India
Awaiting justice, four years later, Hathras victim’s family keeps her ashes | India News – Times of India
AGRA: Exactly four years after the murder and alleged assault of a 19-year-old Dalit woman in Hathras, on September 14, 2020, the family did not immerse the victim’s ashes. They told TOI that they are still waiting for justiceThey added that they continue to live in “prison-like conditions,” with restrictions on where they go and who they meet, surrounded by security personnel 24/7. They claimed that government promises — of a job for a family member and a home — have not been fulfilled.
Three of the suspects were acquitted and a fourth was sentenced to life in prison. By releasing the alleged perpetrators, they were denied justice, the family said.
They are now the Allahabad HC“In the chargesheet, the CBI had charged the accused with rape and attempt to murder, so how can their charges be withdrawn? Our sister’s deathbed statements were also not considered valid. She was cremated hurriedly by the authorities in the middle of the night,” the girl’s elder brother said.
Her younger brother pointed out that when his sister was found after the gruesome crime, her spinal cord was severely injured and her tongue had been cut off. “If no one did it, how did it happen?”
Instead, the brothers say there have been attempts to turn the case against them. At one point, it felt like they were accusing us of honor killings. The older brother added: “When the three were released and came home, they were welcomed with garlands of flowers and their families were handing out sweets in the neighborhood. They now feel invincible.”
Surviving in the village, the brothers say, has been difficult. “In the beginning, they threatened us and if someone wanted to support us, they threatened them too. Now it seems like everyone in the village is behind them,” the younger brother said.
Four CRPF officials are stationed at their house at all times. “Wherever we go, the CRPF officials accompany us. We are literally under house arrest. And the (court) case is going nowhere,” he added.
Three of the suspects were acquitted and a fourth was sentenced to life in prison. By releasing the alleged perpetrators, they were denied justice, the family said.
They are now the Allahabad HC“In the chargesheet, the CBI had charged the accused with rape and attempt to murder, so how can their charges be withdrawn? Our sister’s deathbed statements were also not considered valid. She was cremated hurriedly by the authorities in the middle of the night,” the girl’s elder brother said.
Her younger brother pointed out that when his sister was found after the gruesome crime, her spinal cord was severely injured and her tongue had been cut off. “If no one did it, how did it happen?”
Instead, the brothers say there have been attempts to turn the case against them. At one point, it felt like they were accusing us of honor killings. The older brother added: “When the three were released and came home, they were welcomed with garlands of flowers and their families were handing out sweets in the neighborhood. They now feel invincible.”
Surviving in the village, the brothers say, has been difficult. “In the beginning, they threatened us and if someone wanted to support us, they threatened them too. Now it seems like everyone in the village is behind them,” the younger brother said.
Four CRPF officials are stationed at their house at all times. “Wherever we go, the CRPF officials accompany us. We are literally under house arrest. And the (court) case is going nowhere,” he added.
