New Delhi: The list of journalists accused of sexual harassment in the light of the #MeToo movement continues to grow as two new names have occupied it- veteran journalist Vinod Dua and renowned poet and novelist CP Surendran.
A filmmaker recently recounted her experiences of being sexually harassed by Dua. Accusing him of making lewd jokes, stalking and groping, she added that her complaints were glossed over because of Dua’s standing in the community.
One of the experiences she recounted was when Dua told her that he wanted to apologise for his behaviour and requested her to speak with him in his car. When she entered the car, however, he started slobbering all over her face.
Dua, presently a consulting editor at The Wire, has denied all the allegations.
The founding editors of the news portal have stated that their ICC has taken note of the allegations and, if proven to be true, action would be taken against Dua.
Poet and renowned novelist CP Surendran was also accused recently of sexual misconduct, harassment and making sexist comments by at least 11 women, who have worked with him in the past. Reports state that he inappropriately touched them, made inappropriate jokes on rape victims among other things.
Joanna Lobo, a feature writer at DNA had raised complaints regarding Surendran’s behaviour with the ICC, but while this matter was supposed to be confidential, it somehow made its way to Surendran’s ears.
She also claims that after she had filed the complaint, the whole office began to joke about it saying that if anyone stood near her, she would file a sexual harassment complaint against them.
On Facebook, yet another journalist recounted her experience with Surendran. She said he the would use pick-up lines on her and would constantly pursue her despite her numerous refusals.
Denying all the allegations, Surendran has called them a ‘ lynch mob at work’.
