Alok Nath’s response to rape allegations ‘shows such men’s mentality’: Swati Maliwal

Delhi commission for women chairperson Swati Maliwal Tuesday said actor Alok Nath’s “casual” attitude in responding to allegations of sexual assault “shows the mentality of such men who believe they would be let off easily”.

She quoted media reports according to which Nath said: “Neither I am denying this nor do I agree with it. It (rape) must have happened, but someone else would have done it. Well, I do not want to talk much about it. As for the matter, if it has come out, it will be stretched.

“However, we only have to hear to women’s stand because they are considered weak,” he reportedly said.

He was responding to allegations levelled by writer-producer Vinta Nanda, who accused the “most Sanskaari person”, as the actor is known, of raping her more than once 19 years ago. Nanda, best known for the TV show “Tara”, gave a detailed account of the alleged assaults in a lengthy Facebook post Monday night, the latest expose in the #MeToo movement sweeping India.

Maliwal said the “casual attitude of Alok Nath in responding to allegations of such a serious offence shows the mentality of men who believe they would be let off easily”.

She said the complainant should file a case against the accused in the case.

Supporting the #MeToo movement, Maliwal said, “Finally, women are hitting out at their accusers, and it is a very welcome move.”