India's #MeToo movement takes aim at 'sexual misconduct'

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The #MeToo movement in India has gathered momentum in recent days, with more than a dozen complaints of sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct leveled online against prominent journalists, actors, movie directors, comedians, and other public figures.

On Monday, it triggered an investigation into a leading journalist and questions about the future of India's top comedy collective.

The Hindustan Times, one of India's major national papers, said that Prashant Jha, its political editor and chief of bureau, has been asked to step down from all his editorial roles pending an investigation. "This is a case of sexual harassment and an internal committee has been set up," said the media group's general counsel, Dinesh Mittal, in an announcement.

Jha was accused by a former female colleague, Avantika Mehta, of sending inappropriate messages. Mehta made her complaint on Saturday in an article on the Firstpost news site and then on her own Twitter account.

Jha did not answer calls or text messages seeking comment. He has not responded publicly to the allegations.

Bollywood actress Tanushree Dutta gestures as she talks to reporters in Mumbai, India, September 27, 2018. /VCG Photo

Separately, India's biggest comedy group, All India Bakchod (AIB), said its future was in doubt following a series of allegations about sexual harassment.

Tanmay Bhat, the chief executive and co-founder of AIB, resigned after saying in a statement on Friday he made a "big mistake" by continuing to work with a stand-up comic even after Bhat knew of allegations of inappropriate behavior by the performer.

The comic, Utsav Chakraborty, was accused last Thursday by Mahima Kukreja, a fellow comic, of soliciting nude pictures from under-age girls online and sending her pictures of his genitals.

She confirmed to Reuters that he sent her the pictures.

Bollywood writer-producer Vinita Nanda speaks during a press conference for Alok Nath sexual assault allegation in Mumbai, October 9, 2018. /VCG Photo

According to a statement from the comedy group, another AIB co-founder, Gursimran Khamba, was also placed on a temporary leave of absence by the collective after an anonymous woman on social media on Monday accused him of "emotional blackmail" and of trying to force himself on her. In a statement, Khamba denied any wrongdoing, saying there was no violation of consent.

"At this time, both of our senior partners are immediately stepping away from all business at AIB. Truthfully we do not know what this means for the future of AIB or whether there is one," according to a statement from the group, signed by Vidhi Jotwani, head of human resources at AIB.

Indian Bollywood actors Rajinikanth (L) and Nana Patekar(R) pose for a photograph during the shooting of the forthcoming Tamil film 'Kaala Karikaalan' in Mumbai on June 24, 2017. /VCG Photo

Hotstar, an internet platform owned by Twenty-First Century Fox's Star India unit, said it was pulling "On Air with AIB", a news and current affairs show that still had more than 20 episodes to air and that was hosted by the four founders of AIB. In a tweet on its official handle, Hotstar said the developments surrounding AIB ran contrary to the platform's values and that it was taking the show off air with immediate effect.

The series of accusations follows sexual harassment allegations made by actress Tanushree Dutta late last month against prominent actor Nana Patekar because of his behavior on the sets of a film they were shooting in 2008. On Saturday, Dutta filed a civil complaint against Patekar with the police, alleging sexual harassment, saying she suffered psychological trauma and was unable to work in films after that.

Patekar has denied the allegations. His lawyer said on September 28 that Dutta had been sent a legal notice, which can be a precursor to a lawsuit, for making a false allegation.

(Cover: Bollywood actor Nana Patekar is mobbed by the media as he leaves after making a statement outside his home in Mumbai, October 8, 2018. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): Reuters