Does Tharoor’s ‘high on literacy; low on morality’ remark sums up current state of Kerala?

Commenting on the recent molestation case of an actress in Kerala, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor says the state is high on 'literacy', low on 'morality'.

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 20: The recent kidnapping and molestation of a popular Malayalam actress in Kerala has shocked the nation. She was allegedly kidnapped and sexually abused by her driver and his accomplices while the actor was returning home from a film shoot.

All the three accused have been arrested by the police after residents of the southern state expressed shock and horror over the high-profile incident. Amidst all the protests and allegations levelled against the ruling CPI (M) government, the statement by former union minister and senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor sums up the current state of Kerala.

Tharoor, as quoted by ANI, on the Malayalam actor molestation case, said, "We've become an educated, prosperous and literate state, but we are losing our culture and values."

Tharoor, a native of Kerala, is a Parliamentarian from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency from the state. Kerala holds the record of highest literacy rate in the country. Kerala also is one of the country's most prosperous states. However, in recent times several sexual assault cases were reported by women in the state. According to the Kerala Police, a total of 910 rape cases were reported in the state in the first six months in 2016.

The entire Malayalam film industry, known for making high-content films, has jointly protested against the shocking incident. Addressing a protest meet hosted to condemn the molestation episode on Sunday, superstar Mammootty said, "She has the support of several people who love her, be it the common people, film fraternity, police and government. She has my word that I am with her. She must stand strong."

OneIndia News