'Assault' on lady scribe by Tutu Nayak: Odisha Women in Media members meet DCP, demand fair probe

The members of Odisha Women in Media (OWM), a platform for female professionals, on Saturday condemned the alleged assault on a woman journalist by Ollywood producer Tutu Nayak.

The members of the outfit today met Bhubaneswar DCP Prateek Singh and submitted a memorandum demanding an impartial probe into the incident. The association members also urged the top cop to ensure a safe environment for the working female journalists in the city.

“We condemn the incident. We met Bhubaneswar DCP demanding a fair investigation into the matter. We also urged the senior official to ensure a safe environment for working female journalists who return late at night after work and even during daytime,” said Soumya Parida, a senior member of Odisha Women and Media.

The victim journalist, Debasmita Rout said, “The DCP said he has gone through the CCTV footage. He said such a thing should not have occurred and assured us of appropriate measures. As a working journalist, we have demanded proper security measures for all.”

On Friday, Debasmita alleged that Ollywood producer Tutu Nayak slapped her and hurled filthy language at her while she was in a film hall to cover an event. She had filed a complaint with Kharvel Nagar Police Station in connection with the incident.

When contacted, Tutu Nayak on Friday had said, “The allegation is false. I was in a hurry to go to Maharaja Film Hall. As she was standing in the middle of the gate, I mildly patted her back asking her to give me space. She is like my younger sister. I didn’t beat her. If I hurt her, I am sorry for that.”