Kamal Ghorui
TRIGGER WARNING: This article includes references to sexual abuse.Parvathy Thiruvothu has strongly reacted to the murder of animal rescuer Sunitha Smitha from Thrissur. The actor used social media to speak about the case and expressed deep grief over the incident.Parvathy alleged that Sunitha was murdered while resisting an attempted sexual assault by her employer in Bengaluru. The case involves the death of the 47-year-old Kerala woman who had travelled to Bengaluru to work at a stray dog shelter.Sunitha Smitha succumbed to severe injuriesSunitha Smitha was a native of Pathamkallu in Vadanappally, Thrissur. India Today reports stated that she died on Tuesday, May 5, at Jubilee Mission Hospital in Thrissur.She had reportedly been undergoing treatment on ventilator support after sustaining severe injuries in the alleged attack.According to reports, the incident took place on Sunday at Sulibele in Bengaluru. Sunitha had travelled to the shelter along with two other women for work-related purposes.Reports further claimed that the assault happened after Sunitha rejected the shelter owner’s alleged sexual advances and expressed her desire to return to Kerala. The accused in the case has been identified as Deepak Krishnan, a Malayali based in Bengaluru who reportedly runs the shelter.Reports alleged that he violently attacked Sunitha by repeatedly smashing her head against a wall and an almirah. He also allegedly stamped on her chest during the assault.Parvathy Thiruvothu shares emotional videoParvathy Thiruvothu posted a tearful video reacting to the incident and expressed anger over violence against women.The ‘Ullozhukku’ actor said, “This man killed her because he couldn’t assault her. And this is not his first time, and it won’t be his last time. What a safe country for our girls. Why do we need feminism though?”Expressing her grief through Instagram Stories, Parvathy wrote, “Sunitha was murdered. Sunitha didn’t just die. She was murdered. I have not been able to stop crying furiously since I got to know that one of the most loving, kind women I have met was murdered while she resisted attempts of sexual assault by her murderer. Who was her employer. Who is still not arrested and brought to justice. But are we even surprised? Sharing the news link on the next slide. Go get triggered and angry please.”Parvathy wrote, “Sunitha is survived by her loving husband and her 4-year-old son and 167 dogs that she rescued and took care of. During her rescues she had been attacked several times. She survived a knife attack, a third degree burn and what not. She took this job because her murderer offered her a salary at his dog shelter. She took the job because it would help her take care of her family and the dogs she saved. Her kind heart led her to her murder? I cannot process this.“DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, assault, or abuse, please seek immediate help. Reach out to a mental health specialist, NGO, or trusted individual. Several helplines are available to offer assistance.
