#MeToo: Varun Grover refutes harassment allegations

Renowned lyricist and writer Varun Grover on Tuesday refuted the harassment allegations levelled against him.

An anonymous person had accused Grover of inappropriately touching a junior while studying at Banaras Hindu University (BHU).

"I completely, totally, categorically deny all the allegations being made. The screenshot in question is untrue, misleading, and defamatory to say the least," Grover posted on Twitter.

"The account shared is rife with inconsistencies, blatant lies and details that can be cross-checked very easily with any of hundred or more students who were performing or keenly watching theatre in my college at that time," he added.

Further clarifying his stance, Grover said he was ready to submit himself to any "legal or independent" inquiry.

"I know it is hard to reconcile the two - 'believe women' and 'don't put any allegations on me'. I have been thrown this curveball and I will find a way but at the end of the day, a complete lie can't be allowed to roam free while truth sits concerned in a dungeon. I have complete faith in my own innocence and integrity and will be happy to face any inquiry (legal or independent) and present my case if the person in question decides to go ahead," he said.

"I have never touched any person inappropriately in my life. To sum it up, this play or anything in its vicinity, in terms of themes or characters never happened...,"Grover said

"I know it would be disheartening for so many people to read these allegations about me and I understand if you want to keep distance or believe them for now. But I will promise you, I will clear my name from this defamatory tactic. Till then, keep #MeToo alive and don't let such stray cases hamper your spirits," the letter reads.

The Sacred Games writer stated in his letter that this incident has affected his mental health and he feels like a victim of an agenda. "Am I angry? Yes. Is my mental health in shambles? Yes. Do I occasionally feel like a victim of an agenda? Yes. And would I still say "Believe All Women"? Yes. But please bring in the checks to differentiate it from "Believe All Screenshots. Revolutions can be messy but they can't be perceived as unjust," he said.

In his concluding remark, Grover said, "If someone still has any concerns, I urge them to reach out to National Commission for Women (NCW) or an independent commission and file a formal complaint. I will be grateful to present my case.