New Delhi:
Despite his own party censuring him strongly for his actions at journalist Shoma Chaudhury's home today, Vijay Jolly of the BJP said he has no regrets. "It's not hooliganism. I am entitled to express my anger...it's a matter of perception," he said to NDTV. (
Read highlights of what Mr Jolly said here)
Mr Jolly and a mob of party workers threw paint at Ms Chaudhury's gate, graffiti-ed the word "accused" onto her name plate, and then heckled her and tried to stop her from driving out of her home.
"I condemn this," said senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj, vowing that action would be taken against Mr Jolly; the Delhi Police has filed an FIR against him. (
BJP leader Vijay Jolly vs Twitter today)
Mr Jolly says he wants Ms Chaudhury arrested for her inaction after a young Tehelka reporter emailed her with a detailed complaint of sexual assault by the news magazine's founder, Tarun Tejpal.
A case has been filed against Mr Jolly under sections related to defacing private property, wrongful restraint and causing damage to property. He has been summoned at a police station on Friday. Meanwhile, Ms Chaudhury will be provided with police security following the incident outside her home.
Ms Chaudhury resigned as Managing Editor of Tehelka this morning, under fire over her response to that reporter.
Legal experts and the National Commission for Women have said Ms Chaudhury broke the law by failing to alert the police to the reporter's complaint against Mr Tejpal. (
Read the full text of Shoma Chaudhury's mail to employees here) He has since been accused of rape by the Goa Police.
The controversy has also turned into a battleground between the Congress and the BJP, even as women's rights activists warn that the political combat detracts from important issues India must address like sexual harassment and violence against women.