Drop 'Molester' Kailash Kher From Cultural Event: Sona Mohapatra

“I am shocked to learn that Kher has been asked to headline a performance at Delhi government’s Mayur Utsav," singer Sona Mohapatra wrote in an online petition to the Delhi government. She urged the government to withdraw an invitation to singer Kailash Kher for a cultural event starting from December 16.

In the wake of the #MeToo allegations, the singer and other women have had accused Kher of sexual harassment. He had, at the time, denied the allegations. Mohapatra then filed the petition on change.org, addressed to CM Arvind Kejriwal and deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia.

READ: Film Body Suspends Sajid Khan Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

The government has organised a three-day cultural festival, Mayur Utsav 2018, from December 14-16 and Kher is scheduled to perform on the last day. Mohapatra further wrote: "Action needs to be taken against perpetrators."

In a series of tweets, she added, "Wah, Arvind Kejriwal, how proudly you lend your government's name to a show featuring a molester. Kailash Kher has multiple allegations of misconduct and harassment against him and you've got him performing even after government employees protested this."

In another tweet, she wrote: "Dear Delhi, Aam Aadmi Party and Arvind Kejriwal, multiple women including minors have come out in the public with their #MeToo stories against this predator Kailash Kher and you choose to rub this kind of insult to injury? Do you care so little for 50 per cent of your population?"

The petition has been signed by over 600 people. “I am hopeful that the Delhi government, which is keenly aware of women’s safety as a critical issue will listen to MeToo survivors and their citizens when we ask them to drop Kailash Kher. That is why I am asking you to sign and support this petition to the Delhi Government,” Mohapatra told news agency PTI.

Confirming the petition, Durga Nandini, senior director (communication and partnerships) at change.org said, “Just like Sona Mohapatra’s latest petition, some of the petitions started here have become impactful."

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