San Francisco, CA on Tuesday, March 24, 2009
By Crime Reporter: Malati Chopra / T-Fare Online
Correspondence: gayfareonline@gmail.com Subject: Malati
Continuing our report live from Castro District San Francisco on Tuesday afternoon, some gay men still seem to be in denial of what the local media is calling the "Gay Drifter Murder" case. I spoke to Fredrick Diaz and he mentioned "the prosecutor is a very conservative man from Southern California who is using this case to show gays in the wrong light. I knew Kylie and believe me, she is not a murderer." I also met a Nepalese student Suman (last name withheld at request) who mentioned that "I don't believe that a Nepalese 27 years old is capable of this. He cannot have such a criminal mindset."
The somber mood was also apparent at a popular dance club in Castro where the music was slow and sad songs were dedicated to Cliff Lambert. In talking to a Fijian drag queen named Komal, she felt that "this is immoral what Kaushal had done and reflects badly on people from her country - especially after the Richa deportation and immigration fraud scandal." Another British Indian drag queen who goes by Nasranda implied that "all trannies are getting bad name because of few dirty elements. Its so unfair. We are hard working people who pay taxes and deserve more respect than is given out because of such trashy people."
Malini Malhotra said, "this just brings more disgrace to the community from which Kylie belongs. Already there are so many rumors of scams and ICBC claims from that community but I don't want to comment on this case yet. Let the courts decide." Rehan Khan also said "this is a very sad day for all Nepalese and also the GLBT community." Chameli said "Oh my goodness. Hamara saara izzat isne kharab kar daala. What a shame!"
On a positive note, the entire Nepalese community in Trollywood seems to have united in support of Niroula. Malini's sister in law Monisha Basnet-Malhotra who hails from Nepal said, "how dare anyone raise fingers at my community? We are known for our loyalty and commitment. Kaushal may be framed by others just like I was in the past. We should never judge until all the facts come out in the open." Neeraj Khan also lashed out at any criticism against his community "We are in the USA where everyone is innocent till proven guilty. You should allow Kaushal his day in court and not blindly believe the silly district attorney." Top actress Natasha Rai also seemed to agree with her fellow countrymen and women. She remarked, "we should never give comments or accuse someone we do not know. Its not wise to totally believe in media or a third party till someone is proven guilty. People sometime try to frame you up to hide their own crime. I have been reading news on Koushal myself and I find it very hard to believe. There are too many people involved in this case and Cliff Lambert's body is yet to be found. I am sure FBI and the SF court will bring justice to the real culprit(s) in due time." Filmmaker Ang Lee Bhansali also said "I will comment on this story after someone has been found gulty by a court of law. I have full faith in the San Francisco court system. Until they decide otherwise, Kaushal is innocent to me."
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South Asian LGBTQ News and Views
