Neeraj Priyadarshi has resigned as the national photo editor of The Indian Express, just days after allegations of sexual harassment against him emerged on social media. Neither Priyadarshi nor his former employer, however, would confirm if the resignation was tied to the allegations.

A woman, who asked not to be identified, earlier this week put out screenshots of what she said were her conversations with Priyadarshi on Instagram. One of the screenshots shows Priyadarshi referring to the woman as “Frida baby”, to which she replies “Baby? Uh, don’t call me that.” Another screenshot shows the journalist pressing the woman for a photoshoot. “You’re making me uncomfortable,” she responds.

She also warns Priyadarshi to stop his “predatory behaviour” or else she would “hurt your career”. “I am being told that you are a famous photojournalist. That explains why you think you can keep harassing someone like this for two fucking years. Stop it,” she writes. “It’ll hurt your career if I expose this behaviour. Fair warning.”

“One more thing, if you take this predatory behaviour to any other woman, you better pray I don’t hear about it. I will fuck your life up.”  

Asked about the allegations, Vaidehi Thakar, legal director, The Indian Express, said, “The Indian Express Group has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment. We have not received any formal complaint. We have taken note of the allegations made against National Photo Editor Mr Neeraj Priyadarshi on social media. Besides a committee in terms of the POSH Act, 2013, we also have a code of conduct that is binding on all staff. While an investigation of the allegations was on, Mr Priyadarshi resigned and his resignation has been accepted.”

The POSH Act refers to the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act. 

The woman who has made the allegations said she decided against filing a formal complaint against the journalist “as I don’t intend to take this matter any further”.

After hearing the news of Priyadarshi’s resignation, she took to Instagram: “A couple of journalists from national media outlets, including Indian Express, have reached out to me. I will not be going forward with any stories at the moment. I’m thankful for your support. I truly truly am. I hope more women speak out about their harassment. And I hope we continue to believe and support them they do.”

When Newslaundry called Priyadarshi for a comment on the allegations against him as well as his resignation, he asked to email him our questions. He is still to respond to the questionnaire. This report will be updated if he does.