If there is to be any chance of regulating, if not completely eliminating, the terrible problem of violent crime against women, Congress MP SHASHI THAROOR has urged for reforms to the “overall attitude in Indian society” and added that “there must be something wrong with Indian men”.
Mr. Tharoor’s harsh critique, which includes the claim that “something is wrong with Indian men if we can’t address this problem,” comes in the midst of a very concerning flurry of claims of sexual assault directed towards prominent figures in the Kerala film industry, popularly known as Mollywood.

While acknowledging the many reports of sexual assault of both men and women in Mollywood, the police charges, and the resignations, Mr. Tharoor emphasized that the true fight for gender equality was to stop the “degradation” of Indian society.
“I think a lot of things are coming out of the closet in our culture, starting with violence against women. Although this has always existed, it has gained attention after the 2012 Nirbhaya tragedy, in which a young woman was abducted and killed in Delhi, and the 2024 RG Kar Hospital rape and murder, which took place this month in a hospital in Kolkata, involving a trainee doctor.”
“Every Day… Some Woman Assaulted”
“There is an instance every day when I pick up the newspaper—a woman has been abused. It could be a woman in her middle years, a toddler, or a college student. If we can’t resolve this issue, there must be a problem with Indian guys.” Mr. Tharoor.
The late former Delhi Chief Minister had recommended “serious gender sensitivity instruction for schoolboys from a very young age” following the Nirbhaya event, according to Mr. Tharoor, the Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala.
We cannot continue to experience tragedies one after another, so I hope something along those lines may be put into action. Shock, fear, and fury are felt at first, but eventually they all pass and we move on to the subsequent catastrophe. That is ineffective. We require a methodical shift,” he emphasized.

 “Proud That Kerala Women Stood Up” .
Mr. Tharoor expressed his disappointment at the accusations of sexual assault that have rocked the Kerala film industry, but he was also “proud” that his home state is at the forefront of this movement.
“I was raised by strong women in my home. Regarding his upbringing, he remarked, “I had two sisters and a mother who had strong views… and had independent ways of functioning in their own right.”
“I’m glad that Kerala is the first state in India to reveal what everyone else claims is happening in every other film industry—at least Kerala stepped up and stated,’this is not right’.”Nonetheless, he took aim at the ruling CPIM of Kerala, saying that it was unacceptable that they “sat on it (the report on sexual assaults in Mollywood) for five years.” It ought to have been made available right away.”

Regarding AMMA Resignations
Since the Justice Hema Committee report was released last week, about a dozen charges have been filed against prominent actors and directors, including M Mukesh, who is also an MLA for the ruling CPI(M), accusing them of molestation, sexual harassment, and rape.Senior Mollywood personalities have resigned from state government panels or bodies connected to the film business as a result of the barrage of allegations, and numerous members of the influential actors’ organization, the Association of Malayalam Movie Actors, have gone, citing “moral responsibility.” Veteran actor Mohanlal and several members of the AMMA executive committee resigned from their positions as president this week. While acknowledging their action, Mr. Tharoor maintained that it was insufficient. “Among those who have quit, in certain instances,
He noted, “(Resigning) is not just about moral responsibility… the fact is they presided over a system that allowed this to happen. Their own names have been taken by accusers.”

Speaking on how assaults against women, particularly in the workplace, might be addressed, the Congress leader also brought up red-flagged women who are denied access to even basic amenities, forcing them to congregate in potentially dangerous areas.
“Whether in a hospital in Kolkata or on a movie set, it is imperative to guarantee that women have access to basic amenities such as restrooms and toilets, where they can literally rest.” Women ought to be acknowledged for their right to privacy and unimpeded access to their own area.” Men who invade that area, he continued, ought to be made very clear that their actions will result in very serious consequences.
External Assistance For Women in Kerala Cinema
Mr. Tharoor also emphasized the necessity of an impartial platform where women may file grievances in the future.
“The recommendations of the Vishaka Committee are applicable in the workplace, and every corporation has a sexual harassment committee. However, it is obvious that this is insufficient if the industry is complicit. Thus, a tribunal of external members is required.”
“One of the biggest tragedies in any workplace sexual harassment situation is that the woman feels she needs the job, or the money, or the opportunity and therefore sexual assault is the price to pay.”
That seems to be what many women in the film industry have experienced for centuries. Furthermore, this is something that ought to be strictly prohibited.”