Amid all the unrest and chaos in Kerala, a powerful photograph of a woman journalist covering the violent protests in Kerala over Sabarimala is going viral.
“I was shocked when I got that unexpected kick on my back. It was the worst experience in my professional career.”
These were the words of Shajila Abdulrahman, a cameraperson who was allegedly assaulted by BJP workers in Thiruvananthapuram on the day when two women in their forties entered the Sabarimala temple.
When Shajila started to shoot, the mob threatened to kill her. She ignored them and continued her job.
Talking to News18, she recalled:
“I didn’t know where that kick came from. It caught me unawares and hurt my back. As I was writhing in pain, the attackers tried to snatch the camera, but I used all my strength to keep hold of it. I injured by neck in the melee.”
After the protests, she went to the office to hand over the visuals before she could see a doctor.
“For me, it is duty first.”
Kerala’s local newspaper, Mathrubhumi published a picture of her in tears, continuing to shoot even after being attacked by protesters.