Journalist Vidya Krishnan was hailed by her peers for her brave stand against the legal notice sent by India Today anchor Gaurav Sawant. In an article in the Caravan, Krishnan had alleged that Sawant had sexually assaulted her 15–years–ago when she was a cub reporter for the Pioneer.
Prominent voices soon lent support to Krishnan, including senior journalist Barkha Dutt.
Dear @VidyaKrishnan I stand with you. #MeToo We all do. https://t.co/vmengbZFQ9
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) November 15, 2018
With you and @nikita1712 all the way.
— Aruna Chandrasekhar (@aruna_sekhar) November 15, 2018
Putting on record that I stand in solidarity with Nikita Saxena and Vidya Krishnan.
Seeking justice via defamation suits: god give me the confidence of an Indian sexual harasser in my next life.
— Sandhya Menon (@TheRestlessQuil) November 14, 2018
Caravan editor Vinod K Jose wrote that Sawant’s notice “reads more like a procedural step than anything,” and added that the Caravan is “happy to fight the case.”
Gaurav Sawant sends the Caravan a notice. Reads more like a procedural step than anything. The Caravan is happy to fight the case. Read the full @VidyaKrishnan account as reported by @nikita1712 here, and subscribe and support @thecaravanindia magazine????: https://t.co/nMs0b72qiQ pic.twitter.com/XQjq4T7EPe
— Vinod K. Jose (@vinodjose) November 14, 2018
Responding to Sawant’s defamation notice, Krishnan had said in her statement, “I am not the least bit intimidated by the threat if defamation — which appears to be the only remedy that powerful men, accused of inappropriate behaviour, take recourse to. I will fight defamation and I will make sure my truth is heard by all.”
In addition to supporting Krishnan, many also slammed Sawant for trying to intimidate Krishnan into retracting the allegations she had levelled.
Long story short. Vidya Krishnan, who was sexually assaulted by Gaurav Sawant, tells douchebag Sawant where he can stick his injured whining and lawsuit. Kudos! pic.twitter.com/iNMhlWxCXe
— IndiaExplained (@IndiaExplained) November 15, 2018
Some pointed out that Sawant’s actions were a result of ‘fear’ and ‘insecurity’.
She’s braver than brave. No wonder the accused is scared! https://t.co/rizcKSSsjp
— Karuna John (@karunajohn) November 15, 2018
She is not the least bit intimidated. Let that be loud and clear. ???????? https://t.co/6UhkDtxGOC
— Siddharth Singh (@siddharth3) November 15, 2018
And she doesn’t need to stand in front of a tank like insecure men to prove it.
— Siddharth Singh (@siddharth3) November 15, 2018
After the Caravan article was published, another journalist, Kanika Gahlaut, also alleged that Sawant had sexually harassed her.
If it helps I can testify Gaurav Sawant is a pest.I look for discreet places to smoke.Found him behind some hedges at group conclave.He lunged.I gave it off to him.He: “cmon when was last time you got any”.His justification for lunging-i’m single. That’s how sick his mind is.
— Kanika Gahlaut (@kanikagahlaut) November 13, 2018
Following the publication of the story, Sawant had sent a defamation notice to Krishnan, Caravan magazine, and journalist Nikita Saxena who had reported the story.