Janjivan Bureau / New Delhi : Union minister M J Akbar, who is facing allegations of sexual harassment by a number of women journalists, returned here on Sunday from a foreign tour. Replying to a volley of questions from reporters at the airport, the Minister of State for External Affairs said he would issue a statement later.
“There will be a statement later,” he said.
Multiple women in the last few days have offered their accounts of alleged sexual harassment by Akbar when he was a journalist as the #MeToo movement swept social media, bringing to fore sordid tales of sexual harassment by influential men in different walks of lives.
There was an indication by the BJP that it is likely to take a clear stand on allegations of sexual harassment against Akbar once he explains his position upon his return.
While the Bharatiya Janata Party has maintained a studied silence on the matter so far, party sources have said the charges against him are serious, and his continuance as a minister is no longer guaranteed.
A final call will be taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the sources said.
After attempting to do so twice, he abandoned Dhruv and fled in the car, even as several onlookers filmed the incident.
Sources said Mahipal fired five rounds in all. Two bullets hit Ritu in the neck and torso, while Dhruv was shot once in the head and twice in the torso.
It was only after the accused fled the scene that people called the police and the victims were taken to the hospital.
Subsequently, police teams from crime units launched a pursuit to nab the accused. They recovered Mahipal’s .38 bore revolver and the car.
An FIR was registered at the Sector 50 police station.
“The accused seems mentally unstable and has been evading questions. We are considering getting him medically examined. The interrogation is on to ascertain the motive for the crime,” said Commissioner of Police KK Rao.
Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar expressed shock over the incident and summoned the Home Secretary and state DGP. He has suggested counselling of cops entrusted with security of VIPs.
