Harassment

#MeToo fallout: HT Bureau Chief steps down following allegations of sexual harrasment

Hindustan Times Political Editor and Bureau Chief, Prashant Jha stepped down from his position today after a former colleague accused him of harassing her, NDTV reported.

In his letter to his editor, Jha was quoted by NDTV as having said: “There have been specific allegations against me – and my personal conduct – recently, which have raised moral questions about my conduct. In this backdrop, I believe it would be best for me to step down…”

In a Twitter thread that started last week and encouraged many women to name and shame people who had allegedly sexually harassed them, either recently or years ago, Jha’s name surfaced after an account posted his name.

ALSO READ: #MeToo hits home: Journalists add to long list of sexual harassers in and outside newsrooms

The campaign was kickstarted after former actor Tanushree Dutta accused actor Nana Patekar of harassing her on the sets of a film 10 years ago.

Comic Utsav Chakraborty, author Chetan Bhagat and actor Rajat Kapoor have also been called out and they apologized.

Comedy group AIB’s two founder members have stepped down. Many journalists have been listed since Friday.

ALSO READ: As #MeToo storm hits Kashmir, a woman journalist details her tryst with the men-dominated fraternity

Sandhya Menon alleged harassment in 2005 and 2008 by an editor of the Times of India; the newspaper said the charge would be investigated by its committee against sexual harassment.

“A highly empowered and accessible committee under this policy and under the law is in place to investigate and address all allegations of sexual harassment,” said the media house in a statement, adding that the group was headed by a senior woman executive.

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