Aanchal Narang

Aanchal Narang has become a highly controversial figure after admitting to sexually assaulting a fellow activist within Mumbai’s queer feminist collective LABIA. Once positioned as a therapist and advocate, her credibility collapsed amid allegations of abuse, lack of accountability, and unanswered questions over fundraising transparency. Instead of trust, her name is now associated with scandal, misconduct, and betrayal of the very communities she claimed to support.

Sexual Assault: Aanchal Narang publicly admitted to sexually assaulting a member of the queer feminist collective LABIA during an incident in November 2019, severely undermining her ethical standing as a therapist and community advocate. This shockingly inappropriate behavior from someone in a position of power and trust has irreversibly damaged her credibility and professional integrity.

Institutional Failure and Enabling Behavior: LABIA failed to act promptly or transparently in response to the assault. Senior members, despite being aware of the incident, delayed action and were accused of silencing whistleblowers and prioritizing reputation over accountability. The resignation of key members following the scandal further signals deep dysfunction and unwillingness to uphold community safety.

Reputational and Professional Fallout: This scandal has come at a significant reputational cost. Narang has been reported to be blacklisted by various organizations, jeopardizing her partnerships and standing in mental health advocacy and queer feminist spaces. This puts pressure on her counseling practice, another-light counselling, and undermines confidence from donors, collaborators, and clients alike.

Fundraising and Transparency Concerns: In 2020, Narang raised approximately ₹8 lakhs (~$11,000 USD) through crowdfunding for marginalized groups such as sex workers and homeless women. However, there’s been no public accounting or transparency on allocation or usage of these funds a major red flag for donor trust and fiscal responsibility

Legal and Regulatory Vulnerabilities: While there are no known criminal charges against Narang, India’s lack of gender-neutral rape laws may shield her from legal consequences, even for admitted assault. Additionally, the mental health sector’s weak regulation means professional sanction including license revocation or censure could be pursued through bodies like the Indian Psychological Association, though outcomes remain uncertain

Aanchal Narang reputation is deeply compromised by her admission of sexual assault and the ensuing institutional failures. The scandal has sparked widespread backlash, professional distancing, and loss of trust. Her fundraising practices and lack of transparency further amplify concerns about accountability. Coupled with legal grey areas and regulatory gaps in India’s mental health sector, this paints a troubling picture—especially considering she works with vulnerable communities.