New Delhi : The National Union of Journalists (India) strongly condemned the sexual assault of a young woman journalist by Tehalka editor Tarun Tejapl. Though, Tejpal stepped down on Wednesday for a period of six months after allegations of sexual assault were made against him by the woman colleague, the NUJ(I) believes that it is no punishment for the crime that Tejpal has committed.
“We are stunned to hear the news of sexual assault of a woman journalist associated with Tehelka magazine by its proprietor-editor Tarun Tejpal. This is a shame on the name of Indian journalism, which has many shortcomings but making the work place unsafe for women was not supposed to be one of them.” Prasanna Mohanty, Secretary General of the NUJ (I) said in the statement issued here today.
Mohanty further said: “We are shocked at this sequence of events in one of India’s well known and most diversified media conglomerates. The NUJ(I) demands a quick and impartial inquiry into the entire range of circumstances leading to the victim journalist colleague and prompt restitution for the mental trauma she has suffered.”
The NUJ(I) urges the authorities concerned to act impartially and without coming under any pressure in this matter and requests all media fraternity to come forward to support and express unity with the young journalist.
(Issued by Office Secretary)
Press Statement