In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran, Pooja Prasanna, and Leena Reghunath first discuss the conviction of former Janata Dal (Secular) leader Prajwal Revanna in the first of four cases of rape against him. The panel, joined by TNM Karnataka bureau chief Anisha Sheth, weighs in on why the judgment is a milestone for survivors of sexual assault.

“The judgment is a huge relief. This survivor was not only raped but also kidnapped and coerced into shooting a video saying she was not raped. In this case, we saw several activists and even the Women’s Commission of Karnataka and the police come together to build a tight case, resulting in this judgment,” says Dhanya.

Anisha says that BK Singh, the head of the SIT probing the case, said that though it took a huge toll, survivors stood by their allegations, which is quite difficult when the accused is so disparagingly powerful. “Even now, the son of the survivor told me how much of a toll this has taken on the family,” she said.

Dhanya explains how the SIT first relocated the survivors from Hasan, a place where the Revanna family has significant influence, to ensure their safety. “There was a lot done. And even now, for the survivors to go back to their villages is still traumatic,” she says.

Pooja underlines how the Revannas had political privilege and caste privilege, which enabled Prajwal to repeat his crimes. “Their influence may have waned even now, but it is not entirely true to say it has died down,” she says.

The panel also delves into the judgment, unpacking what helped to establish Prajwal’s guilt beyond doubt. “Prajwal said in court that the allegations were politically motivated, timed around elections. He also tried to say the survivor never worked for them, that the Revannas did not own the farm where she worked. But the court invoked legal principles, precedents, and even scientific methods to help the survivor, who stood by her testimony despite breaking down several times in court,” Anisha says.

Leena points out that this judgement is a huge moment for all sexual assault survivors, and it testifies that if there is will, justice can happen.

In the second part of the discussion, the panel discusses the controversy surrounding the 71st National Film Awards and whether the awards are being excessively politicised to suit a Hindu majoritarian agenda. Former journalist and film producer Miriam Joseph joins the hosts to weigh in on whether the Awards have lost their credibility. 

Tune in.

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Audio Timecodes 

00:00:00 - Introductions

00:01:46 - Support TNM 

00:06:35 - Headlines 

00:13:44 - Prajwal Revanna Conviction

00:35:15 - National Awards

01:10:43 - Recommendations 

References 

When power turns predator: What the Prajwal Revanna judgement says

Prajwal Revanna conviction: The people who took up the battle against a powerful political family

How did the SIT prove Prajwal Revanna’s guilt? A breakdown of the case

Belittling students protest and SC/ST filmmakers, Adoor Gopalakrishnan stirs row at film conclave

Allegations of harassment, misogyny pile up against KSFDC, chairman Shaji N Karun

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Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali , written by Sukanya Shaji.