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Ramani’s allegations were defamatory, Akbar tells court (Lead)
New Delhi, Oct 31 (IANS) Former Union Minister M.J. Akbar on Wednesday told a Delhi court that journalist Priya Ramani’s allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him were defamatory in nature.
Akbar told Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal that the allegations were false and defamatory, tarnishing his reputation.
“My reputation has been tarnished in the eyes of the general public and those who are near and dear and known to me. I affirm that my complaint is correct and allegations made against me by Ramani are false and defamatory,” Akbar said, citing his credentials and professional background.
He told the court that he had worked for four decades to acquire and build a stellar reputation and a good name.
Contending that his reputation had been lowered because of Ramani’s “false, baseless and defamatory” accusations, Akbar said: “There was immediate damage because of the scurrilous nature of these concocted and false allegations. I was attacked in a personal capacity about fabricated non-events allegedly done two decades ago.”
The court was recording Akbar’s statement as a complainant witness in a criminal defamation suit filed by him against Ramani.
Ramani was the first in a long list of female journalists to have accused Akbar of sexual harassment.
A Rajya Sabha member, Akbar has denied all the charges made against him as “false, wild and baseless”.
He said that it was apparent that a false narrative against him was being circulated in a motivated manner and with an agenda.
Akbar told the court that he chose to seek justice in personal capacity and therefore he resigned as the Minister of State for External Affairs.
The BJP leader told the court that Ramani’s defamatory tweets were picked up by various publications and social media.
Ramani’s tweet carried a link to an article published in Vogue India magazine in October 2017.
“The opening sentence of the tweet explained one anomaly. When the article was published in Vogue India in 2017, it did not include my name. Priya Ramani stated as to why my name was not included earlier. She said it was because I had done nothing. This is mentioned in the tweet dated October 8 as well,” Akbar said in the statement.
After concluding Akbar’s statement, the court listed the matter for November 12 for recording statements of other witnesses.
Akbar has listed names of two senior woman journalists — The Sunday Guardian’s Editor Joyeeta Basu and journalist Veenu Sandal — and four others as his witnesses to prove his defamation charges against Ramani.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.
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