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A horrific incident of violence against an elderly woman has shaken Kerala, highlighting the growing concern over safety and security. A 70-year-old woman was brutally raped during an attempted robbery at her home in Alappuzha district on Saturday night. The alleged perpetrator, Dhanesh, a 29-year-old man from Kanakakunnu, has been arrested by the police. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising serious questions about the safety of vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly, and the effectiveness of law enforcement in preventing such crimes.
Dhanesh, who is believed to have targeted the elderly woman knowing she lived alone, is accused of robbing her of seven sovereigns of gold and then raping her after throwing chili powder in her face. The attack left the woman traumatized and unable to contact anyone, as Dhanesh had also stolen her mobile phone. Her neighbors found her the next morning and took her to the hospital, reporting the incident to the police.
The arrest of Dhanesh in connection with the robbery and rape has brought renewed focus on the issue of crime against women in Kerala. While the police are investigating the incident, the case has also sparked a broader discussion about the need for stricter laws and more effective law enforcement to ensure the safety and security of women in the state. This incident, sadly, is not an isolated case, and highlights the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the need for greater awareness and action to address the issue of violence against women in Kerala.
Adding further complexity to the already sensitive issue of safety and justice, the Hema Committee report has rocked Kerala. The report, which investigated widespread sexual abuse allegations in the Malayalam film industry, has revealed a disturbing pattern of exploitation and abuse, raising significant concerns about the power dynamics and systemic issues within the industry. The Left government in Kerala is under intense pressure to act on the findings of the report and take concrete steps to address the systemic problems highlighted.
The government's initial reluctance to act on the report due to the lack of specific complaints has been met with criticism. However, faced with mounting pressure from various quarters, including the media and public outcry, the government has finally constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by women IPS officers to investigate the allegations. This move is seen as a step in the right direction, but it remains to be seen how effectively the SIT will address the complex issues raised by the Hema Committee report.
The report has also led to the resignation of key figures in the Malayalam film industry, including actor Siddique, who stepped down as the general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) following allegations of sexual assault, and Kerala State Chalachitra Academy Chairperson Ranjith, who resigned after being accused of inappropriate behavior by Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra. These resignations, while a significant development, are only the first steps in a long process of addressing the deep-rooted problems of power imbalances and abuse within the industry.
The Hema Committee report and the subsequent actions taken by the Kerala government highlight the need for a systemic overhaul within the Malayalam film industry. It is imperative that the government takes a proactive approach to address the systemic issues that have been exposed, ensuring accountability, transparency, and a safer environment for all individuals involved in the industry. The case of the elderly woman raped in Alappuzha and the Hema Committee report are stark reminders of the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to addressing violence against women and promoting a culture of safety, justice, and accountability in all spheres of society.
Source: Kerala: 70-year-old woman raped during robbery bid, accused threw chilly powder at her