About this video

• Video Title: A conversation on the crime and the criminal
• Channel: The News Minute
• Speakers: Danya Rajend, Nidhi Suresha, Maria Teresa Raju
• Duration: 23:15

Overview

This video discusses a Malayalam actor's kidnapping and sexual assault case from 2017, focusing on the perpetrator, Palsuni. It explores the complexities of interviewing him over several months, his shifting narratives, and the deeper societal structures that may enable such crimes. The conversation highlights the challenges of understanding the criminal's perspective and the importance of journalism in uncovering these narratives.

Key takeaways

• The Criminal's Shifting Narrative: Palsuni, the perpetrator, has provided multiple conflicting accounts of the crime, even contradicting himself in court.
• Contract Rape: The case involves a concept of "contract rape," which is unusual and highlights a hired criminal aspect to sexual violence.
• Extended Interviews: The interviews with Palsuni were not quick exchanges but a prolonged process spanning 13 months, requiring significant patience from the journalists.
• Unreliable Narrator: Palsuni seems to intentionally present himself as an unreliable narrator, making it difficult to ascertain the absolute truth.
• Perspective from the Other Side: The interview offers a rare glimpse into the mind of the perpetrator, contrasting with the usual focus on the victim's reconstruction of events.
• Reasons for Speaking Out: Palsuni's motivations for speaking to the media included feeling unheard, wanting his story told, and potentially increasing his notoriety.
• Industry Criminality: The discussion extends beyond the specific crime to suggest systemic issues within the industry that may enable or overlook criminal elements.
• Lack of Remorse: Palsuni reportedly shows little remorse, comparing the crime to a "small activity" and even blaming the victim and media for the case gaining attention.
• Dual Nature of the Criminal: Palsuni presents an ordinary facade but also exhibits unpredictable and sometimes boastful behavior regarding his crimes.
• Journalistic Challenges: The journalists faced difficulties due to Palsuni's evasiveness, erratic behavior, and initial threats, balanced by their professional curiosity and caution.

The video suggests that Palsuni's motivations for agreeing to be interviewed were multifaceted. He felt that his side of the story had not been told, unlike others involved in the case. He also believed that speaking out would increase his notoriety and "market value" as a criminal. Additionally, he seemed to want to present himself as an unreliable narrator and explore the concept of plausible deniability.

The journalists approached the story with a focus on understanding the criminal rather than just the crime itself. They conducted interviews over an extended period, meticulously gathering information and noting Palsuni's contradictions. They also consulted legal counsel to ensure their journalism would not negatively impact the ongoing trial. Their primary goal was to explore the structure and system that enabled such crimes, offering a rare perspective from the perpetrator's point of view, while prioritizing caution and journalistic integrity.

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