Indian minister quits to fight sexual harassment accusations

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India's junior foreign minister resigned on Wednesday to fight accusations of sexual harassment from dozens of women during his previous career as a journalist, the most high-profile casualty of a growing #MeToo movement in the country.

The women have accused M J Akbar of inappropriate behavior before entering politics.

Akbar, 67, was a prominent editor who founded several publications including the Asian Age. He has denied the accusations and filed a criminal lawsuit against one of the women for defaming him.

"Since I have decided to seek justice in a court of law in my personal capacity, I deem it appropriate to step down from office and challenge false accusations levied against me in a personal capacity," said Akbar in a statement.

Police detain a protester during a demonstration demanding the resignation of India's Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar in New Delhi, October 15, 2018. /VCG Photo

The #MeToo movement, which began in the US more than a year ago in response to accusations of sexual harassment and abuse by powerful men in the entertainment industry, gained traction in India in late September after Bollywood actress Tanushree Dutta said actor Nana Patekar behaved inappropriately on the sets of a film they were shooting in 2008.

Patekar has denied any wrongdoing.

Since then, more than a dozen men in the media, entertainment, political and art worlds have been accused of offences, ranging from sexual harassment to rape.

"As women we feel vindicated by M J Akbar's resignation. I look forward to the day when I will also get justice in court," journalist Priya Ramani, who was the first to accuse Akbar, said in a tweet.

Bollywood actress Tanushree Dutta poses for photographs outside an entertainment channel's office in Mumbai, October 12, 2018. /VCG Photo

Akbar has filed a defamation suit against her. The case is due in a Delhi court on Thursday.

India is a conservative country and discussion of sex is taboo for many people. Women have long lagged behind men in workplace participation.

"Eventually the truth prevails," said Ghazala Wahab, another journalist who accused Akbar of making physical advances.

Source(s): Reuters