India dismisses allegations of harassment of journalist Rana Ayyub, says baseless, unwarranted

Reacting resolutely, India termed the allegations by the United Nation's mission in Geneva of "judicial harassment" against journalist Rana Ayyub as ‘baseless and unwarranted’, and stated that the country upholds the rule of law and no one is above it.

"Allegations of so-called judicial harassment are baseless & unwarranted. India upholds the rule of law, but is equally clear that no one is above the law. We expect SRs to be objective & accurately informed. Advancing a misleading narrative only tarnishes @UNGeneva's reputation," it said.

According to sources, this will be investigated by a Note Verbale from India’s permanent Mission in Geneva. They will also discuss the issue with the UN Ofice in Geneva, the sources said.

The United Nations has stated in a tweet the "sectarian attacks online against journalist" should be "thoroughly investigated".

"Relentless misogynistic and sectarian attacks online against journalist @RanaAyyub must be promptly and thoroughly investigated by the #Indian authorities and the judicial harassment against her brought to an end at once, stress @UN_SPExperts," it said in a tweet.

Earlier, the Enforcement Directorate had attached Rs 1.77 crore of Rana Ayyub in a money laundering case.

As maintained by the probe agency, Ayyub allegedly used the parts of donations meant for three campaigns for personal expenses.

"She allegedly didn't utilize donations meant for three campaigns for the right purpose. Parts of donations were allegedly used for personal expenses," the official said.

(With ANI inputs)

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