India: Film Producer Assaults Journalist Debasmita Rout
Sanjay Nayak, a film producer who has faced accusations of misconduct previously, has been charged with assault
Location: India, Bhubaneswar
Date: November 4, 2023
Odia film producer Sanjay Nayak, also known as Tutu Nayak, was arrested on the charges of slapping and abusing journalist Debasmita Rout. Nayak has a history of accusations regarding inappropriate behavior towards women. The Coalition For Women commends the arrest of Sanjay Nayak and urges the court to ensure justice will be served.
“I was shocked, and my microphone and mobile phone fell off my hands. As I sat down to gather the items, he hit me on my back. I don’t know why he behaved like this,” says journalist Debasmita Rout. Odia film producer Sanjay Nayak slapped Rout while she was covering the premier of an Odia movie at a theater in Bhubaneswar on November 3.
“I was shocked, and my microphone and mobile phone fell off my hands”
The following day, November 4, Nayak was arrested for the assault. A police officer stated that the arrest was made based on the statement of the complainant, witnesses, and CCTV footage, which provided prima facie evidence against the accused. On November 8, Nayak was granted bail.
Various journalist unions in Odisha expressed their condemnation of the film producer's actions and filed complaints against him at different police stations. Additionally, members of Odisha Women in Media, a forum comprising women journalists, lodged a complaint with the deputy commissioner of police (DCP) in Bhubaneswar, urging for a fair investigation into the incident.
In response to the incident, the State Commission for Women took suo motu action and registered a case. They have requested a report from the police regarding the actions taken within a period of 15 days.
Nayak denies the allegations. "The accusation is false. I was in a hurry to reach the Maharaja Film Hall. She was blocking the gate, so I lightly tapped her on the back, requesting her to move aside. She is like a younger sister to me. I did not harm her. If my actions inadvertently caused her any distress, I apologize for that.”
Nayak has been in hot water before. Actress Prakruti Mishra accused the film producer of character assassination, mental harassment, and defamation and stated that Nayak and his associates manipulate newcomers in the industry with false promises of acting roles. Actress Jasmine Rath claims she was removed from a project after she declined to meet Nayak at a club in Bhubaneswar.
The abuse of women in India is a significant and deeply rooted issue that has garnered international attention. Efforts to address these issues include legal reforms, awareness campaigns, and the establishment of helplines and support services for survivors. However, there is still a long way to go in changing societal attitudes, improving law enforcement, and ensuring the safety and empowerment of women in India. CFWIJ has documented numerous violations against women journalists.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands in solidarity with Debasmita Rout, who faced mistreatment. We firmly condemn any inappropriate behavior towards women journalists who are merely fulfilling their job duties. We welcome the apprehension of Sanjay Nayak and encourage the court to guarantee that justice is delivered.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.