M.C. Josephine, who was recently forced to step down as the chief of women's commission in Kerala over her insensitive remarks towards an alleged victim of domestic violence, has found herself in yet another controversy--this time intervening for a rape-accused.
According to explosive revelations by former national athlete and Olympian Mayookha Johny, her friend was raped by one Chungath Johnson in 2016. The woman, who was unmarried then, did not file a police complaint fearing disgrace. However, the man continued to blackmail her with the videos. Meanwhile, the girl got married.
As threats continued, the girl's family lodged a complaint with SP Poonkuzhali. The police recorded the victim's statements and were cooperative initially. But soon, their approach towards the case changed. This, Johny claims, was because the accused was highly influential.
Once it became evident that Johny was aware of all the details, she was also threatened in public at a mall in Kochi. She added that the women's commission also did not support her friend. Instead, Josephine, who was the then women's commission chief, contacted the police station directly and intervened in the matter.
Johny's statement was recorded after they complained to the chief minister. A plea filed by the victim seeking the arrest of the accused is pending in the Kerala High Court.
Meanwhile, reports, citing police officials, said it was difficult to furnish evidence of the incident that happened more than five years ago. And that factor alone is delaying the progress of the case, they said.
