Thiruvananthapuram, October 29: The latest to be stung by the #MeToo movement that engulfed India is activist Rahul Easwar, who was recently in the news for protest against the Supreme Court's verdict on women's entry into Sabarimala temple. A woman alleged that Rahul Easwar once had played soft porn movie and molested her multiple times in the early 2000s.

The woman, who has not revealed her identity, shared the ordeal with her close friend who posted it on Facebook. According to the post, in 2003-2004, Easwar had invited the woman over to his flat, assuring that his mother would be home but she was not. In the flat, he allegedly played a soft porn movie and molested the woman multiple times despite her protests. Rahul Easwar, Arrested For Protest Against Sabarimala Verdict, Granted Bail.

The woman, who then had given her class 12 board exam, said she decided to expose Easwar after so many years because "these memories came rushing back" after seeing him "everywhere" on television over the Sabarimala row. Easwar, however, called the allegations "an ultra-feminist conspiracy" against Sabarimala devotees. He alleged this is a part of the government's plan to arrest him before November 5 when the Sabarimala temple opens again.

In a separate development, the Thazhmon Madhom Thantri family on Monday issued a public statement, dissociating themselves from Easwar, who heads the Ayyappa Dharma Sena. The members of the Thazhmon Madhom are traditionally the head priests of Sabarimala temple.

The #MeToo campaign, which began a year ago in the US, gained momentum in India when actress Tanushree Dutta accused Nana Patekar of sexual harassment when they were working together on a film. Since then, several women have come out accusing men in media, Bollywood, music and political world of sexual misconduct. Sabrimala Verdict: Activists, Temple Board Unhappy, to File Review Petition.

Big names like Vikas Bahl, Chetan Bhagat, Gursimran Khamba, Kailash Kher, Rajat Kapoor, Alok Nath, Anu Malik and Sajid Khan have been named for using their position to exploit the vulnerable. Journalist-turned-politician MJ Akbar had to quit as Minister of State for External Affairs ten days after several women came out with allegations of sexual harassment and molestation by him during his days as editor in the media.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 29, 2018 07:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).