It’s no country for women: Parvathy Thiruvothu criticises 'lenient' judgement in actress assault case

Actor Parvathy Thiruvothu has expressed her deep disappointment over the 'minimal' sentence handed to the six convicts in the actress assault case. On Friday, the Ernakulam Sessions Court sentenced the six individuals to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for gang rape (Section 376D) and criminal conspiracy (Section 120B). Actor Dileep, who was the eighth accused in the case, was acquitted in the case.

Parvathy took to social media to voice her frustration, stating that the court’s decision seemed to prioritise the criminals' welfare, while the sentence handed to them was far too lenient. She wrote, "Minimum sentence, maximum consideration for criminals. This is no country for us women. Okay, noted."

She also shared news reports of the convicts' pleas before the judge. Referring to the plea of accused Suni, who asked for a reduced sentence to support his mother, Parvathy wrote, "He supports his mother by doing what exactly? Oh, okay. Leniency."

In the case of Manikandan, she questioned the court's stance, writing, "But I thought there was no conspiracy, according to the court. Do we ever see conspirators getting their due? Also, yes—wife and kids."

In reference to Vijeesh, she wrote, "Of course. Comfort is key, post-crime." Parvathy further pointed out the troubling possibility that if the convicts appeal, their sentences may be reduced. "This is happening in Kerala. Watch those who are silent. Watch those who celebrate. Be careful—know that they are now empowered to do whatever they want, knowing they will get away with it." She concluded: "First, we have to survive the assaults. Then, we have to survive the law?”