By Maktoob
A Kerala woman journalist has alleged that she was targeted with online abuse after questioning BJP candidate Sobha Surendran over the alleged cash-for-votes controversy during the ongoing Assembly election.
Shamna K, a journalist with Malayalam news channel Big TV, alleged that she received abusive messages, including misogynistic remarks and threats, across social media platforms.
During a press conference called on the eve of polling over allegations of money being distributed to voters in Palakkad, Shamna raised questions, including whether the woman seen on camera handing out cash, dressed in a white churidar, was associated with BJP candidate Sobha Surendran.
Surendran was unable to provide a clear response, and as questions from journalists continued, she ended the press conference.
It was after this interaction that Shamna began facing cyber abuse and threats for raising those questions.
She filed a complaint at the Palakkad Town South police station, submitting screenshots and evidence.
Shamna asserted that attempts to silence her through intimidation would not succeed.
“The more they try to silence me, the more firmly I will continue to ask questions,” she said.
She also condemned the use of “cyber hooliganism” to respond to journalistic questioning, stating that such attacks would only strengthen her resolve.
“I am not someone who will be shaken by such abuse. I have no fear, and I will not back down,” she said.
Shamna’s colleague Shafeeh Elayodath alleged that it was not mere abuse but a targeted attack, stating, “This is not just random harassment, but a coordinated assault carried out after identifying her religion.”
This story was originally published in maktoobmedia.com. Read the full story here.
