital First strategy.