Bhubaneswar, Aug. 1: A Kalahandi-based teacher and writer has brought allegations against Haraprasad Das, an eminent writer and retired civil servant, of seeking sexual favours from young writers in return of publishing their works in various magazines and newspapers.

She has accused Das of sending her indecent messages through online chat and has also posted screenshots of the chat on her Facebook account. Das has denied the allegations and suspected this was the work of hackers out to malign him.

"I started talking to him on Facebook messenger in April. Initially we had informal conversations because he appreciated my work and we used to talk about literature. Gradually, he started making video calls that I never answered. He would ask me to send selfies when he came to know that my husband lived in Bhubaneswar," said the woman.

She said Das has been promising awards to young female writers and initiating sex chats with them. "I feel it is high time women come out and take action against such people," she said.

Das, however, said: "I have not sent a single message to any girl and I have not accessed my Facebook account for ages. I am sure hackers are involved. I have no problem with any investigation."

He said guaranteeing awards was not in his hands. "I am not a member of any jury committee, so I cannot give awards to anyone," he said.

A city-based literary organisation made the Odisha State Commission for Women aware of the incident yesterday.

"The group which lodged a complaint with us has not named any particular person. However, we will conduct an inquiry based on news reports," said commission chairperson Lopamudra Baxipatra.<>