MJ Akbar claims it was not a rape but a ‘consensual relationship’ with Pallavi Gogoi

Guwahati: Former union minister MJ Akbar who is first being accused of raping a US-based journalist, is not in the whirlwinds of another rape allegations raised by Chief Business Editor at National Public Radio, Pallavi Gogoi. The journalist has accused that Akbar had raped her many years back in 1994 which she recalls as ‘the most painful memories’. However, the twist in the story came then when the minister and his wife both claimed that it was a consensual relationship between Akbar and Pallavi.

Pallavi, in an article written under her byline for The Washington Post published on Friday (Thursday, India time), stated her alleged sexual harassment that occurred 23 years ago. She termed the memory as "the most painful memories of my life".

But, in reply to this allegation, Akbar stated to the media that there was nothing like rape and after reading the article it gets necessary for him to clarify certain facts. Akbar says, “Somewhere around 1994, Ms. Pallavi Gogoi and I entered into a consensual relationship that spanned several months. This relationship gave rise to talk and would later cause strife in my home life as well. This consensual relationship ended, perhaps not on the best note.”

Also read: Sexual Harassment Allegations Emerge Against MJ Akbar