#MeToo: The Wire to halt Vinod Dua prog, will wait till ICC looks into matter

Documentary filmmaker Nishtha Jain has accused journalist Vinod Dua, consulting editor at The Wire and the host of Jan Gan Man Ki Baat, of sexual harassment and stalking that occurred in the year 1989.

According to sources, The Wire, after acknowledging the complaint, has decided to halt Dua’s programme and it will be resumed based on the ICC’s report on the matter.

On Sunday, in a long Facebook post, Nishtha accused Vinod Dua of telling lewd jokes, stalking and groping. At that time, Vinod Dua was an established journalist, and the complainant had just graduated.

“Before I could settle down he began telling a lewd sexual joke in that soft voice, barely opening his mouth. I don't remember the joke but it wasn't worth a laugh, just dirty. I felt hot in my face and I sat there most probably with an angry look. He explained the job and asked me what my expectations were and I quoted an amount that most graduates were getting at the time - Rs 5,000. He looked at me and said, 'Tumhari aukat kya hai?' I dont know what had hit me. I was stunned. What was this about? I had faced sexual harassment early in life but this sort of humiliation was a new experience,” wrote Nishtha.

Vinod Dua has denied the charge. He is currently consulting editor at The Wire. In a statement published by The Wire, they said that their ICC has taken note of the allegation and it awaits the deliberations of the committee on the matter.

Responding to Nishtha’ post, Mallika shared in her instagram post, reiterating her support to the #MeToo movement and writing if “at all my father is truly guilty of what you described, it is unacceptable, traumatic and painful.”

Mallika went on to criticise the filmmaker for naming her in the post, saying “it was in terrible taste”.

Later, Nishtha Jain apologised to Mallika for shaming her.

Later Nishtha Jain put out another post stating, “Till we don't hold the mirror to ourselves, all movements will be defeated. Let's not shield ourselves or others. We are all human, we are all capable of mistakes.” She put this out after Mallika Dua stated that she would stand by her father.