India: Why did Kausalya prosecute her own parents

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In March 2016, Kausalya and her husband Shankar were attacked on a crowded street in southern India by a group of men who - almost casually - set about beating and hacking them in a 36-second assault.

Shankar, who came from a ‘lower’ Dalit caste, died of his injuries. Kausalya survived her horrific wounds and accused her parents of being behind the attack – a so-called ‘honour’ killing.

Al Jazeera’s Witness followed Kausalya as she fought for justice through the courts, testifying against her parents and an uncle in a trial where they faced the death penalty. Filmmakers also gained access to Kausalya's now-estranged grandparents and brother who desperately hoped Kausalya's mother and father would be released.

On Monday, The Stream meets director Sadhana Subramaniam to talk about a trial that gripped India, tore a family apart, and raised uncomfortable questions about caste and patriarchal violence.

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