Jolly tells NCW 'no intention to harass Shoma Chaudhury'

New Delhi, Dec.3 (ANI): South Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Vijay Jolly on Tuesday said that he had no personal agenda against former Tehelka's Managing Editor Shoma Chaudhury, and added that he had no intention to harass or intimidate her.

Earlier on November 28, Jolly wrote 'accused' on the nameplate of Shoma Chaudhury in black ink, while staging a protest outside her residence demanding her immediate arrest for allegedly trying to cover up the sexual harassment complaint filed against Tehelka founder Tarun Tejpal by a woman journalist working for the magazine

"I was directed to appear before the National Commission of Women (NCW). I told them that my protest was not against a woman journalist but it was against Tehelka and its chief editor and the management, which is accused of grave sexual misconduct against fellow woman journalist at work place," Jolly told media after his meeting with NCW here today.

He further said that his action was a result of his pent up feeling against the Tehelka management in dealing with the sexual assault case.

"I told them I was on a 'padh yatra' in that area during the daily election campaign, and I was informed that this was the house that belonged to the management of Tehelka. It was a sudden eruption of my pent up feelings,' he said.

"I respect women, but I also felt that justice was not being meted out to a fellow woman journalist who had complained of sexual harassment at the workplace against Tarun Tejpal," he added.

Jolly said that he has appeared before the Delhi Police and the NCW as a law abiding citizen, while assuring the Commission that he has full respect and regard for women folks.

"I expressed my strong feeling on the subject, and I also told the Commission that I have already offered an unqualified apology on this matter,' he said.

"I assured the Commission that I have full respect and regard for the women folks, and I wish to put this whole issue on the back-burner, since the matter is already being taken care of by the Delhi police,' he added. (ANI)

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