Following a spate of allegations of sexual harassment during his days as editor of several publications, Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar has stepped down.
Akbar, in a statement, said he had decided to seek justice in a court of law in his personal capacity
“I deem it appropriate to step down from office and challenge false accusations levied against me, also in a personal capacity. I have, therefore, tendered my resignation…,” Akbar said.
He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for giving him the opportunity to serve the country.
Around 20 women, according to media reports, have come forward to narrate their experiences of alleged sexual harassment at the hands of Akbar.