Athulya lashes out at Pollachi rapists

The recent case of mass sexual harassment in

Pollachi

has led to an outrage across the state. Actress

Athulya

Ravi of

Yemaali

fame too has also come out with a strong statement against the perpetrators of the crime. She said in a video statement, “We have been talking about the

Pollachi rape case

for a while now. Unfortunately, due to this incident, we have to look at even the good men in a suspicious manner. In many countries, the punishment for rape is severe. We should have stringent punishment in India too so that they think twice before doing such a thing. They say there are political affiliations to the gang. I humbly request everyone not to politicise the issue. At the same time, I request the court to give stringent punishment to the culprits.”

She added, “We come across many men during our lives, be it schools, colleges or work. We end up meeting many men, they may be a friend or boyfriend. I request women to take some time. Until you know the person very well, do not go and meet them alone. Instead, meet them at public places, like a movie theatre, restaurant and coffee shop. And always carry something in your bag for your protection- at least a pepper spray.

When I hear that more than 200 women could have been affected, it sends a chill down the spine. The affected women should not be scared, it’s those

rapists

who should be. I also read many comments on YouTube saying that the girls are at fault, too. If the woman was from your family, would you say the same thing? Or say that she loved the wrong person?”