Thiruvananthapuram:
At 23, Rayana Khasi has been consigned to constant scrutiny. Two days ago, her car was stoned by men she cannot identify in Kasaragod. A policeman, meant to be with her at all time, had told her he had to go home.
Yet, Rayana refuses to reconsider the decision that has turned her into an icon of sorts in Kerala. A year ago, she returned to her home in Kasaragod in North Kerala after graduating as an engineer.
The threats were intermittent at first, warning her to start using a veil and headscarf. She repeatedly refused. The phone calls and letters started coming in faster then warning her that she would be killed.
Choosing not to use the burqa does not make her a bad Muslim, she has stressed repeatedly. In August, the Kerala High Court ordered the police to provide protection to Rayana, who lives with her parents and four siblings.
After the attack on her car, she travelled to Thiruvananthapuram to ask the government to ensure more strident protection for her. "The threats against me have only increased. Even after meeting the Chief Minister, I have got many such calls," she says.
The state women's commission says the police needs to take Rayana's safety more seriously.
"The Home Minister and DGP should be vigilant...her rights have to be protected," says Justice D Sridevi, Chairperson, Kerala Women's Commission.
Two months ago, a college teacher in Ernakulum had his hand chopped off when he was on his way home from church. The group responsible for the attack, the Popular Front of India (PFI), allegedly wanted to punish him for an examination paper which made derogatory references to Prophet Mohammed.