'Assault' on lady scribe: Odia film producer Tutu Nayak arrested

After hours of integration, the Commissionerate Police on Saturday arrested Odia film producer Tutu Nayak on charges of slapping lady journalist Debasmita Rout in Bhubaneswar on Friday. ACP Manas Garnaik (Zone 1) informed the media about his arrest this afternoon. 

Later, Nayak was produced in court and sent to 14-day judicial custody. The hearing on the bail plea of Nayak will be held on Monday, sources said.

Earlier in the day, the Kharvel Nagar Police brought Nayak to the police station as the producer failed to appear voluntarily after being summoned.

Film Director Sudhakar Basant, who was seen at the Kharvel Nagar Police Station, said that Nayak should have been given some leeway as he had tendered his apologies on the matter. He also said that they were trying to settle the matter and appealed for a mutual compromise.

Tutu Nayak Arrested By Police

Prior to his arrest, the State Commission for Women suo motu registered a case in this connection. The Chairperson of the commission, Minati Behera said, "We have taken the case seriously. Attacking a journalist is a serious matter and is condemnable. We immediately wrote a letter to the DCP to look into the matter and submit a report within 15 days after investigating the case.”

On the other hand, the Odisha Women in Media forum met DCP Prateek Singh, demanding an impartial probe into the matter. The women journalists also urged the DCP to take measures to ensure the safety of women in the workplace and outside. 

The DCP assured the women scribes that an investigation into the matter was underway on the basis of the CCTV footage of the place where the journalist was attacked. 

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

Speaking to the media, Debasmita Rout said, “Many of my women colleagues showed solidarity with me and came to meet the DCP, who has assured action on the basis of the CCTV footage.”

Soumya Parida, a senior member of the Odisha Women in Media observed that the DCP has been apprised of the matter and they requested him to ensure action against the culprit.   

An FIR was lodged at the Kharvela Nagar Police station accusing Tutu Nayak of attacking the journalist and even showing indecent behaviour to her. Police booked him under various sections of the IPC. 

Earlier in the day, Nayak was brought to Kharvela Nagar Police Station where he was subjected to interrogation. Nayak was served a notice, but he did not appear before the police.