Rahul Easwar, the activist who has been leading the Sabarimala protest against the Supreme Court verdict, has been accused of sexual harassment by a woman. The woman, who identified herself as a well-known artist but chose to be anonymous, alleged that Easwar had sexually harassed her 15 years ago when she was in Class 12. She shared her account on a Facebook page, 'Inji pennu (ginger girl)'. However, Easwar, in a Facebook video, dismissed the charge as "politically motivated" and said the "fake allegations" would destroy the credibility of the #MeToo campaign. He claimed the allegation was an attack from people opposed to his ideology and meant for "political manipulation". "I dismiss it," He said, adding that his family would speak to the media over the issue. The woman's post read that Easwar, President of Ayyappa Dharma Sena, had misbehaved with her by trying to touch and kiss her when she visited his residence in 2003-04. The woman said she befriended Easwar and was invited by him to his house saying his mother would also be there. However, on reaching the premises she realised they were alone and that was when he allegedly tried to misbehave with her. "I didn't know how to respond in the beginning as I felt trapped in the house. But then I moved away and said no. He backed off. Then again he tried it multiple times until I overcame my fear and forced myself to leave," according to the Facebook post. The post was earlier available in its entire form, but later it could not be accessed. "I want to say this today, as I see him everywhere now and these memories came rushing back on how he used to be. I strongly doubt his beliefs and words. Is he sincere and means all that he is saying now? In that case, his actions were opposite to that back in those days," according to the post. Easwar was arrested Sunday under Section 153 for his alleged provocative statement on the Sabarimala row. He had said that the Sena had a contingency plan to force the closure of the temple by spilling blood on its premises by some devotees in case any woman in the "barred" age group managed to reach it. The activist was released on bail later after he claimed that the charges were a part of an "ultra-feminist conspiracy".
