The Indian Journalists Union today said in a statement here that it was shocked by the alleged sexual assault on a young lady journalist by Tehelka Editor-in-Chief Tarun Tejpal.

IJU President S N Sinha and Secretary-General D Amar also said they were greatly disappointed by the magazine’s response and in particular that of Managing Editor Shoma Chaudhury, who seemed to be trying to protect her Editor and the publication rather than help the young victim.

“While the IJU would have no hesitation to give credit to the path-breaking work that Tehelka has done over the years, it urges the magazine to cooperate with the law, desist from intimidating the young journalist and her family and provide the fullest support both legally and emotionally to the victim,” the statement said.

If the media did not introspect and take action, its credibility as an institution would be hit, it added.

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