India seems to be seeing its very own MeToo movement. A couple of days ago, comedian Utsav Chakraborty who had worked with All India Bakchod (AIB) was the first sexual predator to be exposed on Twitter recently by numerous women who came forward to describe how he harassed them sexually. Soon after, allegations surfaced against numerous other comedians and journalists accusing them of sexual misconduct.
Now, allegations have surfaced against a reporter from The Quint, Meghnad Bose. As per the woman, she was under the influence of alcohol one night when she returned to her campus and was having fun in the company of friends on the lawn. Soon, they were joined by Meghnad.
After a while, her friends left for their room upstairs leaving the two of them alone. She claims that she had put her head on his lap as she was feeling light-headed. Soon, she felt him touch her lips, her mouth and even put his finger inside her mouth. She got up and left the scene. Her account was shared through an independent journalist.
I am so angry. @MeghnadBose93, this is assault. Own up. You have done this to more than one person apparently. This brave woman has finally come out. I really believed you were an ally. I was wrong. #MeToo #TimesUp pic.twitter.com/2BfVEhuI6N
— Divya Karthikeyan (@divya_krthk) October 6, 2018
Her account was supported by another person who claims that Meghnad’s inappropriate behaviour was being discussed behind closed doors.
We all knw abt his behavior and have discussed it behind closed doors. But.s it’s surprising that none of our male batchmates have come out to support these brave women. We always portray ourselves as champions of feminism, why not now? Why nt not stand up for our people? https://t.co/vgjhBY575e
— Siddharth Tiwari (@Siddharth_stoic) October 6, 2018
Another woman has claimed that Meghnad had asked her if she wore a push-up bra in front of everyone in the canteen.
@MeghnadBose93 you had it coming. People didn’t believe women who spoke about what you did. Remember when you asked me whether I was wearing a push up bra. In front of everyone in the canteen. I’m sure you will deny this. But I know. I cried for days.
— Theja Ram (@thejaram92) October 6, 2018
After these multiple allegations, The Quint journalist published a note on Twitter apologising for his behaviour. He tendered an unconditional apology to any woman he might have made uncomfortable.
I am sorry. This is my unconditional apology. I am really, really sorry. pic.twitter.com/5B7gkPLjgu
— Meghnad Bose (@MeghnadBose93) October 6, 2018
While he apologised unconditionally, he also said that he doesn’t recall him pushing his finger in anyone’s mouth, an allegation that was mounted against him through a journalist.
