Kamlesh Purohit, a senior BBC executive known for his role in developing the corporation’s Asian and Black programming, has been suspended following the appearance of an explicit image on his Instagram account. The image, which featured exposed male genitalia, was posted on Friday and removed within 20 minutes, but not before it was viewed by colleagues, leading to formal complaints and the initiation of a senior-level investigation.

According to reports, Purohit has maintained that his Instagram account was hacked prior to the posting of the image. The BBC has strict social media guidelines prohibiting employees from engaging in conduct that could bring the organisation into disrepute, and several colleagues, including women, described the image as shocking and offensive.

Purohit, who joined the BBC in 1986, has held various positions throughout his career, including head of sport at BBC Asian Network and editor of BBC Radio Leicester. Most recently, in 2022, he announced a shift in his role to focus on reshaping community programming for BBC Local Radio, with a particular emphasis on Asian and Black audiences as part of the BBC’s broader digital-first initiative.

His social media activity has previously drawn controversy. In 2019, Purohit was formally reprimanded over a disparaging post about virginity on the platform X, which prompted a warning regarding his online conduct.

A BBC spokesperson declined to comment on individual personnel matters but said the organisation treats all complaints seriously and has robust procedures in place to address concerns. The investigation into the Instagram incident remains ongoing.