Nirbhaya kin seek fast justice for all

NEW DELHI: Two years after their daughter became the victim of a gruesome gang-rape in Delhi and subsequently succumbed to her injuries, Nirbhaya's parents say the system has failed them as justice delayed is justice denied. According to her mother, the city has become more unsafe despite fast-track courts and amendments to the existing law. Her father says the prime minister should not just share his " Mann Ki Baat" on radio but also listen to the "Mann Ki Baat" of the people, especially women who still feel unsafe.

Nirbhaya's family—her parents and two brothers—are demanding speedy justice and punishment for the guilty. Her father cites how the appeal of convicts against the death sentence granted by the high court is pending for a hearing before the Supreme Court for nearly six months.

Talking to TOI she said the recent rape of a 27-year-old executive in a cab had brought back memories of her daughter's trauma. "I want to meet the girl and let her know that I stand in support with her," the mother said.

"My daughter had tried to hire an auto on that evening but many drivers refused to go and then she ended up taking that private bus where she was assaulted. Maybe she would have been safe had the auto drivers agreed to drop her. Nothing has changed. Even now I find it difficult to get an auto at odd hours," she added.

The house where the family lives has memories of Nirbhaya carefully preserved, including her clothes, books and a doll she had kept since her school days. Her memories also include a note written in English titled "The story of my life" where the 23-year-old physiotherapy student wrote about her dreams. The family is determined to reach out to other victims and their kin through Nirbhaya Trust that was set up last year.