Some of the recent developments in Kerala defy logic. Every day, a fraud accused comes out with new 'disclosures' that keeps the whole state on tenterhooks. A state such as Kerala, which is also known for women initiatives such as Kudumbashree, which is emulated by others, is now known for the extent of blackmailing that a woman has been able to carry out.
The last time I went to Jharkhand, many asked about her with a lot of interest. It is time we decide whether we should be known by her identity. Many call her a celebrity, while I would choose to call her 'Hellibrity', one who makes others' life a hell.
I would dare say that the biggest culprit in this story of blackmail and cheap publicity is the media. Visual media queue up for 'disclosures' in order to increase their ratings. Is this not illegal? Can the media keep on reporting about an event that is sub judice? Would not such reporting lead to people forming a prejudiced opinion about the whole issue? Criminals would benefit from such happenings because even before the court comes out with a verdict, the media exposure would have helped to form opinion in their favour.
When visual media conduct discussions on an issue, they go to the extent of creating parallel courts. However, what is said and discussed there are only rumours and speculations. Let the case be over and let the criminal be nailed; discussions can wait until then. The judicial commission need to prevent reporting of such events or criminals would become the role models of our children.
The media is not doing what it should have been doing. Without proper backup, she would not be able to carry out the blackmail for so long. She claims to have spent money on bribes, but from where did she get the money in the first place? The media should stop wasting time on such people who become stars only because they are thrust into the limelight. The lady who is accusing others has been involved in a lot of criminal cases. Should her words be the ones that we need to rely on every morning? Meanwhile ,the accused are not even bothered about their crimes.
The lady has often accused others of violating her modesty only to retract her statement the next day. It seems she is mocking one of the biggest calamities that can happen to a woman. If she has been physically mistreated, as she often says, why is she not pursuing it in court? A woman of her calibre who can even drag the CM to court surely has the wherewithal to argue her case. I, who have been exposed to the lives of many who have been violated, feel sorry at the way the case is evolving. From a case of corruption, it has attained many dubious dimensions.
One need not be surprised if the lady is invited for inaugurations or other events some time later. She is reportedly acting in four films. I have only one question to the producers and directors of such films; are you all not ashamed?
I have a question for Keralites. Why are you not celebrating the numerous activists and social reformers that the state is blessed with? If such people face even a small problem, do you not take the initiative to drive them to a corner? Why the double standards?
I must say that the basic mental attitude of Kerala has undergone a radical change. Keralites need to be a bit more logical and decide on who should be celebrated and who should be ignored. The people of the state, who heap scorn on the victims of sexual abuses in Suryanelli or Paravur, do not think twice to celebrate people like the accused lady in the solar scam. Is this correct?
The unfolding of the events has certainly maimed empowerment of women. Can a woman now approach officials with the intent to start a business? Even if she goes, would not officials ensure that she is not carrying a mobile? Would not they insist on keeping their office doors open and ensure the presence of witnesses?
What I have to tell her is, use your body and mind in the right way. They deserve respect, please do not misuse them. Try to prove your point in court and avoid trying to be a star, it would not help you.
(The author is a well known human rights and women-empowerment activist. She won the 2009 Vanitha Woman of the Year Award and is leading 'Prajwala,' a Hyderabad-based organisation that helps women and children trapped by the sex mafia.)
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