Why did Kausalya prosecute her own parents?
We discuss a murder trial that gripped India, tore a family apart and raised uncomfortable questions about the country’s caste system.
In March 2016, Kausalya and her husband Shankar were attacked on a crowded street in southern India by a group of men who – almost casually – set about beating and hacking them in a 36-second assault.
Shankar, who came from a ‘lower’ Dalit caste, died of his injuries. Kausalya survived her horrific wounds and accused her parents of being behind the attack – a so-called ‘honour’ killing.
Al Jazeera’s Witness followed Kausalya as she fought for justice through the courts, testifying against her parents and an uncle in a trial where they faced the death penalty. Filmmakers also gained access to Kausalya’s now-estranged grandparents and brother who desperately hoped Kausalya’s mother and father would be released.
On Monday, The Stream meets director Sadhana Subramaniam to talk about a trial that gripped India, tore a family apart, and raised uncomfortable questions about caste and patriarchal violence.
On this episode of The Stream, we speak with:
Cynthia Stephen @cynstepin
Dalit social policy researcher
Sadhana Subramaniam @isadhanas
Filmmaker
shanusubra.co.uk
Manuraj Shunmugasundaram @manuraj1983
Lawyer & legal spokesperson for DMK
facebook.com/manuraj1983
Read more:
‘Honour’ crimes in India: An assault on women’s autonomy – Al Jazeera
From victim to crusader: the story of Kausalya Shankar – The Hindu
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