Author: Sudipta Banwar Karnik

A couple of weeks ago, before “Dimagi Naxals” entered our lexicon, the country was introduced to another, rather extraordinary concept: “the ideal, or perfect victim”. And since the idea surfaced within rather exalted and hallowed walls, it acquired an authority that made it rather difficult to ignore. The case, in question is that of Tarun Tejpal, former editor-in-chief of Tehelka, the now-defunct media organisation once synonymous with sting operations, investigative journalism and making powerful people extremely uncomfortable. In 2021, a sessions court in Goa acquitted Tejpal of all charges in a rape and assault case, observing that the complainant “did…

No, this is not the sequel to Love Sex Aur Dhokha, the 2010 Bollywood film. The recent incident of Ketan Agrawal-Siya Goyal is the real-life version playing out in police stations, forensic laboratories and courtrooms across the country. The production values differ, but the plot remains remarkably familiar. A young man, Ketan is engaged with a young woman, Siya. A secret relationship lingers in the background. Families exchange sweets. Instagram gets photographic evidence. A hill station enters the story. Ketan dies. WhatsApp chats emerge. Prime-time television discovers a new definition of love. Repeat. The murder of Ketan in Pune is…