» 06/22/2011 14:26 INDIA Kerala: ‘morality police’ attacks women because she is out at night The incident involved a 31-year-old woman employed as a technician at Kochi’s Infopark. For Global Council of Indian Christians president Sajan K George, “Such incidents are manifestations of the rising tide of fundamentalism, which is taking root in Kerala”.
Mumbai (AsiaNews) – A 31-year-old woman working as an information technology technician at the Infopark in Kakkanad, Kochi, Kerala, was brutally assaulted by a group of people acting as ‘morality police’. The incident occurred last Sunday at 10.30 pm.
Tasni Banu was cycling with a friend when a group of men started shouting at them. “We won't allow you to make this place another Bangalore where girls go out in the night and party,” they said.
"Later four persons abused me using filthy language,” Tasni said. “When I questioned their behaviour, they assaulted me," she said.
The Chief Minister of Kerala asked police for a report on the incident.
It is a very serious concern that many girls have recently been attacked by anti-social elements in Kerala. In Tasni’s case, the attackers warned her to stay off the streets and not to go out at night. They also told her to avoid the Bangalore lifestyle. According to the victim, one of her attackers was probably drunk.
Police believe that fundamentalists are probably behind the incident. “We have collected certain information about the persons who attacked the girl. We will take them into custody soon,” said Thrikkakara Assistant Commissioner of Police T R Prakash.
The police on Tuesday recorded statements from Tasni, who is in hospital with severe bruises on her neck and hand. “Women are not safe in the streets of Kochi. The attack reflects the attitude of society towards women who have to go out during the night," Tasni added.
Police said they have identified Thajuddin, one of the attackers. He is said to be an auto-rickshaw driver.
According to Sajan K George, President, Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), “Such incidents are manifestations of the rising tide of fundamentalism which is taking roots in Kerala”. It shows “how a section of the Muslim community is persecuting its own.”
“A few years ago, Tasni Banu, was in the news years ago for defying the fundamentalists in Malappuram as she had opted to marry under the Special Marriage Act . At that time, she had to face the wrath of not only her parents but also a group of fundamentalists who imposed a house arrest on her and later ostracised her."(N.C.)
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