The Delhi Police on Monday arrested a member of Congress’ social media team for allegedly molesting a former colleague.
The accused was released on bail the same day.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Madhur Verma confirmed the arrest and subsequent bail of Chirag Patnaik.
“Patnaik was arrested under Section 354A (sexual harassment) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code,” Mr. Verma said.
On July 3, an FIR was registered at North Avenue police station wherein the victim, a former member of the team, alleged that the accused violated her personal space and behaved immorally.
In a tweet, on Tuesday, the accused claimed that the allegations made against him are “false, malicious and motivated”.
‘Matter is sub judice’
“I deny them vehemently. Matter is sub judice. The law will take its course and has my full cooperation [sic]”, he tweeted.
The complainant claimed that she had reported the matter to Divya Spandana, head of Congress’ digital media team, but no action was taken.
However, in a statement released online on July 3, Ms. Spandana denied the claim and came out in support of the accused.
