Derek O’ Brien says he was molested on a bus as a kid, backs POCSO Bill 2019 | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Derek O’ Brien says he was molested on a bus as a kid, backs POCSO Bill 2019

New Delhi | ByPress Trust of India
Jul 25, 2019 05:46 PM IST

While “happily and strongly” supporting the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2019, in the Rajya Sabha, Trinamool Congress member Derek O’ Brien suggested more and more people in public life come out and speak about sexual abuses.

Trinamool Congress member Derek O’ Brien on Wednesday recalled his childhood trauma of being molested in a bus in Kolkata while speaking on a bill which provides for death penalty for aggravated sexual assaults on children.

The senior TMC member recalled that he did not speak about the incident for several years, and brought it up with his parents much later in the life.(File photo: PTI)
The senior TMC member recalled that he did not speak about the incident for several years, and brought it up with his parents much later in the life.(File photo: PTI)

While “happily and strongly” supporting the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2019, in the Rajya Sabha, the former well known quizmaster also suggested more and more people in public life come out and speak about sexual abuses.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

He said children should be encouraged to speak up and not hide incidents wherein they have been traumatised in this manner.

“With a lot of pride and sadness and hurt but I think India needs to know because my family knows, that on a bus in Kolkata as a 13-year-old after doing tennis practice, wearing short pants and a T-shirt, I got on to a crowded bus and I don’t know who it was, but with my short pants and T-shirt I was sexually molested,” he said.

The senior TMC member recalled that he did not speak about the incident for several years, and brought it up with his parents much later in the life.

Several other members too made case for creating awareness among children to report about “good touch and bad touch”.

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.)

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On