GUJ supports victim complainants of sexual harassment in media
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 25 September 2015 14:57 IST
The Goa Union of Journalists has extended its full support to all the women victims of sexual harassment caused by Goa’s senior journalist Rupesh Samant and has urged the Goa police to take the case to its logical conclusion.
The GUJ in a press note has also demanded that the investigation into the alleged sexual harassment be expedited, without fear or favour.
The premiere journalists’ body in the state has also urged all other women victims to come forward, if they have faced similar situation at the workplace in media houses, with the assurance that GUJ will support such victims and ensure complete confidentiality of the victims' identity.
Goa police have registered a case of sexual harassment against Samant, working for PTI from Goa and anchoring on local cable TV channel, based on a complaint filed by women victims, at the Women’s Police Station in Panaji.
The complaint alleges that the accused sent lewd messages on mobile, made sexually coloured remarks and also made physical advances involving unwelcome and explicit sexual overtures.
He has been booked under section 354 and 354A of the Indian Penal Code, both non-bailable cognisable offences.
A press note issued by GUJ general secretary Atish Naik stated that they have already set up a sub-committee headed by President Sadguru Patil to facilitate complaints into the cases of sexual harassment.
GUJ has also sent notices to and is following up with media houses to set up their internal complaints committees as mandated by the Sexual Harassment at the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
It is a shocking news that the sexual harassment case against one journo has to be lodged. Goa was not adversely popular on this count though cases like Tejpal happened in Goa. At odd times and places ladies in journalism work at par with fellow journo. If some persons with that mean minds exist in your profession in Goa, then l am afraid, the whole atmosphere here in your field will be spoiled,which is unfortunate a scenario.