M A I N   N E W S

Where’s justice, ask Delhi gang-rape victim’s parents
A year after, Asha Kumari and Badrinath Pande are waiting for hanging of their daughter’s attackers
Aditi Tandon
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 15
Crouched at her bedside on the eve of the first anniversary of her daughter’s brutal gang rape and death, Asha Kumari is a picture of grit and grace. But her eyes look tired from the unending wait for justice, something she and her family have accepted as destiny.

Ask her what has changed in the year that followed the savage crime and she says, “Anti-rape laws have changed but the system has not. Where is justice?”

For the family of Delhi’s brave heart whose tragic demise shattered the nation and inspired changes in sexual assault laws, life remains stuck in the files of the case that’s yet to see closure.

“God knows when the accused would be hanged. Mere conviction is not justice. The sentence has to be executed to create fear of the law. We see no hope of an early closure to the case,” says Asha, wondering over the fate of rape victims who suffer on the margins.

“We had the nation behind us, though we now feel lonely. But imagine the plight of victims with no support,” she says. Justice is still distant and we are finding it hard to cope, says Asha with her husband Badrinath Pande by her side.

The only change in the life of Pandes since their daughter's demise has been – they moved into their new flat in Dwarka this August. “This is the flat the government gave. The older house haunted us with her memories,” recalls the father, who continues to do odd jobs at the Delhi airport. He says not a day goes by when he doesn’t mention December 16, 2012, to his wife.

Asha recalls, “She woke up unusually early that day and cooked us a feast. We had a normal day. Around 4 pm, she asked my permission to go out for a movie with her friend. I still curse myself for letting her go.”

In the new house, the couple lead a low-profile life, avoiding visitors. “Everyone wants to know how we are. What do they think?” asks Pande. His life is now all about court dates and the hope for justice.

“This wait is heart-breaking. The case is currently in the High Court which has to confirm the death sentence awarded by the trial court of Saket. Defence lawyers keep getting adjournments. They even went to the Apex Court against HC’s ruling for day to day trials. Sometimes they feign illness; sometimes they want documents in Hindi. They know all the tactics of delay and the system aids them. This must change,” says Asha, tears rising in her eyes.

One thing the Pandes feel positive about is – enhanced reporting. In Delhi alone, until November 30, 1,493 rape cases were registered --- this is double the number reported in 2012. “This means the new law is helping victims get a voice,” says the couple who have organised a memorial service in their daughter’s memory tomorrow.

Reporting of rape cases goes up

• The Delhi Police registered 1,493 rape cases this year, double the number of FIRs filed in 2012
• Five-fold rise in registration of molestation cases --- 3,237 this year; 625 in 2012
• New offences being recognised due to amendments after the December 16 gang-rape case. Rape definition stands expanded to cover penetrations (with other body parts) beyond peno-vaginal