'I saw her, reality is far worse than what we know'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Journalist Lakshmi Padma confessed that she met with the victim in the Rahul Mamkootathil sexual assault case. Lakshmi penned a Facebook post about the issue, and it has instantly turned into a heated topic of debate. Lakshmi Padma wrote on Facebook that the girl who was subjected to abortion is very mentally traumatised and neither she nor the family has the mental strength to go ahead with the complaint.

LAKSHMI PADMA:

"This note is addressed to those people who still believe the audio tape and chats involving MLA Rahul Mamkootathil are fake. Many are still parroting the narrative that the abortion story is a sham. However, I met the victim today, and things are far worse than what we have already heard.

Unscientific abortions, subsequent health problems and slut shaming. The victim is still surviving all these humiliations. I suggested that she move ahead with the complaint, as it seemed illogical for her to suffer through all the pains alone. However, neither she nor her family have the courage or mental strength to go ahead with the complaint. I am also very worried about their identity coming out. As far as I understand, the assaulter is still keeping in contact with the victims to wheedle them into a compromise. The investigation should also look into this matter in all its seriousness.

On a personal note, I, too, had the chance to interact with the MLA several times and never once did he misbehave with me.

However, after talking with the victim, I understood that our society is conditioned in a way to further annihilate a sexual assault victim that she eventually drops all plans for legal respite. If we want to make our country a place where women can hold their heads high, a collective effort is needed."